WO2024084767A1 - Method for controlling ventilation system, and ventilation system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a method for controlling a ventilation system with which it is possible to suitably ventilate a space being ventilated, in response to a change in the air quality of areas within the space being ventilated.　Provided is a method for controlling a ventilation system provided with a plurality of ventilation devices for which the ventilation airflow can be switched, and a plurality of air quality sensors that are provided in a corresponding manner to each of the plurality of ventilation devices, the air quality sensors detecting the state of air quality in a space being ventilated that is ventilated by the ventilation devices, the method including: a selection step for selecting a ventilation device to use in ventilating the space being ventilated, from among the plurality of ventilation devices, on the basis of detection values from the plurality of air quality sensors; a determination step for determining the ventilation airflow of the selected ventilation device on the basis of the detection value from the air quality sensor that corresponds to the selected ventilation device; and a ventilation execution step for ventilating the space being ventilated using the ventilation device selected in the selection step on the basis of the determined ventilation airflow.

Description

Ventilation system control method and ventilation system

The present disclosure relates to a control method for a ventilation system and a ventilation system.

Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation device that ventilates based on the concentration of CO2 in the space to be ventilated.

International Publication No. 2020/053946

The present disclosure provides a control method for a ventilation system and a ventilation system that can appropriately ventilate a ventilated space in response to changes in air quality in each area within the ventilated space.

The control method for a ventilation system according to the present disclosure is a control method for a ventilation system including a plurality of ventilation devices capable of switching the ventilation air volume, and a plurality of air quality sensors provided in association with each of the plurality of ventilation devices and detecting the state of air quality in the ventilated space ventilated by the ventilation devices, and includes a selection step of selecting a ventilation device to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space from among the plurality of ventilation devices based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors, a determination step of determining the ventilation air volume of the ventilation device selected in the selection step based on the detection value of the air quality sensor corresponding to the ventilation device selected in the selection step, and a ventilation execution step of ventilating the ventilated space with the ventilation device selected in the selection step based on the ventilation air volume determined in the determination step.

In addition, the ventilation system of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of ventilation devices capable of switching ventilation airflow, a plurality of air quality sensors corresponding to each of the plurality of ventilation devices and detecting the air quality state of the ventilated space ventilated by the ventilation devices, and a management device, wherein the management device selects a ventilation device to be used for ventilating the ventilated space from among the plurality of ventilation devices based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors, determines the ventilation airflow of the selected ventilation device based on the detection value of the air quality sensor corresponding to the selected ventilation device, and the ventilation device selected by the management device ventilates the ventilated space based on the ventilation airflow determined by the management device.
In addition, this specification includes all the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-168603 filed on October 20, 2022.

In the ventilation system control method and ventilation system disclosed herein, a ventilation device selected from among a plurality of ventilation devices based on the detection value of an air quality sensor operates at a ventilation air volume based on the detection value of the air quality sensor. Therefore, the ventilated space can be appropriately ventilated in response to changes in air quality in each area within the ventilated space.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ventilation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a ventilated space in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation device and a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of ventilators and the CO2 concentration in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the set period ratio and the CO2 concentration in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ventilation system in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a chart showing the ventilation volume per hour in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ventilation system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a server device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a combination table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ventilation system according to the second embodiment.

(Knowledge and other information that forms the basis of this disclosure)
At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a ventilation device that ventilated based on the concentration of CO2 (carbon dioxide) (hereinafter referred to as "CO2 concentration") in the ventilated space. Conventionally, a plurality of ventilation devices that ventilate based on the air quality of the ventilated space, such as the CO2 concentration, may be installed in the ventilated space. However, the air quality in each area of the ventilated space changes from moment to moment. Therefore, it is desired to appropriately ventilate the ventilated space in response to the change in the air quality of each area in the ventilated space, but the inventors discovered a problem that there was no mechanism to meet such a demand. In order to solve this problem, the inventors came to constitute the subject of the present disclosure.
Therefore, the present disclosure provides a control method for a ventilation system and a ventilation system that can appropriately ventilate a ventilated space in response to changes in air quality in each area within the ventilated space.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.
It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
[1-1. Configuration]
[1-1-1. Configuration of ventilation system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ventilation system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
The ventilation system 1000 is a system that ventilates a ventilated space S provided inside a building H such as a residence or a facility. An example of the ventilated space S is a room provided inside the building H.

The ventilation system 1000 includes a plurality of ventilation devices 1 .
The ventilation device 1 is provided in the ventilated space S. The ventilation device 1 includes a blower fan 11 and a fan motor 12 for driving the blower fan 11, and performs at least one of supplying air to the ventilated space S and exhausting air from the ventilated space S. The ventilation device 1 of this embodiment is exemplified as a ceiling-embedded device. The ventilation device 1 is not limited to a ceiling-embedded device, and may be, for example, a duct-shaped device that communicates the ventilated space S with the outside of the building H. The ventilation device 1 may also be a device having a total heat exchanger. The ventilation device 1 may also be provided with a filter that captures dust, fine particles, virus droplets, aerosols, etc. The ventilated space S is provided with at least one of an exhaust port and an air supply port corresponding to at least one of the supply air and exhaust air of the ventilation device 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a ventilated space S. The ventilated space S shown in FIG. 2 is a diagram of the ventilated space S viewed from above. Ventilation devices 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F are provided in the ventilated space S shown in FIG. 2. The ventilation devices 1A to 1F are provided in different locations in the ventilated space S. As a result, the ventilation devices 1A to 1F ventilate different areas in the ventilated space S.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1, the ventilation device 1 is capable of switching the ventilation air volume. In this embodiment, the ventilation device 1 is capable of switching the ventilation air volume to "weak air" or "strong air." Note that "strong air" has a larger air volume than "weak air."

The ventilation device 1 is communicatively connected to a communication device 2 installed in the building H, and communicates with a server device 3 connected to a network NW via the communication device 2.
The server device 3 corresponds to the "management device" of the present disclosure.

The communication device 2 is connected to a network NW consisting of a public line network, a leased line, and other communication circuits, and communicates with the server device 3 via the network NW. The communication device 2 functions as an interface device for connecting each device to the network NW. The communication device 2 creates a local network in the building H.

