Whole building air conditioning system

Abstract

This whole building air conditioning system (21) for air-conditioning a house (1) provided with a plurality of habitable rooms (2) is provided with: an air conditioner (9) that is provided in an air conditioning chamber (18) and conditions air in the air conditioning chamber (18); a fan (3) that sends the air in the air conditioning chamber (18) to the plurality of habitable rooms (2) independent of the air conditioning chamber (18); a circulation fan (6) that sends the air in the plurality of habitable rooms (2) to the air conditioning chamber (18); and a controller (10) that controls the whole building air conditioning system (21). The controller (10) performs power saving processing of the whole building air conditioning system (21) on the basis of a reduction request for reducing the use of electric power.

Description

Whole building air conditioning system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a central air conditioning system.

[0002] Conventionally, in a highly insulated and airtight house with multiple rooms, an air conditioning system has been known in which at least one independently-provided air-conditioned room is provided to control the air conditioning within the air-conditioned room, and air supply ducts connect the air-conditioned room to each room, with controllers located in each room individually distributing and supplying conditioned room air (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2011-127845 A

[0004] In situations where energy conservation is necessary in homes and other buildings, it is desirable to reduce the amount of electricity used appropriately. In particular, in Japan's summer and winter, the amount of electricity used in air conditioning accounts for a large portion of the total amount of electricity used in buildings, so reducing the amount of electricity used in air conditioning is important in situations where energy conservation is necessary.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a central air conditioning system that can appropriately reduce the amount of power consumed in a building when power saving is required within the building.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a whole-house air conditioning system for air-conditioning a house with multiple living rooms, and includes an air conditioner installed in an air-conditioned room for conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room, a transport fan for transporting the air from the air-conditioned room to multiple living rooms independent of the air-conditioned room, a circulation fan for transporting the air from the multiple living rooms to the air-conditioned room, and a controller for controlling the whole-house air conditioning system, wherein the controller performs power-saving processing for the whole-house air conditioning system based on a request to reduce power usage.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a central air conditioning system that can appropriately reduce the amount of power consumed in a building when power saving is required within the building.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a system schematic diagram of a central air-conditioning system. Fig. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of a central air-conditioning system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram of a central air-conditioning system according to embodiment 2.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the components, the arrangement and connection of the components, the steps (processes) and the order of the steps shown in each of the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in each of the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure will be described as optional components. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0010] First Embodiment First, a central air-conditioning system 21 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a system schematic diagram of a central air-conditioning system 21 according to a first embodiment.

[0011] The central air-conditioning system 21 is a system for air-conditioning a house having multiple rooms. The central air-conditioning system 21 includes an outside air intake fan 4, a plurality of exhaust fans 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d collectively referred to as exhaust fans 5, a plurality of transport fans 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d collectively referred to as transport fans 3, a plurality of circulation fans 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d collectively referred to as circulation fans 6, a plurality of living room temperature sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d collectively referred to as living room temperature sensors 11, a plurality of living room humidity sensors 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d collectively referred to as living room humidity sensors 12, an air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14, an air-conditioned room humidity sensor 15, an air conditioner 9, a humidifier 16, a dehumidifier 17, and a controller 10.

[0012] The central air-conditioning system 21 is installed in a house 1, which is an example of a building. The house 1 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) living rooms 2a to 2d collectively referred to as living rooms 2, and further has at least one air-conditioned room 18 that is independent of the living rooms 2. Here, a house is a dwelling provided as a place for residents to live private lives, and the living rooms 2 generally include a living room, dining room, bedroom, private rooms, children's rooms, etc. The living rooms provided by the central air-conditioning system 21 may also include a toilet, bathroom, washroom, dressing room, etc.

[0013] In the air-conditioned room 18, outside air is taken into the air-conditioned room 18 by the outside air intake fan 4 and mixed with air sent from each of the rooms 2a to 2d by each of the circulation fans 6a to 6d. The air in the air-conditioned room 18 is conditioned by controlling the temperature and humidity using the air conditioner 9, humidifier 16, and dehumidifier 17 provided in the air-conditioned room 18. The air conditioned in the air-conditioned room 18 is sent to each of the rooms 2a to 2d by each of the transport fans 3a to 3d. In other words, the multiple rooms 2 can also be considered multiple spaces to be air-conditioned.

[0014] The air in each of the living rooms 2a to 2d is sent to the air-conditioned room 18 by the circulation fans 6a to 6d, and is also exhausted from the living rooms 2a to 2d to the outside of the house 1 by the exhaust fans 5a to 5d as outside air (outdoor air). The central air-conditioning system 21 controls the exhaust air volume of the exhaust fans 5a to 5d to exhaust outside air from the rooms, while controlling the exhaust air volume of the exhaust fans 5a to 5d in conjunction with the supply air volume of the outside air intake fan 4 to take outside air into the rooms. Thus, the central air-conditioning system 21 performs ventilation using a first type ventilation method.

[0015] The outside air introduction fan 4 is a fan that takes outside air into the room of the house 1, and corresponds to the air supply function of an air supply fan or a heat exchange fan. As described above, the outside air taken in by the outside air introduction fan 4 is introduced into the air-conditioned room 18. The air supply volume of the outside air introduction fan 4 can be set in multiple stages, and the air supply volume is set according to the exhaust air volumes of the exhaust fans 5a to 5d.

[0016] Exhaust fan 5 exhausts the air inside house 1 to the outdoors. Exhaust fans 5a to 5d are fans that exhaust a portion of the air in each of the corresponding living rooms 2a to 2d as outside air, and include ceiling-mounted ventilation fans, wall-mounted ventilation fans, range hoods, and heat exchange fans with exhaust functions. Exhaust fan 5a is installed in living room 2a, exhaust fan 5b in living room 2b, exhaust fan 5c in living room 2c, and exhaust fan 5d in living room 2d.

[0017] Each of the exhaust fans 5a to 5d is configured so that its exhaust air volume can be set in multiple stages. Normally, each of the exhaust fans 5a to 5d is controlled to maintain a preset exhaust air volume. The exhaust air volumes of the exhaust fans 5a to 5d are individually controlled according to user settings and values ​​acquired by various sensors.

