JP7507387B2 - Air flow creation system and air flow creation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air flow creation system and an air flow creation method .

Patent document 1 discloses a ventilation system in which multiple ventilation devices are installed in a single target space, each of which is equipped with a carbon dioxide sensor.

JP 2018-119752 A

The present invention provides an airflow forming system that can easily reduce the risk of infection with infectious diseases in a target space.

An airflow creation system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an air conditioning system and a return mechanism. The air conditioning system supplies air from a space above a ceiling of a target space to the target space, and exhausts the air from the target space to the upper space. The return mechanism draws in air from the target space from a position closer to the floor than the ceiling, and forms a return path that returns the drawn-in air to the upper space.

An airflow creation system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an air conditioning system and a return mechanism. The air conditioning system supplies air from a space above a ceiling in a target space to the target space, and exhausts the air from the target space to the upper space. The return mechanism draws in air from the target space through a floor in the target space, and forms a return path that returns the drawn-in air to a space in the attic below the floor. The return mechanism comprises an opening that introduces the air from the target space to the space below the floor, and introduces the air from the lower space to the space in the attic below the floor.

A manufacturing method for an airflow creation system according to one aspect of the present invention includes installing a return mechanism in the target space corresponding to an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system supplies air from a space above the ceiling of the target space to the target space, and exhausts the air from the target space to the upper space. The return mechanism draws in air from the target space from a position closer to the floor than the ceiling, and forms a return path that returns the drawn-in air to the upper space.

A manufacturing method for an airflow creation system according to one aspect of the present invention includes installing an air conditioning system corresponding to a target space and installing a return mechanism. The air conditioning system supplies air from a space above the ceiling of the target space to the target space and exhausts the air from the target space to the upper space. The return mechanism draws in air from the target space from a position closer to the floor than the ceiling, and forms a return path that returns the drawn-in air to the upper space.

An airflow forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of easily reducing the risk of infection with an infectious disease in the target space.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of an air flow creation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a return path of the air flow creation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the air flow creation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the air flow creation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first control example of the air flow creation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a second control example of the air flow creation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an air flow formed by an air flow generating system of a comparative example. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the air flow formed by the air flow creation system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air flow creation system according to the second embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
[composition]
First, the configuration of the airflow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the airflow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the airflow creation system 100 is a system that creates an airflow in a target space 4. The target space 4 is, for example, a room in a facility such as an office building. The target space 4 is not limited to one large room, but may be multiple rooms separated by walls or the like. The facility is not limited to an office building, but may be other facilities. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the target space 4 includes multiple (here, two) spaces (a first indoor space 4a and a second indoor space 4b). In the example shown in FIG. 1, no wall is provided at the boundary between the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b (see the dashed line in FIG. 1), but a wall may be provided. The target space 4 may be one space without including multiple spaces.

The arrow A1 in FIG. 1 represents the flow of air, and is the same in other figures. The airflow forming system 100 forms an airflow (downflow) that goes from above to below in the target space 4 (here, each of the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b). For example, if a downflow is formed in an office where the density of people varies greatly, fine particles (aerosols) floating in the air are blown down to the floor 42 side. If fine particles with infectious substances (viruses, etc.) attached to them are floating in the air, there is a concern that infectious diseases will spread if no measures are taken. On the other hand, with the airflow forming system 100 according to embodiment 1, the fine particles are blown down to the floor 42 side by the downflow, so that the effect of suppressing the spread of infectious diseases caused by fine particles floating in the air can be expected.

The airflow creation system 100 comprises an air conditioning system 1 and a return mechanism 2. The airflow creation system 100 further comprises a controller 3 for controlling the airflow. The controller 3 will be described in detail in the section [Controller] below.

The air conditioning system 1 supplies air from the upper space 44 of the ceiling 41 in the target space 4 to the target space 4, and exhausts the air from the target space 4 to the upper space 44. Specifically, the air conditioning system 1 supplies air from the upper space 44 to the target space 4 through an air supply port 46 provided in the ceiling 41. The air conditioning system 1 also exhausts air from the target space 4 to the upper space 44 through an exhaust port 47 provided in the ceiling 41. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first indoor space 4a is provided with one first air supply port 46a and one first exhaust port 47a, but each may be provided with multiple ports. The second indoor space 4b is provided with one second air supply port 46b and one second exhaust port 47b, but each may be provided with multiple ports. The air conditioning system 1 includes an AHU (Air Handling Unit) 11 and a return fan 12.

The AHU 11 takes in a portion of the return air from the target space 4 and outside air, cools or heats the air taken in, and then supplies it to the target space 4. Specifically, the AHU 11 supplies air to the space 44 above the ceiling 41 of the target space 4. The AHU 11 includes an air filter 111, a heating and cooling device 112, a humidifier 113, and a blower 114. The air filter 111 is, for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, and removes foreign matter such as dust from the air passing through. The heating and cooling device 112 has, for example, a steam coil for heating and a cold water coil for cooling, and generates cold air or warm air by passing air through the installation locations of these coils. The humidifier 113 humidifies the air that has passed through the heating and cooling device 112 as necessary. The blower 114 draws in the cool air or warm air that has passed through the humidifier 113, and supplies the drawn in cool air or warm air to the space 44 above the ceiling 41 of the target space 4 via the supply air duct 5.

