Air conditioning system, control device, and control method

Abstract

In an air conditioning system 1000, an air conditioner 300 performs conditioning of air in a predetermined space in a building. A conveyance fan 120 conveys the air in the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms of the building via ceiling openings provided in ceilings of the building and ducts communicating with the ceiling openings. A control device 460 controls the air conditioner 300 and the conveyance fan 120. A switching unit 466 switches between an air conditioning mode and an air circulation mode. In the air conditioning mode, a control unit 468 causes the air conditioner 300 to perform air conditioning operations, and causes the conveyance fan 120 to operate, on the basis of a room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms. In the air circulation mode, the control unit 468 stops the air conditioner 300 or causes the air conditioner 300 to perform air blowing operations, and causes the conveyance fan 120 to operate with an air volume equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

Description

Air conditioning system, control device, and control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control device, and a control method.

[0002] A whole-building air conditioning system controls air conditioning of at least one independently provided air conditioning room in a highly heat-insulating and highly airtight house including a plurality of living rooms, and distributes and supplies air in the air conditioning room to each living room connected to the air conditioning room via a conveyance duct (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 21 / 060066

[0004] In a whole-building air conditioning system, a technology is conceivable in which an air conditioner controls temperature based on a temperature detected by a single temperature sensor installed in a predetermined room in a building. With this technology, when there are rooms with good sunlight and rooms with poor sunlight in the building, the temperature difference between the plurality of rooms may increase due to the influence of solar radiation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of reducing the temperature difference between rooms even if there is a difference in sunlight between the rooms.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an air conditioning system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an air conditioner that conditions air in a predetermined space in a building; a conveyance fan that conveys the air in the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms of the building via a ceiling opening provided in a ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening; and a control device that controls the air conditioner and the conveyance fan. The control device includes: a switching unit that switches between an air conditioning mode and an air circulation mode; and a control unit that causes the air conditioner to perform an air conditioning operation and causes the conveyance fan to operate based on a room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms in the air conditioning mode, and causes the air conditioner to stop or perform a blowing operation and causes the conveyance fan to operate with an air volume equal to or larger than a predetermined amount in the air circulation mode.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a control device. This device is a control device for controlling an air conditioner that air-conditions the air in a predetermined space within a building, and a transport fan that transports the air in the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening, and comprises a switching unit that switches between an air conditioning mode and an air circulation mode, and a control unit that, in the air conditioning mode, causes the air conditioner to operate in air conditioning mode and the transport fan to operate based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and in the air circulation mode, stops the air conditioner or operates in fan mode and operates the transport fan at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is a control method. This method controls an air conditioner that air-conditions the air in a predetermined space within a building, and a transport fan that transports the air in the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening, wherein in the air conditioning mode, the air conditioner is operated in air conditioning mode and the transport fan is operated based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner is stopped or operated in fan mode and the transport fan is operated at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

[0009] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure.

[0010] According to this disclosure, even if there are differences in the amount of sunlight each room receives, the temperature difference between rooms can be minimized.

[0011] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a house in which the air conditioning system of the first embodiment is installed. This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system in Figure 1. This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the air conditioning system in Figure 2. This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the first configuration example of the air conditioning system of the second embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the air conditioning system in Figure 4. This is a flowchart showing the first processing example of the process for identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the second processing example of the process for identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight in Figure 5. This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the second configuration example of the air conditioning system of the second embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the third processing example of the process for identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the fourth processing example of the process for identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the fifth processing example of the process for identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the first processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the second processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the third processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the fourth processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5.

[0012] The embodiments described below all represent preferred specific examples of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, as well as the steps (processes) and their order shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Accordingly, among the components in the following embodiments, those components that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concepts of the present disclosure will be described as arbitrary components. In addition, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each figure, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0013] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a house 500 in which the air conditioning system 1000 of the first embodiment is installed. The first air conditioning system 1000a and the second air conditioning system 1000b are collectively referred to as the air conditioning system 1000. In the illustrated example, the house 500 is a detached house, but it may also be a single-family dwelling in an apartment building or other multi-unit housing. The house 500 includes rooms 10a to 6th 10f, collectively referred to as rooms 10, the first common space 14a and the second common space 14b, collectively referred to as common space 14, and the first ceiling space 16a and the second ceiling space 16b, collectively referred to as ceiling space 16. Rooms 10a to 3rd 10c and the first common space 14a are located on the second floor of the house 500. Rooms 4d to 6th 10f and the second common space 14b are located on the first floor of the house 500. A first attic space 16a is located between the second floor and the roof. A second attic space 16b is located between the first floor and the second floor. The first air conditioning system 1000a provides whole-house air conditioning to the rooms 10 and common spaces 14 on the second floor of the house 500. The second air conditioning system 1000b provides whole-house air conditioning to the rooms 10 and common spaces 14 on the first floor of the house 500. The first air conditioning system 1000a and the second air conditioning system 1000b can operate independently of each other. The house 500 may include only the first floor or may include three or more floors. An air conditioning system 1000 may be installed on each floor.

