Ventilation Control Device, Ventilation System, And Program

Abstract

A ventilation control device is a device for setting a ventilation path in an object space of wind flowing in/out through a plurality of openings between the object space and the outside of the building. The plurality of openings is disposed in a building. An air conditioner performs air-conditioning in the building. The ventilation control device includes: a ventilation-path setting unit; and an output unit. The ventilation-path setting unit sets the ventilation path so that a ventilation path in the object space, in a state in which the air conditioner operates, differs from a path of wind sent from the air conditioner. The output unit outputs path information indicating the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to ventilation control devices, ventilation systems, and programs, and, more particularly, a ventilation control device, a ventilation system, and a program that are used to control ventilation in a building.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a bedroom-environmental control system which controls the environmental of a bedroom is known as a device which sets the ventilation path in an object space of the wind which flows in and out through a plurality of openings between the object space in a building and the outside of the building (see JP 2007-132558 A, for example, hereinafter referred to as "Document 1").

[0003] The bedroom-environmental control system described in Document 1 includes: a window openable or closeable so as to send outside air; and a handrail and a skylight openable or closable as an exhaust unit. The bedroom-environmental system described in Document 1 alternatively switches, depending on the condition, performing the air-conditioning by the air conditioner without opening the window, or opening the window with stopping the air-conditioning. The system controls the environment of a bedroom so that comfortable sleep is acquired.

[0004] However, the conventional bedroom-environmental control system described in Document 1 controls exclusively the operation of the air conditioner or the opening or closing of the window. That is, the conventional bedroom-environmental system described in Document 1 exclusively switches the air-conditioning by the air conditioner, or the air-conditioning by the ventilation with the wind sent into the building from the outside of the building. For this reason, in the conventional bedroom-environmental control system described in Document 1, when the cold energy which can be used by ventilation is not used sufficient but used a little, cannot operate only air conditioner without the ventilation to use cold energy outside the building effectively. As a result, the load of the air conditioner enlarges, and it is not preferable from a point of energy saving.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention has been made in the light of the above-mentioned problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a ventilation control device, a ventilation system, and a program that can use an air conditioner together with ventilation, without the ventilation impairing the cold energy by the air conditioner, without stopping ventilation, even when the cold energy which can be used by ventilation is not sufficient.

[0006] A ventilation control device according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to set a ventilation path in an object space of wind that flows in and out through a plurality of openings between the object space and an outside of a building. An air conditioner performs air-conditioning in the object space inside the building. The plurality of openings is disposed in the building. The ventilation control device includes a ventilation-path setting unit and an output unit. The ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path in the object space, in a state where the air conditioner is operating, is different from a path of wind sent from the air conditioner. The output unit is configured to output path information indicating the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.

[0007] Preferably, the ventilation control device further includes an air-conditioning controller. The air-conditioning controller is configured to control a plurality of opening devices according to the path information outputted from the output unit. The plurality of opening devices respectively corresponds to the plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of opening devices is configured to control an opening state of a corresponding opening.

[0008] The ventilation control device further includes an information acquisition unit. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire environmental information includes: outside-air-temperature information indicating outside air temperature outside the building; and room-temperature information indicating room temperature in the object space. The air-conditioning controller is configured to make the plurality of opening devices control opening or closing of the plurality of openings according to the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0009] In the ventilation control device, the air-conditioning controller is configured to: control the plurality of opening devices so that the plurality of openings are opened when the room temperature is higher than the outside air temperature; and control the plurality of opening devices so that the plurality of openings are closed when the room temperature is equal to or less than the outside air temperature.

[0010] In the ventilation control device, the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near the ceiling in the object space.

[0011] The ventilation control device further includes an information acquisition unit. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire environmental information including: outside-air-temperature information indicating outside air temperature outside the building; and room-temperature information indicating room temperature in the object space. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire information indicating room temperature near the ceiling as the room-temperature information. The ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near the ceiling in the object space when the room temperature near the ceiling is higher than the outside air temperature.

[0012] In the ventilation control device, the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a wall in the object space.

[0013] The ventilation control device further includes an information acquisition unit. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire environmental information including: outside-air-temperature information indicating outside air temperature outside the building; and room-temperature information indicating room temperature in the object space. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire information indicating room temperature in an area near the wall as the room-temperature information. The ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near the wall in the object space when the room temperature in the area near the wall is higher than the outside air temperature.

[0014] In the ventilation control device, each of the plurality of opening devices is a louver disposed in the corresponding opening. The air-conditioning controller is configured to control a direction of the louver so that wind passes through the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.

[0015] A ventilation system according to an aspect of the present invention includes: the ventilation control device; and a plurality of opening devices respectively corresponding to the plurality of openings disposed in the building, each of the plurality of opening devices being configured to control an opening state of a corresponding opening by control of the ventilation control device.

[0016] A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for setting a ventilation path in an object space of wind that flows in and out through a plurality of openings between the object space and an outside of the building. An air conditioner performs air-conditioning in the object space inside the building. The plurality of openings is disposed in the building. The program causes a computer to function as a ventilation-path setting unit and an output unit. The ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path in the object space, in a state where the air conditioner is operating, is different from a path of wind sent from the air conditioner. The output unit is configured to output path information indicating the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit. The present invention is not limited to the program. The present invention may be a computer-readable recording medium recording the program.