The ventilation system 1000 includes a plurality of air quality sensors 4. The ventilation system 1000 includes an air quality sensor 4 for each of the ventilation devices 1 included therein.
The air quality sensor 4 is a sensor that detects the state of air quality in the ventilated space S (hereinafter referred to as "air quality state" as appropriate). The air quality sensor 4 detects CO2 concentration as the air quality state. The air quality sensor 4 in this embodiment is a sensor that employs, for example, a non-dispersive infrared absorption method. The air quality sensor 4 is communicatively connected to the communication device 2, and periodically transmits air quality data including the detected CO2 concentration value to the server device 3. An air quality sensor ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the air quality sensor 4 is added to the air quality data.

In this embodiment, the air quality sensor 4 is provided in the ventilated space S around the corresponding ventilation device 1. In FIG. 2, air quality sensors 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F are provided in the ventilated space S. The air quality sensors 4A to 4F are provided at different locations in the ventilated space S. More specifically, air quality sensor 4A is provided around ventilation device 1A, air quality sensor 4B is provided around ventilation device 1B, air quality sensor 4C is provided around ventilation device 1C, air quality sensor 4D is provided around ventilation device 1D, air quality sensor 4E is provided around ventilation device 1E, and air quality sensor 4F is provided around ventilation device 1F.

In this embodiment, the air quality sensor 4 is provided in the ventilated space S, but the location of the air quality sensor 4 is not limited to the ventilated space S, and may be within the ventilation device 1.

The ventilation system 1000 includes a plurality of indoor units 5 .
The indoor units 5, together with one or more outdoor units, constitute one or more air conditioning devices. In this embodiment, a ceiling cassette type is exemplified as the type of the indoor unit 5, but the type of the indoor unit 5 is not limited to the ceiling cassette type, and may be other types such as a wall-mounted type or a ceiling-suspended type. The indoor unit 5 periodically transmits set temperature data indicating the set temperature of the ventilated space S to the server device 3. An indoor unit ID that uniquely identifies the indoor unit 5 is added to the set temperature data.

Indoor units 5 are provided in the ventilated space S for each ventilation device 1 around the ventilation device 1. In FIG. 2, indoor units 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F are provided in the ventilated space S. The indoor units 5A to 5F are provided in different locations in the ventilated space S. More specifically, indoor unit 5A is provided around ventilation device 1A, indoor unit 5B is provided around ventilation device 1B, indoor unit 5C is provided around ventilation device 1C, indoor unit 5D is provided around ventilation device 1D, indoor unit 5E is provided around ventilation device 1E, and indoor unit 5F is provided around ventilation device 1F.

The ventilation system 1000 includes a server device 3.
The server device 3 is a device that processes information with the ventilator 1, the indoor unit 5, and the air quality sensor 4 as clients. The server device 3 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the ventilator 1, the indoor unit 5, and the air quality sensor 4. Note that in each drawing, the server device 3 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the server device 3 is composed of a single device.

The server device 3 in this embodiment manages one ventilation device 1, one air quality sensor 4, and one indoor unit 5 as one group. These three devices are grouped together based on the proximity of their installation locations in the ventilated space S. In the example of Figure 2, the server device 3 manages three devices with the same alphabet following the number in their code as one group.

[1-1-2. Configuration of ventilation device]
Next, the configuration of the ventilation device 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ventilation device 1 and the server device 3.
The ventilation device 1 includes a ventilation control device 14 , a ventilation communication unit 15 , and a fan motor 12 .

The ventilation control device 14 is a control device that controls each part of the ventilation device 1. The ventilation control device 14 includes a ventilation processor 100, which is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ventilation memory 110, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the ventilation device 1.

The ventilation memory 110 is a memory that stores programs and data. The ventilation memory 110 stores a control program 111 and data to be processed by the ventilation processor 100. The ventilation memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. The ventilation memory 110 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the ventilation processor 100. The ventilation memory 110 is constituted, for example, by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The ventilation communication unit 15 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the server device 3 connected to the network NW according to the control of the ventilation control device 14. The communication standard of the ventilation communication unit 15 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

The fan motor 12 rotates the blower fan 11 at a predetermined rotation speed according to the control of the ventilation control device 14.

The ventilation processor 100 functions as a ventilation communication control unit 101 and an operation control unit 102 by reading and executing the control program 111 stored in the ventilation memory 110.

The ventilation communication control unit 101 communicates with the server device 3 via the ventilation communication unit 15.

The operation control unit 102 controls the operation of the ventilation device 1. The ventilation device 1 of this embodiment performs a 15-minute operation according to a set period ratio described below. The operation control unit 102 controls the fan motor 12 to control the ventilation air volume of the ventilation device 1 according to the set period ratio in one 15-minute operation. The set period ratio refers to the ratio of the first set period, the second set period, and the third set period in one 15-minute operation. The first set period is a period in which the ventilation air volume is set to "weak wind". The second set period is a period in which the ventilation air volume is set to "strong wind". The third set period is a period in which the ventilation air volume is set to off, in other words, a period in which the ventilation air volume is set to zero. The total of the first set period, the second set period, and the third set period is 15 minutes.
The 15 minutes corresponds to the "predetermined period" of this disclosure.

When the ventilation communication control unit 101 receives set period ratio information from the server device 3, the operation control unit 102 controls the ventilation air volume of the ventilation device 1 for 15 minutes according to the set period ratio indicated by the received set period ratio information. When the ventilation communication control unit 101 does not receive set period ratio information from the server device 3, the operation control unit 102 turns off the ventilation air volume of the ventilation device 1. In other words, when the ventilation communication control unit 101 does not receive set period ratio information from the server device 3, the ventilation device 1 does not operate.

[1-1-3. Configuration of Server Device]
Next, the configuration of the server device 3 will be described.
The server device 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication unit 31 .
The server control device 30 is a control device that controls each part of the server device 3. The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300, which is a processor such as a CPU, a server memory 310, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the server device 3.

Server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. Server memory 310 stores control program 311, management data 312, and data to be processed by server processor 300. Server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for server processor 300. Server memory 310 is constituted by, for example, ROM and RAM.