The return air fan 12 draws in air exhausted from the space 44 above the ceiling 41 of the target space 4, supplies a portion of the intake air to the AHU 11 via the return air duct 6, and exhausts the remaining air outside the facility.

The return mechanism 2 is a mechanism for forming an airflow in the target space 4 that flows from above to below by returning the air supplied from the air conditioning system 1 to the target space 4 to the space above the ceiling 41 of the target space 4. In other words, the return mechanism 2 draws in air from the target space 4 from a position closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41, and forms a return path 20 that draws in the air from the target space 4 from a position closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41, and returns the drawn-in air to the space above the ceiling 44.

2 is a diagram showing an example of the return path 20 of the airflow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the return path 20 is configured by combining the first and second configuration examples described later, and the lower end of the duct 23 is connected to the lower space 43 of the floor 42. As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the return path 20 is realized by the duct 23 installed in the target space 4. The duct 23 is, for example, a rectangular tube long in the vertical direction, and is attached to the ceiling 41 of the target space 4 so that its upper end is connected to the upper space 44. Therefore, it is possible to introduce the air sucked from the target space 4 into the upper space 44 through the inside of the duct 23. It is preferable that the duct 23 is installed so as to be covered with the wall material 23a in a corner of the target space 4 (for example, near a pillar in the corner of a room) so as to be less noticeable to people staying in the target space 4.

Below are listed specific configuration examples of the airflow creation system 100. Regardless of which of the first to third configuration examples shown below is adopted, the airflow creation system 100 is capable of creating an airflow in the target space 4 that flows from above to below.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the airflow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment. In the first configuration example, as shown in Figure 1, the return mechanism 2 includes a first opening 21 and a fan 24. The first opening 21 is provided at a position closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41, and introduces air from the target space 4 to the return path 20. Specifically, the first opening 21 is provided at the lower end of the duct 23 corresponding to the return path 20, and connects the target space 4 to the inside of the duct 23. The fan 24 sucks air through the return path 20 toward the upper space 44. Specifically, the fan 24 is installed inside the duct 23, draws in air from the target space 4 through the first opening 21, and supplies the drawn air to the upper space 44 of the ceiling 41 of the target space 4 through the inside of the duct 23.

In the first configuration example, air supplied from the air conditioning system 1 to the target space 4 passes through the air supply port 46, the area along the floor 42, the first opening 21, the inside of the duct 23, and the upper space 44, in that order. As a result, in the first configuration example, an airflow that flows from above to below is formed in the target space 4.

3 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the airflow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment. In the second configuration example, as shown in FIG. 3, the return mechanism 2 includes a second opening 22 and a fan 24. The second opening 22 is provided in the floor 42 and introduces air from the target space 4 to the return path 20 through the lower space 43 of the floor 42. Specifically, the second opening 22 is a vent hole provided in the floor 42, and is configured by, for example, fitting a grill (mesh-like structure) or the like, and connects the target space 4 and the lower space 43. In the example shown in FIG. 3, one second opening 22 is provided in each of the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b. The fan 24 is installed inside the duct 23, as in the first configuration example. Here, in the second configuration example, the lower end of the duct 23 is attached to the floor 42 so as to be connected to the lower space 43. Therefore, it is possible to introduce air drawn from the target space 4 into the lower space 43 through the inside of the duct 23 into the upper space 44. The fan 24 draws air from the target space 4 through the second opening 22, and supplies the drawn air to the upper space 44 through the inside of the duct 23.

In the second configuration example, air supplied from the air conditioning system 1 to the target space 4 passes through the air intake 46, the second opening 22, the lower space 43, the inside of the duct 23, and the upper space 44, in that order. As a result, in the second configuration example, an airflow is formed in the target space 4 that flows from above to below.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1. In the third configuration example, as shown in Figure 4, the return mechanism 2 further includes an intake fan 25 that draws air from the target space 4 into the second opening 22. The intake fan 25 is installed near the second opening 22 in the lower space 43 of the floor 42, draws air from the target space 4 through the second opening 22, and supplies the drawn air to the inside of the duct 23 through the lower space 43. In the example shown in Figure 4, one intake fan 25 is provided for each second opening 22.

In the third configuration example, air supplied from the air conditioning system 1 to the target space 4 passes through the air supply port 46, the second opening 22, the intake fan 25, the lower space 43, the inside of the duct 23, and the upper space 44, in that order. As a result, in the third configuration example, an airflow heading from above to below is formed in the target space 4. Also, in the third configuration example, air is drawn in from the target space 4 by the intake fan 25, making it easier to form an airflow heading from above to below compared to the second configuration example.

Incidentally, when multiple second openings 22 are provided in the target space 4, it is preferable that the second openings 22 are configured so that the opening area increases the farther they are from the fan 24. By configuring them in this way, the amount of air drawn in from each second opening 22 tends to be uniform, and it becomes easier to form a uniform airflow in the target space 4 that flows from above to below.