[0014] Room 10 includes a living room. A living room constitutes a dwelling space, which is a space in which people stay for a long time. The common space 14 is a space in which people stay for a shorter time than in a dwelling space, such as a corridor, entrance hall or other passageway, or a storage space such as a closet, and is adjacent to Room 10. Furthermore, the common space 14 and Room 10 are connected in a way that allows for ventilation, and air circulates from each Room 10 to the common space 14. Note that the common space 14 only needs to be adjacent to at least one Room 10. In other words, the common space 14 only needs to be connected in a way that allows for ventilation to at least one Room 10. Even if there is another space between the common space 14 and Room 10 and the common space 14 and Room 10 are not directly adjacent, if the common space 14 and Room 10 are connected in a way that allows for ventilation to be established between the common space 14 and the other space and Room 10, then the common space 14 and Room 10 are considered to be indirectly adjacent.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a transport fan 120, a transport duct 130, a branch chamber 140, first branch transport ducts 142a to third branch transport ducts 142c collectively referred to as branch transport ducts 142, first outlets 144a to third outlets 144c collectively referred to as outlets 144, an air conditioner 300, a housing 400, a temperature sensor 450, and a control device 460. The first air conditioning system 1000a and the second air conditioning system 1000b have equivalent configurations. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the description of the air conditioning system 1000 in the embodiments applies to the first air conditioning system 1000a and the second air conditioning system 1000b, respectively.

[0016] The air conditioner 300 is installed on the wall of the common space 14, rather than in a dedicated air conditioning room. Because a dedicated air conditioning room is not used, a reduction in effective area and an increase in costs can be suppressed. An air conditioning intake (not shown) is provided at the top of the air conditioner 300. Circulating RA (Return Air) 206 flows into the air conditioning intake from the common space 14, which is the interior of the house 500. The circulating RA 206 corresponds to the air that has moved within the house 500. The air conditioner 300 is a general-purpose air conditioner and performs air conditioning on the circulating RA 206. The air conditioner 300 controls the temperature and humidity of the circulating RA 206 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 450 approaches the set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "set temperature"). An air conditioning outlet (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the air conditioner 300, and the air conditioner 300 blows out conditioned air 210 from the air conditioning outlet. In other words, the air conditioner 300 draws in air from the common space 14 through the air conditioning intake and blows out conditioned air 210 from the air conditioning outlet.

[0017] A ceiling opening 122 is provided in the ceiling of the common space 14. The ceiling opening 122 is a through-hole that connects the common space 14 and the space above the ceiling 16. The ceiling opening 122 is connected to a branching chamber 140 via a transport duct 130, and the conditioned air 210 is transported to the branching chamber 140. The transport duct 130 and the branching transport duct 142 are pipes that carry air, in other words, air passages.

[0018] The branching chamber 140 is installed in the space above the ceiling 16 and is connected to the ceiling opening 122 via the transport duct 130, as well as to the first branching transport duct 142a and the third branching transport duct 142c. The first branching transport duct 142a is connected to the first outlet 144a, and the second branching transport duct 142b is connected to the second outlet 144b. The third branching transport duct 142c is connected to the third outlet 144c. In the first air conditioning system 1000a, the first outlet 144a is installed in the first room 10a, the second outlet 144b is installed in the second room 10b, and the third outlet 144c is installed in the third room 10c. In the second air conditioning system 1000b, the first air outlet 144a is installed in the fourth room 10d, the second air outlet 144b is installed in the fifth room 10e, and the third air outlet 144c is installed in the sixth room 10f.

[0019] The transport fan 120 delivers the conditioned air 210 blown out from the air conditioner outlet of the air conditioner 300 to the ceiling opening 122 and also transports it to each room 10 via the transport duct 130 which is connected to the ceiling opening 122. In other words, the conditioned air 210 is blown out from the air conditioner outlet of the air conditioner 300, then sucked into the intake of the transport fan 120, and blown out from the outlet of the transport fan 120. The conditioned air 210 blown out from the outlet of the transport fan 120 passes through the ceiling opening 122 and is transported to each room 10 via the transport duct 130, branch chamber 140, first branch transport duct 142a to third branch transport duct 142c, and first outlet 144a to third outlet 144c. In the first air conditioning system 1000a, the conditioned air 210 blown out from the outlet of the transport fan 120 is transported from the first room 10a to the third room 10c. In the second air conditioning system 1000b, the conditioned air 210 blown out from the outlet of the transport fan 120 is transported from the fourth room 10d to the sixth room 10f. Each outlet 144 is installed on the side wall or ceiling surface of each room 10 and discharges the conditioned air 210 blown from the transport fan 120 into each room 10. Since each room 10 is connected to a common space 14, the conditioned air 210 blown out from the outlet 144 also circulates into the common space 14. A portion of the circulating air flows into the air conditioner 300 as circulating RA206.

[0020] When the conditioned air 210 blown out from the air outlet of the air conditioner 300 diffuses into the common space 14, the amount of conditioned air 210 supplied to each room 10 via the ceiling opening 122 decreases, thus reducing the efficiency of the air conditioning. To suppress this decrease in efficiency, in this embodiment, a housing 400 is installed in the common space 14. The housing 400 connects the air outlet of the air conditioner 300 to the ceiling opening 122, thereby suppressing the leakage of conditioned air 210 into the common space 14.

[0021] The ventilation space enclosed by the housing 400 is spatially independent from the common space 14. With this configuration, the conditioned air 210 blown out from the air conditioning outlet of the air conditioner 300 is guided through the ventilation space to the ceiling opening 122. In detail, the conditioned air 210 blown out from the air conditioning outlet is transported in the following order: the intake of the transport fan 120, the outlet of the transport fan 120, and the ceiling opening 122. In other words, because the conditioned air 210 is ventilated through a spatially independent ventilation space, diffusion of the conditioned air 210 into the common space 14 can be suppressed. The air conditioner 300 conditioned the air in the ventilation space within the housing 400, which is a predetermined space. The circulating RA 206 in the common space 14 is drawn into the air conditioning intake of the air conditioner 300 via an intake opening (not shown) of the housing 400.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 460 includes a temperature acquisition unit 462, a reception unit 464, a switching unit 466, and a control unit 468.