The management data 312 has a record R related to each of the above-mentioned groups. The ventilated space S shown in Fig. 2 is managed into six groups. Therefore, the management data 312 in the example of Fig. 2 has six records R. Each record R in the management data 312 has an air quality sensor ID, air quality data, an indoor unit ID, set temperature data, first ventilation capacity information, second ventilation capacity information, and communication information.
The first ventilation capacity information is information indicating the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 1, and indicates the ventilation volume per hour when ventilation is performed at a ventilation air volume of "weak wind" (hereinafter referred to as "weak wind ventilation volume").
The second ventilation capacity information is information indicating the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 1, and indicates the ventilation volume per hour when ventilation is performed at a "strong wind" ventilation airflow rate (hereinafter referred to as "strong wind ventilation volume").
The communication information is information for communicating with the ventilator 1, such as address information.

The server communication unit 31 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the ventilation device 1, the indoor unit 5, and the outdoor air sensor 6 connected to the network NW according to the control of the server control device 30. The communication standard of the server communication unit 31 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

The server processor 300 functions as a server communication control unit 301, a server processing unit 302, a selection unit 303, and a determination unit 304 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

The server communication control unit 301 communicates with the ventilation device 1, the air quality sensor 4, and the indoor unit 5 via the server communication unit 31.

The server processing unit 302 processes the management data 312. When the server communication control unit 301 receives air quality data from the air quality sensor 4, the server processing unit 302 identifies from the management data 312 the record R of the air quality sensor ID added to the received air quality data, and updates the air quality data of the identified record R to the received air quality data. Also, when the server communication control unit 301 receives set temperature data from the indoor unit 5, the server processing unit 302 identifies from the management data 312 the record R of the indoor unit ID added to the received set temperature data, and updates the set temperature data of the identified record R to the received set temperature data.

[1-1-3-1. Configuration of the selection unit]
The selection unit 303 refers to the management data 312 and selects, from among the multiple ventilators 1 installed in the ventilated space S, a ventilator 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes. The selection by the selection unit 303 will be described in detail below.

The selection unit 303 refers to each of the air quality data held by the management data 312 and selects one of the multiple air quality sensors 4 that has detected the worst value for the air quality state. For example, the selection unit 303 selects one of the multiple air quality sensors 4 that has detected the highest value. Note that the selection of an air quality sensor 4 refers to identifying one record R from the management data 312. Next, the selection unit 303 determines the number of ventilators 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes based on the detection value of the selected air quality sensor 4 and the graph GF1 shown in FIG. 4. The data of the graph GF1 is stored in the server memory 310.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of ventilators 1 used to ventilate the ventilated space S for 15 minutes and the CO2 concentration.
In FIG. 4, the vertical axis indicates the number of vehicles, and the horizontal axis indicates the CO2 concentration.

The selection unit 303 determines the number of units according to graph GF1 shown in FIG. 4. Graph GF1 is a graph that shows one unit from 0 ppm (parts per million) to 600 ppm, and above 600 ppm, the number of units increases stepwise by one unit as the CO2 concentration increases. For example, if the detection value of the selected air quality sensor 4 is 750 ppm, the selection unit 303 determines the number of ventilation devices 1 to be used to ventilate the ventilated space S for 15 minutes to be three, according to graph GF1.

In addition, the graph GF1 shown in FIG. 4 may differ in the degree to which the CO2 concentration increases with each unit depending on factors such as the type of ventilated space S. In addition, the graph GF1 shown in FIG. 4 may be a graph showing the total number of ventilation devices 1 installed in the ventilated space S at 1000 ppm or more.

When the selection unit 303 determines the number of ventilation devices 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes, it refers to each of the first ventilation capacity information contained in the management data 312 and selects the determined number of ventilation devices 1 in ascending order of ventilation capacity (i.e., ventilation volume). The selection unit 303 may also refer to the second ventilation capacity information and select the determined number of ventilation devices 1 in ascending order of ventilation capacity. When there are multiple ventilation devices 1 with the same ventilation capacity, the selection unit 303 may preferentially select the ventilation device 1 corresponding to the air quality sensor 4 that detected a poor air quality value. When there are multiple ventilation devices 1 with the same ventilation capacity and the ventilation devices 1 managed by the server device 3 are numbered, the selection unit 303 may select the ventilation devices 1 in the order of the assigned numbers.

[1-1-3-2. Configuration of determination unit]
Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, the determination unit 304 determines whether the number of ventilators 1 selected by the selection unit 303 is one or more.

[1-1-3-2-1. When the number of selected ventilation devices is one]
When the determination unit 304 determines that the number of ventilators 1 selected by the selection unit 303 is one, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio of the ventilator 1 selected by the selection unit 303 to be the following set period ratio. That is, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio to be the first set period indicating "15 minutes", the second set period indicating "0 minutes", and the third set period indicating "0 minutes".

[1-1-3-2-2. When multiple ventilation devices are selected]
When the selection unit 303 selects a plurality of ventilation devices 1, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio as follows. That is, for one ventilation device 1, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio to be a set period ratio in which the first set period indicates "15 minutes", the second set period indicates "0 minutes", and the third set period indicates "0 minutes". In addition, for other ventilation devices 1 other than this one ventilation device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "other ventilation devices 1"), the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio to be a set period ratio in accordance with the table shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a chart showing the relationship between the set period ratio and the CO2 concentration. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis shows time, and the horizontal axis shows the CO2 concentration. Line L1 shows the ratio between the first set period and the third set period when the second set period is "0 minutes". Line L2 shows the ratio between the first set period and the second set period when the third set period is "0 minutes".

Line L1 is a straight line in which the time decreases from 15 minutes to 0 minutes as the CO2 concentration increases between 600 ppm (parts per million) and A ppm. In this embodiment, A ppm indicates any CO2 concentration in the range from 750 ppm to 900 ppm. Line L2 is a straight line in which the time decreases from 15 minutes to 0 minutes as the CO2 concentration increases between A ppm and 1000 ppm.

In Figure 5, the area from 0 minutes to 15 minutes on the vertical axis is divided into three areas by lines L1 and L2. Of the areas divided by lines L1 and L2, the area on the right side of the figure indicates the period when the ventilation air volume is set to zero. Furthermore, of the areas divided by lines L1 and L2, the area in the center of the figure indicates the period when the ventilation air volume is set to "weak wind." Furthermore, of the areas divided by lines L1 and L2, the area on the left side of the figure indicates the period when the ventilation air volume is set to "strong wind."

If the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is equal to or greater than 600 ppm and less than A ppm, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio based on the following formula (1).