[0018] The transport fan 3 transports air from the air-conditioned room 18 to the living room 2, which is independent from the air-conditioned room 18. In this embodiment, the air from the air-conditioned room 18 is transported to the living room 2 via a duct. Transport fans 3a to 3d are provided in the air-conditioned room 18 corresponding to each of the living rooms 2a to 2d. The air from the air-conditioned room 18 is transported to the living room 2a by the transport fan 3a, to the living room 2b by the transport fan 3b, to the living room 2c by the transport fan 3c, and to the living room 2d by the transport fan 3d. The number and combination of each transport fan and each living room are not limited to those described above, and different combinations may also be used. In this way, the transport fan 3 transports the air conditioned in the air-conditioned room 18 to each of the multiple air-conditioned spaces.

[0019] Circulation fans 6 transport air from multiple living rooms 2 to air-conditioning room 18. In this embodiment, the air from living rooms 2 is transported to air-conditioning room 18 via ducts. Circulation fan 6a is provided in living room 2a, circulation fan 6b in living room 2b, circulation fan 6c in living room 2c, and circulation fan 6d in living room 2d. A portion of the air from each of living rooms 2a to 2d is transported to air-conditioning room 18 by the corresponding circulation fans 6a to 6d.

[0020] The air conditioner 9 corresponds to a so-called air conditioner. The air conditioner 9 is provided in the air-conditioning room 18 and controls the conditioning of the air in the air-conditioning room 18. The air conditioner 9 cools or heats the air in the air-conditioning room 18 so that the temperature of the air in the air-conditioning room 18 reaches a set target temperature (air-conditioning room target temperature).

[0021] When the humidity of the air in the air-conditioning room 18 is lower than a set target humidity (air-conditioning room target humidity), the humidifier 16 humidifies the air in the air-conditioning room 18 so that the humidity becomes the air-conditioning room target humidity.

[0022] When the humidity of the air in the air-conditioning room 18 is higher than a set target humidity (air-conditioning room target humidity), the dehumidifier 17 dehumidifies the air in the air-conditioning room 18 so that the humidity becomes the air-conditioning room target humidity.

[0023] The living room temperature sensors 11 acquire the indoor temperatures of the living rooms 2. The living room temperature sensor 11a is provided in the living room 2a, the living room temperature sensor 11b is provided in the living room 2b, the living room temperature sensor 11c is provided in the living room 2c, and the living room temperature sensor 11d is provided in the living room 2d. The living room temperature sensors 11a to 11d acquire the indoor temperatures of the corresponding living rooms 2a to 2d and transmit the acquired temperatures to the controller 10. The combination of the living room temperature sensor 11 and the living room 2 does not necessarily have to be a pair, and multiple living room temperature sensors 11 may be installed for one living room 2.

[0024] The living room humidity sensor 12 acquires the indoor humidity of the living room 2. The living room humidity sensor 12a is provided in the living room 2a, the living room humidity sensor 12b is provided in the living room 2b, the living room humidity sensor 12c is provided in the living room 2c, and the living room humidity sensor 12d is provided in the living room 2d. The living room humidity sensors 12a to 12d are sensors that acquire the indoor humidity of the corresponding living room 2a to 2d and transmit the acquired humidity to the controller 10. The combination of the living room humidity sensor 12 and the living room 2 does not necessarily have to be a pair, and multiple living room humidity sensors 12 may be installed for one living room 2.

[0025] The air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that acquires the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and transmits the acquired information to the controller 10. The air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14 may be built into the air conditioner 9, but if built into the air conditioner 9, it can only obtain information about the area around the air conditioner 9. For this reason, it is desirable to provide the sensor independently of the air conditioner 9 so that information about the air-conditioned room 18 as a whole can be obtained. The air-conditioned room humidity sensor 15 is a sensor that acquires the humidity of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and transmits the acquired information to the controller 10.

[0026] The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire central air-conditioning system 21. The controller 10 is connected to the outside air intake fan 4, the exhaust fans 5a to 5d, the transport fans 3a to 3d, the circulation fans 6a to 6d, the living room temperature sensors 11a to 11d, the living room humidity sensors 12a to 12d, the air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14, the air-conditioned room humidity sensor 15, the air conditioner 9, the humidifier 16, and the dehumidifier 17 so that they can communicate with each other via wireless communication.

[0027] The controller 10 controls the outside air introduction fan 4 and the exhaust fans 5a to 5d in conjunction with each other, for example, by setting the intake air volume of the outside air introduction fan 4 so that the air volume corresponds to the exhaust air volume of the exhaust fans 5a to 5d. In this way, the house 1 is ventilated using the first type ventilation method.

[0028] In addition, the controller 10 controls the air conditioner 9, the humidifier 16, and the dehumidifier 17 based on the temperature and humidity of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 obtained by the air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14 and the air-conditioned room humidity sensor 15 so that the temperature and / or humidity of the air-conditioned room 18 becomes the air-conditioned room target temperature and / or air-conditioned room target humidity set in the air-conditioned room 18.

[0029] In addition, the controller 10 sets the airflow rates of the conveying fans 3a to 3d and the circulation fans 6a to 6d according to the indoor temperature and / or indoor humidity of each of the rooms 2a to 2d obtained by the room temperature sensors 11a to 11d and the room humidity sensors 12a to 12d, and the target temperature (room target temperature) and / or target humidity (room target humidity) set for each of the rooms 2a to 2d.

[0030] As a result, the air conditioned in air-conditioning room 18 is sent to each of rooms 2a to 2d at the air volume set in each of transport fans 3a to 3d. Also, the air in each of rooms 2a to 3d is sent to air-conditioning room 18 at the air volume set in each of circulation fans 6a to 6d. Thus, the indoor temperature and / or indoor humidity of each of rooms 2a to 2d is controlled to become the target room temperature and / or target room humidity.

[0031] Here, the controller 10 is wirelessly connected to the outside air intake fan 4, exhaust fans 5a to 5d, transport fans 3a to 3d, circulation fans 6a to 6d, room temperature sensors 11a to 11d, room humidity sensors 12a to 12d, air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14, air-conditioned room humidity sensor 15, air conditioner 9, humidifier 16, and dehumidifier 17, thereby eliminating the need for complex wiring work. However, the controller 10 may be configured to communicate with all of these components, or some of these components, via wired communication.

