Room temperature control method, room temperature control device, program, and room temperature control system including same

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature perceived by an occupant due to a decrease in outside air temperature.　Provided is a room temperature control method for controlling the temperature in a space (SB) above a floor in a building that is provided with an air conditioning device (1) and a blower (23), wherein: normal control for controlling a blowout temperature and an airflow volume of the air conditioning device (1) is executed so that the temperature in the space (SB) above the floor reaches a preset temperature; when the outdoor temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold value during execution of the normal control, temperature control for low temperature conditions for controlling the air conditioning device (1) is executed so that the blowout temperature is higher than that during the execution of the normal control and the air volume is smaller than that during the execution of the normal control; and during execution of the temperature control for low temperature conditions, the blower (23) is controlled so that the airflow volume is larger than that during the execution of the normal control.

Description

Room temperature control method, room temperature control device, program, and room temperature control system equipped therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the room temperature of a building equipped with an air conditioning system, a room temperature control device, a program, and a room temperature control system equipped therewith.

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a control method for an air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 is known. The building to which the control method described in Patent Document 1 is applied includes a room, the space under the room's floor, a room temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the room, a supply air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the supply air supplied under the floor, and an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature outside the room.

[0003] Furthermore, in the building described in Patent Document 1, the air conditioning system has an indoor unit that communicates with an air outlet provided under the floor and an air intake provided in the ceiling.

[0004] In the control method described in Patent Document 1, the target supply air temperature is determined based on the difference between the measured room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor and the set room temperature, and the supply air temperature is corrected to the optimal value considering the outdoor temperature and the indoor operating mode.

[0005] Patent Document 1 states that, according to the above control method, the outdoor temperature and the indoor operating mode can be taken into consideration. For example, in winter when the outdoor temperature is low and the indoor heat load is large and cooling is required, the system can recognize that it is winter and lower the target value of the supply air temperature compared to normal, resulting in an outlet temperature appropriate for the season, and limiting the degree to which users feel uncomfortable, such as being chilly.

[0006] In the control method described in Patent Document 1, while the user's discomfort is reduced by lowering the target supply air temperature than usual when the load on the heat exchanger increases in winter and cooling operation becomes unavoidable, no processing is performed to create a comfortable perceived temperature for the user (resident).

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-126522

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a room temperature control method, a room temperature control device, a program, and a room temperature control system equipped therewith that can suppress the decrease in perceived temperature caused by a decrease in outside air temperature.

[0009] The inventors of the present invention noticed that when the temperature of any of the exterior walls, ceilings, or floors of a building decreases due to a drop in outside air temperature, the perceived temperature of the occupants decreases compared to when the temperature of any of the exterior walls, ceilings, or floors is relatively high, even if the room temperature remains the same. Based on this observation, they came up with the following invention.

[0010] In other words, the present invention provides a room temperature control method for controlling the temperature inside a controlled room in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a controlled room provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the controlled room through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning system having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying warmed air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, wherein the method provides a room temperature control method for controlling the temperature inside a controlled room, wherein normal control is performed to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning system so that the temperature inside the controlled room becomes a preset temperature; if the outdoor temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold during the execution of normal control, a higher discharge temperature than during normal control is set, and low-temperature control is performed to control the air conditioning system so that the airflow rate does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning system and is less than the airflow rate during normal control; and the blower is controlled to have a greater airflow rate during low-temperature control than during normal control.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a room temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside a room to be controlled in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning device having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying warmed air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, wherein the room temperature control device performs normal control to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning device so that the temperature inside the room to be controlled becomes a preset temperature, and during the execution of the normal control, the outdoor temperature becomes a preset temperature A room temperature control device is provided, comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the temperature is lower than a threshold; and a blower control unit that controls the airflow rate of the blower, wherein when the determination unit determines that the outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, a higher discharge temperature than that during normal control is set, and the air conditioning control unit executes a low-temperature control that controls the air conditioning system to have an airflow rate that does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning system and is less than the airflow rate during normal control, and the blower control unit controls the blower to have an airflow rate that is greater than that during normal control when the low-temperature control is executed.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a program implemented in a room temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside a room to be controlled in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning device having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying heated air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, the program comprising: an air conditioning control unit that performs normal control to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning device so that the temperature inside the room to be controlled becomes a preset temperature; and during the execution of the normal control, the outdoor temperature is preset The program provides a determination unit that determines whether the temperature is lower than a set temperature threshold, and a blower control unit that controls the airflow rate of the blower, thereby enabling the room temperature control device to function. If the determination unit determines that the outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, a higher discharge temperature than that during normal control is set, and the air conditioning control unit performs low-temperature control to control the air conditioning device so that the airflow rate does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning device and is less than that during normal control, while the discharge temperature is higher than that during normal control is set. The program also provides a program in which the blower control unit controls the blower so that the airflow rate is greater than that during normal control when low-temperature control is performed.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a room temperature control system comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning device having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying heated air into the underfloor space; a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space; and a room temperature control device for controlling the temperature in the room to be controlled.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the decrease in perceived temperature experienced by residents due to a decrease in outside air temperature.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a building having a room temperature control system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the room temperature control system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the building in a second state. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the building in a third state. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the building during "normal control" performed by the room temperature control device according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the building during "low temperature control" performed by the room temperature control device according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a table showing the heat balance for "normal control" and "low temperature control" performed by the room temperature control device according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the room temperature control device according to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a plan cross-sectional view of a building having a room temperature control system according to the embodiment.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0017] An example of a room temperature control system will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a building having the room temperature control system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the room temperature control system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the room temperature control system comprises an air conditioning unit 1, a blower 23, and a room temperature control device 15 that can communicate with the air conditioning unit 1 via a communication network or the like.

[0018] The building comprises a base portion 52a of the foundation, a rising portion 52b of the foundation, a side wall 51, a roof 50a, a ceiling 50b, and a floor 54. A region S is formed between the base portion 52a, the rising portion 52b, the side wall 51, and the ceiling 50b. Region S includes an underfloor space SA located below the floor 54 and an upper floor space SB located above the floor 54. The upper floor space SB is an example of a "controlled room" in the present invention. Occupants reside in the upper floor space SB. The floor 54 has ventilation openings 54a that penetrate along the vertical direction. For example, louvers are provided in the ventilation openings 54a. The underfloor space SA is connected to the upper floor space SB through the ventilation openings 54a. The indoor unit 10 and the blower 23 of the air conditioning system 1 are located in the underfloor space SA.

[0019] Furthermore, buildings are required to have a set thermal insulation performance (thermal insulation specifications) determined by the building's structure and components. Thermal insulation performance is a numerical representation of "how easily heat can be transferred between the exterior and interior of a building." The higher the thermal insulation performance of a building, the less it is affected by the outside air. Thermal insulation performance is indicated, for example, by the average heat transfer coefficient (UA value) of the building envelope.