[controller]
The controller 3 included in the air flow creation system 100 will be described in detail below. The controller 3 is a control device that mainly controls the AHU 11, the return fan 12, and the fan 24 of the air conditioning system 1. Furthermore, if the air flow creation system 100 is equipped with an intake fan 25, the controller 3 also controls the intake fan 25. The controller 3 is a local controller installed in the facility, but may also be realized as a cloud server installed outside the facility. The controller 3 includes a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) for communicating between the AHU 11, the return fan 12, and the fan 24. If the airflow creation system 100 is equipped with an intake fan 25, or if it is equipped with a barometer 34 (see FIG. 5) or a differential pressure gauge 35 (see FIG. 6) described below, the communication unit 31 also communicates with these devices. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard for communication performed by the communication unit 31.

The information processing unit 32 performs information processing to control the airflow to be formed in the target space 4. The information processing unit 32 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 32 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 321 and a control unit 322. The functions of the acquisition unit 321 and the control unit 322 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or the like constituting the information processing unit 32 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 33.

The acquisition unit 321 acquires the measurement results of the barometer 34 or the differential pressure gauge 35, or the control parameters of the return fan 12 via the communication unit 31. Specifically, when the control unit 322 follows a first control example described below, the acquisition unit 321 acquires the measurement results of the barometer 34. Here, the barometer 34 is an instrument that measures the air pressure in the upper space 44. Also, when the control unit 322 follows a second control example described below, the acquisition unit 321 acquires the measurement results of the differential pressure gauge 35. Here, the differential pressure gauge 35 is an instrument that measures the difference between the air pressure in the upper space 44 and the air pressure in the target space 4. Also, when the control unit 322 follows a third control example described below, the acquisition unit 321 acquires the control parameters of the return fan 12 of the air conditioning system 1.

The control unit 322 controls the fan 24. Specifically, the control unit 322 controls the fan 24 so that the amount of air sucked up by the fan 24 does not exceed the amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system 1. In other words, the control unit 322 controls the air pressure in the upper space 44 to be negative, in other words, to be equal to or lower than the air pressure in the target space 4. By controlling in this manner, it becomes difficult for air to flow back from the upper space 44 through the exhaust port 47 into the target space 4, and the formation of an airflow from above to below is less likely to be impeded. Below, examples of control of the fan 24 by the control unit 322 are listed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a first control example of the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1. In the first control example, the control unit 322 controls the fan 24 based on the measurement result of the barometer 34, thereby realizing control to limit the amount of air suction by the fan 24 so as not to exceed the amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system 1. That is, the control unit 322 controls the fan 24 so that the measurement value of the barometer 34 does not exceed the reference value. Here, the reference value is set in advance to a value that the air pressure in the target space 4 can take, for example, during operation of the air conditioning system 1. Therefore, when the measurement value of the barometer 34 exceeds the reference value, the control unit 322 controls the suction amount of the fan 24 to be reduced. As a result, the measurement value of the barometer 34 is maintained below the reference value, and the state in which the air pressure in the upper space 44 is below the air pressure in the target space 4 is maintained.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a second control example of the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1. In the second control example, the control unit 322 controls the fan 24 based on the measurement result of the differential pressure gauge 35, thereby realizing control to limit the amount of air suction by the fan 24 so as not to exceed the amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system 1. That is, the control unit 322 controls the fan 24 so that the measurement value of the differential pressure gauge 35 is zero or less. Here, the measurement value of the differential pressure gauge 35 is a value obtained by subtracting the air pressure of the target space 4 from the air pressure of the upper space 44. In other words, if the measurement value of the differential pressure gauge 35 is zero or less, the air pressure of the upper space 44 is equal to or less than the air pressure of the target space 4. Therefore, when the measurement value of the differential pressure gauge 35 exceeds zero, the control unit 322 controls the suction amount of the fan 24 to be reduced. As a result, the measurement value of the differential pressure gauge 35 is maintained at zero or less, and the state in which the air pressure of the upper space 44 is equal to or less than the air pressure of the target space 4 is maintained.

In the third control example, the control unit 322 calculates the exhaust volume from the control parameters of the return fan 12 acquired by the acquisition unit 321. Here, the control parameters of the return fan 12 may include, for example, the rotation speed of the fan of the return fan 12, the operating frequency of the inverter of the return fan 12, or the power consumption of the return fan 12. The control unit 322 calculates the amount of air sucked in by the return fan 12, that is, the amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system 1, based on the control parameters of the return fan 12. The control unit 322 then compares the amount of air suctioned by the fan 24 with the calculated exhaust volume, and controls the fan 24 so that the amount of air suctioned does not exceed the exhaust volume. This maintains a state in which the air pressure in the upper space 44 is equal to or lower than the air pressure in the target space 4.