[0032] The central air-conditioning system 21 may also include a storage battery 20. The storage battery 20 is provided inside or near the house 1. That is, the storage battery 20 may be installed inside the house 1 or outdoors outside the house 1. The storage battery 20 can store power (electricity), such as power generated by solar power generation or power supplied from a power supply company. The storage battery 20 is a power supply source for the central air-conditioning system 21 that is separate from the power supply from the power supply company. The storage battery 20 is also a power supply source for electrical devices in the house 1 that is separate from the power supply from the power supply company. The electrical devices in the house 1 include, for example, lighting equipment, an electric cooker, a microwave oven, a television, a hair dryer, a refrigerator, and other devices other than the central air-conditioning system. In this way, the storage battery 20 can function as a backup power source during a power outage in which the power supply from the power supply company is stopped.

[0033] Next, each function of the controller 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the controller 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The controller 10 according to the first embodiment includes a power detection unit 30 , a power saving request unit 31 , a power amount acquisition unit 32 , and a device control unit 33 .

[0035] The power detection unit 30 detects whether or not there is a power supply from the power supply company. Power from the power supply company is supplied to outlets and the like provided in the house 1 via the distribution board 19, and is also supplied to the central air-conditioning system 21. That is, power from the power supply company is also supplied to the controller 10 via the distribution board 19. The power detection unit 30 detects whether or not there is a power supply from the power supply company by, for example, monitoring the voltage or current of the power from the power supply company that is supplied to the controller 10 via the distribution board 19. That is, when a power outage occurs, in which the power supply from the power supply company is stopped, the power detection unit 30 detects the power outage. Note that a storage battery 20 is connected to the controller 10, and the power supply to the controller 10 is not stopped even when a power outage occurs.

[0036] When the power detection unit 30 detects a power outage, the power saving request unit 31 makes a reduction request (power saving request) to the device control unit 33 to reduce power usage.

[0037] The power amount obtaining unit 32 obtains the remaining power amount of the storage battery 20. Specifically, the power amount obtaining unit 32 obtains the remaining power amount of the storage battery 20 by performing wireless communication or wired communication with the storage battery 20.

[0038] The equipment control unit 33 normally controls the airflow rates of the transport fans 3a-3d and the air conditioners 9 as part of the control of the central air-conditioning system 21. The equipment control unit 33 controls the air conditioning by the air conditioners 9 to bring the current indoor temperatures of the rooms 2a-2d to the target temperatures, and further controls the transport fans 3a-3d to transport the air in the air-conditioned rooms 18 conditioned by the air conditioners 9 to the rooms 2a-2d. The controller 10 controls the air conditioning intensity of the air conditioners 9, the airflow rate of the transport fans 3, and the like, based on the current indoor temperature of the room 2 and the target temperature. For example, if the difference between the current indoor temperature of the room 2 and the target temperature is large, the air conditioning intensity is increased, and if the difference between the current indoor temperature of the room 2 and the target temperature is large, the airflow rate of the corresponding transport fan 3 is increased. As a result, the indoor temperature of the room 2 approaches the target temperature. In other words, the central air-conditioning system 21 conditions the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and transports the conditioned air from the air-conditioned room 18 to multiple air-conditioned spaces. This allows the indoor temperatures of the multiple air-conditioned spaces to approach the target temperatures of the air-conditioned spaces. In addition, the equipment control unit 33 also controls the exhaust fan 5 and the outside air introduction fan 4 to control the ventilation volume of the living room 2. The equipment control unit 33 also controls the circulation fan 6 for air-conditioning and ventilation of the living room 2.

[0039] The functions of the controller 10 can be realized as hardware by elements and mechanical devices such as a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit), and as software by computer programs, but here they are realized by linking these together. Therefore, each function can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0040] As described above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a central air conditioning system that can appropriately reduce the amount of power consumed in a situation where power saving is necessary in the house 1. In the first embodiment, a case where a power outage occurs will be described as a situation where power saving is necessary in the house 1.

[0041] When a power outage occurs, if air conditioning control is performed in the same state as before the power outage, there is a possibility that all the power in the storage battery 20 will be consumed in a short period of time. In other words, there is a possibility that the comfort of the residents in the house 1 will be lost early. Furthermore, if the storage battery 20 also supplies power to a refrigerator or the like in the house 1, there is a possibility that the food in the refrigerator will deteriorate early. For this reason, it is desirable to perform power saving processing that uses the storage battery 20 so that comfort can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0042] First, when a power outage occurs, the power detection unit 30 detects the power outage, and the power saving request unit 31 sends a reduction request to the equipment control unit 33 to reduce power consumption. Based on the reduction request, the equipment control unit 33 performs power saving processing for the central air conditioning system, which operates only the conveying fan 3 and the circulation fan 6. Here, in the central air conditioning system 21 of Embodiment 1, the storage battery 20 is connected to at least the conveying fan 3, the circulation fan 6, and the controller 10, but is not connected to the air conditioner 9. In other words, when a power outage occurs, the air conditioner 9 is not operated. Note that the storage battery 20 may also be connected to the exhaust fan 5 and / or the outside air introduction fan 4, but may not be connected to the exhaust fan 5 and / or the outside air introduction fan 4 if power saving is the top priority.

[0043] When a power reduction request is made during a power outage, power is not supplied from the storage battery 20 to the air conditioner 9, but power is supplied from the storage battery 20 to the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6. The equipment control unit 33 executes power saving processing for the central air conditioning system 21, which operates the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6. In the central air conditioning system 21, the equipment with the highest power consumption is the air conditioner 9, and the power consumption of fans such as the transport fan 3, the circulation fan 6, the exhaust fan 5, and the outside air introduction fan 4 is much smaller than the power consumption of the air conditioner 9. Therefore, not supplying power from the storage battery 20 to the air conditioner 9 is expected to have a significant power saving effect. In other words, it is possible to prevent the power in the storage battery 20 from running out early.