[0020] In the following explanation, air outside region S will be referred to as "outside air." Air inside the floor space SB will be referred to as "indoor air." The ventilation opening 54a allows air to move between the underfloor space SA and the floor space SB. In other words, air inside the underfloor space SA can move into the floor space SB through the ventilation opening 54a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a winter situation is assumed in which the outside air temperature TT is lower than the indoor air temperature.

[0021] The air conditioning system 1 has a heating function and an outlet 17b capable of supplying heated air into the underfloor space SA. Specifically, the air conditioning system 1 performs "heating operation" by being supplied with power up to a first predetermined size (for example, 2000W) first power (load). The air conditioning system 1 has a defined limit on the size of the first power (load) supplied. Specifically, the air conditioning system 1 comprises an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 20. The indoor unit 10 is installed in the underfloor space SA. The indoor unit 10 comprises an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), an indoor fan (not shown), and a housing 17 having an intake port 17a and an outlet port 17b. The outlet port 17b corresponds to an example of a "warm air outlet" in this invention. The indoor heat exchanger and the indoor fan are housed in the housing 17. The intake port 17a and the outlet port 17b are in communication, and the indoor heat exchanger and indoor fan are arranged between the intake port 17a and the outlet port 17b. However, the arrangement of the air conditioning unit 1 is not limited to the above arrangement, as long as the outlet port 17b is arranged to supply air into the underfloor space SA. For example, of the indoor unit 10, only the outlet port 17b may be placed inside the underfloor space SA, and the rest of the unit may be placed outside the underfloor space SA.

[0022] The indoor fan rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the amount of power supplied, based on a portion of the first power (load). For example, when a first magnitude of power from the first power is supplied to the indoor fan, the indoor fan rotates at a first rotational speed corresponding to the supplied power, and intake air AI is drawn into the housing 17 from the underfloor space SA (or above-floor space SB) via the intake port 17a. Also, discharged air AO is supplied from inside the housing 17 to the underfloor space SA at a first airflow rate corresponding to the supplied power via the discharge port 17b. On the other hand, when a second magnitude of power from the first power is supplied to the indoor fan, the indoor fan rotates at a second rotational speed corresponding to the supplied power, and intake air AI is drawn into the housing 17 from the underfloor space SA (or above-floor space SB) via the intake port 17a. Also, discharged air AO is supplied from inside the housing 17 to the underfloor space SA at a second airflow rate corresponding to the supplied power via the discharge port 17b.

[0023] The outdoor unit 20 is located outside area S. The outdoor unit 20 comprises a housing (not shown), a compressor (not shown) for compressing the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown), and an outdoor fan (not shown). The compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, and outdoor fan are housed in the housing. The indoor heat exchanger, compressor, and outdoor heat exchanger are connected by refrigerant piping (not shown) to form a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit is not particularly limited, but for example, an HFC (hydrofluoric acid carbon) refrigerant such as R32 or R410A may be used.

[0024] In "heating operation," the indoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. Specifically, in "heating operation," the air conditioning system 1 circulates the refrigerant in the order of compressor, indoor heat exchanger, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0025] In detail, when the air conditioning system 1 performs "heating operation", it controls the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 based on the set temperature TS predetermined by the occupant, thereby controlling the temperature of the discharged air AO T ＡO This adjusts the following: More specifically, the compressor rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the magnitude of the supplied power when a portion of the first power (load) is supplied to it. For example, if a third magnitude of power other than the first magnitude of power from the first power is supplied to the compressor, the compressor will rotate at a first rotational speed corresponding to the supplied power, thereby adjusting the discharge temperature T of the discharged air AO. ＡＯ The air is adjusted to the first temperature (heated air). On the other hand, if the fourth magnitude of power, other than the second magnitude of power from the first power, is supplied to the compressor, the compressor rotates at the second rotational speed according to the supplied power, thereby raising the outlet temperature T of the discharged air AO. ＡＯ The air is then adjusted to a second temperature (heated air). In other words, the first power (load) is supplied to the air conditioning system 1 so as not to exceed the limit of the magnitude of the first power (load).

[0026] The blower 23 has an outlet 27b capable of supplying air into the underfloor space SA. More specifically, the blower 23 performs blower operation when a second power (load) different from the first power is supplied. Specifically, the blower 23 comprises a blower fan (not shown) and a housing 27 having an intake port 27a and an outlet port 27b. The outlet port 27b is an example of an "air outlet" in the present invention. The blower fan is housed in the housing 27. The intake port 27a and the outlet port 27b are in communication, and the blower fan is positioned between the intake port 27a and the outlet port 27b. The blower 23 is not limited to the above arrangement, as long as the outlet port 27b is positioned to supply air into the underfloor space SA. For example, only the outlet port 27b of the blower 23 may be positioned inside the underfloor space SA, and the rest of the blower 23 may be positioned outside the underfloor space SA.

[0027] The blower fan rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the amount of power supplied, when power up to the second power (load) is supplied to it. For example, when the fifth magnitude of power from the second power is supplied to the blower fan 21, the blower fan rotates at a third rotational speed corresponding to the supplied power, drawing the blown-out air AO from the underfloor space SA into the housing 17 via the intake port 27a. Also, blown-out air VO is supplied from inside the housing 27 to the underfloor space SA at a third airflow rate corresponding to the supplied power via the outlet port 27b. On the other hand, when the sixth magnitude of power from the second power is supplied to the blower fan, the blower fan rotates at a fourth rotational speed corresponding to the supplied power, drawing the blown-out air AO from the underfloor space SA into the housing 17 via the intake port 27a. Also, blown-out air VO is supplied from inside the housing 27 to the underfloor space SA at a fourth airflow rate via the outlet port 27b.

[0028] Furthermore, the room temperature control system is further equipped with an outside temperature detector 16 that acquires the temperature TT of the outside air outside the region S. The outside temperature detector 16 is installed on the outdoor unit 20. The outside temperature detector 16 outputs information regarding the temperature TT of the outside air to the room temperature control device 15.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 here, the simulation results of the perceived temperature given to the occupants will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the building in the second state. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the temperature TT of the outside air, the temperature of the ceiling 50b, the temperature of the side wall 51, the temperature of the floor 54, the room temperature, and the perceived temperature are shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the first state shown in FIG. 1, the temperature TT of the outside air is 10°C, and in the second state, the temperature TT of the outside air is 0°C. In other words, the temperature TT of the outside air in the second state is lower than the temperature TT of the outside air in the first state.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the perceived temperature of the occupants located in the floor space SB changes according to the temperature of the surface materials (such as the ceiling 50b, the side wall 51, and the floor 54) surrounding the floor space SB.