Furthermore, when the target space 4 includes multiple spaces (here, the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b), the control unit 322 can control the amount of air supplied to the target space 4 for each space, i.e., the strength of the airflow. Specifically, the control unit 322 controls the amount of air (strength of the airflow) supplied to the target space 4 by controlling the regulator 7 installed in the air supply duct 5 extending from the air conditioning system 1 to the air supply port 46. The regulator 7 is, for example, a variable air volume control device (Variable Air Volume: VAV). The regulator 7 may also be an air volume adjustment damper.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, air is supplied to the first indoor space 4a via the first air supply duct 5a and the first air supply port 46a. The amount of air supplied to the first indoor space 4a is controlled by the control unit 322 controlling the first regulator 7a installed in the first air supply duct 5a. Air is supplied to the second indoor space 4b via the second air supply duct 5b and the second air supply port 46b. The amount of air supplied to the second indoor space 4b is controlled by the control unit 322 controlling the second regulator 7b installed in the second air supply duct 5b.

Furthermore, the control unit 322 can control the airflow according to the number or density of people (number of people per unit area) in the target space 4. The greater the density of people in the target space 4, the greater the possibility that fine particles (droplets, etc.) carrying infectious substances are floating in the air. In other words, the risk of infection from infectious diseases caused by fine particles floating in the air is considered to be high in the target space 4. Therefore, the airflow forming system 100 controls the airflow according to the number or density of people in the target space 4, and can effectively form an airflow according to the infection risk, rather than forming an airflow on average within the limits of the capacity of the equipment for forming the airflow.

The number or density of people in the target space 4 can be estimated, for example, by installing a camera in the target space 4. The camera is, for example, a surveillance camera, and is a device that captures an image (moving image or still image) of the target space 4 and transmits image information of the captured image to the communication unit 31 of the controller 3. The control unit 322 estimates the number of people present in the target space 4 by image processing the image information acquired via the communication unit 31. For example, the control unit 322 performs face recognition processing on the image information and estimates the number of recognized faces as the number of people. In addition, the control unit 322 may estimate the number of people from the image information using template matching or other existing methods. In addition, if the floor area of the target space 4 is stored in the storage unit 33 in advance, the control unit 322 may calculate the density of people in the target space 4 using the floor area. Then, the control unit 322 controls the regulator 7 so that the greater the number of people or the greater the density of people, the greater the amount of air (strength of airflow) supplied to the target space 4.

The number or density of people in the target space 4 can be estimated, for example, by installing a carbon dioxide concentration sensor in the target space 4. The carbon dioxide concentration sensor is a device that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in the target space 4 and transmits the measurement value to the communication unit 31 of the controller 3. The control unit 322 estimates the number of people in the target space 4 based on the measurement value of the carbon dioxide concentration acquired via the communication unit 31. That is, the control unit 322 estimates that the higher the carbon dioxide concentration, the greater the number of people present in the target space 4. In addition, if the floor area of the target space 4 is stored in the memory unit 33 in advance, the control unit 322 may calculate the density of people in the target space 4 using the floor area. Then, the control unit 322 controls the regulator 7 so that the greater the number of people or the greater the density of people, the greater the amount of air (strength of the airflow) supplied to the target space 4.

Of course, if the target space 4 includes multiple spaces (here, the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b) and the number or density of people can be estimated for each space, the control unit 322 may control the airflow according to the number or density of people for each space. In this embodiment, for example, a camera or a carbon dioxide concentration sensor may be installed in each of the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b.

The memory unit 33 is a storage device that stores various information and computer programs necessary for the information processing unit 32 to form and control the airflow in the target space 4. The memory unit 33 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[Production method]
A manufacturing method for the air flow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Here, it is assumed that an air conditioning system 1 corresponding to the target space 4 has already been installed in the facility. Of course, the air conditioning system 1 does not have to be already installed, and may be newly installed. In this case, the installer only needs to perform the step of installing the air conditioning system 1 corresponding to the target space 4 in the manufacturing method for the air flow creation system 100 described below.

The manufacturing method of the airflow creating system 100 is carried out by installing a return mechanism 2 in the target space 4 corresponding to which the air conditioning system 1 is installed. As already described, the air conditioning system 1 supplies air from the space above 44 above the ceiling 41 in the target space 4 to the target space 4, and exhausts air from the target space 4 to the upper space 44. As already described, the return mechanism 2 draws in air from the target space 4 from a position closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41 in the target space 4, and forms a return path 20 that returns the drawn-in air to the upper space 44.

For example, when manufacturing an airflow creation system 100 corresponding to the first configuration example, the builder installs a duct 23 corresponding to the return path 20 at an arbitrary position in the target space 4, and executes a process of connecting the upper end of the duct 23 to the space above the ceiling 41. The position where the duct 23 is installed is preferably, for example, a corner of a room which is the target space 4. The builder also executes a process of drilling a hole in the duct 23 at a position closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41 to provide the first opening 21. The closer the position of the first opening 21 is to the floor 42, the more preferable it is. Then, the builder executes a process of installing a fan 24 inside the duct 23. In this way, the airflow creation system 100 corresponding to the first configuration example equipped with the air conditioning system 1 and the return mechanism 2 (duct 23, first opening 21, and fan 24) is manufactured.

