Air conditioning system for transferring air in an air-conditioned room

An air conditioning system is provided, which includes a transfer fan for transferring air to a room as a space in a house from an air-conditioned room, a motion sensor for detecting whether the room is occupied or unoccupied and an air conditioning system controller for controlling the transfer fan. In the air conditioning system, a target air conditioning environment obtaining section obtains at least a target air conditioning environment of the room, an occupied-room air conditioning environment section controls the transfer fan that transfers air to the occupied room to approximate the occupied room to the target air conditioning environment according to information from the motion sensor and an unoccupied-room air conditioning environment section controls the transfer fan that transfers air to the unoccupied room to approximate the unoccupied room to a quasi-target air conditioning environment where an energy burden is lower than that of the occupied room according to information from the motion sensor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a residence is equipped with a whole-house air-conditioner for air conditioning. Along with an increasing demand in energy-saving house and tightening regulations, a super-insulated house is expected to increase, therefore, an air conditioning system suitable for such features is desired.

For example, as indicated in PTL 1, a method is known, in a super-insulated house where multiple rooms are included, an air conditioner is installed independently from each of the multiple rooms, and supply air ducts are connected between an air-conditioned room and each of the multiple rooms, that individually distributes and supplies air inside the air-conditioned room to each of the multiple rooms by each of controllers disposed in each of the multiple rooms.

CITATION LISTS

Patent Literatures

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Foregoing conventional air conditioning systems, regardless of whether a room is occupied or unoccupied, equalize a specified target temperature. However, there may be practically various cases, where nobody is in the room, multiple rooms are occupied, or only one or another room is occupied. Because of this, it's inefficient to perform an identical temperature control for all rooms in terms of energy efficiency.

As such, the disclosure solves the above-described conventional issue and intends to provide an energy-efficient air conditioning system according to whether the room is occupied or unoccupied and it's the room or a non-room.

The disclosure provides the air conditioning system for performing air conditioning of a house by transferring air conditioned in an air-conditioned room to achieve this object. The air conditioning system includes transfer fans for transferring air into the rooms constituting the house from the air-conditioned room, motion sensors for detecting whether the room is occupied or unoccupied, system controllers for controlling the transfer fans. The system controller includes a target air conditioning environment obtaining section for at least obtaining a target air conditioning environment of the room, an occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section for determining the room is occupied or unoccupied according to information from the motion sensor, an occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section for controlling the transfer fan that transfers air to the occupied room to approximate the occupied room to the target air conditioning environment and an unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section for controlling the transfer fan that transfers air to the unoccupied room to approximate the unoccupied room to a quasi-target air conditioning environment where an energy burden is lower than that of the target air conditioning environment. These components achieve an intended object.

This disclosure can provide the air conditioning system to perform an energy-efficient air conditioning control according to whether each of the multiple rooms is occupied or unoccupied and it is the room or the non-room.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the exemplary embodiments explained hereinafter shows a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangements and connections of the components, steps (processes) and order of the steps indicated in the following exemplary embodiments are merely examples, and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following exemplary embodiments, those not described in any one of the independent claims showing the most significant concepts of the present disclosure are explained as voluntary components. In the drawings, the same symbols are used for the components which are substantially the same each other and the repetitive explanation thereof may be omitted or simplified.

EMBODIMENT

First Embodiment

Firstly, air conditioning system19in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure is explained with reference toFIG.1andFIG.2.FIG.1is a connection schematic view of air conditioning system19in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure andFIG.2shows an example of room layout of general residence1in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Air conditioning system19is configured to include outdoor air introducing fan4, multiple exhaust fans5(5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f,5g,5hand5i), multiple transfer fans3(3a,3b,3c,3d,3e,3f,3g,3hand3i), multiple circulation fans6(6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f,6g,6hand6i), room temperature sensors9(9a,9b,9c,9d,9e,9f,9g,9hand9i), room humidity sensors10(10a,10b,10c,10d,10e,10f,10g,10hand10i), room motion sensors11(11a,11b,11c,11d,11e,11f,11g,11hand11i), air-conditioned room temperature sensor12, air-conditioned room humidity sensor13, air conditioner7, humidifier15, dehumidifier16, air cleaner40, input/output terminal18and system controller8a(equal to an air conditioning system controller).

Air conditioning system19is installed in general residence1, which is an example of house. General residence1includes multiple (nine in the present exemplary embodiment) rooms2(2a,2b,2c,2d,2e,2f,2g,2hand2i) and at least one air-conditioned room17, which is independent from rooms2ato2i. General residence1(residence) here means one provided as where residents live their private lives and it generally includes a living room, a dining room (kitchen and eating space), bedrooms, storages, children's rooms, and so forth. Rooms served by air conditioning system19may be a toilet, a bathroom, a restroom, a dressing room, a hallway, an entrance, and so forth.

In air-conditioned room17, air transferred from each of rooms2ato2iby each of circulation fans6ato6iis mixed with each other. The air is also mixed with outdoor air taken therein by outdoor air introducing fan4. Temperature, humidity and cleanliness of the air of air-conditioned room17are suitably controlled by air conditioner7, humidifier15, dehumidifier16and air cleaner40, which are disposed in air-conditioned room17, so that an air conditioning environment in air-conditioned room17is optimized to generate air to be transferred to each of rooms2ato2i. The air that is air-conditioned in air-conditioned room17is transferred to each of rooms2ato2iby each of transfer fans3ato3i.

The air of each of rooms2ato2iis transferred to air-conditioned room17by each of circulation fans6ato6iand is additionally exhausted as outdoor air by each of exhaust fans5ato5ifrom each of rooms2ato2ioutside general residence1. Air conditioning system19controls an exhaust volume of each of exhaust fans5ato5ito exhaust the outdoor air from each of the rooms, and simultaneously controls an air supply volume of outdoor air introducing fan4in association with the exhaust volume of each of the exhaust fans to introduce the outdoor air into each of the rooms, to thereby perform mechanical heat recovery ventilation.

Outdoor air introducing fan4takes the outdoor air into the rooms of general residence1and is equal to an air supply fan or an air supply function of a heat-exchange ventilation fan. As described above, the outdoor air taken by outdoor air introducing fan4is introduced into air-conditioned room17. Outdoor air introducing fan4is configured to be able to set multiple supply air volumes and the air volume is set according to the exhaust volume of each of exhaust fans5ato5ias described later.

Each of exhaust fans5ato5iexhausts part of the air of each of rooms2ato2ioutside through an exhaust duct and is equal to a function of a ceiling-embedded ventilation fan, a wall-mounted ventilation fan, a range hood or a heat-exchange ventilation fan. InFIG.1, the exhaust duct connected to each of exhaust fans5ato5iis directly connected outside general residence1, however, to use the exhaust function of the heat-exchange ventilation fan, the duct is first connected to the heat-exchange ventilation fan, then connected outside general residence1. That is, air through the exhaust duct is first heat exchanged with air through an air supply duct of the heat-exchange ventilation fan, then exhausted outside general residence1. Exhaust fan5ais disposed in room2a, and equally exhaust fan5bis disposed in room2b, exhaust fan5cis disposed in room2c, exhaust fan5dis disposed in room2d, exhaust fan5eis disposed in room2e, exhaust fan5fis disposed in room2f, exhaust fan5gis disposed in room2g, exhaust fan5his disposed in room2hand exhaust fan5iis disposed in room2i.