[0031] Specifically, in both the first state and the second state, the room temperature is adjusted to 20°C. In the first state, due to the relatively high temperature TT of the outside air (10°C), the temperature of the side wall 51 is maintained at about the same level as the room temperature (20°C). As a result, in the situation where the temperature of the floor 54 is adjusted to 21°C, the perceived temperature is 20.1°C. On the other hand, in the second state, due to the relatively low temperature TT of the outside air (0°C), the temperature of the side wall 51 drops below the room temperature (15°C). As a result, in the situation where the temperature of the floor 54 is adjusted to 21°C as in FIG. 1, the perceived temperature is 17.7°C. That is, when the temperature of the side wall 51 of the building drops due to the decrease in the temperature TT of the outside air, even if the room temperature is under the same temperature conditions, compared with the case where the temperature of the side wall 51 is relatively high, the perceived temperature of the occupants drops. The perceived temperature can be obtained by the following calculation.

[0032] Perceived temperature = [(average surface temperature of the surface materials surrounding the floor space SB) + room temperature] ÷ 2

[0033] Here, the average surface temperature of the surface material surrounding the floor space SB can be obtained, for example, by using the surface temperature per unit area of the surface material surrounding the floor space SB. Specifically, the average surface temperature can be calculated by obtaining the sum of the product of the temperature of the ceiling 50b and the area of the ceiling 50b, the product of the temperature of the wall 51 and the area of the wall 51, and the product of the temperature of the floor 54 and the area of the floor 54, and then dividing this sum by the total area of the ceiling 50b, the wall 51, and the floor 54. In the example of FIG. 1, the average surface temperature is 20.2°C, and in the example of FIG. 3, the average surface temperature is 15.4°C.

[0034] In contrast, the felt temperature in the third state where the floor temperature is raised above the floor temperature in the second state shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the building in the third state. Also shown in FIG. 4 are the outside air temperature TT, the temperature of the ceiling 50b, the temperature of the side wall 51, the temperature of the floor 54, the room temperature, and the felt temperature.

[0035] In both the second state and the third state, the outside air temperature TT is 0°C, the temperature of the side wall 551 is 15°C, and the room temperature is set to 20°C. On the other hand, in the second state shown in FIG. 3, the temperature of the floor 54 is 21°C, whereas in the third state shown in FIG. 4, the temperature of the floor 54 is 25°C. As a result, the felt temperature of the occupant in the second state is 17.7°C, whereas the felt temperature of the occupant in the third state is 19°C, which is higher than that in the second state. Thus, even when the outside air temperature TT decreases and the temperature of the side wall 51 decreases, raising the temperature of the floor 54 can increase the felt temperature of the occupant or suppress a decrease in the felt temperature. In the example of FIG. 4, the average surface temperature in the above calculation is 18°C.

[0036] When comparing the first and third states, the room temperature is adjusted to 20°C in both states. In the first state, the temperature of the side wall 51 is 20°C due to the relatively high outside air temperature TT (10°C), and the perceived temperature is 20.1°C when the floor temperature 54 is adjusted to 21°C. On the other hand, in the third state, although the temperature of the side wall 51 is 15°C due to the relatively low outside air temperature TT (0°C), the temperature of the floor 54 is adjusted to be higher than the temperature of the floor 54 in the first state (25°C), resulting in a perceived temperature of 19°C.

[0037] Referring again to Figure 2, the room temperature control device 15 will be described. The room temperature control device 15 is composed of a CPU (central processing unit) and storage means (RAM: Random Access Memory and / or ROM: Read Only Memory, etc.). Specifically, the room temperature control device 15 may be composed of an information terminal such as a PC (personal computer), tablet, or smartphone. The room temperature control device 15 is configured so that residents present in the floor space SB can input predetermined information (set temperature TS), including the operation details, through an operation panel installed on the side wall 51, etc.

[0038] Specifically, the room temperature control device 15 includes a determination unit 151, a temperature threshold setting unit 152, an air conditioning control unit 153, a fan control unit 154, and a storage unit 158.

[0039] The storage unit 158 ​​is composed of any recording medium such as an HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or semiconductor memory. The storage unit 158 ​​pre-records a program and basic information. The program makes the room temperature control device 15 function. The program may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and provided to the resident. Alternatively, the program may be stored on a server on the Internet. In this case, the user may operate the room temperature control device 15 to load the program from the server into the storage unit 158.

[0040] The memory unit 158 ​​stores the thermal insulation performance (thermal insulation specifications) of the building according to this embodiment and a threshold map showing the relationship between thermal insulation performance and temperature threshold CT as basic information. The thermal insulation performance of the building is stored in the memory unit 158 ​​as the average heat transfer coefficient (UA value). Note that the smaller the UA value, the higher the thermal insulation performance of the building. The temperature threshold CT is the outside air temperature TT which serves as the criterion for deciding whether or not to switch between "normal control" and "low temperature control," which are executed by the room temperature control system, as described later. The threshold map is a map that includes multiple different thermal insulation performances and multiple different temperature threshold CTs set for each thermal insulation performance. Specifically, the threshold map is set so that the higher the thermal insulation performance, the lower the temperature threshold CT. For example, in the threshold map, when the UA value is 0.26 or less, the temperature threshold CT is set to 0°C; when the UA value exceeds 0.26 and is 0.46 or less, the temperature threshold CT is set to 3°C; and when the UA value exceeds 0.46 and is 0.60 or less, the temperature threshold CT is set to 5°C.

[0041] The temperature threshold setting unit 152 sets a temperature threshold CT that matches the thermal insulation performance of the building in this embodiment, based on the thermal insulation performance (UA value) of the building in this embodiment stored in the storage unit 158 ​​and the threshold map stored in the storage unit 158. In this embodiment, the temperature threshold CT is set based on the threshold map, but the method of setting the temperature threshold CT is not limited to this. For example, the temperature threshold setting unit 152 may set the temperature threshold CT based on information input via an operation panel (not shown) or a communication line (not shown).

[0042] The determination unit 151 determines whether the outside air temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT. In other words, the determination unit 151 determines whether the outside air temperature TT is a temperature that affects the perceived temperature.

[0043] Here, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, the control method by the room temperature control device 15 will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of a building during "normal control" performed by the room temperature control device 15 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of a building during "low temperature control" performed by the room temperature control device 15 according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a table showing the heat balance for "normal control" and "low temperature control" performed by the room temperature control device 15 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the room temperature control device 15 performs either "normal control" or "low temperature control" depending on whether the outside air temperature TT is above a temperature threshold CT or higher.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the air conditioning control unit 153 performs "normal control" using a first predetermined power (load) when the outside air temperature TT is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold CT. Similarly, the fan control unit 154 performs "normal control" using a second power (load). In Figure 7, in order to compare "normal control" and "low temperature control," the cases in which "normal control" and "low temperature control" are performed at an outside air temperature TT (0°C), where "low temperature control" should normally be performed, are shown.