B1 = (CO2 _IN - CO2 _LOW ) x Slope1 ... (1)
In formula (1), the left side B1 is the required ventilation rate, which is the rate of how much ventilation is required relative to the maximum ventilation rate. In formula (1), CO2 _IN represents the CO2 concentration. In formula (1), CO2 _LOW represents 600 ppm. In formula (1), Slope 1 is "A ppm - 600 ppm."

When the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is equal to or greater than 600 ppm and less than A ppm, the determination unit 304 substitutes the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 for CO2 _IN in formula (1) to obtain B1. Next, the determination unit 304 refers to the management data 312 to obtain the total weak ventilation volume of the ventilators 1 selected by the selection unit 303 for which the set period ratio is to be determined based on formula (1). Next, the determination unit 304 obtains the ratio between the obtained total weak ventilation volume and the obtained B1. Then, the determination unit 304 multiplies the obtained ratio by 15 minutes to obtain the first set period, and obtains the value obtained by subtracting the calculated first set period from 15 minutes as the third set period.
Then, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratios of the other ventilators 1 to be the set period ratios indicating the obtained first set period, the second set period of "0 minutes", and the obtained third set period.

For example, if the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is 750 ppm, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio of the other ventilation device 1 to be a set period ratio in which the first set period indicates "7 minutes", the second set period indicates "0 minutes", and the third set period indicates "8 minutes".

If the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is equal to or greater than A ppm and less than 1000 ppm, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio based on the following formula (2).

B2 = (CO2 _IN - CO2 _LOW ) x Slope2 ... (2)
In formula (2), the left side B2 is the required ventilation rate, which is the rate of how much ventilation is required relative to the maximum ventilation rate. In formula (2), CO2 _IN indicates the CO2 concentration. In formula (2), CO2 _LOW indicates 600 ppm. In formula (2), Slope 2 is "1000 ppm - A ppm".

If the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is equal to or greater than A ppm and less than 1000 ppm, the determination unit 304 substitutes the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 for CO2 _IN in equation (2) to obtain B2.
Next, the determination unit 304 refers to the management data 312 and obtains the total weak wind ventilation volume of the ventilators 1 selected by the selection unit 303 for which the set period ratio is to be determined based on formula (2). Next, the determination unit 304 obtains the ratio between the obtained total strong wind ventilation volume and the obtained B2. Then, the determination unit 304 multiplies the obtained ratio by 15 minutes to obtain the first set period.
Furthermore, the determination unit 304 refers to the management data 312 and obtains the total strong wind ventilation volume of the ventilators 1 selected by the selection unit 303 for which the set period ratio is to be determined based on formula (2). Next, the determination unit 304 obtains the ratio between the obtained total strong wind ventilation volume and the obtained B2. Then, the determination unit 304 multiplies the obtained ratio by 15 minutes to obtain the second set period.
Then, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratios of the other ventilators 1 to be the set period ratios indicating the obtained first set period, the obtained second set period, and the third set period of "0 minutes".

For example, if the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is 900 ppm, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratio of the other ventilation device 1 to be a set period ratio in which the first set period indicates "7 minutes", the second set period indicates "8 minutes", and the third set period indicates "0 minutes".

If the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is 1000 ppm or more, the determination unit 304 determines the set period ratios of the other ventilation devices 1 to be set period ratios in which the first set period indicates "0 minutes", the second set period indicates "15 minutes", and the third set period indicates "0 minutes".

[1-2. motion]
Next, the operation of each part of the ventilation system 1000 of this embodiment will be described.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device 3. In FIG. 6, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the server device 3, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the ventilation device 1.

As shown in the flow chart FA, the selection unit 303 determines whether a trigger for selecting a ventilator 1 has occurred (step SA1). An example of this trigger is when 15 minutes have passed since the previous selection.

If the selection unit 303 determines that a trigger for selecting a ventilation device 1 has occurred (step SA1: YES), it determines the number of ventilation devices 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes (step SA2).

Next, the selection unit 303 selects the ventilators 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes based on the number determined in step SA2 (step SA3).
Steps SA2 and SA3 correspond to the "selection step" of the present disclosure.

Next, the determination unit 304 determines a set period ratio for each ventilation device 1 selected in step SA3 (step SA4). Note that in step SA4, the set period ratio for each ventilation airflow rate is set for each ventilation device 1 selected in step SA3 based on the CO2 concentration measured by the air quality sensor 4 associated with each ventilation device 1.
Step SA4 corresponds to the "decision step" of the present disclosure.

Then, the server communication control unit 301 transmits set period ratio information indicating the set period ratio determined in step SA4 to each of the ventilation devices 1 selected in step SA3 (step SA5). Note that the server communication control unit 301 transmits the set period ratio information by referencing the communication information of the ventilation device 1 selected by the selection unit 303 from the management data 312.

Step SA5 will now be described in detail.
When the number of ventilators 1 selected by the selection unit 303 is one, the server communication control unit 301 transmits to that ventilator 1 set period ratio information indicating the first set period of "15 minutes".

If the selection unit 303 selects multiple ventilation devices 1 and the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is equal to or greater than 600 ppm and less than 1000 ppm, the server communication control unit 301 transmits set period ratio information indicating the first set period of "15 minutes" to one ventilation device 1. On the other hand, for the other ventilation devices 1, the server communication control unit 301 transmits set period ratio information indicating the set period ratio determined based on formula (1) or formula (2).

If the selection unit 303 selects multiple ventilation devices 1 and the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303 is 1000 ppm or higher, the server communication control unit 301 transmits set period ratio information indicating a first set period of "15 minutes" to one ventilation device 1. On the other hand, for the other ventilation devices 1, the server communication control unit 301 transmits set period ratio information indicating a second set period of "15 minutes".

As shown in the flowchart FB, the ventilation communication control unit 101 receives the set period ratio information from the server device 3 (step SB1).

Next, the operation control unit 102 performs operation for 15 minutes in accordance with the set period ratio indicated by the set period ratio information received in step SB1 (step SB2).
Step SB2 corresponds to the "ventilation execution step" of the present disclosure.

In step SB2, if the first set period is a set period ratio indicating "15 minutes", the operation control unit 102 sets the ventilation air volume of the ventilator 1 to "weak wind" for 15 minutes.
In step SB2, if the second set period is a set period ratio indicating "15 minutes", the operation control unit 102 sets the ventilation air volume of the ventilator 1 to "strong wind" for 15 minutes.

In step SB2, if the first set period indicates "α minutes", the second set period indicates "0 minutes", and the third set period indicates "β minutes", the operation control unit 102 first operates the ventilation device 1 with the ventilation air volume set to "weak" for α minutes, and then, after α minutes have elapsed, operates the ventilation device 1 with the ventilation air volume set to "zero" for β minutes. In this case, "weak" corresponds to the "first air volume" in this disclosure, and "zero" corresponds to the "second air volume" in this disclosure.
In step SB2, if the first set period indicates "α minutes", the second set period indicates "β minutes", and the third set period indicates "0 minutes", the operation control unit 102 first operates the ventilation device 1 with the ventilation air volume set to "strong wind" for β minutes, and then, after β minutes have elapsed, operates the ventilation device 1 with the ventilation air volume set to "weak wind" for α minutes. In this case, "strong wind" corresponds to the "first air volume" in the present disclosure, and "weak wind" corresponds to the "second air volume" in the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a chart showing the ventilation volume per hour in the ventilated space S.
In FIG. 7, the vertical axis indicates the ventilation volume per hour, and the horizontal axis indicates the CO2 concentration.

Graphs GF2 and GF3 are shown in Figure 7. Graph GF2 shows the ventilation volume of the ventilated space S per hour in conventional ventilation air volume control. Conventional ventilation air volume control refers to control in which all ventilation devices 1 operate at "weak wind" when the CO2 concentration is below 600 ppm, and all ventilation devices 1 operate at "strong wind" when the CO2 concentration is 600 ppm or higher. Graph GF3 shows the ventilation volume of the ventilated space S per hour in the ventilation air volume control of this embodiment.

As is clear from a comparison of graphs GF2 and GF3, when the CO2 concentration is below 600 ppm, it is possible to maintain a specified ventilation volume while suppressing excessive ventilation. Here, the specified ventilation volume is the ventilation volume stipulated by laws and regulations such as the Building Standards Act. Also, as is clear from a comparison of graphs GF2 and GF3, when the CO2 concentration is between 600 ppm and 1000 ppm, it is possible to change the ventilation volume per hour more linearly than before.

In general, the required ventilation volume and the minimum ventilation volume are determined by the size of the space and the maximum number of residents according to laws such as the Building Standards Act. For example, the required ventilation volume is determined by the Building Standards Act, which states that the space volume per person is 20 m3/h, the floor area of the room, and the occupied area per person. For example, in an office with a floor area of 200 m2, the number of residents is equivalent to 4000 people when converted to an occupied area of 5 m2 per person, and the required ventilation volume per person is 20 m3/h, so it is determined that ventilation of 8000 m3/h is required. As for the minimum ventilation volume, laws and regulations require that other rooms such as offices be ventilated at a required ventilation volume of 0.3 times or more per hour. For example, ventilation 0.5 times per hour is calculated to replace half the air in the room in one hour. When the required ventilation volume based on laws and regulations such as the Building Standards Act cannot be met by one commercially available ventilation device, multiple ventilation devices are installed as in this embodiment. The required ventilation volume is the volume required when the number of occupants is at its maximum, but is an excessive ventilation volume that does not match the increase or decrease in the number of occupants. However, the ventilation system 1000 of this embodiment selects the ventilation device 1 to be operated based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 corresponding to each ventilation device 1. In this way, the ventilation system 1000 of this embodiment can ventilate the ventilated space S with an appropriate ventilation volume.
In addition, the size of the space and the occupied area per person will vary depending on the usage status of the ventilated space S, and are therefore not limited to the above-mentioned numerical values.

[1-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, the control method of the ventilation system 1000 including a plurality of ventilation devices 1 capable of switching the ventilation air volume and a plurality of air quality sensors 4 provided in association with each of the plurality of ventilation devices 1 and detecting the state of air quality of the ventilated space S ventilated by the ventilation device 1 includes a selection step of selecting a ventilation device 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S from among the plurality of ventilation devices 1 based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors 4. The control method of the ventilation system 1000 also includes a determination step of determining the ventilation air volume of the ventilation device 1 selected in the selection step based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 corresponding to the ventilation device 1 selected in the selection step. The control method of the ventilation system 1000 also includes a ventilation execution step of ventilating the ventilated space S with the ventilation device 1 selected in the selection step based on the ventilation air volume determined in the determination step.

As a result, of the multiple ventilation devices 1, the ventilation device 1 selected based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 operates at a ventilation air volume based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4. Therefore, the ventilated space S can be appropriately ventilated in response to changes in the air quality of each area within the ventilated space S.

In the control method for the ventilation system 1000, in the selection step, one air quality sensor 4 to be used for selection in the selection step is selected based on the detection values of each of the multiple air quality sensors 4.

In this way, by selecting one air quality sensor 4 to be used in the selection step, the ventilation device 1 can be selected based on the actual air quality state of the ventilated space S. Therefore, since the ventilation device 1 can be appropriately selected in the selection step, the ventilated space S can be more appropriately ventilated in response to changes in the air quality of each area within the ventilated space S.

In the control method for the ventilation system 1000, in the selection step, the ventilation device 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S is selected based on the detection value of each of the multiple air quality sensors 4 that indicates the worst air quality state of the ventilated space S.

This allows the selection of the ventilation device 1 based on the worst air quality state. Therefore, the ventilation device 1 can be more appropriately selected in the selection step, and the ventilated space S can be more appropriately ventilated in response to changes in the air quality of each area within the ventilated space S.

In the control method for the ventilation system 1000, in the selection step, the number of ventilation devices 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S is determined based on the detection values of each of the multiple air quality sensors 4, and the number of ventilation devices 1 determined in ascending order of ventilation capacity is selected from the multiple ventilation devices 1.

This allows the total ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 1 that ventilates the ventilated space S to be reduced. This allows the power consumption related to ventilation of the ventilated space S to be reduced, and also allows the outside air load due to ventilation of the ventilated space S to be reduced.

The control method of the ventilation system 1000 involves, in a determination step, determining the set period ratio for each ventilation airflow setting period over a 15-minute period based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4, and, in a ventilation execution step, the ventilation device 1 selected in the selection step ventilates the ventilated space S according to the set period ratio determined in the determination step.

This allows the ventilation volume of the ventilated space S over a 15-minute period to be controlled in response to the state of the air quality within the ventilated space S. This allows the ventilated space S to be ventilated more appropriately.

The control method for the ventilation system 1000 is to set the ventilation air volume to a first air volume in accordance with the set period ratio in the ventilation execution step, and then to set the ventilation air volume to a second air volume that is smaller than the first air volume.

Accordingly, by first ventilating at the first airflow rate during a 15-minute operation, the air quality in the ventilated space S can be improved quickly after the start of the 15-minute operation. This makes it possible to improve the comfort of the user P in the ventilated space S.

The ventilation system 1000 includes a plurality of ventilation devices 1 capable of switching the ventilation air volume, a plurality of air quality sensors 4 associated with each of the plurality of ventilation devices 1 and detecting the air quality state of the ventilated space S ventilated by the ventilation device 1, and a server device 3. The server device 3 selects a ventilation device 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S from among the plurality of ventilation devices 1 based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors 4, and determines the ventilation air volume of the selected ventilation device 1 based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 corresponding to the selected ventilation device 1. The ventilation device 1 selected by the server device 3 ventilates the ventilated space S based on the ventilation air volume determined by the server device 3.

This provides the same effect as the control method for the ventilation system 1000 described above.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the ventilation system 1000 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[2-1. Configuration]
[2-1-1. Configuration of ventilation system]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ventilation system 2000 in the second embodiment.
The ventilation system 2000 in the second embodiment includes a ventilation device 1, a server device 3A, an air quality sensor 4, an indoor unit 5, and an outdoor air sensor 6.

The outdoor air sensor 6 detects the temperature of the air outside the building H (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor air temperature"). The outdoor air sensor 6 is connected to the communication device 2 for communication, and communicates with the server device 3A connected to the network NW via the communication device 2. The outdoor air sensor 6 periodically transmits outdoor air temperature data indicating the detected outdoor air temperature to the server device 3A. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the outdoor air sensor 6 is installed outside the ventilation device 1 and outside the building H, the outdoor air sensor 6 may be installed inside the ventilation device 1 or inside the building H.

[2-1-2. Configuration of Server Device]
Next, the configuration of the server device 3A will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a server device 3A according to the present embodiment.
As is clear from a comparison of FIG. 9 with FIG. 2, the server memory 310 of the server device 3 A stores a control program 311 A, management data 312 , and a combination table 313 .

The control program 311A causes the server processor 300 to function as a server communication control unit 301, a server processing unit 302, a selection unit 303A, and a determination unit 304.

The combination table 313 is data that the selection unit 303A uses to select the ventilation device 1.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the combination table 313. As shown in FIG.
The combination table 313 records the ventilation volume and power consumption per hour when the ventilation air volume is "strong wind" and the ventilation volume and power consumption per hour when the ventilation air volume is "weak wind" for each combination of ventilation air volumes of the ventilation devices 1. The combination table 313 shown in Fig. 10 records the ventilation volume and power consumption per hour for all combinations of the "A" ventilation device 1, the "B" ventilation device 1, the "C" ventilation device 1, the "D" ventilation device 1, the "E" ventilation device 1, and the "F" ventilation device 1.

The selection unit 303A refers to the management data 312 and the combination table 313 to select a ventilation device 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes from among multiple ventilation devices 1 installed in the ventilated space S. The selection by the selection unit 303A will be described in detail below.

The selection unit 303A refers to each of the air quality data contained in the management data 312 and selects one of the multiple air quality sensors 4 that detects the worst air quality. The selection unit 303A then calculates the required ventilation volume for the ventilated space S based on the detection value of the selected air quality sensor 4. The selection unit 303A calculates the required ventilation volume for the ventilated space S based on the volume of the ventilated space S, the detection value of the selected air quality sensor 4, the CO2 concentration increase per unit time when one person is present in the ventilated space S, and the required ventilation volume per person in the ventilated space S. Note that calculation elements other than the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 are stored as data in the server memory 310.

After calculating the required ventilation volume for the ventilated space S, the selection unit 303A selects from the combination table 313 a combination that indicates a ventilation volume within a range of ±50 ppm of the calculated required ventilation volume for the ventilated space S.

Next, the selection unit 303A judges whether the value of the outdoor air load is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In the present embodiment, the outdoor air load is the difference between the temperature in the ventilated space S and the outdoor air temperature. The selection unit 303A calculates the difference between the outdoor air temperature indicated by the outdoor air temperature data most recently received by the server device 3 and the set temperature indicated by the set temperature data in the management data 312, thereby obtaining the value of the outdoor air load. Then, when the selection unit 303A judges that the value of the outdoor air load is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the selection unit 303A selects one combination with the lowest power consumption from the selected combinations. On the other hand, when the selection unit 303A judges that the value of the outdoor air load is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the selection unit 303A selects one combination with the smallest ventilation volume per hour from the selected combinations.
If there are combinations that show the same power consumption, the selection unit 303A selects one of the combinations as follows. In this embodiment, the ventilators 1 managed by the server device 3A are numbered. If there are combinations that show the same power consumption, the selection unit 303A selects one combination with the smallest sum of the numbers assigned to the ventilators 1. The selection unit 303A makes a similar selection when there are combinations that show the same ventilation volume.

The selection unit 303A finally selects one or more ventilation devices 1 that correspond to the combination selected from the combination table 313 as the ventilation devices 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes.

The determination unit 304 of this embodiment determines the set period ratio for the ventilation device 1 selected by the selection unit 303A, similar to the first embodiment, based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected by the selection unit 303A when calculating the required ventilation volume of the ventilated space S.

[2-2. motion]
Next, the operation of each part of the ventilation system 2000 of this embodiment will be described.
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ventilation system 2000. In Fig. 11, a flowchart FC shows the operation of the server device 3A, and a flowchart FD shows the operation of the ventilation device 1.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, steps that are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are given the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The selection unit 303A determines whether a trigger has occurred to select a ventilation device 1 to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space S for 15 minutes (step SC1). An example of this trigger is the passage of 15 minutes since the previous selection.

When the selection unit 303 determines that a trigger for selecting a ventilation device 1 has occurred (step SC1: YES), it refers to the management data 312 and the combination table 313 to select a ventilation device 1 (step SC2).
Step SC2 corresponds to the "selection step" of the present disclosure.