The exhaust volume of each of exhaust fans5ato5iis configured to be able to set multiple exhaust volumes. In normal operation, the exhaust volume of each of exhaust fans5ato5iis controlled so as to achieve a previously-set exhaust volume. Additionally the exhaust volume of each of exhaust fans5ato5iis also controlled according to an air volume set by a user or obtained by various sensors.

Transfer fans3ato3iare disposed, for example, on a wall of air-conditioned room17in response to each of rooms2ato2i. The air of air-conditioned room17is transferred to room2aby transfer fan3athrough a transfer duct, and it is equally transferred to room2bby transfer fan3b, room2cby transfer fan3c, room2dby transfer fan3d, room2eby transfer fan3e, room2fby transfer fan3f, room2gby transfer fan3g, room2hby transfer fan3hand room2iby transfer fan3i.

Each of the transfer ducts connected to each of the rooms is installed independent from each other.

Circulation fan6ais disposed in room2a, equally circulation fan6bis disposed in room2b, circulation fan6cis disposed in room2c, circulation fan6dis disposed in room2d, circulation fan6eis disposed in room2e, circulation fan6fis disposed in room2f, circulation fan6gis disposed in room2g, circulation fan6his disposed in room2hand circulation fan6iis disposed in room2i. Part of the air of each of rooms2ato2dis transferred to air-conditioned room17by circulation fans6ato6ithrough each of circulation ducts. Each of the circulation ducts connected between air-conditioned room17and each of the rooms may be independently installed, however, these separate circulation ducts may be unified into one circulation duct before air-conditioned room17and then connected to it.

Air conditioner7is equal to an air conditioning controller and controls the air of air-conditioned room17. Air conditioner7cools or heats the air of air-conditioned room17so that a temperature of air-conditioned room17can reach an air-conditioned room target temperature previously set.

Humidifier15humidifies the air of air-conditioned room17, when a humidity of air-conditioned room17is lower than an air-conditioned room target humidity previously set, so as to achieve the air-conditioned room target humidity. Humidifier15may be built in air conditioner7, however, it's desirable to install humidifier15independent from air conditioner7for obtaining a humidifying capacity enough to humidify each of rooms2ato2i.

Dehumidifier16dehumidifies the air of air-conditioned room17, when the humidity of air-conditioned room17is higher than the air-conditioned room target humidity previously set, so as to achieve the air-conditioned room target humidity. Dehumidifier16may be built in air conditioner7, however, it's desirable to install dehumidifier16independent from air conditioner7for obtaining a dehumidifying capacity enough to dehumidify each of rooms2ato2i.

Air cleaner40cleans the air of air-conditioned room17, when a cleanliness of air-conditioned room17is higher than an air-conditioned room target cleanliness previously set, so as to achieve the air-conditioned room target cleanliness. Air cleaner40may be built in air conditioner7, however, it's desirable to install air cleaner40independent from air conditioner7for obtaining a cleaning capacity enough to clean each of rooms2ato2i.

Room temperature sensor9ais disposed in room2a, equally room temperature sensor9bis disposed in room2b, temperature sensor9cis disposed in room2c, temperature sensor9dis disposed in room2d, temperature sensor9eis disposed in room2e, temperature sensor9fis disposed in room2f, temperature sensor9gis disposed in room2g, temperature sensor9his disposed in room2hand temperature sensor9iis disposed in room2i. Each of room temperature sensors9ato9iobtains each of indoor temperature of rooms2ato2ito transmit it to system controller8a.

Room humidity sensor10ais disposed in room2a, equally room humidity sensor10bis disposed in room2b, room humidity sensor10cis disposed in room2c, room humidity sensor10dis disposed in room2d, room humidity sensor10eis disposed in room2e, room humidity sensor10fis disposed in room2f, room humidity sensor10gis disposed in room2g, room humidity sensor10his disposed in room2hand room humidity sensor10iis disposed in room2i. Each of room humidity sensors10ato10iobtains each of indoor humidity of rooms2ato2ito transmit it to system controller8a.

Room motion sensor11ais disposed in room2a, equally room motion sensor lib is disposed in room2b, room motion sensor11cis disposed in room2c, room motion sensor11dis disposed in room2d, room motion sensor lie is disposed in room2e, room motion sensor11fis disposed in room2f, room motion sensor11gis disposed in room2g, room motion sensor11his disposed in room2hand room motion sensor11iis disposed in room2i. Each of room motion sensors11ato11iobtains an occupancy/unoccupancy information of each of rooms2ato2ito transmit it to system controller8a. Room motion sensor11may be in any form if it is a device to detect whether each of rooms2ato2iis occupied or unoccupied. That is, room motion sensor11, for example, is equal to an infrared radiation sensor, an image sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor and others, which directly detect whether room2is occupied or unoccupied. However, their accuracy and property are different each other, therefore, they may be used according to purpose. For example, a communicator used in proximity wireless communication is equal to room motion sensor11in this application when an occupancy/unoccupancy in room2is determined through a communication between a mobile communication terminal and the communicator installed in room2.

Air-conditioned room temperature sensor12obtains the temperature of air-conditioned room17to transmit it to system controller8a. Air-conditioned room temperature sensor12may be built in air conditioner7, however, in that case, it can obtain only information around air conditioner7(for example, information around an air supply inlet). As described above, the outdoor air and the air transferred from rooms2ato2iare mixed in air-conditioned room17, therefore, it's desirable to install it independent from air conditioner7so as to obtain whole information on air-conditioned room17.

Air-conditioned room humidity sensor13obtains the humidity of air-conditioned room17to transmit it to system controller8a. For the same reason as that for air-conditioned room temperature sensor12, it's desirable to install it independent from air conditioner7so as to obtain whole information on air-conditioned room17.

System controller8acontrols overall air conditioning system19. System controller8ais wirelessly connected in such a way as to be able to communicate with outdoor introducing fan4, exhaust fans5ato5i, transfer fans3ato3i, circulation fans6ato6i, room temperature sensors9ato9i, room humidity sensors10ato10i, room motion sensors11ato11i, air-conditioned room temperature sensor12, air-conditioned room humidity sensor13, air conditioner7, humidifier15, dehumidifier16and air cleaner40.

System controller8acontrols outdoor air introducing fan4and exhaust fans5ato5iin association with each other. For example, system controller8amay set the air supply volume of outdoor air introducing fan4according to the exhaust volume of each of exhaust fans5ato5i. This makes it possible to provide mechanical heat recovery ventilation for general residence1.

In addition, system controller8acontrols air conditioner7, humidifier15and dehumidifier16as the air-controlling controller according to the temperature and humidity of air-conditioned room17obtained by air-conditioned room temperature sensor12and air-conditioned room humidity sensor13such that at least one of the temperature and the humidity of air-conditioned room17can be at least one of the target temperature and the target humidity previously set to air-conditioned room17. System controller8aalso controls air cleaner40as the air conditioning controller such that air-conditioned room17can be a target air conditioning environment cleanliness previously set to air-conditioned room17.

Moreover, system controller8adetermines whether each of rooms2ato2iis occupied or unoccupied according to occupancy/unoccupancy information on each of rooms2ato2iobtained by each of room motion sensors11ato11i.