For example, when manufacturing an airflow creation system 100 corresponding to the second configuration example, the builder performs the process of installing a duct 23 corresponding to the return path 20 at an arbitrary position in the target space 4 and connecting the upper end of the duct 23 to the upper space 44 of the ceiling 41, as described above. The builder also performs the process of connecting the lower end of the duct 23 to the lower space 43 of the floor 42. Furthermore, the builder performs the process of installing a fan 24 inside the duct 23, as described above. Then, the builder performs the process of providing a second opening 22 by drilling a hole in the floor 42 of the target space 4 or removing a floor panel of the floor 42. In this way, an airflow creation system 100 corresponding to the second configuration example including an air conditioning system 1 and a return mechanism 2 (duct 23, second opening 22, and fan 24) is manufactured.

Furthermore, for example, when manufacturing an air flow creation system 100 corresponding to the third configuration example, the installer further performs the process of installing an intake fan 25 in the process of manufacturing an air flow creation system 100 corresponding to the second configuration example. The intake fan 25 is preferably installed near the second opening 22 in the space 43 below the floor 42, for example, directly below the second opening 22. In this manner, an air flow creation system 100 corresponding to the third configuration example, which includes an air conditioning system 1 and a return mechanism 2 (duct 23, second opening 22, intake fan 25, and fan 24), is manufactured.

[advantage]
The advantages of the air flow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below with a comparison with an air flow creation system of a comparative example. Fig. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an air flow created by the air flow creation system of the comparative example. Fig. 7B is an explanatory diagram of an air flow created by the air flow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 7B, a second opening 22 is provided in the floor 42 as in the second configuration example. The air flow creation system of the comparative example differs from the air flow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it is simply an air conditioning system 1 without a return mechanism 2.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the airflow creation system of the comparative example does not have a return mechanism 2, so that air in the target space 4 is drawn into the upper space 44 from the exhaust port 47 in the ceiling 41. Therefore, in the airflow creation system of the comparative example, an airflow from above to below is not created in the target space 4, so that even if fine particles with infectious substances (such as viruses) attached thereto are suspended in the air, the fine particles are unlikely to be blown down toward the floor 42. As a result, in the airflow creation system of the comparative example, fine particles tend to remain in the target space 4 for a relatively long period of time, so that it is difficult to suppress the spread of infectious diseases caused by fine particles suspended in the air, and it is difficult to reduce the risk of infection with infectious diseases in the target space 4.

In contrast, in the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 7B, an airflow (downflow) moving from top to bottom can be created in the target space 4. Therefore, in the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1, even if fine particles carrying infectious substances (such as viruses) are suspended in the air, the fine particles are blown down toward the floor 42 by the downflow. Therefore, the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1 is expected to have the effect of suppressing the spread of infectious diseases caused by fine particles suspended in the air, and has the advantage of easily reducing the risk of infection with infectious diseases in the target space 4.

In addition, the manufacturing method of the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1 has the advantage that the system can be easily constructed because an airflow from above to below can be formed in the target space 4 simply by adding the return mechanism 2 to the air conditioning system 1. For example, if the air conditioning system 1 is already installed in a facility, the contractor can construct the airflow creation system 100 simply by performing the process of installing the return mechanism 2 in the target space 4. In other words, in the manufacturing method of the airflow creation system 100 according to embodiment 1, when it is desired to realize the formation of an airflow from above to below in the target space 4, it is not necessary to construct a system from scratch, and it is possible to easily construct a system while reducing costs by using the existing air conditioning system 1.

(Embodiment 2)
[composition]
The configuration of the airflow creation system 100A according to the second embodiment will be described below. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the airflow creation system 100A according to the second embodiment. The airflow creation system 100A according to the second embodiment differs from the airflow creation system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a return mechanism 2A instead of the return mechanism 2. Specifically, the return mechanism 2A forms a return path 20A that draws in air from the target space 4 through a floor 42 in the target space 4 and returns the drawn-in air to a space 45 above the ceiling below the floor 42. The return mechanism 2A also includes an opening 26 that introduces air from the target space 4 into a space 43 below the floor 42 and introduces air from the lower space 43 into the space 45 above the ceiling below the floor.

Specifically, the openings 26 are composed of an air hole provided in the floor 42 and an air hole provided in the construction material 48 that separates the floor on which the target space 4 is located from the floor below. Each air hole is configured by, for example, fitting a grill (a mesh-like structure) or the like. In the example shown in Figure 8, one opening 26 is provided in each of the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b.

In the return mechanism 2A, a return path 20A is formed by using another air conditioning system 1A located on the floor below. The other air conditioning system 1A has the same configuration as the air conditioning system 1, except that the target space 4A is a space below the target space 4. That is, the other air conditioning system 1A supplies air from the space above the ceiling 41A (the attic space 45) in the target space 4A to the target space 4A, and exhausts air from the target space 4A to the space above. By using the air flow from the target space 4A to the other air conditioning system 1A via the attic space 45, the return mechanism 2A forms a return path 20A in which air returns in the order of the target space 4, the opening 26, the attic space 45, and the other air conditioning system 1A. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the other air conditioning system 1A does not constitute an airflow forming system 100 (or 100A) together with the return mechanism 2 (or 2A), but may do so.