[0045] In "normal control," the air conditioning control unit 153 adjusts the air conditioner 1's outlet temperature T so that the temperature in the floor space SB reaches the set temperature TS. ＡＯ And it controls the airflow. For example, in "normal control," when the set temperature TS is "20°C," the air conditioning control unit 153 controls the temperature in the underfloor space SA (target underfloor temperature) to be "28°C." Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 153 controls the discharge temperature T ＡＯ The temperature becomes "40℃", and the airflow is "1000m ２ The system is controlled to be " / h". As a result, the amount of heat supplied to the underfloor space SA by the air conditioning unit 1 is calculated to be "4200W" according to the following equation (1).

[0046] Heat quantity = 0.35 × (air volume) × {(blowing temperature) - (target under-floor temperature)}... (1) Also, in "normal control", the air volume control unit 154 controls the air volume of the blower 23 so as to stir the air in the under-floor space SA. For example, in "normal control", the air volume control unit 154 controls the air volume of the blower 23 to be "50 m ２ / h".

[0047] Next, the heat balance in the building during "normal control" will be described. By substituting the air volume of the air conditioner 1 (1000 m ２ / h), the target under-floor temperature (28°C), and the temperature of the above-floor space SB (20°C) into the following formula (2), the heat quantity (2800 W) supplied from the under-floor space SA to the above-floor space SB through the ventilation port 54a by the air conditioner 1 is calculated. Similarly, by substituting the air volume of the blower 23 (50 m ２ / h), the target under-floor temperature (28°C), and the temperature of the above-floor space SB (20°C) into the formula (2), the heat quantity (140 W) supplied from the under-floor space SA to the above-floor space SB through the ventilation port 54a by the blower 23 is calculated.

[0048] Heat quantity = 0.35 × (air volume) × {(target under-floor temperature) - (room temperature)}... (2) Also, by substituting the area of the floor 54 (50 m ２ ), the convective heat conductivity of the floor (2 W / m ２ K), the target under-floor temperature (28°C), and the temperature of the above-floor space SB (20°C) into the following formula (3), the heat quantity (800 W) supplied from the floor 54 to the above-floor space SB by the heat transfer of the floor 54 is calculated.

[0049] Heat quantity = (area of the floor) × (convective heat conductivity of the floor) × {(target under-floor temperature) - (room temperature)}... (3) Also, by substituting the perimeter of the rising part 52b of the foundation (30 m), the heat conductivity of the rising part of the foundation (0.36 W / mK), the target under-floor temperature (28°C), and the outside air temperature TT (0°C: originally the temperature at which "low-temperature control" is executed, but set to 0°C for comparison with "low-temperature control") into the following formula (4), the heat quantity (302 W) supplied from the rising part 52b of the foundation to the area outside S is calculated. As a result, "158 W" remains in the under-floor space SA as the heat balance in "normal control".

[0050] Heat quantity = (perimeter of the foundation's rising section) × (thermal conductivity of the foundation's rising section) × {(target underfloor temperature) - (outside air temperature TT)} ... (4) On the other hand, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the air conditioning control unit 153 performs "low temperature control" using a first power (load) of a first predetermined magnitude when the outside air temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT. The fan control unit 154 also performs "low temperature control" using a second power (load).

[0051] In "Low Temperature Control," the discharge temperature T is higher than when "Normal Control" is running. ＡＯ Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 1 is controlled to have a lower airflow than when "normal control" is being performed. For example, in "low temperature control," when the set temperature TS is "20°C," the air conditioning control unit 153 controls the temperature in the underfloor space SA (target underfloor temperature) to be "32°C." Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 153 controls the discharge temperature T ＡＯ The temperature becomes "60℃", and the airflow is "400m ２ The system is controlled to be " / h". As a result, equation (1) calculates that the amount of heat supplied to the underfloor space SA by the air conditioning system 1 is "3920W".

[0052] Here, we calculate the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space SA to the above-floor space SB by the air conditioning system 1. For equation (2), the airflow rate of the air conditioning system 1 is 400 m³. ２ By substituting the target underfloor temperature (32°C) and the temperature of the upper floor space SB (20°C) into equation (3), the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB through the vent 54a by the air conditioning unit 1 (1680W) can be calculated. Also, for equation (3), the area of ​​the floor 54 (50m²) can be used. ２ ), the convective thermal conductivity of the floor (2 W / m ２ By substituting K), the target underfloor temperature (32°C), and the temperature of the space above the floor SB (20°C), the amount of heat (1200W) supplied from the floor 54 to the space above the floor SB by heat transfer through the floor 54 is calculated. These amounts of heat are used to calculate the airflow rate of the blower 23 when "low temperature control" is executed, as will be explained next.

[0053] Specifically, in "low temperature control," the airflow control unit 154 controls the airflow so that it is greater than when "normal control" is being executed. Specifically, the airflow control unit 154 sets the airflow of the fan 23 when "low temperature control" is being executed to an amount that compensates for the amount of heat lost due to the switch from "normal control" to "low temperature control" which reduces the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB. More specifically, by substituting the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB when normal control is being executed (3740W = 2800W + 140W + 800W), the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB when low temperature control is being executed due to heat transfer between the air conditioner 1 and the floor 54 (2880W = 1680W + 1200W), the target underfloor temperature (32℃), and the room temperature (20℃) into the following equation (5), the airflow (205m ２ The value of ( / h) is calculated.

[0054] (Airflow of the fan) = {(Amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space to the upper floor space when normal control is performed) - (Amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space to the upper floor space when low-temperature control is performed)} / [0.35 × {(Target underfloor temperature) - (Room temperature)}] ... (5) Next, the heat balance in the building when "low-temperature control" is performed will be explained. As described above, the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB by the air conditioning system 1 is 1680W. Also, for equation (2), the airflow of the fan 23 is (205 m ２ By substituting the values ​​of the temperature (hours / hour), the target underfloor temperature (32°C), and the temperature of the upper floor space SB (20°C), the amount of heat (861W) supplied from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB through the ventilation opening 54a by the blower 23 is calculated.

[0055] As described above, the amount of heat supplied from the floor 54 to the space above the floor SB is 1200W.