Then, system controller8asets the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3iand the air volume of each of circulation fans6ato6iaccording to the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity of each of rooms2ato2iobtained by each of room temperature sensors9ato9iand each of room humidity sensor10ato10i, a target air conditioning temperature, a target air conditioning humidity and the like set to the occupied room.

Moreover, system controller8asets the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3iand the air volume of each of circulation fans6ato6iaccording to the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity of each of rooms2ato2iobtained by each of room temperature sensors9ato9iand each of room humidity sensors10ato10i, a quasi-target air conditioning temperature, a quasi-target air conditioning humidity and the like set to the unoccupied room.

Thus, the air conditioned in air-conditioned room17is transferred to each of rooms2ato2iat the air volume set to each of transfer fans3ato3iand the air of each of rooms2ato2iis transferred to air-conditioned room17at the air volume set to each of circulation fans6ato6i. Therefore, at least one of the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity and the cleanliness of each of rooms2ato2iis controlled so as to be at least one of the target air conditioning temperature, the target air conditioning humidity and the target air conditioning cleanliness.

A process of above-described system controller8ais detailed hereinafter.

Here, no complicated wiring is required by connecting system controller8awith outdoor air introducing fan4, exhaust fans5ato5i, transfer fans3ato3i, circulation fans6ato6i, room temperature sensors9ato9i, room humidity sensors10ato10i, room motion sensors11ato11i, air-conditioned room temperature sensor12, air-conditioned room humidity sensor13, air conditioner7, humidifier15and dehumidifier16and air cleaner40using wireless communication. On the other hand, it is also possible that all of these components, or system controller8aand a part of them, may be configured to communicate with each other by wired communication.

Input/output terminal18is connected in such a way to be able to communicate with system controller8aby wireless communication. Input/output terminal18receives information required to construct air conditioning system19to store it on system controller8aor displays a status of air conditioning system19obtained from system controller8a. An example of input/output terminal18is a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet.

Input/output terminal18may not always be connected to system controller8aby the wireless communication, therefore, it may be connected to system controller8ato be able to communicate with each other by the wired communication. In this case, for example, input/output terminal18may be a wall-mounted remote controller.

Next, functions of system controller8aare explained with reference toFIG.3.FIG.3is a schematic function block diagram of system controller8a.

System controller8aincludes air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23, air volume determining section24a, fan air volume controlling section20, total air volume calculating section25, air volume comparing section26and storing section30.

Air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23controls air conditioner7as the air conditioning controller so that a temperature of air-conditioned room17(air-conditioned room temperature) can be equivalent to a target air conditioning environment (temperature) or less obtained by target air conditioning environment obtaining section33aduring a cooling period when the indoor temperature (room inside temperature) of room2is high and air conditioner7provides cooling operation. Air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23controls air conditioner7so that the temperature of air-conditioned room17(air-conditioned room temperature) can be equivalent to the target air conditioning environment (temperature) or over obtained by target air conditioning environment obtaining section33aduring a heating period when the indoor temperature of room2is low and air conditioner7provides heating operation.

Air volume determining section24aincludes occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section32, target air conditioning environment obtaining section33a, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34a, occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section21, unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section22, first temperature comparing section27, second temperature comparing section28and temperature difference comparing section29.

Occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section32determines whether each of rooms2ato2iis occupied or unoccupied according to the information obtained from each of room motion sensors11ato11i. Each of room motion sensors11ato11iitself may determine the occupancy/unoccupancy to transmit a signal indicating a determination to occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section32or occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section32may determine the occupancy/unoccupancy according to the signal transmitted from each of room motion sensors11ato11i.

When room2is determined as being occupied by occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section32, target air conditioning environment obtaining section33aobtains the target air conditioning environment (temperature) previously set to occupied room2through input/output terminal18.

Occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section21determines the air volume of transfer fan3of the occupied room according to the target air conditioning environment (temperature) obtained by target air conditioning environment obtaining section33a, the temperature of air-conditioned room17controlled by air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23and the indoor temperature of the occupied room obtained by room temperature sensor9.

Quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34aassociates an adjacent spatial distance between the occupied room and the unoccupied room with a quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) corresponding to the adjacent spatial distance.

Here, the adjacent spatial distance means a distance between the occupied room and the unoccupied room. However, given that a room is considered as one space, the distance does not mean a linear one, but a value indicating how much spaces exist between the occupied room and the unoccupied room. For example, the adjacent spatial distance is one (1) for an adjacent room where it is adjacent to the occupied room across an accessible door. The adjacent spatial distance is not one (1) for the adjacent room where it is not directly accessible to the occupied room even if it is adjacent to the occupied room. The adjacent spatial distance is two (2) for a room where it is connected with the occupied room through an accessible hallway. A specific example is subsequently given with reference toFIG.2. When room2ais occupied and rooms2bto2iare unoccupied, the adjacent spatial distance is one (1) for room2c, two (2) for room2b,2d,2eand2hand three (3) for room2f,2gand2i. And when room2aand room2iare occupied and rooms other than these are unoccupied, the adjacent spatial distance is one (1) for room2cand room2hand two (2) for room2b,2d,2e,2gand2f.

The quasi-target air conditioning environment means an air conditioning environment where an energy burden is lower than that of the target air conditioning environment. Here, the air conditioning environment with the lower energy burden is explained taking the temperature as an example. During summer, that is, the cooling period, given that the target air conditioning environment (temperature) of the occupied room is set to 24 degrees C. In this case, the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) is higher than 24 degrees C., that is, an environment where air conditioner7consumes less electric power, for example, 26 degrees C. During winter, that is, the heating period, given that the target air conditioning environment (temperature) of the occupied room is set to 22 degrees C. In this case, the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) is lower than 22 degrees C., that is, the air conditioning environment where air conditioner7consumes less electric power, for example, 20 degrees C.

The quasi-target air conditioning environment is explained taking the temperature as the example in the above. For the humidity, in an environment requiring dehumidification during a rainy season, the quasi-target air conditioning environment (humidity) means an environment where the humidity is set to be higher than that in the target air conditioning environment (humidity), and the quasi-target air conditioning environment (humidity) means an environment where the humidity is set to be lower than that in the target air conditioning environment (humidity) during a dry season. For the cleanliness, the quasi-target air conditioning environment (cleanliness) is an environment where the cleanliness is set to be higher than that in the target air conditioning environment (cleanliness).

A setting example of the target air conditioning environment (temperature) and the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) of the room is indicated below according to information stored in quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34a.

During summer, that is, the cooling period, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) 2 degrees C. higher than the target air conditioning environment (temperature) when the adjacent spatial distance is one (1) between the occupied room and the unoccupied room. When the adjacent spatial distance is two (2) between the same, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) 4 degrees C. higher than the target air conditioning environment (temperature). When the adjacent spatial distance is three (3) between the same, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) 6 degrees C. higher than the target air conditioning environment (temperature). Considering where all of rooms2ato2iare unoccupied or the adjacent spatial distance between the occupied room and the unoccupied room is significantly large, for example, 4 or over, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) up to 8 degrees C. higher than the target air conditioning environment (temperature) during the cooling period.