[0017] According to the present invention, the air conditioner can be used together with the ventilation, without the ventilation impairing the cold energy by the air conditioner, without stopping the ventilation, even when the cold energy which can be used by ventilation is not sufficient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further details. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings where:

[0019] FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a ventilation control device according to an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a ventilation system according to the embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a figure showing an example of a flow of wind in an object space of the ventilation control device according to the embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a figure showing another example of a flow of the wind in the object space of the ventilation control device according to the embodiment; and

[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing operations of the ventilation control device according to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In a ventilation system according to an embodiment described below, a ventilation control device is configured to set a ventilation path so that, in the state where an air conditioner is operating, the ventilation path in the object space inside a building is different from a path of wind emitted from the air conditioner.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the ventilation path is a path set so that the wind sent from an outside of the building passes through the object space (for example, room) inside the building.

[0026] Hereinafter, the ventilation system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to drawings.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1B, the ventilation system according to the present embodiment includes a ventilation control device 1, a first opening control device (hereinafter referred to as a "first opening device") 21, a second opening control device (hereinafter referred to as a "second opening device") 22, a third opening control device (hereinafter referred to as a "third opening device") 23, and an air conditioner 3. The ventilation system is further includes an anemometer 4, a first thermo-hygrometer 5, a second thermo-hygrometer 6, and an input device 7.

[0028] Hereinafter, although the case where the ventilation system is used for the general single house will be described as an example, the ventilation system may be used for each dwelling unit in a collective housing for example, instead of the single house. The ventilation system may be used for an administration building, a store, a facility, a factory, for example.

[0029] The first opening device 21 is configured to control an opening state of the first opening 81 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) disposed in the room 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) inside the dwelling unit (building) 8. The first opening device 21 is a louver, for example. The first opening device 21 is controlled by the ventilation control device 1. Examples of the opening state of the first opening 81 include opening and closing of the first opening 81, an opened condition (magnitude of opening area), and a direction of a louver as the first opening device 21.

[0030] The second opening device 22 is configured to control an opening state of the second opening 82 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) disposed in the room 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) inside the dwelling unit 8. The second opening device 22 is a louver, for example. The second opening device 22 is controlled by the ventilation control device 1. Examples of the opening state of the second opening 82 include opening and closing of the second opening 82, an opened condition (magnitude of opening area), and a direction of a louver as the second opening device 22.

[0031] The third opening device 23 is configured to control an opening state of the third opening 83 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) disposed in the adjacent room 84 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) inside the dwelling unit 8. The third opening device 23 is a louver, for example. The third opening device is controlled by the ventilation control device 1. Examples of the opening state of the third opening 83 include opening and closing of the third opening 83, an opened condition (magnitude of opening area), and a direction of a louver as the third opening device 23.

[0032] The air conditioner 3 is disposed in the room 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) inside the dwelling unit 8. The air conditioner 3 is configured to perform air-conditioning in the room 80.

[0033] The anemometer 4 is installed outside the dwelling unit 8. The anemometer 4 is configured to measure a direction (wind direction) and a speed (wind speed) of wind blowing outside the dwelling unit 8.

[0034] The first thermo-hygrometer 5 is installed outside the dwelling unit 8. The first thermo-hygrometer 5 is configured to measure air temperature outside the dwelling unit 8 (outside air temperature) and humidity outside the dwelling unit 8 (outside air humidity).

[0035] The second thermo-hygrometer 6 is installed in the dwelling unit 8. The second thermo-hygrometer 6 is configured to measure air temperature in the dwelling unit 8 (room temperature) and humidity in the dwelling unit 8 (indoor humidity).

[0036] The input device 7 is to be used, for example, for a person in the dwelling unit 8 (hereinafter referred to as a "person in the room") inputting an instruction to the ventilation control device 1. The input device 7 is configured to receive an input of the preset temperature (target temperature) in the dwelling unit 8, for example, by an input operation by a person in the room. The input device 7 may be also configured to receive inputs of various kinds of instructions other than the preset temperature.

[0037] Then, the ventilation control device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. The ventilation control device 1 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) in the room 80 of the wind that flows in and out through the first to third openings 81 to 83 between the outside of the dwelling unit 8 and the room 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) as an object space in which the air conditioner 3 performs air-conditioning in the dwelling unit 8. The ventilation control device 1 is mainly constituted of a computer (also including a microcomputer) in which a CPU(s) (Central Processing Unit(s)) and a memory(-ies) are mounted, for example. The ventilation control device 1 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a preset-temperature acquisition unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an arithmetic processor 14.

[0038] The information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire environmental information (environmental data). The environmental information (environmental data) includes weather information (weather data) and indoor environmental information (indoor environmental data). The weather information (weather data) includes wind pertinent information (wind pertinent data), outside-air-temperature information, and outside-air-humidity information. The wind pertinent information is information about wind blowing outside the dwelling unit 8, and includes information indicating a wind direction and a wind speed of the wind. The outside-air-temperature information indicates outside air temperature outside the dwelling unit 8. The outside-air-humidity information indicates outside air humidity outside the dwelling unit 8. The indoor environmental information includes room-temperature information and indoor-humidity information. The room-temperature information indicates room temperature in the dwelling unit 8. The indoor-humidity information indicates indoor humidity in the dwelling unit 8.

[0039] The information acquisition unit 11 includes a first acquisition unit (wind-pertinent-information acquisition unit) 111, a second acquisition unit (outside-air-temperature-and-humidity acquisition unit) 112, and a third acquisition unit (indoor-air-temperature-and-humidity acquisition unit) 113.

[0040] The first acquisition unit 111 includes an interface unit (not shown) for connecting with the anemometer 4. The first acquisition unit 111 is configured to acquire a measuring result of the anemometer 4, which is connected to the interface unit, from the anemometer 4. For example, the first acquisition unit 111 is configured to acquire the measuring result from the anemometer 4 at a cycle shorter than a switching interval for setting a ventilation state (ventilation path, ventilation quantity). Then, the first acquisition unit 111 is configured to select a wind direction with the highest frequency from distribution of wind directions acquired during the cycle from a time point when the previous ventilation state was set. The first acquisition unit 111 is configured to calculate an average value of wind speeds acquired during a predetermined period. Therefore, the first acquisition unit 111 can acquire, as the wind pertinent information, the selected wind direction and the calculated wind speed (average value). The first acquisition unit 111 may be configured to acquire the wind pertinent information from the anemometer 4 by wireless communication through a transmission medium of an electric wave instead of a cable.

[0041] The second acquisition unit 112 includes an interface unit (not shown) for connecting with the first thermo-hygrometer 5. The second acquisition unit 112 is configured to acquire a measuring result of the first thermo-hygrometer 5, which is connected to the interface unit, from the first thermo-hygrometer 5. That is, the second acquisition unit 112 is configured to acquire the outside air temperature and the outside air humidity from the first thermo-hygrometer 5. The second acquisition unit 112 may be configured to acquire the outside air temperature and the outside air humidity from the first thermo-hygrometer 5 by wireless communication through a transmission medium of an electric wave instead of a cable.

[0042] The third acquisition unit 113 includes an interface unit (not shown) for connecting with the second thermo-hygrometer 6. The third acquisition unit 113 is configured to acquire a measuring result of the second thermo-hygrometer 6, which is connected to the interface unit, from the second thermo-hygrometer 6. That is, the third acquisition unit 113 is configured to acquire the indoor environmental information from the second thermo-hygrometer 6. The third acquisition unit 113 may be configured to acquire the indoor environmental information from the second thermo-hygrometer 6 by wireless communication through a transmission medium of an electric wave instead of a cable.

[0043] The preset-temperature acquisition unit 12 includes an interface unit (not shown) for connecting with the input device 7. The preset-temperature acquisition unit 12 is configured to acquire the preset temperature inputted by an input operation to the input device 7, which is connected to the interface unit, from the input device 7. The preset-temperature acquisition unit 12 may be configured to acquire the preset temperature from the input device 7 by wireless communication through a transmission medium of an electric wave instead of a cable.

[0044] The storage unit 13 includes a first storage unit (weather-information-history storage unit) 131, a second storage unit (indoor-environmental-information-history storage unit) 132, and a third storage unit (control-log storage unit) 133.

[0045] The first storage unit 131 is configured to store a history of the wind pertinent information that has ever been acquired by the first acquisition unit 111. Whenever the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the wind pertinent information, the wind pertinent information is stored in the first storage unit 131 by control of the arithmetic processor 14 so as to be associated with an acquisition date and an acquisition time. The first storage unit 131 is configured to store a history of the outside air temperature and the outside air humidity that have ever been acquired by the second acquisition unit 112. Whenever the second acquisition unit 112 acquires the outside air temperature and the outside air humidity, the outside air temperature and the outside air humidity are stored in the first storage unit 131 by control of the arithmetic processor 14 so as to be associated with an acquisition date and an acquisition time.

[0046] The second storage unit 132 is configured to store a history of the indoor environmental information that has ever been acquired by the third acquisition unit 113. Whenever the third acquisition unit 113 acquires the indoor environmental information, the indoor environmental information is stored in the second storage unit 132 by control of the arithmetic processor 14 so as to be associated with an acquisition date and an acquisition time.

[0047] The third storage unit 133 is configured to store, by control of the arithmetic processor 14, a history of control contents up to now to the first to third opening devices 21 to 23, that is, the control log. Whenever the air-conditioning controller 146 of the arithmetic processor 14 controls the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 according to the control content of the first to third opening devices 21 to 23, the control content is stored in the third storage unit 133 by control of the arithmetic processor 14 so as to be associated with a control date and a control time. The third storage unit 133 is also configured to store a history of the state of the air conditioner 3 up to now. Whenever the air-conditioning controller 146 controls the air conditioner 3, the state of the air conditioner 3 is stored in the third storage unit 133 by control of the arithmetic processor 14 so as to be associated with a control date and a control time.

[0048] The arithmetic processor 14 includes a first determining unit 141, a second determining unit 142, a ventilation-path setting unit 143, a ventilation-quantity calculating unit 144, an output unit 145, and an air-conditioning controller 146. The arithmetic processor 14 includes, as a main component, the CPU(s) mounted in the computer. The arithmetic processor 14 is configured to execute various programs to perform various processes. The various programs are stored in the storage unit 13.

[0049] The first determining unit 141 is configured to determine whether or not required cold energy can be acquired by ventilation based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11, the history of the weather information in the first storage unit 131, the history of the indoor environmental information in the second storage unit 132, and the control log in the third storage unit 133. That is, the first determining unit 141 is configured to determine whether or not it is appropriate that only the ventilation operates in the case where the operation of the air conditioner 3 is stopped.

[0050] The second determining unit 142 is configured to compare the room temperature with the outside air temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 when the first determining unit 141 determines that the required cold energy cannot be acquired only by ventilation. Then, the second determining unit 142 is configured to determine whether or not the room temperature is higher than the outside air temperature.

[0051] The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path in the room 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11, and the history information stored in the storage unit 13. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 of the present embodiment is configured to set the ventilation path in the room 80 by executing the ventilation-path setting program for setting the ventilation path. When the ventilation-path setting program is executed, building information about room arrangement (including positions of the first to third openings 81 to 83) in the dwelling unit 8 is preliminarily input into the storage unit 13. The ventilation-path setting program is stored in the storage unit 13.

[0052] When the second determining unit 142 determines that the room temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 sets the ventilation path 91 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) in the state where the air conditioner 3 is operated. Here, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 in the room 80 to become different from the path 92 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the wind emitted from the air conditioner 3, in the state where the air conditioner 3 is operating.

[0053] For example, when the path 92 of the wind sent from the air conditioner 3 is a path to a central area in the room 80 from the installed position of the air conditioner 3, the ventilation path 91 is set in a peripheral area that is not the central area in the room 80. Therefore, the wind sent from the air conditioner 3 blows to the central area in the room 80 from the installed position of the air conditioner 3. The wind sent into the room 80 from the outside of the room 80 through the first opening 81 blows the peripheral area in the room 80 and blows outside the room 80 through the second opening 82. The relationship between the ventilation path 91 and the path 92 is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0054] The ventilation-quantity calculating unit 144 is configured to calculate the ventilation quantity which passes through the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit 143 using the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11, the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit 143, and the hysteresis information stored in the storage unit 13. The ventilation-quantity calculating unit 144 of the present embodiment calculates the ventilation quantity on a ventilation path by executing the ventilation-quantity operation program for calculating ventilation quantity. When the ventilation-quantity operation program is executed, the building information about the room arrangement (including positions of the first to third openings 81 to 83) in the dwelling unit (building) 8 is input preliminarily. The ventilation-quantity operation program is stored in the storage unit 13.

[0055] The output unit 145 is configured to output the path information indicating the ventilation path 91 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) set by the ventilation-path setting unit 143, and the air-capacity information indicating the ventilation quantity calculated by the ventilation-quantity calculating unit 144 to the air-conditioning controller 146.

[0056] The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the first opening device 21, the second opening device 22, and the third opening device 23 according to the path information and the air-capacity information that were outputted from the output unit 145. First, the air-conditioning controller 146 determines the control content of the first opening device 21, the control content of the second opening device 22, and the control content of the third opening device 23 using the path information and the air-capacity information which were outputted from the output unit 145. The air-conditioning controller 146 determines each control content of the first opening device 21, the second opening device 22, and the third opening device 23 so that the ventilation path 91 through which the wind of the ventilation quantity passes actually may be formed in the room 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Then, the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the first opening device 21, the second opening device 22, and the third opening device 23 according to the control content. That is, the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control directions of louvers as the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the wind passes through the ventilation path 91 set by the ventilation-path setting unit 143.

[0057] The control of the air-conditioning controller 146 is not limited to the case where the whole wind from the room 80 to the room 80 actually passes through the ventilation path 91. The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the first opening device 21, the second opening device 22, and the third opening device 23 so that the wind into the room 80 from the outside of the room 80 passes through the ventilation path 91. That is, the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 to flow the most wind flows through the ventilation path 91.

[0058] The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the air conditioner 3. The air conditioner 3 works according to control of the air-conditioning controller 146.

[0059] Incidentally, it may be preferable that the first opening 81, the second opening 82, and the third opening 83 are in the closed states by the environmental information. That is, it may be preferable that the ventilation is not to be performed by the environmental information.

[0060] Then, the air-conditioning controller 146 makes the first opening device 21 control opening and closing of the first opening 81 according to the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11. The air-conditioning controller 146 makes the second opening device 22 control opening and closing of the second opening 82 according to the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11. The air-conditioning controller 146 makes the third opening device 23 control opening and closing of the third opening 83 according to the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11.

[0061] When the second determining unit 142 determines that the room temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the first to third openings 81 to 83 are to be opened. On the other hand, when the second determining unit 142 determines the room temperature is equal to or less than the outside air-conditioning temperature, the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the first to third openings 81 to 83 are to be closed.

[0062] Incidentally, the ventilation path 91 may be preferable to be near the ceiling 85 in the room 80 as the object space, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0063] The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is near the ceiling 85 in the room 80. That is, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is nearer the ceiling 85 than the wall 86 in the room 80. First, the third acquisition unit 113 of the information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire, as the room-temperature information, information indicating the room temperature at the area near the ceiling 85. Then, when the second determining unit 142 determines that the room temperature at the area near the ceiling 85 is higher than the outside air temperature, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 to be near the ceiling 85 in the room 80. The room temperature at the area near the ceiling 85 is not temperature at the central area and an area along the wall 86 but temperature at an area along the ceiling 85 in the room 80.

[0064] The ventilation path 91 may be preferable to be near the wall 86 in the room 80, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0065] Then, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 may serve as near the wall 86 in the room 80. That is, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is nearer the ceiling 85 than the wall 86 in the room 80. First, the third acquisition unit 113 of the information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire the information indicating the room temperature at the area near the wall 86 as the room-temperature information. Then, when the second determining unit 142 determines that the room temperature at the area near the wall 86 is higher than the outside air temperature, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is near the wall 86 in the room 80. The room temperature at the area near the wall 86 is not temperature at the central area and an area along the ceiling 85 but temperature at an area along the wall 86 in the room 80.

[0066] Incidentally, it may be more preferable to use only the ventilation, as to air conditioning of the room 80 as the object space, compared with using the ventilation together with the air conditioner 3. It is more preferable to use only the ventilation, when required cold energy can be acquired only by the ventilation.

[0067] Then, the ventilation-path setting unit 143 shown in FIG. 1A is configured to set the ventilation path 91 in the state where an operation of the air conditioner 3 is stopped, when the first determining unit 141 determines that the required cold energy could be acquired only by the ventilation. Then, the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 according to the ventilation path 91 in the state where the operation of the air conditioner 3 is stopped. The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to turn off the air conditioner 3.

[0068] It may be more preferable to use only the air conditioner 3, as to the air conditioning of the room 80 as the object space, compared with using the air conditioner 3 together with the ventilation. It is more preferable to use only the air conditioner 3, when the room temperature equal to or less than the outside air temperature.

[0069] Then, when the second determining unit 142 determines the room temperature is equal to or less than the outside air temperature, the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to operate only the air conditioner 3 in the state where the ventilation is stopped. In this case, the ventilation path 91 is not set.

[0070] The storage unit 13 has stored not only the history of the weather information mentioned above, the history of the indoor environmental information, and the control log but also the various kinds of information if needed.

[0071] The storage unit 13 is configured to store a program for causing the ventilation control device (computer) 1 to perform various functions. That is, the storage unit 13 is configured to store a program(s) that causes the ventilation control device 1 to function as the first determining unit 141, the second determining unit 142, the ventilation-path setting unit 143, the ventilation-quantity calculating unit 144, the output unit 145, and the air-conditioning controller 146. The program is preliminarily stored in the storage unit 13 at the time of shipment of the ventilation control device 1. However, when the ventilation control device 1 acquires the program after shipment, as an example of the technique with which the ventilation control device 1 acquires the program, there is a technique using the computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. In the case of the technique using the computer-readable recording medium, the ventilation control device 1 needs only to include a reader (not shown) for reading data in the recording medium. Examples of the recording medium include an optical disc and a memory card. Examples of the reader include a drive device configured to read out information on the optical disc, and a memory card reader configured to read out information on the memory card. As another techniques with which the ventilation control device 1 acquires the program, there is a technique with which the ventilation control device 1 downloads the program from another device (for example, server) through a network. In the case of the technique of downloading the program, the ventilation control device 1 needs only to have a communication function for communicating with the above-mentioned other device through the network.

[0072] Next, a ventilation control method with the ventilation control device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The ventilation control method is performed by executing the program stored in the storage unit 13 of the ventilation control device 1.

[0073] First, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires the environmental information (S1). Then, the first determining unit 141 of the arithmetic processor 14 determines whether or not required cold energy can be acquired by the ventilation based on the environmental information acquired in Step S1, the history of the weather information in the first storage unit 131, the history of the indoor environmental information in the second storage unit 132, and the control log in the third storage unit 133 (S2).

[0074] When the required cold energy can be acquired only by the ventilation (Yes at S2), the air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to make the air conditioner 3 be in the off state and control the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the first to third openings 81 to 83 is opened (S3). In this time, the air-conditioning controller 146 suitably changes directions of louvers as the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 to make a wind direction so that wind spreads round the whole room 80. When the required cold energy can be acquired only by the ventilation, since the air-conditioning by the air conditioner 3 is not required, the air conditioner 3 does not operate.

[0075] On the other hand, when the required cold energy cannot be acquired only by the ventilation (No at S2), the second determining unit 142 determines whether or not the room temperature T1 at an area near the ceiling 85 is higher than the outside air temperature T2 (S4).