[0023] The temperature sensor 450 is installed in a predetermined room 10 and detects the temperature of that room 10 (hereinafter referred to as "room temperature"). In the example shown in Figure 1, the temperature sensor 450 of the first air conditioning system 1000a is installed in the first room 10a, and the temperature sensor 450 of the second air conditioning system 1000b is installed in the sixth room 10f. The temperature sensor 450 has a communication function such as wireless communication and transmits the detected room temperature to the control device 460. The air conditioning system 1000 may be equipped with multiple temperature sensors 450, and a temperature sensor 450 may be installed in each room 10.

[0024] The control device 460 controls the entire air conditioning system 1000. The control device 460 is communicated wirelessly with the transport fan 120, the air conditioner 300, and the temperature sensor 450. At least some of these may be communicated wirelessly. The control device 460 may be configured as, for example, a remote control. The control device 460 may be configured as a separate device from the remote control.

[0025] The temperature acquisition unit 462 acquires the room temperature by receiving it from the temperature sensor 450. The temperature acquisition unit 462 sends the acquired room temperature to the control unit 468.

[0026] The reception unit 464 is equipped with a user interface that can be operated by the user and accepts operation inputs from the user to set the operation of the air conditioning system 1000. These operation inputs include operation inputs for setting operating modes such as heating operation and cooling operation, operation inputs for setting the set temperature and set airflow, and operation inputs for setting the operating mode. The operating modes include air conditioning mode and air circulation mode.

[0027] The switching unit 466 switches between the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode in response to the operation input for setting the operating mode received by the reception unit 464.

[0028] The control unit 468 controls the air conditioner 300 and the transport fan 120 according to the operating mode set by the switching unit 466. In the air conditioning mode, the control unit 468 operates the air conditioner 300 and the transport fan 120 based on the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 450 of a predetermined room 10. The air conditioner 300 operates in cooling or heating mode so that the room temperature approaches the set temperature. Various known controls can be used to control the air conditioner 300 and the transport fan 120 in the air conditioning mode. For example, the control unit 468 may refer to a table that associates the air conditioning airflow of the air conditioner 300 and the fan airflow of the transport fan 120 with the room temperature and determine the air conditioning airflow and fan airflow based on the acquired room temperature.

[0029] Here, we consider the temperature conditions in each room when the air conditioning system 1000 is operating in air conditioning mode. For example, as shown in Figure 1, we assume that in the second floor of the house 500, the first room 10a, where the room temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 450, receives relatively good sunlight, while the third room 10c receives relatively poor sunlight.

[0030] In this case, the temperature of the first room 10a tends to rise due to being heated by sunlight, so when the air conditioner is running, users in the first room 10a may lower the set temperature or increase the airflow of the air conditioner 300. In this case, the temperature of the third room 10c tends to fall below the set temperature, so it may become too cold.

[0031] On the other hand, during heating operation, users in the first room 10a, where the temperature tends to rise, may lower the set temperature or reduce the airflow of the air conditioner 300. In this case, the temperature in the third room 10c is likely to fall below the set temperature, potentially causing it to become too cold.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, we assume a scenario where, on the first floor of the house 500, the fourth room 10d receives relatively good sunlight, while the sixth room 10f, where the room temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 450, receives relatively poor sunlight.

[0033] In this case, the temperature of the sixth room 10f, which is not easily heated by sunlight, tends to be lower. Therefore, when the air conditioner is running, users in the sixth room 10f may raise the set temperature or reduce the airflow of the air conditioner 300. In this case, the temperature of the fourth room 10d, which is heated by sunlight, tends to be higher than the set temperature, so it may be too hot.

[0034] On the other hand, during heating operation, users in room 6 (10f), where the temperature tends to be lower, may raise the set temperature or increase the airflow of air conditioner 300. As a result, the temperature in room 4 (10d) is likely to rise above the set temperature, potentially making it too hot.

[0035] Thus, when there is a room 10 that receives a lot of sunlight and a room 10 that does not receive much sunlight, the temperature difference between the rooms 10 tends to be large when using the air conditioning mode.

[0036] Therefore, this embodiment includes an air circulation mode. If the user wants to reduce the temperature difference between rooms 10, they can input an operation to the reception unit 464 to switch to the air circulation mode.

[0037] In air circulation mode, the control unit 468 either stops the air conditioner 300 or operates it in fan mode, and operates the transport fan 120 at an airflow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. In fan mode of the air conditioner 300, for example, the thermostat is turned off, and neither cooling nor heating is performed on the air. The predetermined amount can be appropriately determined by experiment or simulation.

[0038] This allows air to be circulated between multiple rooms 10 with cooling and heating operations stopped, thus reducing temperature differences between rooms 10 even if there are differences in the amount of sunlight each room 10 receives.

[0039] An airflow rate exceeding a predetermined amount may be the maximum airflow rate. This increases the amount of air circulating per unit time, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the 10 rooms in a shorter amount of time.

[0040] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the air conditioning system 1000 in Figure 2. The switching unit 466 is set to air conditioning mode (S10), and if there is no operation to start the air circulation mode (N in S12), the process returns to S12. If there is an operation to start the air circulation mode (Y in S12), the switching unit 466 is set to air circulation mode (S14). If there is no operation to stop the air circulation mode (N in S16), the process returns to S16. If there is an operation to stop the air circulation mode (Y in S16), the process returns to S10.

[0041] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0042] According to this embodiment, by setting the system to air circulation mode, air can be circulated between multiple rooms 10, so that even if there are differences in the amount of sunlight each room 10 receives, the temperature difference between the rooms 10 can be reduced.