[0056] Furthermore, by substituting the perimeter of the foundation's rising section 52b (30 m), the thermal conductivity of the foundation's rising section 52b (0.36 W / mK), the target underfloor temperature (32°C), and the outside air temperature TT (0°C) into equation (4), the amount of heat supplied from the foundation's rising section 52b to the area outside S (346 W) can be calculated. As a result, in "low temperature control," -167 W remains in the underfloor space SA as a heat balance. In other words, when "low temperature control" is executed, the amount of heat remaining in the underfloor space SA is reduced compared to when "normal control" is executed, and this heat is effectively utilized as heat for the upper floor space SB.

[0057] As is clear from Figure 7, in low-temperature control, the target underfloor temperature (32°C) is set higher than the target underfloor temperature (28°C) in normal control; that is, the outlet temperature of the air conditioner 1 (60°C) is set higher than the outlet temperature (40°C) in normal control. This allows the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space SA to the above-floor space SB by heat transfer from the floor 54 in normal control to increase from 800W in normal control to 1200W in low-temperature control (see equation (3) above). Therefore, in the state when low-temperature control is being executed (state in Figure 6), the temperature of the floor 54 can be raised compared to the state when normal control is being executed (Figure 5). As a result, the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants located on the floor 54 can be suppressed. This concept of the occupants' perceived temperature is similar to the reason why the perceived temperature of the occupants is higher in Figure 4 compared to Figure 3.

[0058] Furthermore, when low-temperature control is executed, the airflow rate of the blower is set to the same airflow rate as when normal control is executed (50 m³). ２ Airflow greater than (205 m / h) ２The blower 23 is controlled to be such that the temperature is 1 / h. In this way, during low-temperature control, increasing the airflow of the blower 23 allows the heat supplied by the air conditioner 1 to be widely distributed within the underfloor space SA, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the underfloor space SA and promoting the temperature rise of the floor 54 as described above, thus quickly achieving the effect of suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants. Furthermore, by increasing the airflow of the blower 23 when low-temperature control is performed, the amount of heat guided from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB through the vents in the floor 54 can also be increased (in Figure 7, it increases from 140W to 861W).

[0059] As is clear from Figure 7, when "normal control" is performed when the outside air temperature TT is 0°C, the amount of heat supplied from under the floor to above the floor is 3740W (2800 + 140 + 800). In contrast, when "low-temperature control" is performed when the outside air temperature TT is 0°C, the amount of heat supplied from under the floor to above the floor is 3741W (1680 + 861 + 1200). In this way, the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space SA to the above-floor space SB can be maintained before and after switching from "normal control" to "low-temperature control".

[0060] As explained above, according to this embodiment, when the outside air temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT, the air conditioner 1 can reduce the airflow while controlling the outlet temperature T ＡＯ By increasing the value, the load on the air conditioner 1 is avoided, while the discharge temperature T of the air conditioner 1 to the underfloor space SA is controlled. ＡＯ This allows the outlet temperature T of the air conditioner 1 to be increased. ＡＯBy increasing the temperature, the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB by heat transfer through the floor 54 is increased, that is, the temperature of the floor 54 can be raised compared to normal control. Here, the perceived temperature of the occupants located in the upper floor space SB changes according to the temperature of the surface material surrounding the upper floor space SB (ceiling 50b, side walls 51, and floor 54, etc.). As described above, when the outside air temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT, the perceived temperature of the occupants decreases as the temperature of the surface material located between the upper floor space SB and the outside space (for example, the side walls 51) decreases. However, in the above embodiment, in low-temperature control, the air conditioner 1's outlet temperature T ＡＯ By increasing the temperature, the temperature of the floor 54 can be raised compared to when normal control is maintained. As a result, when the outside air temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT, the temperature of the floor 54 can be raised compared to when the discharge temperature is maintained during normal control, thereby suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0061] Furthermore, in low-temperature control, increasing the airflow of the blower 23 allows the heat supplied by the air conditioning system 1 to be widely distributed within the underfloor space SA, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the underfloor space SA and promoting the temperature rise of the floor 54 as described above. This allows for the rapid suppression of the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0062] Furthermore, by increasing the airflow rate of the blower 23 when low-temperature control is performed, the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space SA to the above-floor space SB through the ventilation opening 54a can be increased compared to when the airflow rate of the blower 23 is maintained at the airflow rate during normal control. This also helps to suppress the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the amount of heat equivalent to the decrease in heat supplied to the floor space SB due to switching from "normal control" to "low temperature control" can be compensated for by the blower 23. Therefore, the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants can be suppressed more effectively compared to the case where the airflow of the blower 23 is less than the airflow required to compensate for the amount of heat equivalent to the decrease. Specifically, since the airflow of the air conditioner 1 is reduced when switching from normal control to low temperature control, if the airflow of the blower 23 is less than the airflow required to compensate for the amount of heat equivalent to the decrease, the total amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space SA to the floor space SB decreases when low temperature control is executed. In contrast, in this embodiment, the total amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space SA to the floor space SB can be maintained before and after switching from normal control to low temperature control, so the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants located in the floor space SB can be suppressed more effectively. Moreover, as described above, the air outlet temperature from the air conditioner 1 increases when switching from normal control to low-temperature control. This increases the ratio of the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space SA to the upper floor space SB due to heat transfer from the floor (in Figure 7, normal control: 21% = 800 / (2800 + 140 + 800)], low-temperature control: 32% = 1200 / (1680 + 861 + 1200)]), which effectively suppresses the decrease in perceived temperature for occupants located on the floor 54.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the temperature of the side walls 51 of a building is less affected by the outside air the higher the insulation performance, so the higher the insulation performance of the side walls 51, the lower the outside air temperature TT at which the occupants feel the temperature. With the room temperature control device 15, the temperature threshold CT is set lower for buildings with higher insulation performance of the side walls 51 by the temperature threshold setting unit 152, so it is possible to prevent "low temperature operation" from being executed even though the occupants feel the temperature of the highly insulated side walls 51 are not low, as would occur if the temperature threshold CT were set to a constant value regardless of the insulation performance of the side walls 51.

[0065] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the room temperature control method executed by the room temperature control device 15 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the room temperature control device 15. As shown in Figure 8, the room temperature control method comprises steps S101 to S109.

[0066] As described above, the memory unit 158 ​​pre-stores, as basic information, the thermal insulation performance (thermal insulation specifications) of the building according to this embodiment and a threshold map showing the relationship between thermal insulation performance and the temperature threshold CT. In step S101, the room temperature control device 15 acquires (reads) the thermal insulation performance of the building according to this embodiment and the threshold map from the memory unit 158.

[0067] In step S102, the temperature threshold setting unit 152 sets the temperature threshold CT such that the higher the thermal insulation performance of the building, the lower the temperature. Specifically, the temperature threshold setting unit 152 sets a temperature threshold CT appropriate for the building of this embodiment based on the thermal insulation performance and threshold map obtained from the storage unit 158.