In step SA4 following step SC2, a set period ratio is determined for each ventilation device 1A selected in step SC2, as in embodiment 1. In embodiment 2, step SA4 sets a set period ratio for each ventilation device 1 selected in step SC2 based on the CO2 concentration measured by the air quality sensor 4 associated with each ventilation device 1.

[2-3. Effects, etc.]
According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained by providing the following configuration.

In the selection step, the control method for the ventilation system 1000 calculates the required ventilation volume for the ventilated space S based on the detection values of each of the multiple air quality sensors 4, and selects from the multiple ventilation devices 1 a combination of ventilation devices 1 that can achieve the calculated required ventilation volume.

As a result, a combination of ventilation devices 1 that can ventilate with the optimal ventilation volume is selected, so that the ventilated space S can be appropriately ventilated.

In the control method for the ventilation system 1000, in the selection step, if there are multiple combinations, the combination that consumes the least amount of power for ventilation is selected.

In this way, the combination with the lowest power consumption is selected, so that the power consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S can be reduced while the ventilated space S is appropriately ventilated.

Other Embodiments
As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. have been made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to form new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the CO2 concentration is equal to or greater than 600 ppm and less than 1000 ppm, the ventilation air volume is switched during 15 minutes of operation. However, the lower threshold CO2 concentration for switching the ventilation air volume is not limited to 600 ppm, and the upper threshold CO2 concentration for switching the ventilation air volume is not limited to 1000 ppm or 900 ppm. Any value may be adopted for these thresholds, but it is preferable that they are values stipulated by the laws, regulations, WELL certification, etc. of the country in which the ventilation device 1 is installed. For example, this lower threshold may be set to 600 ppm as stipulated by LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), which is one of the environmental performance evaluation systems. Also, for example, this upper threshold may be set to 1000 ppm as stipulated by the Building Management Act.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the type of ventilation airflow that the ventilation device 1 can switch between is illustrated as two types, "weak wind" and "strong wind." In other embodiments, the type of ventilation airflow that the ventilation device 1, 1A can switch between may be three or more types. For example, in other embodiments, the type of ventilation airflow that the ventilation device 1 can switch between may be three types, "weak wind," "medium wind," and "strong wind." Note that "medium wind" has a larger ventilation airflow than "weak wind," and a smaller ventilation airflow than "strong wind."

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, 15 minutes is given as an example of the "predetermined period" of this disclosure, but the "predetermined period" of this disclosure is not limited to 15 minutes.

In the above-described first embodiment, the ventilation air volume is switched from the first air volume to the second air volume during a 15-minute operation, but in other embodiments, the ventilation air volume may be switched from the second air volume to the first air volume.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the selection unit 303 is configured to determine the set period ratio based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 selected. In other embodiments, the set period ratio may be determined based on the average detection value of the air quality sensor 4.

In the above-described second embodiment, the server device 3A is exemplified as the "management device" of the present disclosure. However, the "management device" of the present disclosure is not limited to the server device 3A, and may be, for example, a centralized management device that centrally manages each device in the building H.

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the CO2 concentration in the ventilated space S is exemplified as the air quality state of the ventilated space S, and the set period ratio is determined based on the CO2 concentration. In other embodiments, the set period ratio may be determined based on pollen concentration or fine particulate matter concentration such as PM2.5 instead of or in addition to the CO2 concentration. In this configuration, the air quality sensor 4 detects pollen concentration or fine particulate matter concentration such as PM2.5 as air quality instead of or in addition to the CO2 concentration. Also, in this other embodiment, instead of the detection value of the air quality sensor 4, the server device 3, 3A may obtain meteorological information describing pollen concentration, fine particulate matter concentration, etc. from a specified server connected to the network NW.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the difference between the set temperature of the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor air temperature is considered as the outdoor air load, and a combination is selected from the combination table 313. In other embodiments, the difference between the humidity of the ventilated space S and the humidity of the air outside the building H may be considered as the outdoor air load, and a combination may be selected.

The ventilation processor 100 and the server processor 300 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The configurations of the ventilation device 1 and the server devices 3 and 3A shown in Figures 3 and 9 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware that corresponds to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software.

The step units of the operations shown in Figures 6 and 11 are divided according to the main processing content in order to make the operations easier to understand, and the manner in which the processing units are divided or their names do not limit the operations. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure.

The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology disclosed herein, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

(Additional Note)
The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

(Technology 1) A control method for a ventilation system including a plurality of ventilation devices capable of switching ventilation airflow volumes, and a plurality of air quality sensors associated with each of the plurality of ventilation devices and detecting the air quality state of a ventilated space ventilated by the ventilation devices, the control method for a ventilation system including: a selection step of selecting a ventilation device to be used for ventilating the ventilated space from among the plurality of ventilation devices based on detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors; a determination step of determining the ventilation airflow volume of the ventilation device selected in the selection step based on the detection value of the air quality sensor corresponding to the ventilation device selected in the selection step; and a ventilation execution step of ventilating the ventilated space with the ventilation device selected in the selection step based on the ventilation airflow volume determined in the determination step.
According to this, among the multiple ventilation devices, a ventilation device selected based on the detection value of the air quality sensor operates at a ventilation air volume based on the detection value of the air quality sensor. Therefore, the ventilated space can be appropriately ventilated in response to changes in the air quality of each area in the ventilated space.

(Technology 2) A method for controlling a ventilation system described in Technology 1, in which, in the selection step, one of the air quality sensors to be used for selection in the selection step is selected based on the detection values of each of the multiple air quality sensors.
According to this, by selecting one air quality sensor to be used for selection in the selection step, a ventilation device can be selected based on the actual air quality state of the ventilated space. Therefore, since it becomes possible to appropriately select a ventilation device in the selection step, the ventilated space can be more appropriately ventilated in response to changes in the air quality of each area in the ventilated space.

(Technology 3) A control method for a ventilation system described in Technology 2, in which in the selection step, the ventilation device to be used for ventilating the ventilated space is selected based on the detection value of each of the multiple air quality sensors that indicates the worst air quality state of the ventilated space.
According to this, a ventilation device can be selected based on the worst air quality state. Therefore, since a ventilation device can be more appropriately selected in the selection step, the ventilated space can be more appropriately ventilated in response to changes in the air quality of each area in the ventilated space.