Similarly, during winter, that is, the heating period, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) 2 degrees C. lower than the target air conditioning environment (temperature) when the adjacent spatial distance is one (1) between the occupied room and the unoccupied room. When the adjacent spatial distance is two (2) between the same, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) 4 degrees C. lower than the target air conditioning environment (temperature). When the adjacent spatial distance is three (3) between the same, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) 6 degrees C. lower than the target air conditioning environment (temperature). Considering where all of rooms2ato2iare unoccupied or the adjacent spatial distance between the occupied room and the unoccupied room is significantly large, for example, 4 or over, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34astores the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) up to 8 degrees C. lower than the target air conditioning environment (temperature) during the heating period.

For example, inFIG.2, given that room2ais occupied and rooms2bto2iare unoccupied during summer, that is, the cooling period, where the target air conditioning environment (temperature) is 20 degrees C. for room2a, the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) is 22 degrees C. for rooms2band2cbecause the adjacent spatial distance is one (1), the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) is 24 degrees C. for rooms2d,2eand2hbecause the adjacent spatial distance is two (2) and the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) is 26 degrees C. for rooms2f,2gand2ibecause the adjacent spatial distance is three (3).FIG.4indicates a temperature distribution diagram where room2ais occupied and rooms2bto2iare unoccupied during summer, that is, the cooling period, and the same concentration means the same temperature.

Unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section22determines the air volume of transfer fan3of the unoccupied room according to the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) determined by information from target air conditioning environment obtaining section33aand quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34a, the temperature of air-conditioned room17controlled by air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23and the indoor temperature of the unoccupied room obtained by room temperature sensor9. A procedure to determine or modify the air volume is explained hereinafter.

First temperature comparing section27calculates a temperature difference between the target air conditioning temperature obtained by target air conditioning environment obtaining section33aand the temperature of the air-conditioned room detected by air-conditioned room sensor12per occupied room. First temperature comparing section27also calculates a temperature difference between the quasi-target air conditioning temperature determined through quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34aand the temperature of the air-conditioned room detected by air-conditioned room sensor12per unoccupied room.

Second temperature comparing section28calculates a temperature difference between the target air conditioning temperature obtained by target air conditioning environment obtaining section33aand the indoor temperature of the occupied room detected by room temperature sensor9per occupied room. Second temperature comparing section28also calculates a temperature difference between the quasi-target air conditioning temperature determined through quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34aand the indoor temperature of the unoccupied room detected by room temperature sensor9per unoccupied room.

Temperature difference comparing section29compares a temperature difference A calculated by second temperature comparing section28at a specified timing A with a temperature difference B calculated by second temperature comparing section28at a timing B lapsed after a given time from the specified timing A. The timing A can be reworded as a specified time and the timing B as a time when the given time lapses from the specified time.

Fan air volume controlling section20controls the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3ito be the air volume determined by air-volume determining section24afor each of rooms2ato2i. Fan air volume controlling section20may also control the air volume of each of circulation fans6ato6i, however, the detailed explanation is omitted here.

Total air volume calculating section25calculates a total air volume, which is a sum of the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3i. Here, the sum of the air volume is indicated as the sum of the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3iper unit time.

Air volume comparing section26compares the total air volume calculated by total air volume calculating section25with a specified threshold value of the air volume. Here the specified threshold value of the air volume may be, for example, a sum of maximum air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3i, or 70% to 95% of the sum of the maximum air volume.

Storing section30is, so called, a memory which stores the specified threshold value of the air volume previously set. Storing section30is also used when a control by system controller8requires information such as numerical values to be stored.

Next, an air conditioning process executed by system controller8ais explained with reference fromFIG.5throughFIG.10.FIG.5is a flow chart showing the air conditioning process.FIG.6an example of relationship between the temperature of the air-conditioned room, a room indoor temperature and the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature.FIG.7is a flow chart showing an air-conditioned room temperature control process.FIG.8is a flow chart showing a fan air volume setting process.FIG.9is a flow chart showing a fan air volume adjusting process.FIG.10is a flow chart showing an air-conditioned room load reduction process.

The air conditioning process executed by system controller8a, as indicated inFIG.5, mainly includes air-conditioned room temperature control process S100, fan air volume setting process S200and fan air volume adjusting process S300, and these processes are executed in this order.

When the user executes the air conditioning process, system controller8afirstly executes air-conditioned room temperature control process S100indicated inFIG.7. In air-conditioned room temperature control process S100, system controller8aobtains a heating/cooling period setting set by input/output terminal18(S101). Here, in the heating/cooling period setting, for example, the cooling period is set in summer when a temperature is high and air conditioner7operates as a cooler, and the heating period is set in winter when a temperature is low and air conditioner7operates as a heater. For example, the user sets a duration from June to September as the cooling period, and another duration from December to March as the heating period to a calendar function of input/output terminal18, thus system controller8acan obtain either the cooling period setting or the heating period setting.

Then, system controller8aobtains the target air conditioning temperature set to the occupied room by input/output terminal18through target air conditioning environment obtaining section33a(S102).

After system controller8aobtains the target air conditioning temperature, then air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23sets the target temperature of air-conditioned room17(the target air conditioning temperature of the air-conditioned room) to air conditioner7(S103). It is specifically set as described below.

FIG.6illustrates each temperature environment in air-conditioned room17, occupied room2d, unoccupied room2cand unoccupied room2b. The cooling period is taken as an example here. In occupied room2d, the indoor temperature is 27 degrees C. and the target air conditioning temperature is 20 degrees C. In unoccupied room2c, the indoor temperature is 27 degrees C., and the quasi-target air conditioning temperature is 22 degrees C. because the adjacent spatial distance from occupied room2dis one (1). In unoccupied room2b, the indoor temperature is 28 degrees C., and the quasi-target air conditioning temperature is 24 degrees C. because the adjacent spatial distance from occupied room2dis two (2). Here, the heating/cooling period setting is obtained as the cooling period according to the process of S101, that is, the cooling operation is provided. Therefore air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23controls the target air conditioning temperature of the air-conditioned room to be equal to or less than the target air conditioning temperature. As indicated in the example ofFIG.6, the target air conditioning temperature of the air-conditioned room is set to 20 degrees C. or less. The target air conditioning temperature of the air-conditioned room is 20 degrees C. here.

During the heating period, that is, the heating operation is provided, air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23controls the target air conditioning temperature of the air-conditioned room to be equal to or higher than the target air conditioning temperature. Although no example is taken as indicated inFIG.6here, the target air conditioning temperature is 24 degrees C. during the heating period, for example.

According to the above setting, air-conditioned room17is cooled to 20 degrees C., which is the setting temperature, this target air conditioning temperature of the air-conditioned room satisfies the target air conditioning temperature of each of rooms2b,2cand2d(between 20 and 24 degrees C. here).

Next, system controller8aexecutes fan air volume setting process S200as indicated inFIG.8. In fan air volume setting process S200, system controller8aobtains the temperature of the air-conditioned room through air-conditioned room temperature sensor12(S201). Subsequently, system controller8aobtains the indoor temperature of each of rooms2ato2ithrough each of room temperature sensors9ato9i(S202). Then, system controller8adetermines whether each of rooms2ato2iis occupied or unoccupied through occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section32(S203). Additionally, system controller8a, when the room is determined as being occupied, obtains the target air conditioning temperature of the occupied room set by input/output terminal18through target air conditioning environment obtaining section33a, and when the room is determined as being unoccupied, it also obtains the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of the unoccupied room obtained by quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34aaccording to the information from target air conditioning environment obtaining section33a(S204).

After the above process is completed, first temperature comparing section27compares the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature with the temperature of the air-conditioned room to calculate the temperature difference (S205).