[0068] In step S103, the room temperature control device 15 obtains the set temperature TS entered by the resident through the control panel. The control panel is installed, for example, on the side wall 51.

[0069] In step S104, the outside temperature detector 16 detects the temperature TT of the outside air located outside region S.

[0070] In step S105, the determination unit 151 determines whether the ambient temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT. If it is determined that the ambient temperature TT is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold CT, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0071] In step S106, the air conditioning control unit 153 performs "normal control" using a first power (load) of a first predetermined magnitude.

[0072] In step S107, the airflow control unit 154 performs "normal control" using the second power (load). The process returns to step S101.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the ambient temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0074] In step S108, the air conditioning control unit 153 performs "low temperature control" using a first power (load) of a first predetermined magnitude.

[0075] In step S109, the airflow control unit 154 performs "low temperature control" using the second power (load). The process returns to step S101.

[0076] As explained above, according to this embodiment, when the outside air temperature TT is lower than the temperature threshold CT, the air conditioner 1 can reduce the airflow while controlling the outlet temperature T ＡＯ By increasing the temperature, it is possible to increase the temperature supplied to the underfloor space SA while avoiding overloading the air conditioning system 1. Furthermore, in low-temperature control, by increasing the airflow rate of the blower 23, the heat supplied by the air conditioning system 1 can be widely distributed within the underfloor space SA and guided to the upper floor space SB through the ventilation openings 54a in the floor 54. Therefore, compared to maintaining the airflow rate of the blower 23 at the normal control rate, the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space SA into the upper floor space SB can be increased, thereby suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0077] Next, with reference to Figure 9, a building having multiple rooms will be described. Figure 9 is a plan cross-sectional view of a building having a room temperature control system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, five ventilation openings 54a are provided between the space above the floor and the space below the floor SA. The five ventilation openings 54a include a first ventilation opening 54aa, a second ventilation opening 54ab, a third ventilation opening 54ac, a fourth ventilation opening 54ad, and a fifth ventilation opening 54ae.

[0078] The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning system 1 is installed in the underfloor space SA. The discharged air AO from the outlet 27b is deployed in the deployment area shown by the solid line. The deployment area contains the first ventilation opening 54aa, the second ventilation opening 54ab, and the blower 23.

[0079] The building further includes a foundation riser 56 that intersects with a straight path LL connecting the outlet 27b of the blower 23 and the third ventilation opening 54ac.

[0080] The building also has a duct 57a and a duct 57b. Duct 57a extends through the foundation riser 56 from a position close to the outlet 27b on the straight path LL to a position close to the third vent 54ac and the fourth vent 54ad. As a result, the air supplied to the third vent 54ac and the fourth vent 54ad by the blower 23 is provided through duct 57a. Duct 57b extends from a position close to the outlet 27b to a position close to the fifth vent 54ae. As a result, the air supplied to the fifth vent 54ae by the blower 23 is provided through duct 57b.

[0081] As explained above, according to this embodiment, if the foundation riser 56 is located on the straight path LL connecting the air outlet 27b and the third ventilation opening 54ac, it is difficult to supply air to the third ventilation opening 54ac and the fourth ventilation opening 54ad by the blower 23. With the room temperature control system, by supplying air through the duct 57a that penetrates the foundation riser 56, it is possible to reliably supply air to the third ventilation opening 54ac and the fourth ventilation opening 54ad according to the specifications of the building.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and for example, the following embodiments may also be adopted.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the room temperature control system comprises one air conditioning unit 1 and one blower 23, but it may also comprise one air conditioning unit 1 and multiple blowers 23.

[0084] The specific embodiments described above mainly include inventions having the following configurations.

[0085] The inventors of the present invention noticed that when the temperature of any of the exterior walls, ceilings, or floors of a building decreases due to a drop in outside air temperature, the perceived temperature of the occupants decreases compared to when the temperature of any of the exterior walls, ceilings, or floors is relatively high, even if the room temperature remains the same. Based on this observation, they came up with the following invention.

[0086] In other words, the present invention provides a room temperature control method for controlling the temperature inside a controlled room in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a controlled room provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the controlled room through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning system having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying warmed air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, wherein the method provides a room temperature control method for controlling the temperature inside a controlled room, wherein normal control is performed to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning system so that the temperature inside the controlled room becomes a preset temperature; if the outdoor temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold during the execution of normal control, a higher discharge temperature than during normal control is set, and low-temperature control is performed to control the air conditioning system so that the airflow rate does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning system and is less than the airflow rate during normal control; and the blower is controlled to have a greater airflow rate during low-temperature control than during normal control.

[0087] According to the present invention, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the airflow rate is reduced while increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner, thereby increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner to the underfloor space while avoiding overloading the air conditioner. By increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in this way, the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room by heat transfer through the floor is increased, that is, the floor temperature can be raised compared to normal control. Here, the perceived temperature of an occupant located in the controlled room changes according to the temperature of the surface materials (ceiling, walls, and floor, etc.) surrounding the controlled room. As described above, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the temperature of the surface materials (e.g., walls) located between the controlled room and the outside space decreases, causing the perceived temperature of the occupant to decrease. However, in the present invention, by increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in low-temperature control as described above, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining normal control. As a result, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining the discharge temperature during normal control when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, thereby suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupant.

[0088] Furthermore, in this invention, when low-temperature control is performed, the blower is controlled so that the airflow of the blower is greater than when normal control is performed. In this way, by increasing the airflow of the blower during low-temperature control, the heat supplied by the air conditioning system can be widely distributed in the underfloor space, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the underfloor space and promoting the aforementioned rise in floor temperature, thus quickly achieving the effect of suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0089] Furthermore, by increasing the airflow of the fan when low-temperature control is performed, the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space into the controlled room through the vents can be increased compared to when the fan airflow is maintained at the airflow during normal control. This also helps to suppress the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0090] In the above-mentioned room temperature control method, it is preferable that the airflow rate of the blower set when the low-temperature control is executed is set to an airflow rate that compensates for the amount of heat equivalent to the decrease in the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space into the controlled room due to the switching from the normal control to the low-temperature control.

[0091] With this configuration, the amount of heat lost to the controlled room due to the switch from normal control to low-temperature control can be compensated for by the fan. Therefore, the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants can be suppressed more effectively compared to the case where the fan's airflow is less than the airflow required to compensate for the loss. Specifically, since the airflow of the air conditioning system is reduced when switching from normal control to low-temperature control, if the fan's airflow is less than the airflow required to compensate for the loss, the total amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room decreases when low-temperature control is executed. In contrast, with this invention, the total amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space to the controlled room can be maintained before and after switching from normal control to low-temperature control, so the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants located in the controlled room can be suppressed more effectively. Moreover, as mentioned above, switching from normal control to low-temperature control increases the discharge temperature from the air conditioning system. This increases the proportion of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room through heat transfer from the floor, which in turn increases the proportion of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room through heat transfer from the floor. As a result, the decrease in perceived temperature for occupants located above the floor can be effectively suppressed.