[0043] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it identifies rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight, and automatically switches between the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode based on the difference in solar radiation or temperature between those rooms 10. The differences from the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0044] Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of a first configuration example of the air conditioning system 1000 according to the second embodiment. The air conditioning system 1000 includes a first temperature sensor 450a to a third temperature sensor 450c, collectively referred to as temperature sensor 450, and a first solar radiation sensor 490a to a third solar radiation sensor 490c, collectively referred to as solar radiation sensor 490. In other words, in addition to the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air conditioning system 1000 further includes two temperature sensors 450 and three solar radiation sensors 490.

[0045] Although not shown in the figures, in the first air conditioning system 1000a, the first temperature sensor 450a and the first solar radiation amount sensor 490a are installed in the first room 10a of FIG. 1, and the second temperature sensor 450b and the second solar radiation amount sensor 490b are installed in the second room 10b. The third temperature sensor 450c and the third solar radiation amount sensor 490c are installed in the third room 10c.

[0046] In the second air conditioning system 1000b, the first temperature sensor 450a and the first solar radiation amount sensor 490a are installed in the fourth room 10d of FIG. 1, and the second temperature sensor 450b and the second solar radiation amount sensor 490b are installed in the fifth room 10e. The third temperature sensor 450c and the third solar radiation amount sensor 490c are installed in the sixth room 10f.

[0047] The solar radiation amount sensor 490 is installed at a position exposed to sunlight incident on the room 10, and detects the amount of solar radiation in the room 10. The solar radiation amount sensor 490 has a communication function such as wireless communication, and transmits information of the detected amount of solar radiation to the control device 460.

[0048] In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the control device 460 further includes a solar radiation amount acquisition unit 470, an index value acquisition unit 472, and an identification unit 474.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the air conditioning system 1000 of FIG. 4. The control device 460 executes a process of identifying a room 10 with good sunlight and a room 10 with poor sunlight (S20), executes a mode setting process (S22), and the process returns to S20. The process of FIG. 5 is executed during daytime with sunlight, and does not need to be executed at night. Note that the process of S20 may be executed only once in the morning and executed only once in the afternoon. In this case, the process of S22 is periodically repeated during a period when the process of S20 is not executed.

[0050] The control device 460 is configured to execute one of the first to fifth processing examples described below as the process for identifying rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight in S20. The control device 460 is configured to execute one of the first to fourth processing examples described below as the mode setting process in S22. Any combination of one of the first to fifth processing examples for identifying rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight, and one of the first to fourth processing examples for mode setting, is arbitrary.

[0051] (1) First Processing Example of Room Identification Process Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a first processing example of the process for identifying rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight in Figure 5. The solar radiation acquisition unit 470 acquires the solar radiation amount for each room 10 by receiving solar radiation information from each of the multiple solar radiation sensors 490 (S30). The solar radiation acquisition unit 470 sends the acquired solar radiation amount to the index value acquisition unit 472.

[0052] The index value acquisition unit 472 derives index values ​​related to the amount of solar radiation in each room 10 (S32). The index value acquisition unit 472 derives, for example, statistical values ​​of the amount of solar radiation in each room 10 over a certain period in the past, and acquires the derived values ​​as index values ​​related to the amount of solar radiation in each room 10. The statistical values ​​are the average or maximum value of the amount of solar radiation for each room 10 over a certain period. The certain period can be determined appropriately by experiment or simulation, and may be 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month, etc. The certain period may also be within a predetermined time, for example, from 10:00 to 15:00.

[0053] The index value acquisition unit 472 may, for example, derive the increase in solar radiation in each room 10 during a predetermined time such as from 9:00 to 10:00, and may acquire the derived value as an index value related to the solar radiation in each room 10.

[0054] The index value acquisition unit 472 may derive the current solar radiation amount for each room 10, or it may derive the solar radiation amount for each room 10 at a predetermined time, such as 2 PM, and may acquire the derived value as an index value related to the solar radiation amount for each room 10. The index value acquisition unit 472 sends the acquired index value related to solar radiation to the identification unit 474.

[0055] The identification unit 474 identifies rooms 10 with relatively good sunlight and rooms 10 with relatively poor sunlight from among the multiple rooms 10 based on index values ​​related to solar radiation for each room 10 (S34). The identification unit 474 identifies the room 10 with the highest index value related to solar radiation as the room 10 with relatively good sunlight, and identifies the room 10 with the lowest index value related to solar radiation as the room 10 with relatively poor sunlight. If the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the index values ​​related to solar radiation is less than a predetermined standard value, the identification unit 474 does not need to identify rooms 10 with good sunlight, etc. After S34, the process moves to S22 in Figure 5.

[0056] This process allows for accurate identification of rooms 10 that receive relatively good sunlight and rooms 10 that receive relatively poor sunlight.

[0057] (2) Second Processing Example of Room Identification Process Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a second processing example of the process for identifying rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight in Figure 5. The temperature acquisition unit 462 acquires the temperature of each room 10 by receiving temperature information from each of the multiple temperature sensors 450 (S40). The temperature acquisition unit 462 sends the acquired temperature to the index value acquisition unit 472.

[0058] The index value acquisition unit 472 derives index values ​​for the temperature of each room 10 (S42). For example, the index value acquisition unit 472 derives statistical values ​​of the temperature of each room 10 over a certain period in the past, and acquires the derived values ​​as index values ​​for the temperature of each room 10.