After first temperature comparing section27calculates the temperature difference, air volume determining section24adetermines the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3iaccording to the calculated temperature difference (S206).

The air volume is specifically determined as described below. That is, because the target air conditioning temperature of occupied room2dis 20 degrees C. and the temperature of air-conditioned room18after conditioned is 20 degrees C., the air volume of transfer fan3cpassing through the transfer duct connected between occupied room2dand air-conditioned room17is made maximum. Here, the air volume can be considered as a transfer fan capacity or an operating notch. For example, given that the air volume of transfer fan3can be set in ascending (volume) order between Air Volume 1 and Air Volume 10, the air volume is determined as Air Volume 10 here. That is, air volume determining section24adetermines to transfer a maximum air volume of the same temperature as air-conditioned room17(20 degrees C.) to reduce the indoor temperature of occupied room2dfrom 27 degrees C. and further maintain the target air conditioning temperature of 20 degrees C.

Because the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of unoccupied room2cwith the adjacent spatial distance of one (1) is 22 degrees C. and the temperature of air-conditioned room17after conditioned is 20 degrees C., for example, given that the air volume of transfer fan3bis Air Volume 10 (maximum), the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of unoccupied room2cmay be below 22 degrees C. Therefore, air volume determining section24adetermines the air volume of transfer fan3bto be below the maximum value, that is, Volume 8, for example.

Similarly, because the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of unoccupied room2bwith the adjacent spatial distance of two (2) is 24 degrees C. and the temperature of air-conditioned room17after conditioned is 20 degrees C., for example, given that the air volume of transfer fan3ais Air Volume 10 (maximum), the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of unoccupied room2bmay be below 24 degrees C. Therefore, air volume determining section24adetermines the air volume of transfer fan3ato be below the maximum value, that is, Volume 6, for example.

That is, air volume determining section24a, according to the temperature difference between the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature and the temperature of the air-conditioned room, determines the air volume of transfer fan3of the room where the temperature difference calculated by first temperature comparing section27is small (for example, occupied room2d: temperature difference of 0 degree C.) more than the air volume of transfer fan3of the room where the temperature difference is large (for example, unoccupied room2b: temperature difference of 5 degrees C., unoccupied room2c: temperature difference of 2 degrees C.).

The above process is executed to all the rooms (No for S207→S202, Yes for S207).

Fan air volume controlling section20controls the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3iaccording to the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3idetermined by air volume determining section24a.

Thus, it makes possible to control the occupied room to be the target air conditioning temperature and the unoccupied room to be the quasi-target air conditioning temperature through the temperature of the air-conditioned room controlled by air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23and separate control of each of transfer fans3ato3i.

The above process can provide the user-desired, that is, most comfortable target air conditioning environment in the occupied room and the quasi-target air conditioning environment with the lower energy burden in the unoccupied room. Thus, compared to an energy burden where the target air conditioning environment is set to each of the rooms, it can be lowered. And that, even if an occupant moves from the occupied room to the unoccupied room, the occupant is unaffected by a change in the air conditioning environment. Therefore, an adverse effect brought by a sudden environmental change, for example, a shock from the temperature change, can be controlled.

In addition, the unoccupied room is provided with the air conditioning environment where the energy burden is gradationally lowered according to the adjacent spatial distance from the occupied room. Thus, even if the occupant moves over multiple spaces, the environment gradually changes. Therefore, it's easy for the occupant to accept the environment, and the adverse effect associated with environment change can be reduced.

Based on the above process, when the occupant moves to an unoccupied room, the unoccupied room becomes an occupied room, and additionally the occupied room becomes the unoccupied room. Therefore, the target air conditioning environment of the former occupied room is set to the newly-occupied room, then, the most comfortable environment can be provided. As the quasi-target air conditioning environment with the lower energy burden is set to the former occupied room, it makes possible to maintain the environment with the lower energy burden all over the house.

Regardless of the temperature difference between the room indoor temperature and the target (quasi-target) temperature, it is also possible to quickly achieve the target (quasi-target) temperature by transferring the maximum air volume first to a room where the target (quasi-target) temperature is not achieved. Again, after-described fan air volume adjusting process S300can also maintain each of the rooms at the target (quasi-target) temperature. However, as a large air volume is transferred to multiple rooms2from air-conditioned room17at one time, the air in air-conditioned room17is not be cooled or heated enough, eventually a cooling and heating effect may be reduced. This is the case when the air conditioning system starts any process or the target air conditioning environment is simultaneously set to each of the rooms after all family occupants come home. To cope with this problem, a volume of the air-conditioned room may be increased, however, this not only increases a space cost but also requires a large capacity of air-conditioner. While on the other hand, air volume determining section24adetermines the air volume of the transfer fan of the room where the temperature difference is small more than that of the room where the temperature difference is large. In other words, air volume determining section24adetermines the air volume of the transfer fan of the room where the temperature difference is large less than that of the room where the temperature difference is small. Thus, the indoor temperature of each of the rooms can be gradually reduced to the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature to control a reduction in the cooling and heating effect and downsize the air-conditioned room as a result.

By the way, in the above setting, as the target air conditioning temperature of occupied-room2dis the same as that of air-conditioned room17, occupied-room2dcan be controlled to be at the target air conditioning temperature by controlling transfer fan3cto transfer the maximum air volume. However, as the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of unoccupied-room2bis 24 degrees C., where the air volume is Air Volume 5 in the above example, it is not clear whether the quasi-target air conditioning temperature can be achieved, the achieved quasi-target air conditioning temperature can be maintained or unoccupied-room2bis overcooled. It is the same in unoccupied-room2c. To cope with a case like this, system controller8aexecutes fan air volume adjusting process S300indicated inFIG.9. In fan air volume adjusting process S300, system controller8adetermines whether or not the given time lapses after fan air volume setting process S200is completed (S301). When it does not lapse, system controller8awaits until it lapses (No for S301). This intends to operate the air conditioning system in an environment set by fan air volume setting process S200and secure a time to approximate the indoor temperature of each of the rooms to the target air conditioning temperature.

After the given time lapses, system controller8aobtains the indoor temperature of each of the rooms through each of room temperature sensors9ato9i(S302). In addition, system controller8adetermines whether each of rooms2ato2iis occupied or unoccupied through occupied-room/unoccupied-room determining section32(S303). Then, system controller8a, when the room is determined as being occupied, obtains the target air conditioning temperature of the occupied room set by input/output terminal18through target air conditioning environment obtaining section33a, and when the room is determined as being unoccupied, it also obtains the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of the unoccupied room obtained by quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34aaccording to the information from target air conditioning environment obtaining section33a(S304).

After the above process is completed, second temperature comparing section28compares the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature with the indoor temperature of the room to calculate the temperature difference (temperature divergence) (S305).

After second temperature comparing section28calculates the temperature difference, temperature difference comparing section29compares it with the temperature difference A. The temperature difference A is calculated by second temperature comparing section28at a previous timing (equal to the timing A) and stored in fan air volume adjusting process S300previously executed. As this is the first process, the temperature difference A previously calculated does not exist, therefore no comparison is provided. The calculated temperature difference is stored in storing section30as the temperature difference A, and then system controller8areturns to S301.