[0092] In the above-mentioned room temperature control method, it is preferable that the temperature threshold is set to a lower temperature the higher the thermal insulation performance of the building.

[0093] The temperature of the ceiling, exterior walls, and floor of a building is less affected by the outside air the higher the building's insulation performance, and therefore the lower the insulation performance, the lower the outside air temperature at which the occupants feel the temperature. According to the above method, the temperature threshold is set lower for buildings with higher insulation performance, so it is possible to prevent low-temperature operation from being performed even though the occupants of a highly insulated building do not feel the temperature, as would occur if the temperature threshold were set to be constant regardless of insulation performance.

[0094] In the above-mentioned room temperature control method, the building preferably has a foundation rise that intersects a straight path connecting the air outlet of the blower and the ventilation opening in the underfloor space, and the air supply to the ventilation opening by the blower is preferably performed through a duct that extends through the foundation rise from a position close to the air outlet to a position close to the ventilation opening on the straight path.

[0095] When a foundation rise exists on the straight path connecting the air outlet and the ventilation opening, it is difficult to supply air to the ventilation opening using a blower. According to the above method, by supplying air through a duct that penetrates the foundation rise, it is possible to reliably supply air to the ventilation opening according to the specifications of the building.

[0096] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a room temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside a room to be controlled in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning device having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying warmed air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, wherein the room temperature control device performs normal control to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning device so that the temperature inside the room to be controlled becomes a preset temperature, and during the execution of the normal control, the outdoor temperature becomes a preset temperature A room temperature control device is provided, comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the temperature is lower than a threshold; and a blower control unit that controls the airflow rate of the blower, wherein when the determination unit determines that the outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, a higher discharge temperature than that during normal control is set, and the air conditioning control unit executes a low-temperature control that controls the air conditioning system to have an airflow rate that does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning system and is less than the airflow rate during normal control, and the blower control unit controls the blower to have an airflow rate that is greater than that during normal control when the low-temperature control is executed.

[0097] According to the present invention, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the airflow rate is reduced while increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner, thereby increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner to the underfloor space while avoiding overloading the air conditioner. By increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in this way, the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room by heat transfer through the floor is increased, that is, the floor temperature can be raised compared to normal control. Here, the perceived temperature of an occupant located in the controlled room changes according to the temperature of the surface materials (ceiling, walls, and floor, etc.) surrounding the controlled room. As described above, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the temperature of the surface materials (e.g., walls) located between the controlled room and the outside space decreases, causing the perceived temperature of the occupant to decrease. However, in the present invention, by increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in low-temperature control as described above, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining normal control. As a result, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining the discharge temperature during normal control when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, thereby suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupant.

[0098] Furthermore, in this invention, when low-temperature control is performed, the blower is controlled so that the airflow of the blower is greater than when normal control is performed. In this way, by increasing the airflow of the blower during low-temperature control, the heat supplied by the air conditioning system can be widely distributed in the underfloor space, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the underfloor space and promoting the aforementioned rise in floor temperature, thus quickly achieving the effect of suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0099] Furthermore, by increasing the airflow of the fan when low-temperature control is performed, the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space into the controlled room through the vents can be increased compared to when the fan airflow is maintained at the airflow during normal control. This also helps to suppress the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0100] In the room temperature control device, it is preferable that the airflow control unit sets the airflow rate of the fan when the low-temperature control is executed to an airflow rate that compensates for the amount of heat lost due to the switch from the normal control to the low-temperature control, which reduces the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space into the controlled room.

[0101] With this configuration, the amount of heat lost to the controlled room due to the switch from normal control to low-temperature control can be compensated for by the fan. Therefore, the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants can be suppressed more effectively compared to the case where the fan's airflow is less than the airflow required to compensate for the loss. Specifically, since the airflow of the air conditioning system is reduced when switching from normal control to low-temperature control, if the fan's airflow is less than the airflow required to compensate for the loss, the total amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room decreases when low-temperature control is executed. In contrast, with this invention, the total amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space to the controlled room can be maintained before and after switching from normal control to low-temperature control, so the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants located in the controlled room can be suppressed more effectively. Moreover, as mentioned above, switching from normal control to low-temperature control increases the discharge temperature from the air conditioning system. This increases the proportion of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room through heat transfer from the floor, which in turn increases the proportion of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room through heat transfer from the floor. As a result, the decrease in perceived temperature for occupants located above the floor can be effectively suppressed.

[0102] In the above-mentioned room temperature control device, it is preferable that the room temperature control device further includes a temperature threshold setting unit that sets the temperature threshold so that the temperature becomes lower the higher the thermal insulation performance of the building.

[0103] The temperature of the ceiling, exterior walls, and floor of a building is less affected by the outside air the higher the building's insulation performance, and therefore the lower the insulation performance, the lower the outside air temperature at which the occupants feel the temperature. With the above configuration, the temperature threshold is set lower for buildings with higher insulation performance, so it is possible to prevent the system from being operated at low temperatures even though the occupants of a highly insulated building do not feel the temperature, as would occur if the temperature threshold were set to a constant value regardless of insulation performance.

[0104] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a program implemented in a room temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside a room to be controlled in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning device having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying heated air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, the program comprising: an air conditioning control unit that performs normal control to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning device so that the temperature inside the room to be controlled becomes a preset temperature; and during the execution of the normal control, the outdoor temperature is preset The program provides a determination unit that determines whether the temperature is lower than a set temperature threshold, and a blower control unit that controls the airflow rate of the blower, thereby enabling the room temperature control device to function. If the determination unit determines that the outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, a higher discharge temperature than that during normal control is set, and the air conditioning control unit performs low-temperature control to control the air conditioning device so that the airflow rate does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning device and is less than that during normal control, while the discharge temperature is higher than that during normal control is set. The program also provides a program in which the blower control unit controls the blower so that the airflow rate is greater than that during normal control when low-temperature control is performed.

[0105] According to the present invention, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the airflow rate is reduced while increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner, thereby increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner to the underfloor space while avoiding overloading the air conditioner. By increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in this way, the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room by heat transfer through the floor is increased, that is, the floor temperature can be raised compared to normal control. Here, the perceived temperature of an occupant located in the controlled room changes according to the temperature of the surface materials (ceiling, walls, and floor, etc.) surrounding the controlled room. As described above, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the temperature of the surface materials (e.g., walls) located between the controlled room and the outside space decreases, causing the perceived temperature of the occupant to decrease. However, in the present invention, by increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in low-temperature control as described above, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining normal control. As a result, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining the discharge temperature during normal control when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, thereby suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupant.