[Production method]
A manufacturing method for the air flow creation system 100A according to the second embodiment will be described below. Here, it is assumed that the air conditioning system 1 corresponding to the target space 4 has already been installed in the facility. Of course, the air conditioning system 1 does not have to be already installed, and may be newly installed. In this case, the installer only needs to perform the step of installing the air conditioning system 1 corresponding to the target space 4 in the manufacturing method for the air flow creation system 100A described below.

The manufacturing method of the airflow creation system 100A is carried out by installing a return mechanism 2A in the target space 4 corresponding to which the air conditioning system 1 is installed. As already described, the air conditioning system 1 supplies air from the space above the ceiling 41 in the target space 4 to the target space 4, and exhausts air from the target space 4 to the space above. As already described, the return mechanism 2A forms a return path 20A that draws in air from the floor 42 in the target space 4 and returns the drawn air to the space above the ceiling 45 below the floor 42. The return mechanism 2A has an opening 26 that introduces air from the target space 4 to the space below the floor 43 and introduces air from the space below the ceiling 45 below the floor.

Specifically, the contractor performs a process of providing the opening 26 by, for example, drilling a hole that connects the floor 42 of the target space 4 to the attic space 45 on the floor below. In this manner, the airflow creation system 100A including the air conditioning system 1 and the return mechanism 2A (opening 26) is manufactured.

[advantage]
As in the first embodiment, the airflow creation system 100A according to the second embodiment can create an airflow (downflow) that moves from above to below in the target space 4, which has the advantage of making it easier to reduce the risk of infection with an infectious disease in the target space 4. In addition, the airflow creation system 100A according to the second embodiment has the advantage that it is not necessary to install a duct 23 and a fan 24 in the target space 4, because the return path 20A is created by utilizing another air conditioning system 1A located downstairs.

(Modification)
Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described first and second embodiments. Below, modified examples of the first and second embodiments are listed. The modified examples described below may be combined as appropriate.

In the first and second embodiments, the controller 3 is responsible for controlling not only the fan 24 but also the air conditioning system 1, but is not limited to this. For example, the controller 3 may be responsible for controlling only the fan 24. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 is controlled by a controller provided separately from the controller 3.

In the first and second embodiments, the ceiling 41 is provided with an exhaust port 47 that exhausts air from the target space 4 to the space 44 above the ceiling 41, but the exhaust port 47 may not be provided. That is, if an existing air conditioning system 1 is used before the airflow creation system 100 is installed, the air conditioning system 1 performs ventilation by exhausting air from the target space 4 through the exhaust port 47 provided in the ceiling 41. In this case, when constructing the airflow creation system 100 using the existing air conditioning system 1, the exhaust port 47 may or may not be blocked. In addition, when the exhaust port 47 is blocked, the path for exhausting the air from the target space 4 is limited, which improves the intake efficiency of air from the target space 4 to the return path 20, and therefore has the advantage that an airflow from above to below is easily formed.

The arrangement of the AHU 11, the fan 24, and the intake fan 25 in the first embodiment is an example. For example, the fan 24 may be installed not only in the duct 23 but also in the space below the floor 42 or in the space above the ceiling 41, as long as it can form an airflow from the return path 20 to the upper space 44. Similarly, the intake fan 25 may be installed not only in the space below the floor 42 but also in the duct 23, as long as it can form an airflow from the target space 4 to the return path 20. The fan 24 and the intake fan 25 may be added or omitted as necessary.

The arrangement of the first opening 21 and the second opening 22 in the first embodiment and the arrangement of the opening 26 in the second embodiment are examples. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, one first opening 21 is provided in each of the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b, but multiple first openings 21 may be provided. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, one second opening 22 is provided in each of the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b, but multiple second openings 22 may be provided. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 8, one opening 26 is provided in each of the first indoor space 4a and the second indoor space 4b, but multiple openings 26 may be provided.

The first opening 21 and the second opening 22 in the first embodiment, and the opening 26 in the second embodiment may be configured so that the opening area can be changed to change the amount of air intake from the target space 4. This aspect can be realized, for example, by providing an air volume adjustment damper in the first opening 21, the second opening 22, or the opening 26.

In the first and second embodiments, it is possible to control the wind pressure of the airflow so that the airflow does not blow down at a volume so large that it is uncomfortable for people in the target space 4. Specifically, it is possible to control the wind pressure of the airflow from the air intake 46 so that the wind pressure of the airflow when it reaches the floor 42 of the target space 4 naturally attenuates to a level that is not uncomfortable for people. As an example, the distance from the ceiling 41 to the floor 42 in the target space 4 (i.e., the height of the target space 4) is measured in advance, and the measured value is referred to in the air conditioning system 1 to control the wind pressure of the airflow from the air intake 46.

As another example, a laser marker may be installed in the target space 4, the distance from the ceiling 41 to the floor surface directly below (including the floor 42) may be automatically measured by the laser marker, and the measured value may be referred to in the air conditioning system 1 to control the wind pressure of the air blown from the air intake 46. In this control example, even if the layout of furniture such as desks or tables in the target space 4 is changed so that the furniture is located directly below the air intake 46, it is possible to automatically set an appropriate wind pressure according to the distance from the air intake 46 to the floor surface directly below (here, the surface of the furniture) as the wind pressure of the air blown from the air intake 46. In other words, in this control example, construction such as setting the wind pressure of the air blown from the air intake 46 in response to a change in the layout of furniture in the target space 4 can be automated, and there is an advantage in that troublesome construction is not required.