[0044] In this way, the device control unit 33 performs power saving processing for the central air-conditioning system 21 based on the request to reduce power consumption. By performing the power saving processing for the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort while suppressing power consumption by the storage battery 20. In other words, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while suppressing power consumption by the storage battery 20.

[0045] Central air conditioning systems are typically installed in highly insulated and airtight homes. Therefore, even when the air conditioner 9 is stopped, the indoor temperature in the air-conditioned space does not change suddenly due to factors such as outside air, and the indoor temperature can be maintained for a certain period of time. In other words, stopping the air conditioner 9 does not immediately reduce user comfort. However, the temperature change in each room 2 after the air conditioner 9 is stopped varies depending on the size of the room 2, the presence or absence of occupants, and the presence or absence of heat-generating equipment. Therefore, the equipment control unit 33 operates only the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 as a power-saving process for the central air conditioning system. This maintains the function of circulating air between each room 2 and the air-conditioned room 18, thereby suppressing local temperature changes in each room 2. For example, in summer, local temperature increases in rooms 2 where users are present due to heat generated by the users themselves. As described above, the equipment control unit 33 continues to operate the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 as a power-saving process for the central air-conditioning system, maintaining air circulation and thereby suppressing a local increase in temperature in the living room 2. In other words, since a local increase in temperature in the living room 2 where the user is present can be suppressed, the user's comfort can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0046] Here, the airflow rates of the conveying fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 are determined based on the remaining power of the storage battery 20. That is, the device control unit 33 determines the airflow rates of the conveying fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 based on the remaining power of the storage battery 20 acquired by the power amount acquiring unit 32. The device control unit 33 reduces the airflow rate of the conveying fan 3 as the remaining power of the storage battery 20 acquired by the power amount acquiring unit 32 decreases. For example, if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is large, the airflow rate of the conveying fan 3 may be set to 3; if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is medium, the airflow rate of the conveying fan 3 may be set to 2; and if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is small, the airflow rate of the conveying fan 3 may be set to 1. Note that in the above example, the higher the airflow level, the greater the airflow rate. Similarly, the device control unit 33 reduces the airflow rate of the circulation fan 6 as the remaining power of the storage battery 20 acquired by the power amount acquiring unit 32 decreases. For example, if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is large, the airflow level of the circulation fan 6 may be set to 3, if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is medium, the airflow level of the circulation fan 6 may be set to 2, and if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is small, the airflow level of the circulation fan 6 may be set to 1. Here too, the higher the airflow level, the greater the airflow.

[0047] This allows the amount of power to be appropriately reduced based on the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20. Therefore, when the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20 is large, the amount of power can be appropriately reduced while suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the occupants.

[0048] As described above, the storage battery 20 may be connected to the exhaust fan 5. In this case, when a power cut request is made during a power outage, power is also supplied from the storage battery 20 to the exhaust fan 5, and the exhaust fan 5 is operated as a power-saving process. In other words, when a power cut request is made during a power outage, power is not supplied from the storage battery 20 to the air conditioner 9, but power is supplied from the storage battery 20 to the conveying fan 3, the circulation fan 6, and the exhaust fan 5. The equipment control unit 33 executes power-saving process for the central air-conditioning system 21, which operates the conveying fan 3, the circulation fan 6, and the exhaust fan 5. As described above, in the central air-conditioning system 21, the air conditioner 9 is the device that consumes the most power, and the power consumption of the exhaust fan 5 is much smaller than that of the air conditioner 9. Therefore, the exhaust fan 5 may be operated as a power-saving process. In other words, there is little impact on the early depletion of power in the storage battery 20.

[0049] By performing the power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort while suppressing power consumption by the storage battery 20. That is, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while suppressing power consumption by the storage battery 20. Furthermore, when only the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 are operated, the air in the living room 2 (inside the house 1) is simply circulated between the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and the living room 2, which may increase the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2. The increase in the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2 leads to a decrease in user comfort. However, by further operating the exhaust fan 5 as a power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to exhaust the air in the living room 2 and the air-conditioned room 18, thereby suppressing an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2. This makes it possible to further suppress a decrease in user comfort while maintaining user comfort for a long period of time.

[0050] Here, the air volume of the exhaust fan 5 may be determined based on the remaining power of the storage battery 20. That is, the device control unit 33 determines the air volume of the exhaust fan 5 based on the remaining power of the storage battery 20 acquired by the power amount acquiring unit 32. The device control unit 33 reduces the air volume of the exhaust fan 5 as the remaining power of the storage battery 20 acquired by the power amount acquiring unit 32 decreases. For example, if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is large, the air volume level of the exhaust fan 5 may be set to 3; if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is medium, the air volume level of the exhaust fan 5 may be set to 2; and if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is small, the air volume level of the exhaust fan 5 may be set to 1. Incidentally, in the above, the higher the air volume level, the greater the air volume.

[0051] This allows the amount of power to be appropriately reduced based on the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20. Therefore, when the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20 is large, the amount of power can be appropriately reduced while further suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the occupants.

[0052] Similarly, the storage battery 20 may be connected to the outside air introduction fan 4. In this case, when a power cut request is made during a power outage, power is also supplied from the storage battery 20 to the outside air introduction fan 4, and the operation of the outside air introduction fan 4 is further executed as a power saving process. In other words, when a power cut request is made during a power outage, power is not supplied from the storage battery 20 to the air conditioner 9, but power is supplied from the storage battery 20 to the conveying fan 3, the circulation fan 6, and the outside air introduction fan 4. The equipment control unit 33 executes a power saving process for the central air conditioning system 21, which operates the conveying fan 3, the circulation fan 6, and the outside air introduction fan 4. As described above, the air conditioner 9 is the device that consumes the most power in the central air conditioning system 21, and the power consumption of the outside air introduction fan 4 is much smaller than that of the air conditioner 9. Therefore, the outside air introduction fan 4 may be further operated as a power saving process. In other words, there is little impact on the early depletion of power in the storage battery 20.