[0076] When the room temperature T1 at the area near the ceiling 85 is higher than the outside air temperature T2 (Yes at S4), the ventilation-path setting unit 143 sets the ventilation path 91 (see FIG. 2) in the state where the air conditioner 3 is operating. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 sets the ventilation path 91 to a path along the ceiling 85 (see FIG. 2). The ventilation-quantity calculating unit 144 calculates the ventilation quantity of the wind passing through the ventilation path 91. Then, the air-conditioning controller 146 makes the air conditioner 3 be turned on, and controls the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the first to third openings 81 to 83 are to be opened (S5). In this time, the air-conditioning controller 146 adjusts directions of louvers as the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 to make a wind direction so that a wind passes along the ceiling 85.

[0077] In Step S4, when the room temperature T1 at the area near the ceiling 85 is equal to or less than the outside air temperature T2 (No at S4), the air-conditioning controller 146 makes the air conditioner 3 be turned on, and controls the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the first to third openings 81 to 83 are in closed states (S6). In this case, since the room temperature T1 cannot be lowered by the ventilation, the ventilation is not performed.

[0078] Because the wind direction and wind speed outside the dwelling unit (building) 8 to change every moment, the ventilation control device 1 needs to switch a ventilation state (a ventilation path, ventilation quantity) according to change of a wind direction and a wind speed. The switching interval at which the ventilation control device 1 switches the ventilation state is about 10 minutes, for example.

[0079] In Step S4, the second determining unit 142 may be configured to determine whether or not the room temperature at the area near the wall 86 instead of the room temperature at the area near the ceiling 85 is higher than the outside air temperature. In this case, the ventilation path 91 is turned into a path that passes along near the wall 86.

[0080] The ventilation control device 1 according to the present embodiment described above is configured to set the ventilation path 91 in the object space (room 80) of the wind that flows in and out through the plurality of openings (first to third openings 81 to 83) between the object space and the outside of the building (dwelling unit 8). The air conditioner 3 performs air-conditioning in the object space inside the building. The plurality of openings is disposed in the building. The ventilation control device 1 includes the ventilation-path setting unit 143 and the output unit 145. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 in the object space in the state where the air conditioner 3 is operating is different from the path of the wind sent from the air conditioner 3. The output unit 145 is configured to output the path information indicating the ventilation path 91 set by the ventilation-path setting unit 143.

[0081] The ventilation system according to the present embodiment includes the ventilation control device 1 and the plurality of opening devices (first to third opening devices 21 to 23). The plurality of opening devices respectively corresponds to the plurality of openings (first to third openings 81 to 83) disposed in the building (dwelling unit 8). Each of the plurality of opening devices is configured to control the opening state of the corresponding opening by control of the ventilation control device 1.

[0082] The program according to the present embodiment causes the computer to function as the ventilation-path setting unit 143 and the output unit 145. The program is a program for executing the computer that is used in order to set the ventilation path 91 in the object space (room 80) of the wind that flows in and out through the plurality of openings (first to third openings 81 to 83) between the object space and the outside of the building (dwelling unit 8). The air conditioner 3 performs air-conditioning in the building. The plurality of openings is disposed in the building. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 in the object space in the state where the air conditioner 3 is operating is different from the path 92 of the wind sent from the air conditioner 3. The output unit 145 is configured to output the path information indicating the ventilation path 91 set by the ventilation-path setting unit 143.

[0083] In the ventilation system according to the present embodiment, the ventilation control device 1 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 in the room 80 as the object space in the building (dwelling unit 8), of the wind flowing in and out through the first to third openings 81 to 83 between the room 80 and the outside of the building, so that the ventilation path 91 is different from the path 92 of the wind sent from the air conditioner 3. Therefore, in the ventilation control device 1 according to the present embodiment, even if cooling available by the ventilation is not sufficient, it is possible that the air conditioner 3 is used together with the ventilation without stopping the ventilation and without the ventilation decreasing the cooling by the air conditioner 3. Accordingly, because decreasing load of the air conditioner 3, the ventilation control device 1 can increase the energy conservation effect compared with the case where only the air conditioner 3 is operated.

[0084] Preferably, the ventilation control device 1 further includes the air-conditioning controller 146. The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the plurality of opening devices (first to third opening devices 21 to 23) according to the path information outputted from the output unit 145. The plurality of opening devices respectively corresponds to the plurality of openings (first to third openings 81 to 83). Each of the plurality of opening devices is configured to control the opening state of the corresponding opening.

[0085] Preferably, the ventilation control device 1 further includes the information acquisition unit 11. The air-conditioning controller 146 is preferably configured to perform the following operation. The information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire the environmental information. The environmental information includes the outside-air-temperature information and the room-temperature information. The outside-air-temperature information indicates the outside air temperature T2 outside the building (dwelling unit 8) The room-temperature information indicates the room temperature T1 in the object space (room 80). The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to make the plurality of opening devices (first to third opening devices 21 to 23) control opening or closing of the plurality of openings (first to third openings 81 to 83) according to the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11.

[0086] In the ventilation system according to the present embodiment, the ventilation control device 1 is configured to make the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 control the opening or closing of the first to third openings 81 to 83 according to the environmental information including the outside-air-temperature information and the room-temperature information. Therefore, in the ventilation control device 1 according to the present embodiment, with the relation between the outside air temperature and the room temperature, it is possible to perform the ventilation or stop the ventilation.