In addition to the above-mentioned means for controlling the wind pressure of the airflow from the air intake port 46, a means for controlling the volume of the airflow returning to the return mechanism 2 (or 2A) can also be considered as a means for controlling the wind pressure of the airflow. That is, it is possible to control the wind pressure of the airflow in the target space 4 by adjusting the volume of the airflow returning to the return mechanism 2 (or 2A) while keeping the wind pressure of the air from the air intake port 46 constant. In this case, the air that is not returned by the return mechanism 2 (or 2A) is exhausted to the upper space 44, for example, via the exhaust port 47 in the ceiling 41.

For example, in the above first and second embodiments, the control unit 322 is realized by a single device, but may be realized by multiple devices. When the control unit 322 is realized by multiple devices, the functional components of the control unit 322 may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices.

Furthermore, the communication method between the devices in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 is not particularly limited. When two devices communicate with each other in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed between the two devices.

In addition, in the above first and second embodiments, each component of the controller 3 may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, each component of the controller 3 may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that may occur to a person skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(summary)
As described above, the airflow creation system 100 includes the air conditioning system 1 and the return mechanism 2. The air conditioning system 1 supplies air from the space above the ceiling 41 in the target space 4 to the target space 4, and exhausts air from the target space 4 to the upper space 44. The return mechanism 2 draws in air from the target space 4 from a position in the target space 4 that is closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41, and forms a return path 20 that returns the drawn-in air to the upper space 44.

Such an airflow creating system 100 can create an airflow that moves from top to bottom in the target space 4, which has the advantage of making it easier to reduce the risk of infection with an infectious disease in the target space 4.

For example, in the airflow creation system 100, the return flow mechanism 2 includes a first opening 21 and a fan 24. The first opening 21 is provided at a position closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41, and introduces air from the target space 4 into the return flow path 20. The fan 24 sucks air through the return flow path 20 toward the upper space 44.

Such an airflow creating system 100 has the advantage that an airflow moving from above to below in the target space 4 can be created by providing a relatively simple configuration of a first opening 21 and a fan 24.

For example, in the airflow creation system 100, the return flow mechanism 2 includes a second opening 22 and a fan 24. The second opening 22 is provided in the floor 42 and introduces air from the target space 4 to the return flow path 20 via the space 43 below the floor 42. The fan 24 sucks air through the return flow path 20 toward the space 44 above.

Such an airflow creating system 100 has the advantage that an airflow moving from above to below in the target space 4 can be created by providing a relatively simple configuration of a second opening 22 and a fan 24.

For example, in the air flow creating system 100, the return flow mechanism 2 further includes an intake fan 25 that draws air from the target space 4 into the second opening 22.

According to such an airflow creating system 100, the intake fan 25 draws air from the target space 4 toward the return path 20, which has the advantage of making it easier to create an airflow moving from above to below in the target space 4.

For example, the airflow creation system 100 further includes a control unit 322 that controls the fan 24. The control unit 322 controls the fan 24 so that the amount of air sucked up by the fan 24 does not exceed the amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system 1.

Such an airflow creating system 100 has the advantage that air is less likely to flow back from the upper space 44 into the target space 4, making it less likely that the formation of an airflow flowing from above to below is hindered.

For example, the airflow creating system 100 further includes a barometer 34 that measures the air pressure in the upper space 44. The control unit 322 controls the fan 24 so that the measurement value of the barometer 34 does not exceed a reference value.

Such an airflow creating system 100 has the advantage that air is less likely to flow back from the upper space 44 into the target space 4, making it less likely that the formation of an airflow flowing from above to below is hindered.

For example, the airflow creation system 100 further includes a differential pressure gauge 35 that measures the difference between the air pressure in the upper space 44 and the air pressure in the target space 4. The control unit 322 controls the fan 24 so that the measurement value of the differential pressure gauge 35 becomes equal to or less than zero.

Such an airflow creating system 100 has the advantage that air is less likely to flow back from the upper space 44 into the target space 4, making it less likely that the formation of an airflow flowing from above to below is hindered.

For example, the airflow creation system 100 further includes an acquisition unit 321 that acquires control parameters of the return fan 12 of the air conditioning system 1. The control unit 322 calculates the exhaust volume from the control parameters acquired by the acquisition unit 321.

Such an airflow creating system 100 has the advantage that air is less likely to flow back from the upper space 44 into the target space 4, making it less likely that the formation of an airflow flowing from above to below is hindered.

For example, the airflow creation system 100A includes an air conditioning system 1 and a return mechanism 2A. The air conditioning system 1 supplies air from an upper space 44 of a ceiling 41 in the target space 4 to the target space 4, and exhausts air from the target space 4 to the upper space 44. The return mechanism 2A forms a return path 20A that draws in air from the target space 4 through a floor 42 in the target space 4 and returns the drawn-in air to a space 45 in the ceiling below the floor 42. The return mechanism 2A includes an opening 26 that introduces air from the target space 4 to a space 43 below the floor 42, and introduces air from the lower space 43 to the space 45 in the ceiling below.