[0059] The index value acquisition unit 472 may derive the increase in temperature of each room 10 during a predetermined time period, and may acquire the derived value as an index value for the temperature of each room 10. The index value acquisition unit 472 may derive the current temperature of each room 10, or the temperature of each room 10 at a predetermined time, and may acquire the derived value as an index value for the temperature of each room 10. Statistical values, a certain period, a predetermined time, etc., can be determined in the same way as in the first processing example. The index value acquisition unit 472 sends the acquired temperature index value to the identification unit 474.

[0060] The identification unit 474 identifies rooms 10 with relatively good sunlight and rooms 10 with relatively poor sunlight based on the temperature index value of each room 10 (S44). The identification unit 474 identifies the room 10 with the highest temperature index value as the room 10 with relatively good sunlight, and the room 10 with the lowest temperature index value as the room 10 with relatively poor sunlight. If the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature index values ​​is less than a predetermined standard value, the identification unit 474 does not need to identify rooms 10 with good sunlight, etc. After S44, the process moves to S22 in Figure 5.

[0061] This process also allows for accurate identification of rooms 10 with relatively good sunlight and rooms 10 with relatively poor sunlight.

[0062] The third and fourth processing examples are executed with the configuration shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows the functional configuration of the second configuration example of the air conditioning system 1000 of the second embodiment. In addition to the configuration in Figure 4, the control device 460 further includes a weather acquisition unit 476.

[0063] The weather acquisition unit 476 acquires current weather information near the location of the house 500 via a network such as the internet. The weather acquisition unit 476 may also identify the weather based on the amount of solar radiation detected by the solar radiation sensor 490 and acquire information about the identified weather.

[0064] (3) Third Processing Example of Room Identification Process Figure 9 is a flowchart of the third processing example of the process for identifying rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight in Figure 5. The weather acquisition unit 476 acquires the weather (S50), and if the weather is not sunny (N in S52), the process returns to S50. If the weather is sunny (Y in S52), the process moves to S30. The process from S30 to S34 is the same as the first processing example in Figure 6.

[0065] In other words, the index value acquisition unit 472 acquires index values ​​for the amount of solar radiation in each room 10 if the acquired weather is sunny, and does not acquire index values ​​for the amount of solar radiation in each room 10 if the acquired weather is not sunny. The identification unit 474 identifies rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight if the acquired weather is sunny, and does not identify rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight if the acquired weather is not sunny.

[0066] In the third processing example, the processing from S30 to S34 is executed only when the weather is sunny, thus reducing the computational load on the control device 460. Furthermore, since rooms with good and bad sunlight are identified based only on the index value (solar radiation) when the weather is sunny, the accuracy of identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight can be improved. For example, by acquiring only the index values ​​for sunny weather conditions over a certain period in the past (e.g., one week) and deriving statistical values ​​of the index values ​​for sunny weather conditions over that period, the accuracy of identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight can be improved.

[0067] (4) Fourth Processing Example of Room Identification Process Figure 10 is a flowchart of the fourth processing example of the process for identifying rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight in Figure 5. The processes in S50 and S52 are the same as the third processing example in Figure 9. If the weather is sunny (Y in S52), the process moves to S40. The processes from S40 to S44 are the same as the second processing example in Figure 7.

[0068] In other words, the index value acquisition unit 472 acquires index values ​​for the temperature of each room 10 if the acquired weather is sunny, and does not acquire index values ​​for the temperature of each room 10 if the acquired weather is not sunny. The identification unit 474 identifies rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight if the acquired weather is sunny, and does not identify rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight if the acquired weather is not sunny.

[0069] In the fourth processing example, the processing from S40 to S44 is executed only when the weather is sunny, thus reducing the computational load on the control device 460. Furthermore, since rooms with good and bad sunlight are identified based only on the index value (temperature) when the weather is sunny, the accuracy of identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight can be improved. For example, by acquiring only the index values ​​for sunny weather conditions over a certain period in the past (e.g., one week) and deriving statistical values ​​of the index values ​​for sunny weather conditions over that period, the accuracy of identifying rooms with good and bad sunlight can be improved.

[0070] (5) Fifth Processing Example of Room Identification Process Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the fifth processing example of the process for identifying rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight in Figure 5. The fifth processing example can be executed with the configuration shown in Figure 4. In the fifth processing example, the reception unit 464 can receive operation input from the user to specify rooms 10 with relatively good sunlight and rooms 10 with relatively poor sunlight.

[0071] If the reception unit 464 receives an input from the user to specify a room 10 with good sunlight and a room 10 with poor sunlight (Y in S60), the identification unit 474 identifies the room 10 with relatively good sunlight and the room 10 with relatively poor sunlight according to the received input (S62), and the process proceeds to S22 in Figure 5. If the reception unit 464 has not received an input from the user to specify a room 10 (N in S60), the process proceeds to S22 in Figure 5.

[0072] In the fifth processing example, for example, if the orientation and layout of the house 500 are such that the rooms 10 that receive good sunlight and the rooms 10 that receive poor sunlight remain fixed regardless of the time of day, the user can easily identify the rooms that receive good sunlight and the rooms that receive poor sunlight without performing any calculations by setting them in advance.

[0073] (6) First Processing Example of Mode Setting Process Figure 12 is a flowchart of the first processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5. The first and second processing examples can be executed with the configuration shown in Figure 4. The solar radiation acquisition unit 470 acquires the first solar radiation of the room 10 with relatively good sunlight, which is identified in S20 of Figure 5, and the second solar radiation of the room 10 with relatively poor sunlight, which is identified (S70). If the first solar radiation is higher than the second solar radiation by a solar radiation threshold or more (Y in S72), the switching unit 466 is set to air circulation mode (S74), and the process moves to S20 in Figure 5. If the first solar radiation is not higher than the second solar radiation by a solar radiation threshold or more (N in S72), the switching unit 466 is set to air conditioning mode (S76), and the process moves to S20 in Figure 5. The solar radiation threshold can be determined as appropriate by experiment or simulation. The solar radiation threshold may be set according to user input to the reception unit 464.