[0053] By performing the power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to reduce power consumption by the storage battery 20 and maintain user comfort for a long period of time. Furthermore, when only the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 are operated, the air in the living room 2 (inside the house 1) is simply circulated between the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and the indoor room 2, which may increase the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate concentration in the living room 2. Increased carbon dioxide and particulate concentration in the living room 2 leads to reduced user comfort. However, by further operating the outside air intake fan 4 as a power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to introduce outside air into the living room 2 and the air-conditioned room 18, thereby reducing the increase in carbon dioxide and particulate concentration in the living room 2. This allows user comfort to be maintained for a long period of time while further reducing the reduction in user comfort.

[0054] Here, the air volume of the outside air introduction fan 4 may be determined based on the remaining power of the storage battery 20. That is, the device control unit 33 determines the air volume of the outside air introduction fan 4 based on the remaining power of the storage battery 20 acquired by the power amount acquiring unit 32. The device control unit 33 reduces the air volume of the outside air introduction fan 4 as the remaining power of the storage battery 20 acquired by the power amount acquiring unit 32 decreases. For example, if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is large, the air volume level of the outside air introduction fan 4 may be set to 3; if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is medium, the air volume level of the outside air introduction fan 4 may be set to 2; and if the remaining power of the storage battery 20 is small, the air volume level of the outside air introduction fan 4 may be set to 1. Incidentally, in the above, the higher the air volume level, the greater the air volume.

[0055] This allows the amount of power to be appropriately reduced based on the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20. Therefore, when the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20 is large, the amount of power can be appropriately reduced while further suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the occupants.

[0056] Furthermore, the storage battery 20 may be connected to both the exhaust fan 5 and the outside air introduction fan 4. In this case, when a reduction request is made during a power outage, power is also supplied from the storage battery 20 to the exhaust fan 5 and the outside air introduction fan 4, and the operation of the exhaust fan 5 and the outside air introduction fan 4 is further executed as a power saving process. In other words, when a reduction request is made during a power outage, power is not supplied from the storage battery 20 to the air conditioner 9, but power is supplied from the storage battery 20 to the conveying fan 3, the circulation fan 6, the exhaust fan 5, and the outside air introduction fan 4. The equipment control unit 33 executes a power saving process for the central air conditioning system 21 that operates the conveying fan 3, the circulation fan 6, the exhaust fan 5, and the outside air introduction fan 4.

[0057] By performing the power saving process of the central air conditioning system, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the storage battery 20. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress increases in the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2, thereby further suppressing a decrease in user comfort and maintaining user comfort for a long period of time. Even during a power outage, ventilation using the first type ventilation method can be performed.

[0058] As described above, in a situation where power saving is necessary in the house 1, it is possible to appropriately reduce the amount of power while suppressing a decrease in user comfort. Furthermore, it is possible to appropriately reduce the amount of power based on the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20. As a result, when the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 20 is large, it is possible to appropriately reduce the amount of power while further suppressing a decrease in resident comfort.

[0059] Second Embodiment Next, a case where a power saving request is issued from a power supply company will be described as a situation where power saving is necessary in the house 1. In summer and winter in Japan, an increase in power occurs related to temperature adjustment in the house 1, and power consumption increases compared to spring and autumn. This may result in power demand exceeding the power that the power supply company can supply. For this reason, a power saving request may be issued to the area to which the power supply company supplies power. In the present disclosure, a power saving process is performed in response to such a power saving request from the power supply company.

[0060] The system schematic diagram of the central air-conditioning system according to the second embodiment is Fig. 1, similar to that of the first embodiment. However, the central air-conditioning system according to the second embodiment does not necessarily need to include the storage battery 20.

[0061] Next, the functions of the controller 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram of the controller 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0062] The controller 10 according to the second embodiment includes a receiving unit 40 , a power saving request unit 41 , and a device control unit 33 .

[0063] Here, the central air-conditioning system 21 further includes a power management server 50. The power management server 50 obtains power-saving request information from the power supply company. The power management server 50 is an information processing device that provides the obtained power-saving request information to the controller 10. Specifically, the power management server 50 receives the power-saving request from the power supply company via a network such as the Internet, selects an area that corresponds to the power-saving request based on the received power-saving request, and transmits a reduction request to reduce power usage to the central air-conditioning systems that belong to the selected area.

[0064] The controller 10 has a wireless communication function and is communicatively connected to the power management server 50 via a network such as the Internet. The controller 10 may also be connected to the power management server 50 via a network using wired communication.

[0065] The receiving unit 40 receives a reduction request from the power management server 50. When the receiving unit 40 receives a reduction request from the power management server 50, the receiving unit 40 transmits to the power saving requesting unit 41 a notification that the reduction request has been received.

[0066] When the power saving request unit 41 receives a notification from the receiving unit 40 that a reduction request has been received, the power saving request unit 41 makes a reduction request (power saving request) to the device control unit 42 to reduce power usage.

[0067] Like the equipment control unit 33, the equipment control unit 42 also normally controls the airflow rates of the transport fans 3a-3d and the air conditioners 9 as part of the central air-conditioning system 21. The equipment control unit 42 controls the air conditioning by the air conditioners 9 to bring the current indoor temperatures of the rooms 2a-2d to the target temperatures, and further controls the transport fans 3a-3d to transport the air in the air-conditioned rooms 18 conditioned by the air conditioners 9 to the rooms 2a-2d. The controller 10 controls the air conditioning intensity of the air conditioners 9, the airflow rate of the transport fans 3, and the like, based on the current indoor temperature of the room 2 and the target temperature. For example, if the difference between the current indoor temperature of the room 2 and the target temperature is large, the air conditioning intensity is increased, and if the difference between the current indoor temperature of the room 2 and the target temperature is large, the airflow rate of the corresponding transport fan 3 is increased. As a result, the indoor temperature of the room 2 approaches the target temperature. In other words, the central air-conditioning system 21 conditions the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and transports the conditioned air from the air-conditioned room 18 to multiple air-conditioned spaces. This allows the indoor temperatures of the multiple air-conditioned spaces to approach the target temperatures of the air-conditioned spaces. In addition, the equipment control unit 42 also controls the exhaust fan 5 and the outside air introduction fan 4 to control the ventilation volume of the living room 2. The equipment control unit 42 also controls the circulation fan 6 for air-conditioning and ventilation of the living room 2.