[0087] The air-conditioning controller 146 preferably performs the following operation. The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the plurality of opening devices (first to third opening devices 21 to 23) so that the plurality of openings (first to third openings 81 to 83) are to be opened when the room temperature T1 is higher than the outside air temperature T2. The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the plurality of opening devices so that the plurality of openings are to be closed when the room temperature T1 is equal to or less than the outside air temperature T2.

[0088] When the room temperature T1 is higher than the outside air temperature T2, the ventilation control device 1 controls the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the first to third openings 81 to 83 is in opened states. On the other hand, when the room temperature T1 is equal to or less than the outside air temperature T2, the ventilation control device 1 controls the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 so that the first to third openings 81 to 83 is in closed states. Therefore, in the ventilation control device 1, the case where the air conditioner 3 and the ventilation are used together, and the case where only the air conditioner 3 is used can be switched with the relation between the room temperature T1 and the outside air temperature T2.

[0089] The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is preferably configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is near the ceiling 85 in the object space (room 80).

[0090] Further preferably, the ventilation control device 1 further includes the information acquisition unit 11. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is preferably configured to perform the following operation. The information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire the environmental information. The environmental information includes the outside-air-temperature information and the room-temperature information. The outside-air-temperature information indicates the outside air temperature T2 outside the building (dwelling unit 8). The room-temperature information indicates the room temperature T1 in the object space (room 80). The information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire the information indicating the room temperature T1 at the area near the ceiling 85 as the room-temperature information. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is near the ceiling 85 in the object space when the room temperature T1 at the area near the ceiling 85 is higher than the outside air temperature T2.

[0091] In the ventilation system according to the present embodiment, the ventilation control device 1 can set the ventilation path 91 so that the wind which flows in and out through the first to third openings 81 to 83 may pass near the ceiling 85 in the room 80 as the object space. Therefore, in the ventilation control device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to decrease the heat transmitted from the roof for example into the room 80 through the ceiling 85.

[0092] The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is preferably configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is near the wall 86 in the object space (room 80).

[0093] More preferably, the ventilation control device 1 further includes the information acquisition unit 11. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is more preferably configured to perform the following operation. The information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire the environmental information. The environmental information includes the outside-air-temperature information and the room-temperature. The outside-air-temperature information indicates the outside air temperature T2 outside the building (dwelling unit 8). The room-temperature information indicates the room temperature T1 in the object space (room 80). The information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire the information indicating the room temperature T1 in the area near the wall 86 as the room-temperature information. The ventilation-path setting unit 143 is configured to set the ventilation path 91 so that the ventilation path 91 is near the wall 86 in the object space when the room temperature T1 in the area near the wall 86 is higher than the outside air temperature T2.

[0094] The ventilation control device 1 of the present embodiment can also set the ventilation path 91 so that the wind which flows in and out through the first to third openings 81 to 83 may pass near the wall 86 in the room 80 as the object space. Therefore, in the ventilation control device 1 of the present embodiment, the heat which has been transmitted into the room 80 via the wall 86 can also be lowered.

[0095] Each of the plurality of opening devices (first to third opening devices 21 to 23) is preferably the louver disposed in the corresponding opening. The air-conditioning controller 146 is preferably configured to perform the following operation. The air-conditioning controller 146 is configured to control the direction of the louver so that the wind passes through the ventilation path 91 set by the ventilation-path setting unit 143.

[0096] In the ventilation system according to the present embodiment, the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 are louvers. Therefore, in the ventilation control device 1 of the present embodiment, the direction of the wind which comes into the room 80 through the first to third openings 81 to 83 is easily changeable in the direction of the ventilation path 91 by controlling the directions of the louvers.

[0097] In the present embodiment, although the first acquisition unit 111 of the information acquisition unit 11 acquires the wind pertinent information from the anemometer 4, the first acquisition unit 111 may be configured to acquire the wind pertinent information from an external device (not shown) as a modification of the present embodiment. The external device should just be a device which acquires the wind pertinent information periodically and holds it, for example.

[0098] Although the second acquisition unit 112 of the information acquisition unit 11 acquires the outside air temperature and outside air humidity from the first thermo-hygrometer 5 installed outside the building in the present embodiment, as a modification of the present embodiment, the second acquisition unit 112 may acquire outside air temperature and outside air humidity from an external device (not shown). The external device should just be a device which acquires outside air temperature and outside air humidity periodically and keeps them, for example.

[0099] Although the third acquisition unit 113 of the information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire the indoor environmental information from the second thermo-hygrometer 6 currently installed in the building in the present embodiment, the third acquisition unit 113 may be configured to acquire the indoor environmental information from an external device (not shown) as a modification of the present embodiment. The external device should just be a device which acquires the indoor environmental information periodically and holds it, for example.