[0074] In other words, the switching unit 466 switches to the air circulation mode when, in the air conditioning mode, a predetermined relationship is met in which the acquired first solar radiation is higher than the acquired second solar radiation by a solar radiation threshold or more. In the air circulation mode, the switching unit 466 switches to the air conditioning mode when the predetermined relationship is not met. In the first processing example, the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode can be switched appropriately.

[0075] When this first processing example is combined with the first, third, or fifth processing example of room identification processing, the temperature sensors 450 other than one temperature sensor 450 (for example, the first temperature sensor 450a) may be omitted. In other words, when this first processing example is combined with the first, third, or fifth processing example of room identification processing, the configuration of the temperature sensors 450 as shown in Figure 1 is also acceptable. This simplifies the configuration of the air conditioning system 1000 and makes installation easier.

[0076] (7) Second Processing Example of Mode Setting Process Figure 13 is a flowchart of the second processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5. The temperature acquisition unit 462 acquires the first temperature of the room 10 with relatively good sunlight, which was identified in S20 of Figure 5, and the second temperature of the room 10 with relatively poor sunlight, which was identified (S80). If the first temperature is higher than the second temperature by a temperature threshold (Y in S82), the switching unit 466 sets to air circulation mode (S74), and the process proceeds to S20 in Figure 5. If the first temperature is not higher than the second temperature by a temperature threshold (N in S82), the switching unit 466 sets to air conditioning mode (S76), and the process proceeds to S20 in Figure 5. The temperature threshold can be determined as appropriate by experiment or simulation. The temperature threshold may also be set according to the user's operation input to the reception unit 464.

[0077] In other words, the switching unit 466 switches to the air circulation mode when, in the air conditioning mode, a predetermined relationship is met in which the acquired first temperature is higher than the acquired second temperature by a temperature threshold or more. In the air circulation mode, the switching unit 466 switches to the air conditioning mode when the predetermined relationship is not met. In the second processing example as well, the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode can be switched appropriately.

[0078] When this second processing example is combined with the second, fourth, or fifth processing example of room identification processing, the solar radiation sensor 490 may be omitted. This simplifies the configuration of the air conditioning system 1000 and simplifies installation.

[0079] (8) Third Processing Example of Mode Setting Process Figure 14 is a flowchart of the third processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5. The third and fourth setting processes are executed with the configuration shown in Figure 8. The weather acquisition unit 476 acquires the weather (S90), and if the weather is not sunny (N in S92), the switching unit 466 sets to air conditioning mode (S76), and the process moves to S20 in Figure 5. If the weather is sunny (Y in S92), the process moves to S70. The process from S70 to S76 is the same as the first processing example in Figure 12. In other words, in air conditioning mode, if the acquired weather is sunny, the switching unit 466 switches to air circulation mode if a predetermined relationship is met, and does not switch to air circulation mode if the acquired weather is not sunny. The third processing example can also appropriately switch between air conditioning mode and air circulation mode.

[0080] When this third processing example is combined with the first, third, or fifth processing example of room identification processing, the temperature sensors 450 other than one temperature sensor 450 (for example, the first temperature sensor 450a) may be omitted. In other words, when this third processing example is combined with the first, third, or fifth processing example of room identification processing, the configuration of the temperature sensors 450 as shown in Figure 1 is also acceptable. This simplifies the configuration of the air conditioning system 1000 and makes installation easier.

[0081] (9) Fourth Processing Example of Mode Setting Process Figure 15 is a flowchart of the fourth processing example of the mode setting process in Figure 5. The processes of S90 and S92 are the same as the fourth processing example in Figure 14. If the weather is sunny (Y in S92), the process moves to S80. The processes of S80, S82, S74, and S76 are the same as the third processing example in Figure 13. In other words, in the air conditioning mode, if the acquired weather is sunny and a predetermined relationship is met, the switching unit 466 switches to the air circulation mode, and does not switch to the air circulation mode if the acquired weather is not sunny. The fourth processing example can also appropriately switch between the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode.

[0082] When this fourth processing example is combined with the second, fourth, or fifth processing example of room identification processing, the solar radiation sensor 490 may be omitted. This simplifies the configuration of the air conditioning system 1000 and simplifies installation.

[0083] In the first to fourth processing examples of the mode setting process, the switching unit 466 may switch to the air conditioning mode if, in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner 300 was operating in heating mode in the previous air conditioning mode and the room temperature of the designated room is at least a first predetermined value lower than the set temperature. Alternatively, before switching to the air circulation mode, the switching unit 466 may maintain the air conditioning mode without switching to the air circulation mode if, in the previous air conditioning mode, the air conditioner 300 was operating in heating mode and the room temperature of the designated room is at least a first predetermined value lower than the set temperature. In the air circulation mode, the switching unit 466 may switch to the air conditioning mode if, in the previous air conditioning mode, the air conditioner 300 was operating in cooling mode and the room temperature of the designated room is at least a second predetermined value higher than the set temperature. Furthermore, the switching unit 466 may maintain the air conditioning mode without switching to the air circulation mode if the air conditioner 300 was operating in cooling mode in the previous air conditioning mode and the room temperature of a given room is at least two predetermined values ​​higher than the set temperature. The first predetermined value and the second predetermined value can be determined appropriately by experiment or simulation. The first predetermined value and the second predetermined value may be set according to the user's input to the reception unit 464. In this example, when the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature becomes large, the system can appropriately switch from the air circulation mode to the air conditioning mode. Also, if the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is large, the system can maintain the air conditioning mode without switching to the air circulation mode.