[0106] Furthermore, in this invention, when low-temperature control is performed, the blower is controlled so that the airflow of the blower is greater than when normal control is performed. In this way, by increasing the airflow of the blower during low-temperature control, the heat supplied by the air conditioning system can be widely distributed in the underfloor space, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the underfloor space and promoting the aforementioned rise in floor temperature, thus quickly achieving the effect of suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0107] Furthermore, by increasing the airflow of the fan when low-temperature control is performed, the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space into the controlled room through the vents can be increased compared to when the fan airflow is maintained at the airflow during normal control. This also helps to suppress the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention provides a room temperature control system comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning device having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying heated air into the underfloor space; a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space; and a room temperature control device for controlling the temperature in the room to be controlled.

[0109] According to the present invention, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the airflow rate is reduced while increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner, thereby increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner to the underfloor space while avoiding overloading the air conditioner. By increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in this way, the amount of heat supplied from the underfloor space to the controlled room by heat transfer through the floor is increased, that is, the floor temperature can be raised compared to normal control. Here, the perceived temperature of an occupant located in the controlled room changes according to the temperature of the surface materials (ceiling, walls, and floor, etc.) surrounding the controlled room. As described above, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, the temperature of the surface materials (e.g., walls) located between the controlled room and the outside space decreases, causing the perceived temperature of the occupant to decrease. However, in the present invention, by increasing the discharge temperature of the air conditioner in low-temperature control as described above, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining normal control. As a result, the floor temperature can be raised compared to maintaining the discharge temperature during normal control when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature threshold, thereby suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupant.

[0110] Furthermore, in this invention, when low-temperature control is performed, the blower is controlled so that the airflow of the blower is greater than when normal control is performed. In this way, by increasing the airflow of the blower during low-temperature control, the heat supplied by the air conditioning system can be widely distributed in the underfloor space, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the underfloor space and promoting the aforementioned rise in floor temperature, thus quickly achieving the effect of suppressing the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0111] Furthermore, by increasing the airflow of the fan when low-temperature control is performed, the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space into the controlled room through the vents can be increased compared to when the fan airflow is maintained at the airflow during normal control. This helps to suppress the decrease in the perceived temperature of the occupants.

[0112] In the above-mentioned room temperature control system, it is preferable that the system further includes a foundation riser that intersects a straight path connecting the air outlet of the blower and the ventilation opening in the underfloor space, and a duct that extends through the foundation riser from a position near the air outlet to a position near the ventilation opening on the straight path.

[0113] When a foundation rise exists on the straight path connecting the air outlet and the ventilation opening, it is difficult to supply air to the ventilation opening using a blower. With the above configuration, by supplying air through a duct that penetrates the foundation rise, it is possible to reliably supply air to the ventilation opening according to the specifications of the building.

Claims

1. A room temperature control method for controlling the temperature inside a room to be controlled in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning system having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying warmed air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, the method comprising: executing normal control to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning system so that the temperature inside the room to be controlled reaches a preset temperature; executing low-temperature control if the outdoor temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold, setting a higher discharge temperature than during normal control, and controlling the air conditioning system so that the airflow rate does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning system and is less than the airflow rate during normal control; and controlling the blower so that the airflow rate is greater than that during normal control.

2. The room temperature control method according to claim 1, wherein the airflow rate of the blower set when the low-temperature control is executed is set to an airflow rate that compensates for the amount of heat equivalent to the decrease in the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space into the room to be controlled due to the switching from the normal control to the low-temperature control.

3. The room temperature control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature threshold is set to a lower temperature as the thermal insulation performance of the building increases.

4. The method for controlling room temperature according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the building has a foundation rise that intersects a straight path connecting the air outlet of the blower and the ventilation opening in a straight line within the underfloor space, and the blower provides air to the ventilation opening through a duct that extends through the foundation rise from a position near the air outlet to a position near the ventilation opening along the straight path.

5. A room temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside a room to be controlled in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning system having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying warmed air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, comprising: an air conditioning control unit that performs normal control to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning system so that the temperature inside the room to be controlled becomes a preset temperature; a determination unit that determines whether the outdoor temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold during the execution of the normal control; and a blower control unit that controls the airflow rate of the blower, A room temperature control device in which, when the determination unit determines that the outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, a higher discharge temperature than that during normal control is set, and the air conditioning control unit performs low-temperature control to control the air conditioning system so that the airflow does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning system and is less than the airflow during normal control when the discharge temperature is set higher than that during normal control is set, and the blower control unit controls the blower so that the airflow is greater during low-temperature control than during normal control.

6. The room temperature control device according to claim 5, wherein the airflow control unit sets the airflow rate of the fan when the low-temperature control is executed to an airflow rate that compensates for the amount of heat that is reduced by the amount of heat introduced from the underfloor space to the controlled room due to the switching from the normal control to the low-temperature control.

7. The room temperature control device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a temperature threshold setting unit that sets the temperature threshold such that the temperature decreases as the thermal insulation performance of the building increases.

8. A program to be implemented in a room temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside a room to be controlled in a building comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning system having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying warmed air into the underfloor space; and a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space, the program comprising: an air conditioning control unit that performs normal control to control the discharge temperature and airflow rate of the air conditioning system so that the temperature inside the room to be controlled becomes a preset temperature; a determination unit that determines whether the outdoor temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold during the execution of the normal control; and a blower control unit that controls the airflow rate of the blower, thereby causing the room temperature control device to function. A program in which, when the determination unit determines that the outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, a higher discharge temperature than during normal control is set, and the air conditioning control unit performs low-temperature control to control the air conditioning system so that the airflow does not exceed the upper limit of the load set for the air conditioning system and is less than the airflow during normal control, and the blower control unit controls the blower so that the airflow is greater during low-temperature control than during normal control.

9. A room temperature control system comprising: a floor having ventilation openings; a room to be controlled provided above the floor; an underfloor space provided below the floor and connected to the room to be controlled through the ventilation openings; an air conditioning device having a heating function and a warm air outlet capable of supplying heated air into the underfloor space; a blower having an air outlet capable of supplying air into the underfloor space; and a room temperature control device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 for controlling the temperature in the room to be controlled.

10. The room temperature control system according to claim 9, further comprising: a foundation riser that intersects a straight path connecting the air outlet of the blower and the ventilation opening in the underfloor space; and a duct that extends through the foundation riser from a position near the air outlet to a position near the ventilation opening on the straight path.

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