When the temperature difference A calculated at the previous timing (equal to the timing A) exists, temperature difference comparing section29compares the temperature difference B calculated by second temperature comparing section28at this timing (equal to the timing B) with the temperature difference A at the timing A stored in storing section30.

Here, when the indoor temperature of the room is close to the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature after a lapse of time from the timing A to the timing B, that is, the temperature difference B is smaller than the temperature difference A, it means that the indoor temperature of the room is close to the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature by operation of transfer fan3. Therefore, air volume determining section24adetermines to reduce the air volume of transfer fan3(Yes for S306→S307).

And, when no change is observed in the temperature difference between the indoor temperature of the room and the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature or the temperature difference between them gets larger after the lapse of time from the timing A to the timing B, that is, the temperature difference B is larger than the temperature difference A, system controller8adetermines whether it is an overcooling (for the cooling period) or an overheating (for the heating period) (S308). That is, when the temperature difference gets larger, it may be that a cooling (a heating) beyond the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature is provided because the air volume of transfer fan3is too large (excessive process), or that the indoor temperature of the room does not approximate the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature because the air volume of transfer fan3is too small, in addition, the indoor temperature of the room is far from the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature due to being affected by an outdoor air. Therefore, system controller8adetermines which situation is true in S308.

Here, when determined as being the overcooling or the overheating, that is, the excessive process, air volume determining section24adetermines to reduce the air volume of the transfer fan (Yes for S308→S307).

When determined as being neither the overcooling nor the overheating, that is, not the excessive process, air volume determining section24adetermines to increase the air volume of the transfer fan (No for S308→S309).

Whether or not it is the overcooling or the overheating, that is, it is the excessive process or not, can be determined from the heating/cooling period setting, the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature and the indoor temperature of the room.

Though not indicated inFIG.9, when there is no difference between the indoor temperature of the room and the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature, or the indoor temperature of the room is close to the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature (plus or minus 0.3 degrees C., for example), after the lapse of time from the timing A to the timing B, the air volume of the transfer fan may not be changed and it may be maintained.

Fan air volume adjusting process S300described above is regularly executed.

Through fan air volume adjusting process S300described above, it makes possible to achieve the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature in each of rooms2ato2iand maintain it by controlling the temperature of the air-conditioned room through air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23and controlling the air volume of transfer fan3.

Air-conditioned room17particularly has a significant temperature change because air of various temperatures from each of the rooms is introduced into air-conditioned room17by each of the circulation fans. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to provide the above-described control by a system using a pressure difference and a damper, consequently it is important to use transfer fan3. Although a general fan can be used as the transfer fan to control the temperature in the above-described process, it is desirable, also to provide a fine temperature control, to use a fan equipped with an air volume constant control function as the transfer fan, which is capable of maintaining a certain amount of air volume previously set without being affected by a duct length or pressure.

Even if an interrupt process is executed, for example, changing the target air conditioning temperatures or switching the heating/cooling period settings, the above-described air conditioning process can be executed by starting air-conditioned room temperature control process S100.

By the way, air-conditioned room17is a limited volume of space, when it's required to simultaneously cool or heat each of rooms2ato2iat the maximum air volume (Air Volume 10) for example, it is difficult to applicably maintain the temperature of air-conditioned room17. This is because a temperature-adjusted air frequently outflows from air-conditioned room17, while on the contrary, air of a temperature far from that set to air-conditioned room17frequently flows into air-conditioned room17.

Thus, to cope with a case like this, system controller8amay execute air-conditioned room load reduction process S400indicated inFIG.10. In air-conditioned room load reduction process S400, total air volume calculating section25calculates the total air volume, which is the sum of the air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3i(S401). Then, air volume comparing section26compares the total air volume (the sum of the air volume) calculated by total air volume calculating section25with the specified threshold value of the air volume previously stored in storing section30(S402). Here, the specified threshold value of the air volume is, for example, 80% of the sum of the maximum air volume of each of transfer fans3ato3i.

Here, when the sum of the air volume exceeds the specified threshold value of the air volume (Yes for S403), air volume comparing section26additionally determines whether it is the cooling period or the heating period according to the heating/cooling period setting set by input/output terminal18(S404). Air volume comparing section26transmits that the sum of the air volume exceeds the specified threshold value of the air volume and that it is the cooling period or the heating period to air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23. If the sum of the air volume is not greater than the specified threshold value of the air volume (No for S403), the process is terminated.

After air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23receives that the sum of the air volume exceeds the specified threshold value of the air volume and that it is the cooling period or the heating period, it changes the temperature of the air-conditioned room to be lower than a currently-set temperature for the cooling period (cooling period for S404→S406). Air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23changes the temperature of the air-conditioned room to be higher than the currently-set temperature for the heating period (heating period for S404→S405)

Air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23transmits that the temperature of the air-conditioned room is changed to air volume determining section24a. According to this, air volume determining section24adetermines to reduce the air volume of transfer fan3(S407).

Thus, a wide temperature range of the target (quasi-target) air conditioning temperature can be provided without increasing the limited volume of air-conditioned room17by changing the temperature of air-conditioned room17to be lower (cooling period) or to be higher (heating period).

It is advantageous in terms of use efficiency and energy consumption of air-conditioned room17, not to fix, but to increase a range of reduction (cooling period) or increase (heating period) of the temperature of the air-conditioned room in proportion to how much the sum of the air volume exceeds the specified threshold value of the air volume. Specifically, when the specified threshold value of the air volume is 70 and the sum of the air volume is 80, the temperature is changed by 2 degrees C. Similarly, the temperature is changed by 4 degrees C. for the sum of the air volume of 90, and the temperature is changed by 6 degrees C. for the sum of the air volume of 100.

The air conditioning system and the system controllers in accordance with the present disclosure are explained hereinbefore, the above-described embodiments are only examples, not limited thereto.

For example, circulation fan6ato6iand transfer fan3ato3iare communicated with each other by ducts connecting the rooms and the air-conditioned room. However, circulation fan6ato6iare not necessarily connected by the ducts, a space such as a hallway between the rooms can be also considered as the duct. In this case, the air in the rooms is transferred to the hallway from the rooms by circulation fan6ato6i. The air of the hallway transferred from the rooms is introduced into air-conditioned room17communicated with the hallway. The air may be introduced into air-conditioned room17by separately installing a circulation fan on the hallway wall adjacent to air-conditioned room17or by depressurization of air-conditioned room17without using the circulation fan. This configuration is expected to reduce efficiency in air circulation compared to the duct connection described above, however it can also contribute to the air conditioning system.

The room referred in the embodiments described above is not necessarily required to be occupied, and it may be considered as one space. That is, a hallway or kitchen may be also considered as one space equal to the room if it is mostly enclosed by something.

And, the air conditioning system in accordance with the present disclosure is applicable to a single-family house or multi-family building such as an apartment. However, if applied to the multi-family building, a single system is installed per one family, each family is not considered as a single room.

Second Embodiment

Next, an air conditioning system in accordance with a second embodiment is explained hereinafter. Similarities to a first embodiment are not explained for omission.

In the first embodiment, an energy-efficient air conditioning system is provided, which has little adverse effect on human body due to a temperature difference. In the air conditioning system, occupancy or unoccupancy in multiple rooms is determined according to information obtained from each of motion sensors and an air conditioning control is performed according to an adjacent spatial distance from an occupied room. In contrast, in the second embodiment, an air conditioning control, when it's understood where an occupant in a specified room moves next, is explained. As such, only changes in a control method different from the first embodiment are explained.