[0100] The output unit 145 may output the path information and air-capacity information not only to the air-conditioning controller 146 but to an alarming means (not shown) as a modification of the present embodiment. In the case of this modification, an alarming means reports a ventilation state (a ventilation path, ventilation quantity) based on the path information and the air-capacity information which were outputted from the output unit 145. Therefore, it is possible to report, to a person in-the-room, the ventilation state set in this time. The information technique for reporting a ventilation state may be the technique of displaying the ventilation state on a screen, and may be the technique of outputting the ventilation state with a sound.

[0101] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the air-conditioning controller 146 controls the first to third opening devices 21 to 23, as a modification of the present embodiment, the output unit 145 may be configured to report the path information and air-capacity information to the management device (not shown) which manages the first to third opening devices 21 to 23. The management device determines the control contents for the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 using the ventilation state (a ventilation path, ventilation quantity) set in this time, when the management device acquires the path information and air-capacity information from the output unit 145 in the case of this modification. Then, the management device is configured to control the first to third opening devices 21 to 23 according to the control content.

[0102] Although the present invention has been described with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, numerous modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention, namely claims.

Claims

1. A ventilation control device configured to set a ventilation path in an object space of wind that flows in and out through a plurality of openings between the object space and an outside of a building, an air conditioner performing air-conditioning in the object space inside the building, the plurality of openings being disposed in the building, the ventilation control device comprising: a ventilation-path setting unit configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path in the object space, in a state where the air conditioner is operating, is different from a path of wind sent from the air conditioner; and an output unit configured to output path information indicating the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.

2. The ventilation control device according to claim 1, further comprising an air-conditioning controller configured to control a plurality of opening devices according to the path information outputted from the output unit, the plurality of opening devices respectively corresponding to the plurality of openings, each of the plurality of opening devices being configured to control an opening state of a corresponding opening.

3. The ventilation control device according to claim 2, further comprising an information acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information comprising: outside-air-temperature information indicating outside air temperature outside the building; and room-temperature information indicating room temperature in the object space, wherein the air-conditioning controller is configured to make the plurality of opening devices control opening or closing of the plurality of openings according to the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

4. The ventilation control device according to claim 3, wherein the air-conditioning controller is configured to: control the plurality of opening devices so that the plurality of openings are opened when the room temperature is higher than the outside air temperature; and control the plurality of opening devices so that the plurality of openings are closed when the room temperature is equal to or less than the outside air temperature.

5. The ventilation control device according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a ceiling in the object space.

6. The ventilation control device according to claim 5, further comprising an information acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information comprising: outside-air-temperature information indicating outside air temperature outside the building; and room-temperature information indicating room temperature in the object space, wherein the information acquisition unit is configured to acquire information indicating room temperature near the ceiling as the room-temperature information, and wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near the ceiling in the object space when the room temperature near the ceiling is higher than the outside air temperature.

7. The ventilation control device according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a wall in the object space.

8. The ventilation control device according to claim 7, further comprising an information acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information comprising: outside-air-temperature information indicating outside air temperature outside the building; and room-temperature information indicating room temperature in the object space, wherein the information acquisition unit is configured to acquire information indicating room temperature in an area near the wall as the room-temperature information, and wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near the wall in the object space when the room temperature in the area near the wall is higher than the outside air temperature.

9. The ventilation control device according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of opening devices is a louver disposed in the corresponding opening, and wherein the air-conditioning controller is configured to control a direction of the louver so that wind passes through the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.

10. A ventilation system comprising: the ventilation control device according to claim 1; and a plurality of opening devices respectively corresponding to the plurality of openings disposed in the building, each of the plurality of opening devices being configured to control an opening state of a corresponding opening by control of the ventilation control device.

11. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for setting a ventilation path in an object space of wind that flows in and out through a plurality of openings between the object space and an outside of a building, an air conditioner performing air-conditioning in the object space inside the building, the plurality of openings being disposed in the building, the program causing a computer to function as: a ventilation-path setting unit configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path in the object space, in a state where the air conditioner is operating, is different from a path of wind sent from the air conditioner; and an output unit configured to output path information indicating the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.

12. The ventilation control device according to claim 2, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a ceiling in the object space.

13. The ventilation control device according to claim 3, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a ceiling in the object space.

14. The ventilation control device according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a ceiling in the object space.

15. The ventilation control device according to claim 12, further comprising an information acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information comprising: outside-air-temperature information indicating outside air temperature outside the building; and room-temperature information indicating room temperature in the object space, wherein the information acquisition unit is configured to acquire information indicating room temperature near the ceiling as the room-temperature information, and wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near the ceiling in the object space when the room temperature near the ceiling is higher than the outside air temperature.

16. The ventilation control device according to claim 2, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a wall in the object space.

17. The ventilation control device according to claim 3, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a wall in the object space.

18. The ventilation control device according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation-path setting unit is configured to set the ventilation path so that the ventilation path is near a wall in the object space.

19. The ventilation control device according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of opening devices is a louver disposed in the corresponding opening, and wherein the air-conditioning controller is configured to control a direction of the louver so that wind passes through the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.

20. The ventilation control device according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of opening devices is a louver disposed in the corresponding opening, and wherein the air-conditioning controller is configured to control a direction of the louver so that wind passes through the ventilation path set by the ventilation-path setting unit.