Such an airflow creating system 100A can create an airflow moving from top to bottom in the target space 4, which has the advantage of making it easier to reduce the risk of infection with an infectious disease in the target space 4.

For example, a manufacturing method for the airflow creating system 100 includes installing a return flow mechanism 2 in a target space 4 corresponding to which an air conditioning system 1 is installed. The air conditioning system 1 supplies air from an upper space 44 above a ceiling 41 in the target space 4 to the target space 4, and exhausts air from the target space 4 to the upper space 44. The return flow mechanism 2 draws in air from the target space 4 from a position in the target space 4 closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41, and forms a return flow path 20 that returns the drawn-in air to the upper space 44.

According to such a manufacturing method for the airflow creating system 100, an airflow moving from top to bottom in the target space 4 can be created simply by adding a return mechanism 2 to the air conditioning system 1, which has the advantage that the system is easy to construct.

Also, for example, a manufacturing method for the airflow creating system 100 includes installing an air conditioning system 1 corresponding to the target space 4, and installing a return mechanism 2 in the target space 4. The air conditioning system 1 supplies air from an upper space 44 above a ceiling 41 in the target space 4 to the target space 4, and exhausts air from the target space 4 to the upper space 44. The return mechanism 2 draws in air from the target space 4 from a position in the target space 4 closer to the floor 42 than the ceiling 41, and forms a return path 20 that returns the drawn-in air to the upper space 44.

According to such a manufacturing method for the airflow creating system 100, an airflow moving from top to bottom in the target space 4 can be created simply by adding the air conditioning system 1 and the return mechanism 2, which has the advantage that the system is easy to construct.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A Air conditioning system 12 Return fan 2, 2A Return mechanism 20, 20A Return path 21 First opening 22 Second opening 24 Fan 25 Intake fan 26 Opening 321 Acquisition unit 322 Control unit 34 Barometer 35 Differential pressure gauge 4, 4A Target space 41, 41A Ceiling 42 Floor 43 Lower space 44 Upper space 45 Space above the ceiling 100, 100A Airflow formation system

Claims (8)

An air conditioning system that supplies air from an upper space above a ceiling of a target space to the target space and exhausts the air from the target space to the upper space;
a return mechanism that draws in air from a position in the target space that is closer to a floor than the ceiling, and forms a return path that returns the drawn air to the upper space ,
The reflux mechanism includes:
a first opening provided at a position closer to the floor than the ceiling and configured to introduce the air from the target space to the return path;
a fan that draws the air up toward the upper space through the return path,
A control unit for controlling the fan is further provided.
The control unit controls the fan so that an amount of air suctioned by the fan does not exceed an amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system.
Airflow shaping system. An air conditioning system that supplies air from an upper space above a ceiling of a target space to the target space and exhausts the air from the target space to the upper space;
a return mechanism that draws in air from a position in the target space that is closer to a floor than the ceiling, and forms a return path that returns the drawn air to the upper space,
The reflux mechanism includes:
A second opening provided in the floor to introduce the air from the target space to the return path through a space below the floor;
a fan that draws the air up toward the upper space through the return path,
A control unit for controlling the fan is further provided.
The control unit controls the fan so that an amount of air suctioned by the fan does not exceed an amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system.
Airflow shaping system. The circulation mechanism further includes an intake fan that draws the air from the target space into the second opening.
The airflow creation system according to claim 2 . Further comprising a barometer for measuring the air pressure in the upper space,
The control unit controls the fan so that the measurement value of the barometer does not exceed a reference value.
The air flow creation system according to claim 1 or 2 . Further comprising a differential pressure gauge that measures the difference between the air pressure in the upper space and the air pressure in the target space,
The control unit controls the fan so that the measurement value of the differential pressure gauge becomes equal to or less than zero.
The air flow creation system according to claim 1 or 2 . Further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring control parameters of a return fan of the air conditioning system,
The control unit calculates the exhaust amount from the control parameters acquired by the acquisition unit.
The air flow creation system according to claim 1 or 2 . Supplying air from an upper space above a ceiling of a target space to the target space by an air conditioning system, and exhausting the air from the target space to the upper space;
a return path is formed to return air from a position in the target space closer to a floor than to the ceiling, and to return the air to the upper space;
The air is introduced from the target space to the return path through a first opening provided at a position closer to the floor than the ceiling;
The air is sucked up toward the upper space through the return path by a fan;
controlling the fan so that the amount of air sucked up by the fan does not exceed the amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system;
Airflow formation method. Supplying air from an upper space above a ceiling of a target space to the target space by an air conditioning system, and exhausting the air from the target space to the upper space;
a return path is formed to return air from a position in the target space closer to a floor than to the ceiling, and to return the air to the upper space;
The air is introduced from the target space through a space below the floor to the return path through a second opening provided in the floor;
The air is sucked up toward the upper space through the return path by a fan;
controlling the fan so that the amount of air sucked up by the fan does not exceed the amount of air exhausted by the air conditioning system;
Airflow formation method.

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