[0084] According to the second embodiment, the system identifies rooms 10 with good sunlight and rooms 10 with poor sunlight, and automatically switches between the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode based on the difference in solar radiation or temperature difference between those rooms 10. This eliminates the need for the user to input any commands to set the operating mode, thus improving convenience. Similar to the first embodiment, by setting the system to air circulation mode, air can be circulated between the rooms 10, thus reducing the temperature difference between the rooms 10 even if there is a difference in the amount of sunlight each room 10 receives.

[0085] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] For example, in the embodiment, an example of an air conditioning system 1000 was described in which a housing 400 that guides the air blown out from the air conditioner 300 to the ceiling opening 122 is provided in the common space 14, but the housing 400 does not have to be provided. In this case, the air conditioner 300 and the ceiling opening 122 may be provided in a dedicated air conditioning room (not shown) instead of the common space 14, and the air conditioner 300 may air condition the air in the air conditioning room, which is a predetermined space. The transport fan 120 may be provided in the air conditioning room or in the space above the ceiling 16. In this configuration, one air conditioning system 1000 may be able to air condition all rooms in a house 500 with two or more floors. Thus, the air conditioning system 1000 only needs to perform whole-house air conditioning, and its configuration is not particularly limited.

[0087] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1000 may also include a circulation duct and a circulation fan. The circulation duct may be installed in the ceiling space 16 and connect the air intakes of each room 10 to the common space 14. In air circulation mode, the circulation fan may transport the air from each room 10 to the common space 14 via the circulation duct. According to this modification, in air circulation mode, air can be circulated more efficiently between the rooms 10, and the temperature difference between the rooms 10 can be reduced in a shorter time.

[0088] One aspect of this disclosure is as follows:

[0089] [Item 1] An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner for conditioned the air in a predetermined space within a building; a transport fan for transporting the air from the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening; and a control device for controlling the air conditioner and the transport fan, wherein the control device includes: a switching unit for switching between an air conditioning mode and an air circulation mode; a control unit for, in the air conditioning mode, causing the air conditioner to operate in air conditioning mode and the transport fan to operate based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and for, in the air circulation mode, stopping the air conditioner or causing it to operate in fan mode and operating the transport fan at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

[0090] [Item 2] The air conditioning system according to Item 1, wherein the control unit operates the transport fan at maximum airflow in the air circulation mode.

[0091] [Item 3] The air conditioning system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the control device further includes a receiving unit that receives operation input from a user to set an operating mode, and the switching unit switches between the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode in accordance with the operation input received by the receiving unit.

[0092] [Item 4] The control device further comprises: an identification unit that identifies rooms with relatively good sunlight and rooms with relatively poor sunlight from among the plurality of rooms; a solar radiation acquisition unit that acquires a first solar radiation amount for the identified rooms with relatively good sunlight and a second solar radiation amount for the identified rooms with relatively poor sunlight, and the switching unit switches to the air circulation mode when a predetermined relationship is met in the air conditioning mode, such that the acquired first solar radiation amount is higher than or equal to a solar radiation threshold amount for the acquired second solar radiation amount. The air conditioning system according to item 1 or 2.

[0093] [Item 5] The control device further comprises: an identification unit that identifies rooms with relatively good sunlight and rooms with relatively poor sunlight from among the plurality of rooms; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires a first temperature of the identified rooms with relatively good sunlight and a second temperature of the identified rooms with relatively poor sunlight; and the switching unit switches to the air circulation mode when a predetermined relationship is met in the air conditioning mode, such that the acquired first temperature is higher than the acquired second temperature by a temperature threshold or more. The air conditioning system according to item 1 or 2.

[0094] [Item 6] The control device further comprises a weather acquisition unit for acquiring weather information, and the switching unit switches to the air circulation mode if the acquired weather is sunny and the predetermined relationship is met, according to item 4 or 5.

[0095] [Item 7] The air conditioning system according to item 4 or 5, wherein the switching unit switches to the air conditioning mode if the predetermined relationship is not met in the air circulation mode.

[0096] [Item 8] The air conditioning system according to item 4 or 5, wherein the switching unit switches to the air conditioning mode when, in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner is operating in heating mode in the previous air conditioning mode and the room temperature of the predetermined room is at least a first predetermined value lower than the set temperature, and switches to the air conditioning mode when, in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode in the previous air conditioning mode and the room temperature of the predetermined room is at least a second predetermined value higher than the set temperature.

[0097] [Item 9] The air conditioning system according to Item 4 or 5, wherein the control device further includes an index value acquisition unit that acquires index values ​​for the amount of solar radiation or temperature of each of the plurality of rooms, and the identification unit identifies rooms that receive relatively good sunlight and rooms that receive relatively poor sunlight based on the acquired index values ​​for the amount of solar radiation or temperature of each of the plurality of rooms.

[0098] [Item 10] The control device further comprises a weather acquisition unit for acquiring weather information, and the index value acquisition unit acquires index values ​​relating to the amount of solar radiation or temperature of each of the plurality of rooms when the acquired weather is sunny, the air conditioning system according to Item 9.