Firstly, functions of system controller8bare explained with reference toFIG.11.FIG.11is a schematic function block diagram of system controller8b.

System controller8bincludes air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23, air volume determining section24b, fan air volume controlling section20, total air volume calculating section25, air volume comparing section26and storing section30. That is, system controller8bincludes air volume determining section24binstead of air volume determining section24ainFIG.3.

Air volume determining section24b, in addition to air volume determining section24a, includes change receiving section44, control changing section45, virtual occupied-room releasing section46, virtual unoccupied-room releasing section47and timer setting section48.

Change receiving section44receives an occupancy order to change a specified unoccupied room to a virtual occupied room or an unoccupancy order to change a specified occupied room to a virtual unoccupied room through input/output terminal18.

Control changing section45changes the specified unoccupied room to the virtual occupied room or changes the specified occupied room to the virtual unoccupied room according to the occupancy order or the unoccupancy order received by change receiving section44. Here, the virtual occupied room means being actually unoccupied, but it is virtually considered as being occupied. That is, the virtual occupied room is actually the unoccupied room because the virtual occupied room is actually unoccupied, however, the virtual occupied room is used to set a target air conditioning environment to the unoccupied room in advance, for example, when the occupant schedules to move to the unoccupied room (the virtual occupied room) after a specified time period. The same holds for the virtual unoccupied room. That is, the virtual unoccupied room means being actually occupied, but it is virtually considered as being unoccupied. That is, the virtual unoccupied room is actually the occupied room because the virtual unoccupied room is actually occupied, however, the virtual unoccupied room is used to set a quasi-target air conditioning environment to the occupied room in advance, for example, when the occupant schedules to move from the occupied room (the virtual unoccupied room) after the specified time period.

Virtual occupied-room releasing section46, after the specified unoccupied room is changed to the virtual occupied room according to a signal from control changing section45, changes the virtual occupied room to the occupied room when it is determined that the virtual occupied room is occupied according to information obtained from room motion sensor11.

Virtual unoccupied-room releasing section47, after the specified occupied room is changed to the virtual unoccupied room according to the signal from control changing section45, changes the virtual unoccupied room to the unoccupied room when it is determined that the virtual unoccupied room is unoccupied according to the information obtained from room motion sensor11.

Timer setting section48sets a waiting time before occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section21approximates the virtual occupied room to the target air conditioning environment when control changing section45changes the specified unoccupied room to the virtual occupied room according to the occupancy order. For example, when setting an air conditioning control to approximate the virtual occupied-room to the target air conditioning environment from six (6) p.m., even if control changing section45changes the unoccupied room to the virtual occupied room at five (5) thirty (30) p.m. before six (6) p.m., it's possible to start the air conditioning from six (6) p.m. by setting a waiting time of thirty (30) minutes through timer setting section48. And when setting an air conditioning control to approximate the virtual occupied-room to the target air conditioning environment before six (6) p.m., even if control changing section45changes the unoccupied room to the virtual occupied room at five (5) p.m. before six (6) p.m., it's also possible to start the air conditioning control from five (5) thirty (30) p.m. and provide the air conditioning control before six (6) p.m. by setting the waiting time of thirty (30) minutes through timer setting section48. The example above describes a case where control changing section45receives the occupancy order, the same holds for a case where control changing section45receives the unoccupancy order. That is, timer setting section48sets a waiting time before unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section22approximates the virtual unoccupied room to the quasi-target air conditioning environment when control changing section45changes the specified occupied room to the virtual unoccupied room according to the unoccupancy order. For example, when setting an air conditioning control from six (6) p.m., even if control changing section45changes the occupied room to the virtual unoccupied room at five (5) thirty (30) p.m. before six (6) p.m., it's possible to start the air conditioning to approximate the virtual unoccupied room to the quasi-target air conditioning environment from six (6) p.m. by setting a waiting time of thirty (30) minutes through timer setting section48. And when setting an air conditioning control to approximate the virtual unoccupied-room to the quasi-target air conditioning environment before six (6) p.m., even if control changing section45changes the occupied room to the virtual unoccupied room at five (5) p.m. before six (6) p.m., it's also possible to start the air conditioning control from five (5) thirty (30) p.m. and provide the air conditioning control to approximate the virtual unoccupied room to the quasi-target air conditioning environment before six (6) p.m. by setting the waiting time of thirty (30) minutes through timer setting section48.

Hereinafter, as an example, one of specific behaviors of change receiving section44, control changing section45, virtual occupied-room releasing section46, virtual unoccupied-room releasing section47and timer setting section48is explained with reference toFIG.12.

FIG.12is one example of scheduled movement setting screen displayed on input/output terminal18. The scheduled movement setting screen is provided to input/output terminal18by change receiving section44, for example, or appears by an application previously installed in input/output terminal18. A point where the occupant is located on the scheduled movement setting screen is transmitted to input/output terminal18as information obtained from room motion sensor11through change receiving section44and then it appears on a room general view as a human-shaped icon.

In Step1ofFIG.12, rooms2aand2iare determined as being occupied by room motion sensors11aand11iand rooms2b,2c,2d,2e,2fand2gare determined as being unoccupied by room motion sensors11b,11c,11d,11e,11fand11g. For example, when the occupant schedules to move from occupied room2ito unoccupied room2f, as indicated in Step2, the occupant moves the human-shaped icon from occupied room2ito unoccupied room2fon the scheduled movement setting screen of input/output terminal18.

Thus, change receiving section44firstly receives the unoccupancy order to change room2ifrom the occupied room to the virtual unoccupied room and the occupancy order to change room2ffrom the unoccupied room to the virtual occupied room, which are both transmitted from input/output terminal18to system controller8b

Next, change receiving section44transmits the occupancy order and the unoccupancy order to control changing section45. In addition, control changing section45changes room2ifrom the occupied room to the virtual unoccupied room and also changes room2ffrom the unoccupied room to the virtual occupied room according to the unoccupancy order and the occupancy order from change receiving section44.

Subsequently, system controller8bcontrols room2ichanged to the virtual unoccupied room to approximate the quasi-target air conditioning environment through unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section22and controls room2fchanged to the virtual occupied room to approximate the target air conditioning environment through occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section21.

Thus, system controller8bcan understand how the occupant schedules to move between the rooms and previously control the specified unoccupied room to be the target air conditioning environment as the virtual occupied room. Therefore, a temperature difference gets smaller between a room to be occupied and a room currently occupied as a result and it's possible to perform an air conditioning control of less adverse effect on human body compared to that in the first embodiment.

Here, as indicated in Step3ofFIG.12, it's also possible for the occupant to set a waiting time of thirty (30) minutes before the air conditioning control is started. Specifically, for example, given that the occupant is viewing a TV program in occupied room2iand schedules to move to unoccupied room2fafter forty (40) minutes when the TV program ends, in this case, the occupant, as indicated in Step2, moves the human-shaped icon from occupied room2ito unoccupied room2fon input/output terminal18. And, as indicated in Step3, the waiting time of thirty (30) minutes is set on the number line by the occupant. Here, the reason why the waiting time is thirty (30) minutes is to secure a ten-minute air conditioning time before the occupant moves to room2fafter forty (40) minutes.FIG.12indicates an example that the waiting time can be set on the number line.