[0068] First, when a power saving request is issued from the power supply company, the power management server 50 receives the power saving request information from the power supply company. Based on the received power saving request, the power management server 50 selects the area that corresponds to the power saving request and transmits a reduction request to reduce power usage to the central air conditioning systems belonging to the selected area. The receivers 40 of the central air conditioning systems belonging to the selected area receive the reduction requests from the power management server 50. The receivers 40 transmit a notification that the reduction request has been received to the power saving request unit 41. When the power saving request is received from the receivers 40, the power saving request unit 41 issues a reduction request to reduce power usage (power saving request) to the equipment control unit 42. Based on the reduction request, the equipment control unit 42 performs power saving processing for the central air conditioning system by operating only the conveying fan 3 and the circulation fan 6. When a power saving request is issued from the power supply company, the equipment control unit 42 does not operate the air conditioner 9. The equipment control unit 42 may further operate the exhaust fan 5 and / or the outside air intake fan 4, but if power saving is the top priority, the exhaust fan 5 and / or the outside air intake fan 4 do not need to be operated.

[0069] When a power saving request is made by the power supply company, the equipment control unit 42 performs power saving processing by stopping the operation of the air conditioner 9 and only operating (transporting air) the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6. As mentioned above, the equipment that consumes the most power in the whole-building air-conditioning system 21 is the air conditioner 9, and the power consumption of fans such as the transport fan 3, circulation fan 6, exhaust fan 5, and outside air intake fan 4 is much smaller than the power consumption of the air conditioner 9. Therefore, stopping the operation of the air conditioner 9 is expected to have a significant power saving effect.

[0070] In this way, the device control unit 42 performs power saving processing for the central air-conditioning system 21 based on a request to reduce power consumption. By performing the power saving processing for the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort while suppressing power consumption. In other words, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while suppressing power consumption.

[0071] As mentioned above, central air conditioning systems are generally installed in highly insulated and airtight homes. Therefore, even when the air conditioner 9 is stopped, the indoor temperature in the air-conditioned space does not change suddenly due to factors such as outside air, and the indoor temperature can be maintained for a certain period of time. In other words, stopping the air conditioner 9 does not immediately reduce user comfort. However, the temperature change in each room 2 after stopping the air conditioner 9 varies depending on the size of the room 2, the presence or absence of occupants, and the presence or absence of heat-generating equipment. Therefore, the equipment control unit 42 operates only the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 as a power-saving process for the central air conditioning system. This maintains the function of circulating air between each room 2 and the air-conditioned room 18, thereby suppressing local temperature changes in each room 2. For example, during the Japanese summer, heat generated by the user can cause local temperature increases in the room 2 where the user is present. As described above, the equipment control unit 42 continues to operate the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 as a power-saving process for the central air-conditioning system, maintaining air circulation and thereby suppressing a local increase in temperature in the living room 2. Since a local increase in temperature in the living room 2 where the user is present can be suppressed, the user's comfort can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0072] Furthermore, as a power-saving process, air may be transported by the exhaust fan 5. In this case, when a reduction request is made, the exhaust fan 5 is operated as a power-saving process. In other words, when a reduction request is made, the equipment control unit 42 executes a power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system 21 by stopping the operation of the air conditioner 9 and operating only the transport fan 3, the circulation fan 6, and the exhaust fan 5. As described above, the equipment consuming the most power in the central air-conditioning system 21 is the air conditioner 9, and the power consumption of the exhaust fan 5 is much smaller than that of the air conditioner 9. Therefore, the exhaust fan 5 may be operated as a power-saving process.

[0073] By performing the power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort while suppressing power consumption. That is, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while suppressing power consumption. Furthermore, when only the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 are operated, the air in the living room 2 (inside the house 1) is simply circulated between the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and the living room 2, which may increase the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2. The increase in the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2 leads to a decrease in user comfort. However, by additionally operating the exhaust fan 5 as a power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to exhaust the air in the living room 2 and the air-conditioned room 18, thereby suppressing an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2. This makes it possible to further suppress a decrease in user comfort while maintaining user comfort for a long period of time.

[0074] Furthermore, as a power-saving process, air may be transported by the outside air introduction fan 4. In this case, when a reduction request is made, the outside air introduction fan 4 is operated as a power-saving process. In other words, when a reduction request is made, the equipment control unit 42 executes a power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system 21 by stopping the operation of the air conditioner 9 and operating only the transport fan 3, the circulation fan 6, and the outside air introduction fan 4. As described above, the equipment consuming the most power in the central air-conditioning system 21 is the air conditioner 9, and the power consumption of the outside air introduction fan 4 is much smaller than that of the air conditioner 9. Therefore, the outside air introduction fan 4 may be operated as a power-saving process.

[0075] By performing the power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort while suppressing power consumption. That is, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while suppressing power consumption. Furthermore, when only the transport fan 3 and the circulation fan 6 are operated, the air in the living room 2 (inside the house 1) is simply circulated between the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and the living room 2, which may increase the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2. The increase in the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2 leads to a decrease in user comfort. However, by further operating the outside air intake fan 4 as a power-saving process of the central air-conditioning system, it is possible to take in outside air into the living room 2 and the air-conditioned room 18, thereby suppressing an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2. This makes it possible to further suppress a decrease in user comfort while maintaining user comfort for a long period of time.

[0076] Furthermore, as a power saving process, air may be transported by the exhaust fan 5 and the outside air introduction fan 4. In this case, when a reduction request is made, the power saving process further includes operating the exhaust fan 5 and the outside air introduction fan 4. In other words, when a reduction request is made, the equipment control unit 42 executes a power saving process of the central air conditioning system 21 by stopping the operation of the air conditioner 9 and operating only the transport fan 3, the circulation fan 6, the exhaust fan 5, and the outside air introduction fan 4.

[0077] By performing the power saving process of the central air conditioning system, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort while suppressing power consumption. That is, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while suppressing power consumption. It is also possible to suppress an increase in carbon dioxide concentration and particulate matter concentration in the living room 2. This makes it possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while further suppressing a decrease in user comfort.

[0078] As a result, in situations where power saving is necessary in the house 1, it is possible to appropriately reduce the amount of power consumed while suppressing a decrease in user comfort. In addition, by saving power in response to a power saving request from the power supply company, a reward according to the amount of power saved can be obtained.

[0079] The present disclosure has been described above based on each embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0080] For example, the power management server 50 does not have to be a server dedicated to the central air-conditioning system, but may be a server used in other systems.

[0081] Furthermore, the controller 10 in the first embodiment has been described as including the power detection unit 30, the power-saving request unit 31, the power amount acquisition unit 32, and the device control unit 33 in one device, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the power detection unit 30, the power-saving request unit 31, the power amount acquisition unit 32, and the device control unit 33 may be configured in two or more devices. For example, the power detection unit 30, the power-saving request unit 31, and the power amount acquisition unit 32 may be included in a first device, and the device control unit 33 may be included in a second device, allowing communication between the first and second devices and providing the functions of the controller 10 through cooperation between the first and second devices. Note that although the above describes an example in which the controller 10 is configured in two devices, the controller 10 may also be configured in three or more devices. In other words, the functional blocks of the controller 10 in the first embodiment may be distributed across two or more devices.

[0082] Similarly, the controller 10 in the second embodiment has been described as including the receiving unit 40, the power-saving requesting unit 41, and the device control unit 42 in one device, but this is not limiting. For example, the receiving unit 40, the power-saving requesting unit 41, and the device control unit 42 may be configured in two or more devices. For example, the receiving unit 40 and the power-saving requesting unit 41 may be included in a first device, and the device control unit 42 may be included in a second device, allowing communication between the first and second devices, and providing the functions of the controller 10 through cooperation between the first and second devices. Note that, although the above describes an example in which the controller 10 is configured in two devices, the controller 10 may also be configured in three or more devices. In other words, the functional blocks of the controller 10 in the second embodiment may be distributed across two or more devices.

[0083] Further, the exhaust fan 5 may be provided in the air-conditioned room 18 instead of the living room 2 .

[0084] Furthermore, the outside air intake fan 4 may be provided in the living room 2 instead of the air-conditioning room 18 .

[0085] (Summary of the Invention) A central air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is a central air conditioning system for air-conditioning a house with multiple living rooms, and includes an air conditioner installed in an air-conditioned room for conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room, a transport fan for transporting the air from the air-conditioned room to multiple living rooms independent of the air-conditioned room, a circulation fan for transporting the air from the multiple living rooms to the air-conditioned room, and a controller for controlling the central air conditioning system, wherein the controller performs power-saving processing of the central air conditioning system based on a request to reduce power consumption. This allows for appropriate power reduction in situations where power saving is necessary in the building.

[0086] The system may also include a power management server that receives power saving requests from the power supply company, selects an area that corresponds to the power saving request based on the received power saving request, and transmits a reduction request to the central air conditioning system in the selected area. This allows the system to respond to the power saving request from the power supply company. Furthermore, by saving power in response to the power saving request from the power supply company, a reward according to the amount of power saved can be obtained.

[0087] Alternatively, as a power-saving process, the air conditioner may be stopped and the transport fan and circulation fan may be operated to transport air. This reduces power consumption while preventing a decrease in user comfort. In other words, user comfort can be maintained for a long period of time while reducing power consumption.

[0088] Furthermore, an exhaust fan may be provided to exhaust air from inside the home to the outdoors, and the fan may be operated to transport the air as a power-saving process. This can prevent increases in carbon dioxide and particulate concentrations inside the home. In other words, it is possible to further prevent a decrease in user comfort while reducing power consumption. In other words, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while reducing power consumption.

[0089] Furthermore, the home may be equipped with an outdoor air intake fan that draws in outdoor air, and the outdoor air intake fan may be operated to transport the air as a power-saving process. This can prevent increases in carbon dioxide and particulate matter concentrations inside the home. In other words, it is possible to further prevent a decrease in user comfort while reducing power consumption. In other words, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while reducing power consumption.

[0090] The system may also include a power detection unit that detects the power supply from the power supply company, a power saving request unit that issues a power reduction request when the power detection unit detects a power outage in which no power is being supplied, and a storage battery that is a power supply source for the central air conditioning system other than the power supply from the power supply company. This allows for appropriate reduction in the amount of power consumed in situations where a power outage occurs and power saving from the storage battery is required.

[0091] Furthermore, when a reduction request is made during a power outage, power is not supplied from the storage battery to the air conditioner, but power is supplied from the storage battery to the transport fan and circulation fan, and the controller may execute a power saving process to operate the transport fan and circulation fan. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort while suppressing power consumption by the storage battery 20. In other words, it is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while suppressing power consumption by the storage battery 20.

[0092] Furthermore, when a reduction request is made during a power outage, the airflow rates of the conveying fan and the circulation fan may be determined based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. This allows for appropriate reduction in the amount of power consumed in situations where power saving is necessary. Furthermore, the amount of power consumed can be appropriately reduced based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. This allows for reduction in the amount of power consumed while minimizing a decrease in user comfort.

[0093] Furthermore, if the home is equipped with an exhaust fan that exhausts air from inside the home to the outdoors, and a power reduction request is made during a power outage, power is also supplied to the exhaust fan from the storage battery, and the controller may execute a power saving process to further operate the exhaust fan. This makes it possible to further reduce the deterioration of user comfort while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20. It is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20.

[0094] Furthermore, when a reduction request is made during a power outage, the airflow rate of the exhaust fan may be determined based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. This makes it possible to further reduce the deterioration of user comfort while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20. It is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20.

[0095] Furthermore, if the home is equipped with an outside air intake fan that takes in outside air, and a power reduction request is made during a power outage, power may also be supplied from the storage battery to the outside air intake fan, and the controller may execute a power saving process to further operate the outside air intake fan. This makes it possible to further reduce the deterioration of user comfort while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20. It is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20.

[0096] Furthermore, when a reduction request is made during a power outage, the airflow rate of the outside air introduction fan may be determined based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. This makes it possible to further reduce the deterioration of user comfort while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20. It is possible to maintain user comfort for a long period of time while reducing power consumption by the storage battery 20.

[0097] Furthermore, the airflow rate of the transport fan may be reduced as the remaining power level of the storage battery decreases. This allows for appropriate reduction in the amount of power consumed in situations where power saving is necessary. Furthermore, the amount of power consumed can be appropriately reduced based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. In other words, the amount of power consumed can be reduced while minimizing a decrease in the comfort of the occupants.

[0098] Furthermore, the airflow rate of the circulation fan may be reduced as the remaining power level of the storage battery decreases. This allows for appropriate reduction in the amount of power consumed in situations where power saving is necessary. Furthermore, the amount of power consumed can be appropriately reduced based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. In other words, the amount of power consumed can be reduced while minimizing a decrease in the comfort of the occupants.

[0099] Furthermore, the airflow rate of the exhaust fan may be reduced as the remaining power level of the storage battery decreases. This allows for appropriate reduction in the amount of power consumed in situations where power saving is necessary. Furthermore, the amount of power consumed can be appropriately reduced based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. In other words, the amount of power consumed can be reduced while minimizing a decrease in the comfort of the occupants.

[0100] Furthermore, the airflow rate of the outside air intake fan may be reduced as the remaining power level of the storage battery decreases. This allows for appropriate reduction in the amount of power consumed in situations where power saving is necessary. Furthermore, the amount of power consumed can be appropriately reduced based on the remaining power level of the storage battery. In other words, the amount of power consumed can be reduced while minimizing a decrease in the comfort of the occupants.

[0101] The present disclosure is useful as a central air conditioning system equipped with an air conditioner.

[0102] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Residence 2 Living room 2a Living room 2b Living room 2c Living room 2d Living room 3 Transport fan 3a Transport fan 3b Transport fan 3c Transport fan 3d Transport fan 4 Outdoor air intake fan 5 Exhaust fan 5a Exhaust fan 5b Exhaust fan 5c Exhaust fan 5d Exhaust fan 6 Circulation fan 6a Circulation fan 6b Circulation fan 6c Circulation fan 6d Circulation fan 9 Air conditioner 10 Controller 11 Living room temperature sensor 11a Living room temperature sensor 11b Living room temperature sensor 11c Living room temperature sensor 11d Living room temperature sensor 12 Living room humidity sensor 12a Living room humidity sensor 12b Living room humidity sensor 12c Living room humidity sensor 12d Living room humidity sensor 14 Air-conditioned room temperature sensor 15 Air-conditioned room humidity sensor 16 Humidifier 17 Dehumidifier 18 Air-conditioning room 19 Distribution board 20 Storage battery 21 Central air-conditioning system 30 Power detection unit 31 Power-saving request unit 32 Power amount acquisition unit 33 Device control unit 40 Receiving unit 41 Power-saving request unit 42 Device control unit 50 Power management server

Claims

1. A whole-house air conditioning system for conditioning a house with multiple living rooms, comprising: an air conditioner installed in an air-conditioned room for conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room; a transport fan for transporting the air from the air-conditioned room to multiple living rooms independent of the air-conditioned room; a circulation fan for transporting the air from the multiple living rooms to the air-conditioned room; and a controller for controlling the whole-house air conditioning system, wherein the controller performs power-saving processing for the whole-house air conditioning system based on a request to reduce power consumption.

2. The central air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a power management server that receives a power saving request from an electric power supply company, selects an area that corresponds to the power saving request based on the received power saving request, and transmits the reduction request to the central air conditioning system that belongs to the selected area.

3. The central air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the power saving process includes stopping operation of the air conditioners and transporting air by operating the transport fan and the circulation fan.

4. A whole-house air conditioning system according to claim 3, further comprising an exhaust fan that exhausts air from inside the house to the outdoors, and further comprising, as the power saving process, transporting air by operating the exhaust fan.

5. A whole-house air conditioning system according to claim 3, further comprising an outside air intake fan for taking in outdoor air into the house, and further comprising, as the power saving process, operating the outside air intake fan to transport air.

6. The central air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising: a power detection unit that detects power supply from a power supply company; a power saving request unit that makes the reduction request when the power detection unit detects a power outage state in which there is no power supply; and a storage battery that is a power supply source for the central air conditioning system other than the power supply from the power supply company.

7. A whole-building air conditioning system as described in claim 6, wherein, when the reduction request is made during the power outage, the air conditioner is not supplied with power from the storage battery, but the transport fan and the circulation fan are supplied with power from the storage battery, and the controller executes the power-saving process of operating the transport fan and the circulation fan.

8. A central air conditioning system as described in claim 7, wherein when the reduction request is made during the power outage, the air volume of the conveying fan and the circulation fan is determined based on the remaining amount of power in the storage battery.

9. A whole-house air conditioning system as described in claim 7, further comprising an exhaust fan that exhausts air inside the house to the outdoors, wherein when the reduction request is made during the power outage, the exhaust fan is also supplied with power from the storage battery, and the controller executes the power saving process of further operating the exhaust fan.

10. A central air conditioning system as described in claim 9, wherein when the reduction request is made during the power outage, the air volume of the exhaust fan is determined based on the remaining amount of power in the storage battery.

11. A whole-house air conditioning system as described in claim 7, further comprising an outdoor air intake fan that draws outdoor air into the house, wherein when the reduction request is made during the power outage, the outdoor air intake fan is also supplied with power from the storage battery, and the controller executes the power saving process of further operating the outdoor air intake fan.

12. A whole-building air conditioning system as described in claim 11, wherein when the reduction request is made during the power outage, the air volume of the outside air intake fan is determined based on the remaining amount of power in the storage battery.

13. The central air conditioning system according to claim 8, wherein the air volume of the transport fan is reduced as the remaining power of the storage battery decreases.

14. The central air conditioning system according to claim 8, wherein the air volume of the circulation fan is reduced as the remaining power of the storage battery decreases.

15. The central air conditioning system according to claim 10, wherein the air volume of the exhaust fan is reduced as the remaining power of the storage battery decreases.

16. The central air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein the air volume of the outside air intake fan is reduced as the remaining power of the storage battery decreases.

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