[0099] [Item 11] The control device further includes a receiving unit that receives operation input from a user to specify a room with relatively good sunlight and a room with relatively poor sunlight, and the identifying unit identifies the room with relatively good sunlight and the room with relatively poor sunlight according to the operation input received by the receiving unit, the air conditioning system according to item 4 or 5.

[0100] [Item 12] A control device for controlling an air conditioner that conditioned the air in a predetermined space within a building, and a transport fan that transported the air from the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening, comprising: a switching unit that switches between an air conditioning mode and an air circulation mode; and a control unit that, in the air conditioning mode, causes the air conditioner to operate in air conditioning mode and the transport fan to operate based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and in the air circulation mode, stops the air conditioner or operates in fan mode and operates the transport fan at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

[0101] [Item 13] A control method for controlling an air conditioner that air-conditions the air in a predetermined space within a building, and a transport fan that transports the air in the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening, wherein in the air conditioning mode, the air conditioner is operated in air conditioning mode and the transport fan is operated based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner is stopped or operated in fan mode and the transport fan is operated at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

[0102] This disclosure can be used in air conditioning systems, control devices, and control methods.

[0103] 10...Room, 120...Transport fan, 122...Ceiling opening, 300...Air conditioner, 450...Temperature sensor, 460...Control device, 462...Temperature acquisition unit, 464...Reception unit, 466...Switching unit, 468...Control unit, 470...Solar radiation acquisition unit, 472...Index value acquisition unit, 474...Specification unit, 476...Weather acquisition unit, 490...Solar radiation sensor, 1000...Air conditioning system.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner for conditioned the air in a predetermined space within a building; a transport fan for transporting the air from the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening; and a control device for controlling the air conditioner and the transport fan, wherein the control device includes: a switching unit for switching between an air conditioning mode and an air circulation mode; a control unit for, in the air conditioning mode, causing the air conditioner to operate in air conditioning mode and the transport fan to operate based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and for, in the air circulation mode, stopping the air conditioner or causing it to operate in fan mode and operating the transport fan at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the transport fan at maximum airflow in the air circulation mode.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device further includes a receiving unit that receives operation input from a user for setting an operating mode, and the switching unit switches between the air conditioning mode and the air circulation mode in accordance with the operation input received by the receiving unit.

4. The control device further comprises: an identification unit that identifies rooms with relatively good sunlight and rooms with relatively poor sunlight from among the plurality of rooms; a solar radiation acquisition unit that acquires a first solar radiation amount for the identified rooms with relatively good sunlight and a second solar radiation amount for the identified rooms with relatively poor sunlight; and the switching unit switches to the air circulation mode when a predetermined relationship is met in the air conditioning mode, such that the acquired first solar radiation amount is higher than or equal to a solar radiation threshold amount for the acquired second solar radiation amount.

5. The control device further comprises: a identification unit that identifies rooms with relatively good sunlight and rooms with relatively poor sunlight from among the plurality of rooms; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires a first temperature of the identified rooms with relatively good sunlight and a second temperature of the identified rooms with relatively poor sunlight; and the switching unit switches to the air circulation mode when a predetermined relationship is met in the air conditioning mode, such that the acquired first temperature is at least a temperature threshold higher than the acquired second temperature.

6. The control device further comprises a weather acquisition unit for acquiring weather information, and the switching unit switches to the air circulation mode if the acquired weather is sunny and the predetermined relationship is satisfied, according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the switching unit switches to the air conditioning mode if the predetermined relationship is not met in the air circulation mode.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the switching unit switches to the air conditioning mode when, in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner is operating in heating mode in the previous air conditioning mode and the room temperature of the predetermined room is at least a first predetermined value lower than the set temperature, and switches to the air conditioning mode when, in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode in the previous air conditioning mode and the room temperature of the predetermined room is at least a second predetermined value higher than the set temperature.

9. The control device further comprises an index value acquisition unit that acquires index values ​​relating to the amount of solar radiation or temperature of each of the plurality of rooms, and the identification unit identifies rooms that receive relatively good sunlight and rooms that receive relatively poor sunlight based on the acquired index values ​​relating to the amount of solar radiation or temperature of each of the plurality of rooms, the air conditioning system according to claim 4 or 5.

10. The air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein the control device further comprises a weather acquisition unit for acquiring weather information, and the index value acquisition unit acquires index values ​​relating to the amount of solar radiation or temperature of each of the plurality of rooms when the acquired weather is sunny.

11. The control device further includes a receiving unit that receives operation input from a user to specify a room with relatively good sunlight and a room with relatively poor sunlight, and the identifying unit identifies the room with relatively good sunlight and the room with relatively poor sunlight according to the operation input received by the receiving unit, the air conditioning system according to claim 4 or 5.

12. A control device for controlling an air conditioner that conditioned the air in a predetermined space within a building, and a transport fan that transported the air from the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening, the control device comprising: a switching unit that switches between an air conditioning mode and an air circulation mode; and a control unit that, in the air conditioning mode, causes the air conditioner to operate in air conditioning mode and the transport fan to operate based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and in the air circulation mode, stops the air conditioner or operates in fan mode and operates the transport fan at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

13. A control method for controlling an air conditioner that conditioned the air in a predetermined space within a building, and a transport fan that transported the air from the predetermined space to each of a plurality of rooms in the building via a ceiling opening provided in the ceiling of the building and a duct communicating with the ceiling opening, wherein in the air conditioning mode, the air conditioner is operated in air conditioning mode and the transport fan is operated based on the room temperature detected in a predetermined room among the plurality of rooms, and in the air circulation mode, the air conditioner is stopped or operated in fan mode and the transport fan is operated at an airflow rate of a predetermined amount or more.

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