(Technology 4) A control method for a ventilation system described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 3, in which in the selection step, the number of ventilation devices to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space is determined based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors, and the number of ventilation devices selected from the plurality of ventilation devices is determined in ascending order of ventilation capacity.
This allows the total ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 1 that ventilates the ventilated space to be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption related to ventilation of the ventilated space and also reducing the outside air load due to ventilation of the ventilated space.

(Technology 5) A control method for a ventilation system described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, in which in the selection step, a required ventilation volume for the ventilated space is calculated based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors, and a combination of the ventilation devices that can achieve the calculated required ventilation volume is selected from among the plurality of ventilation devices.
This allows a combination of ventilation devices that can provide the optimal ventilation volume to be selected, allowing the ventilated space to be appropriately ventilated.

(Technology 6) A method for controlling a ventilation system according to Technology 5, wherein in the selection step, if there are a plurality of combinations, the combination that consumes the least amount of power for ventilation is selected.
According to this, the combination with the smallest power consumption is selected, so that the power consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space can be reduced while the ventilated space is being appropriately ventilated.

(Technology 7) A method for controlling a ventilation system described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, in which, in the determination step, a ratio of the setting period of each ventilation airflow in a specified period is determined based on the detection value of the air quality sensor, and in the ventilation execution step, a ventilation device selected in the selection step ventilates the ventilated space in accordance with the ratio determined in the determination step.
According to this, the ventilation amount of the ventilated space for a predetermined period of time can be controlled in accordance with the state of the air quality in the ventilated space, thereby making it possible to more appropriately ventilate the ventilated space.

(Technology 8) A method for controlling a ventilation system described in Technology 7, in which, in the ventilation execution step, the ventilation airflow is set to a first airflow according to the ratio, and then the ventilation airflow is set to a second airflow smaller than the first airflow.
According to this, by first performing ventilation at the first airflow rate during the operation for the predetermined period, it becomes possible to quickly improve the air quality in the ventilated space after the start of the operation for the predetermined period, thereby improving the comfort of the user in the ventilated space.

(Technology 9) A ventilation system comprising: a plurality of ventilation devices capable of switching ventilation airflow; a plurality of air quality sensors each associated with the plurality of ventilation devices and configured to detect the air quality state of a ventilated space ventilated by the ventilation devices; and a management device, wherein the management device selects a ventilation device to be used for ventilating the ventilated space from the plurality of ventilation devices based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors, determines the ventilation airflow of the selected ventilation device based on the detection value of the air quality sensor corresponding to the selected ventilation device, and the ventilation device selected by the management device ventilates the ventilated space based on the ventilation airflow determined by the management device.
This provides the same effect as the ventilation system described in Technique 1.

As described above, the ventilation system control method and ventilation system according to the present invention can be used to ventilate a ventilated space.

1, 1A to 1F Ventilation equipment 3, 3A Server equipment (management equipment)
Description of the Reference Number 4, 4A to 4F Air quality sensor 5, 5A to 5F Indoor unit 6 Outdoor air sensor 11 Blower fan 12 Fan motor 14 Ventilation control device 15 Ventilation communication unit 30 Server control device 31 Server communication unit 100 Ventilation processor 101 Ventilation communication control unit 102 Operation control unit 110 Ventilation memory 111 Control program 300 Server processor 301 Server communication control unit 302 Server processing unit 303, 303A Selection unit 304 Decision unit 310 Server memory 311, 311A Control program 312 Management data 313 Combination table 1000, 2000 Ventilation system S Ventilation space SA2, SA3, SC2 Step (selection step)
SA4 Step (Decision Step)
SB2 Step (Ventilation Execution Step)

Claims (9)

1. A control method for a ventilation system including a plurality of ventilation devices capable of switching ventilation airflow rates, and a plurality of air quality sensors provided in association with each of the plurality of ventilation devices and detecting an air quality state of a ventilated space ventilated by the ventilation devices, comprising:
   a selection step of selecting a ventilation device to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space from among the plurality of ventilation devices based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors;
   a determination step of determining a ventilation air volume of the ventilation device selected in the selection step based on a detection value of the air quality sensor corresponding to the ventilation device selected in the selection step;
   A ventilation execution step in which the ventilation device selected in the selection step ventilates the ventilated space based on the ventilation air volume determined in the determination step.
   How ventilation systems are controlled.
2. In the selection step,
   selecting one of the air quality sensors to be used for selection in the selection step based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors;
   A method for controlling a ventilation system according to claim 1.
3. In the selection step,
   selecting the ventilation device to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space based on a detection value indicating the worst air quality state of the ventilated space among the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors;
   A method for controlling a ventilation system according to claim 2.
4. In the selection step,
   determining the number of the ventilation devices to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors;
   Among the plurality of ventilation devices, a number of the ventilation devices are selected in ascending order of ventilation capacity.
   A method for controlling a ventilation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. In the selection step,
   Calculating a required ventilation amount for the ventilated space based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors;
   selecting a combination of the ventilation devices that can realize the calculated required ventilation volume from among the plurality of ventilation devices;
   A method for controlling a ventilation system according to claim 1.
6. In the selection step,
   When there are a plurality of combinations, the combination that consumes the least amount of power for ventilation is selected.
   A method for controlling a ventilation system according to claim 5.
7. In the determining step,
   determining a ratio of a set period of each ventilation air volume in a predetermined period based on a detection value of the air quality sensor;
   In the ventilation execution step,
   The ventilation device selected in the selection step ventilates the ventilated space according to the ratio determined in the determination step.
   A method for controlling a ventilation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
8. In the ventilation execution step,
   setting the ventilation air volume to a first air volume in accordance with the ratio, and then setting the ventilation air volume to a second air volume smaller than the first air volume.
   A method for controlling a ventilation system according to claim 7.
9. A plurality of ventilation devices capable of switching the ventilation air volume;
   A plurality of air quality sensors are provided corresponding to the plurality of ventilation devices, each of which detects an air quality state of a ventilated space ventilated by the ventilation device;
   A management device,
   The management device includes:
   selecting a ventilation device to be used for ventilation of the ventilated space from among the plurality of ventilation devices based on the detection values of each of the plurality of air quality sensors;
   determining a ventilation air volume of the selected ventilation device based on a detection value of the air quality sensor corresponding to the selected ventilation device;
   The ventilation device selected by the management device,
   Ventilate the ventilated space based on the ventilation air volume determined by the management device.
   Ventilation system.

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