When change receiving section44receives the occupancy order and the unoccupancy order, timer setting section48receives the waiting time of thirty (30) minutes transmitted to system controller8bfrom input/output terminal18. Next, timer setting section48transmits a waiting order including the waiting time of thirty (30) minutes, which is input to occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section21or unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section22. The waiting order here means that the virtual occupied room and the virtual unoccupied room can be air-conditioned by occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section21or unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section22after the input waiting time lapses. Thus, occupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section21and unoccupied-room air conditioning environment controlling section22start air conditioning control for the virtual occupied room or the virtual unoccupied room after the waiting time of thirty (30) minutes lapses.

The waiting time can be set by time setting section48, therefore, the occupant can previously input a scheduled time of movement according to its convenience.

System controller8btransmits information obtained from room motion sensors11iand11fto virtual occupied-room releasing section46and virtual unoccupied-room releasing section47. After the occupant actually moves, virtual occupied-room releasing section46changes room2ffrom the virtual occupied room to the occupied room according to information obtained from room motion sensor11f. In addition, virtual unoccupied-room releasing section47changes room2ifrom the virtual unoccupied room to the unoccupied room according to information obtained from room motion sensor11i. Thus, other than the control above described, the same control as the first embodiment can be provided.

A range of time and a display format by the number line are only examples, not limited to thereto.

The above example displayed on input/output terminal18is only an example, not limited to thereto.

Third Embodiment

Subsequently, the third embodiment is explained hereinafter. Similarities to the first embodiment are not explained for omission.

Firstly, air conditioning system19in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure is explained with reference toFIG.13andFIG.2.FIG.13is a connection schematic diagram of air conditioning system19in accordance with the embodiment andFIG.2shows an example of room layout of general residence1in accordance with the embodiment. AndFIG.2is as explained in the first embodiment.FIG.13is identical toFIG.1already explained except that room motion sensor11is removed fromFIG.1.

Next, functions of system controller8care explained with reference toFIG.14.FIG.14is a schematic function block diagram of system controller8c.

System controller8cincludes air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23, air volume determining section24c, fan air volume controlling section20, total air volume calculating section25, air volume comparing section26and storing section30. That is, system controller8cincludes air volume determining section24cinstead of air volume determining section24ainFIG.3.

Air volume determining section24cincludes space information storing section43, target air conditioning environment obtaining section33b, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34b, room air conditioning environment controlling section41, non-room air conditioning environment controlling section42, first temperature comparing section27, second temperature comparing section28and temperature difference comparing section29.

Space information storing section43stores information of each of rooms2ato2i, the room each being classified into one of a room and a non-room. Each of the rooms is associated with each of room temperature sensors9ato9i, each of transfer fans3ato3iand each of circulation fans6ato6i. Here, the room means a space where it is occupied for a long time while living in a house. That is, the room means a living room (room), a dining room (kitchen and eating space), bedrooms, children's rooms, and so forth. The non-room means a space forming part of the house where the room is not included. That is, the non-room means a toilet, a storage, a bathroom, a restroom, a dressing room, a hallway, an entrance, and so forth. When the kitchen is normally occupied for a short time, the kitchen may be naturally the non-room and vice versa. Controlled spaces intended for air conditioning may be classified into either the room or the non-room.

Target air conditioning environment obtaining section33b, when room2is determined as being the room according to information from space information storing section43, obtains the target air conditioning environment set to room2through input/output terminal18.

Quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34bstores the quasi-target air conditioning environment of the non-room corresponding to the target air conditioning environment. Setting examples of the target air conditioning environment (temperature) of the room and the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) of the non-room according to the information stored by quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34bare indicated below.

During summer, that is, the cooling period, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34bstores the quasi-target air conditioning temperature for the non-room 2 degrees C. higher than the target air conditioning temperature for the room. Similarly, during winter, that is, the heating period, quasi-target air conditioning environment storing section34bstores the quasi-target air conditioning temperature for the non-room 2 degrees C. lower than the target air conditioning temperature for the room.

For example, inFIG.2, given that the target air conditioning temperature of the room is 20 degrees C. during summer, that is, the cooling period, the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of the non-room is 22 degrees C. Similarly, given that the target air conditioning temperature of the room is 20 degrees C. during winter, that is, the heating period, the quasi-target air conditioning temperature of the non-room is 18 degrees C.

Room air conditioning environment controlling section41determines the air volume of each of transfer fans3according to the target air conditioning environment (temperature) of the room set by input/output terminal18through target air conditioning environment obtaining section33b, the temperature of air-conditioned room17controlled by air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23and the indoor temperature of each of the rooms obtained by each of the room temperature sensors.

Non-room air conditioning environment controlling section42determines the air volume of each of transfer fans3according to the quasi-target air conditioning environment (temperature) of the non-room determined based on information from target air conditioning environment obtaining section33band space information storing section43, the temperature of air-conditioned room17controlled by air-conditioned room temperature controlling section23and the indoor temperature of each of the non-rooms obtained by each of room temperature sensors9. A determining procedure of the air volume is as described in the first embodiment. As above, thus, it is possible to provide the room with the user-desired and most comfortable target air conditioning environment and provide the non-room with the quasi-target air conditioning environment with the lower energy burden. Thus, the energy burden can be lowered compared that the target air conditioning environment is set to each of the rooms. And that, a more comfortable target air conditioning environment is provided to the room expected to be occupied longer than the non-room. Therefore, there is a high possibility to provide the air conditioning environment comfortable to the occupant and a whole-house air conditioning with a simple structure and the lower energy burden.

Obviously, even if the occupant moves from the room to the non-room, it is unlikely to change the air conditioning environment. Therefore, the adverse effect brought by the sudden environmental change, for example, the shock from the temperature change, can be controlled. In the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment described above, the temperature is taken as the air conditioning environment for explanation. However, the whole-house air conditioning using the air-conditioned room can adjust also a humidity environment of each of the rooms by controlling the humidity environment in the air-conditioned room and the air volume of each of the transfer fans. That is, when focusing on the humidity as the air conditioning environment, the humidity of the air-conditioned room can be maintained at the target air conditioning environment (humidity) where the most comfortable humidity is provided. The occupied room or the room can be maintained at the target air conditioning environment (humidity) by increasing the air volume of the transfer fan, and the unoccupied room or the non-room can be maintained at the quasi-target air conditioning environment (humidity) by providing the air volume of the transfer fan less than that of the occupied room or the room.

Of course, a cleanliness environment of each of the rooms can be also adjusted by controlling the cleanliness environment and the air volume of each of the transfer fans in the air-conditioned room. That is, when focusing on the cleanliness as the air conditioning environment, the cleanliness of the air-conditioned room can be maintained at the target air conditioning environment (cleanliness) where the highest cleanliness required is set. The occupied room or the room can be maintained at the target air conditioning environment (cleanliness) by increasing the air volume of the transfer fan, and the unoccupied room or the non-room can be maintained at the quasi-target air conditioning environment (cleanliness) by providing the air volume of the transfer fan less than that of the occupied room or the room.

Thus, for not only the temperature but also the humidity and the cleanliness, an energy-saving whole-house air conditioning can be achieved.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the air conditioning system in accordance with the disclosure, an effective whole-house air conditioning can be performed with more energy-efficient operation than before by determining whether multiple rooms are occupied or unoccupied, or they are rooms or non-rooms.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS