JP7514481B2 - Humidification system, ozone generator, and humidification method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a humidification system, an ozone generator, and a humidification method.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a humidifier. The humidifier in Patent Document 1 utilizes the correlation between the inactivation of influenza viruses and temperature and humidity, automatically sets the humidity corresponding to the room temperature detected from the correlation data, and controls the humidification operation so as to obtain the automatically set humidity.

JP 2001-27440 A

The humidifier in Patent Document 1 utilizes the correlation between the inactivation of influenza viruses and temperature and humidity, and automatically sets the humidity level at which the viruses are inactivated based on the room temperature. With this humidifier, if the room temperature does not fluctuate, the humidity level in the room is adjusted to be maintained at the automatically set humidity level. Therefore, although this humidifier may be able to achieve a certain degree of inactivation effect, the inactivation and sterilization effects achieved by increasing the humidity cannot be expected to be significant.

The present invention has been made to solve at least one of the problems described above, and one of its objectives is to provide a technology that can effectively inactivate or sterilize viruses by increasing the relative humidity.

The humidification system according to the present invention comprises:
an air conditioning unit having a humidifier that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit;
A control unit that controls the air conditioning unit;
A humidification system comprising:
The air conditioning unit is switched between a first state in which the humidifier performs a predetermined rapid humidification operation and a second state in which the humidifier reduces humidification of the external space compared to the first state,
The control unit switches the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state, and then repeats the switching control of switching the air conditioning unit from the first state to the second state.

The above-mentioned humidification system can increase the relative humidity in the external space at a faster rate by rapid humidification operation, so that the virus inactivation or sterilization effect in the external space is likely to be high during the period of this rapid humidification operation. Moreover, the above-mentioned humidification system can suppress the increase in humidity by switching to the second state after the relative humidity has increased by the rapid humidification operation, and then repeat the rapid humidification operation again, so that the period during which the rapid humidification operation is performed can be secured more. Therefore, "virus inactivation or sterilization in the external space" can be performed more effectively.

In the above humidification system, the air conditioning unit may include at least one of a dehumidification unit that dehumidifies the external space and a dry air introduction unit that introduces dry air into the external space. The second state may be at least one of a state in which the dehumidification unit dehumidifies the external space and a state in which the dry air introduction unit introduces dry air into the external space.

In this humidification system, if the dehumidifier dehumidifies the external space or the dry air introduction unit introduces dry air into the external space in the second state, the relative humidity can be lowered at a faster rate after it has increased due to rapid humidification. This humidification system is therefore advantageous in that it "restarts rapid humidification earlier and ensures a longer period for the restarted rapid humidification."

The humidification system according to the present invention comprises:
an air conditioning unit having a humidifier that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit;
A notification unit that notifies the outside of the device itself;
A control unit that controls the air conditioning unit and the notification unit;
A humidification system comprising:
The air conditioning unit is switched to at least a first state in which the humidifier performs a predetermined rapid humidification operation,
The notification unit is switched to at least a second state in which a notification is given to encourage suppression of humidity in the external space,
The control unit repeats switching control from control for at least the second state to control for the first state while stopping the second state, and then switching control from control for the first state while stopping the second state to control for at least the second state.

The above-mentioned humidification system can increase the relative humidity in the external space at a faster rate by the rapid humidification operation (operation in the first state), so that the virus inactivation or sterilization effect in the external space is likely to be enhanced during the period of this rapid humidification operation. Moreover, the above-mentioned humidification system can easily suppress the increase in humidity by switching to the second state after the relative humidity has increased by the rapid humidification operation, and then repeat the rapid humidification operation again, so that the period during which the rapid humidification operation is performed can be secured more. Therefore, "virus inactivation or sterilization in the external space" can be performed more effectively.

In the above humidification system, the rapid humidification operation may be a humidification operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space at a rate of 2.0 (%/min) or more.

If rapid humidification is performed at such a speed, the effect of inactivating or sterilizing viruses in the external space will be even greater.

In the above humidification system, the rapid humidification operation may be a humidification operation that supplies water vapor or mist to the external space at a rate of 570 (ml/h) or more.

If rapid humidification is performed at such a speed, the effect of inactivating or sterilizing viruses in the external space will be even greater.

The humidification system according to the present invention comprises:
an air conditioning unit having a humidifier that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit;
A control unit that controls the air conditioning unit;
A humidification system comprising:
The air conditioning unit includes at least one of a dehumidification unit that dehumidifies the external space and a dry air introduction unit that introduces dry air into the external space,
The air conditioning unit is switched between a first state in which the humidifying unit humidifies the external space and a second state which is at least one of a state in which the dehumidifying unit dehumidifies the external space and a state in which the dry air introduction unit introduces dry air into the external space,
The control unit switches the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state, and then repeats the switching control of switching the air conditioning unit from the first state to the second state.

The above-mentioned humidification system increases the relative humidity of the external space in the first state, and therefore is more likely to achieve a virus inactivation or sterilization effect in the external space during this increasing period. Moreover, this humidification system increases the relative humidity of the external space in the first state, and then switches to the second state to forcibly dehumidify the external space, so that it can lower the relative humidity at a faster rate. This humidification system is therefore advantageous in that it "resumes the increasing operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space earlier and ensures a longer period for the resumed increasing operation." This humidification system can therefore more effectively "inactivate or sterilize viruses in the external space."

In the above humidification system, the control unit may switch the air conditioning unit to the first state when the relative humidity of the external space reaches a predetermined lower limit value after switching the air conditioning unit from the first state to the second state.

The above humidification system can more accurately prevent the relative humidity in the outdoor space from dropping too low by using the lower limit as a standard, and can ensure a "period during which the relative humidity rises above the lower limit."

In the above humidification system, the control unit may switch the air conditioning unit to the first state when a predetermined time has elapsed after switching the air conditioning unit from the first state to the second state.

The above-mentioned humidification system can prevent the relative humidity in the external space from dropping too low according to a time criterion, allowing the first state to be resumed more quickly.

In the above humidification system, the control unit may switch the air conditioning unit to the second state when the relative humidity of the external space reaches a predetermined upper limit value after switching the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state.

The above humidification system can more accurately prevent the relative humidity in the outdoor space from rising too high by using the upper limit value as a standard, and can ensure a "period during which the relative humidity rises below the upper limit value."

In the above humidification system, the control unit may switch the air conditioning unit to the second state when a set time has elapsed after switching the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state.

The above humidification system can prevent the relative humidity in the external space from becoming too high according to time standards.

The ozone generator according to the present invention includes any one of the humidification systems described above and an ozone supply unit that supplies ozone to the external space.

In addition to supplying ozone to the external space, the above ozone generator can also effectively "inactivate or sterilize viruses in the external space" by increasing the relative humidity in the external space.

The humidification method according to the present invention includes the steps of:
A humidification method for humidifying an external space using an air conditioning unit having a humidifying unit that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit and a control unit that controls the air conditioning unit, comprising:
The air conditioning unit switches between a first state in which the humidifying unit performs a predetermined rapid humidifying operation, and a second state in which the humidifying operation for the external space is reduced compared to the first state. After switching the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state, the control unit repeats switching control to switch the air conditioning unit from the first state to the second state.

The above humidification method can increase the relative humidity in the external space at a faster rate by rapid humidification, so that the virus inactivation or sterilization effect in the external space is likely to be high during the period of this rapid humidification. Moreover, the above humidification method can suppress the humidity increase by switching to the second state after the relative humidity has increased by the rapid humidification, and then repeat the rapid humidification operation again, so that the period during which the rapid humidification operation is performed can be secured. Therefore, "virus inactivation or sterilization in the external space" can be performed more effectively.

In the above humidification method, the air conditioning unit may include at least one of a dehumidification unit that dehumidifies the external space and a dry air introduction unit that introduces dry air into the external space. The second state may be at least one of a state in which the dehumidification unit dehumidifies the external space and a state in which the dry air introduction unit introduces dry air into the external space.

As in this humidification method, if the dehumidification unit dehumidifies the external space in the second state, the relative humidity can be reduced at a faster rate after it has increased due to the rapid humidification operation. Therefore, this humidification method is advantageous in that it "resumes the rapid humidification operation earlier and ensures a longer period for the resumed rapid humidification operation."

The humidification method according to the present invention includes the steps of:
A humidification method for humidifying an external space using an air conditioning unit having a humidifying unit that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit and a control unit that controls the air conditioning unit, comprising:
The air conditioning unit includes at least one of a dehumidification unit that dehumidifies the external space and a dry air introduction unit that introduces dry air into the external space,
The air conditioning unit is switched between a first state in which the humidifying unit humidifies the external space and a second state which is at least one of a state in which the dehumidifying unit dehumidifies the external space and a state in which the dry air introduction unit introduces dry air into the external space,
After switching the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state, the control unit repeats switching control of switching the air conditioning unit from the first state to the second state.

The above humidification method increases the relative humidity of the external space in the first state, and therefore is more likely to achieve a virus inactivation or sterilization effect in the external space during this increasing period. Moreover, this humidification method increases the relative humidity of the external space in the first state, and then switches to the second state to forcibly dehumidify the external space, so that the relative humidity can be lowered at a faster rate. Therefore, this humidification method is advantageous from the standpoint of "resuming the increasing operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space earlier and ensuring a longer period for the resumed increasing operation."

The humidification method according to the present invention includes the steps of:
A humidification method for humidifying an external space using an air conditioning unit having a humidifying unit that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit, a notification unit that notifies the outside of the air conditioning unit, and a control unit that controls the air conditioning unit and the notification unit,
The air conditioning unit is switched to at least a first state in which the humidifier performs a predetermined rapid humidification operation,
The notification unit is switched to at least a second state in which a notification is given to encourage suppression of humidity in the external space,
The control unit repeats switching control from control for changing at least the second state to control for changing the first state while stopping the second state, and then switching control from control for changing the first state while stopping the second state to control for changing at least the second state.

The above humidification method can increase the relative humidity in the external space at a faster rate by the rapid humidification operation (operation in the first state), so that the virus inactivation or sterilization effect in the external space is likely to be high during the period of this rapid humidification operation. Moreover, with the above humidification method, after the relative humidity has increased by the rapid humidification operation, the humidity increase is likely to be suppressed by switching to the second state, and then the rapid humidification operation can be repeated again, so that the period during which the rapid humidification operation is performed can be secured more. Therefore, "virus inactivation or sterilization in the external space" can be performed more effectively.

The present invention can effectively inactivate or kill viruses by increasing the relative humidity.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a simplified configuration of a humidification system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of repetitive control performed in the humidification system of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of a change in relative humidity in the external space when repeated control is performed in the humidification system of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of an experiment related to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of a change in relative humidity in the external space when repeated control is performed in the humidification system of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of a change in relative humidity in the external space when repeated control is performed in the humidification system of the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a simplified configuration of a humidification system according to another embodiment.

1. First embodiment 1-1. Configuration of humidification system 1 The humidification system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an air conditioning system having a function of adjusting the humidity of the space in which the humidification system 1 itself is placed. The humidification system 1 has a function of humidifying at least the external space 90 outside the humidification system 1 itself. In a representative example described below, the humidification system 1 also has a function of dehumidifying the external space 90. The humidification system 1 also has a function of generating ozone gas, and corresponds to an example of an ozone generator.

The humidification system 1 includes an information processing unit 10, an air conditioning unit 20, an ozone supply unit 30, a humidity sensor 40, a case 4, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing unit 10, the air conditioning unit 20, the ozone supply unit 30, and the humidity sensor 40 are housed in the case 4, and the humidification system 1 is configured as an integrated unit.

The control unit 12 is an information processing device that can perform communication, display, storage, calculation, and other control based on a program. The control unit 12 has an information receiving function, an information transmitting function, a calculation function, and other information processing functions. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the ozone supply unit 30. The control unit 12 controls the air conditioning unit 20.

The communication unit 17 is a device that communicates with an external device provided outside the humidification system 1 by a known wired communication method or a known wireless communication method. The communication unit 17 cooperates with the control unit 12 to communicate with the external device. The display unit 16 is a device that performs display operations in cooperation with the control unit 12. The display unit 16 may have a lamp, or may have an image display device that displays images such as symbols such as letters and numbers, and pictures. The memory unit 18 is a device that stores information. The control unit 12 records information in the memory unit and reads information from the memory unit.

The humidity sensor 40 is a sensor that detects the relative humidity of the external space 90. The humidity sensor 40 is configured as a known humidity sensor capable of detecting relative humidity. In the example of FIG. 1, an opening 4A is provided in the case 4 that houses the humidity sensor 40, etc., and the space in which the humidity sensor 40 is disposed is in communication with the external space 90. Air present in the external space 90 can flow into the space in which the humidity sensor 40 is disposed.

The air conditioning unit 20 has a humidifier unit 22. In the example of FIG. 1, the air conditioning unit 20 is configured by the humidifier unit 22, but the air conditioning unit 20 may have devices and components other than the humidifier unit 22. The humidifier unit 22 is a device that humidifies the space outside the humidification system 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the humidifier unit 22 humidifies the external space 90 outside itself. The humidifier unit 22 has a humidifier 24, a fan 26, and a supply path 28. The humidifier unit 22 increases the humidity of the external space 90 by supplying water vapor or mist to the external space 90 via the supply path 28.

The humidifier 24 is a device that generates water vapor or mist. The method by which the humidifier 24 generates water vapor or mist can employ various known methods, such as a steam type, an ultrasonic type, an evaporation type, or a hybrid type. The humidifier 24 sends the water vapor or mist that it generates to the supply path 28.

The supply path 28 is a flow path, for example a pipe, that guides the water vapor or mist generated by the humidifier 24 to a space outside the humidification system 1 (external space 90 in the example of FIG. 1). The inside of the supply path 28 is connected to the external space 90. The flow rate and flow speed of the gas flowing through the supply path 28 are adjusted by the fan 26. The fan 26 is configured as a blower. The fan 26 has, for example, a rotor (not shown) having multiple blades, a power unit (motor, not shown) that rotates the rotor, and a drive circuit (not shown) that adjusts the rotation of the power unit, and the drive circuit controls the rotation speed of the rotor to the rotation speed instructed by the control unit 12. The higher the rotation speed of the rotor that constitutes the fan 26, the higher the flow rate and flow speed of the gas flowing through the supply path 28.

When the humidifier 24 generates water vapor or mist at a constant generation rate, the flow rate and flow velocity of the water vapor or mist flowing through the supply path 28 increases as the rotation speed of the fan 26 increases. Therefore, the control unit 12 can adjust the supply rate of the water vapor or mist (the amount of water vapor or mist supplied to the external space 90 per unit time) by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 26.

The air conditioning unit 20 may have a dehumidification unit. In the representative example described below, the humidification unit 22 corresponds to an example of a dehumidification unit. However, without being limited to this example, the air conditioning unit 20 may be provided with a dehumidification unit as a device separate from the humidification unit 22. In either case, the dehumidification unit may dehumidify the space using a known method such as a compressor method, a desiccant method, or a hybrid method. In a representative example in which the humidification unit 22 may also function as a dehumidification unit, the humidification unit 22 dehumidifies the external space 90 in a manner similar to that of a known dehumidification device.

The ozone supply unit 30 is a device that supplies ozone gas to the space outside the humidification system 1 (external space 90 in the example of FIG. 1). The ozone supply unit 30 includes an ozone generator 32, a fan 36, and a supply path 38. The ozone generator 32 is a device that generates ozone (ozone gas). Various known methods can be adopted for the ozone generator 32 to generate ozone gas. For example, the ozone generator 32 generates ozone gas by known methods such as an ultraviolet type, an electrolysis type, or a discharge type. The ozone generator 32 sends the ozone gas that it generates to the supply path 38.

The supply path 38 is a flow path, for example a pipe, that guides the ozone gas generated by the ozone generator 32 to the external space 90 outside the humidification system 1. The flow rate and flow velocity of the gas flowing through the supply path 38 are adjusted by the fan 36. The fan 36 is configured as a blower. The fan 36 has, for example, a rotor (not shown) having multiple blades, a power unit (such as a motor not shown) that rotates the rotor, and a drive circuit (not shown) that adjusts the rotation of the power unit, and the drive circuit controls the rotation speed of the rotor to the rotation speed instructed by the control unit 12. The higher the rotation speed of the rotor that constitutes the fan 36, the higher the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas flowing through the supply path 38.

When the ozone generator 32 generates ozone gas at a constant generation rate, the flow rate and flow velocity of the ozone gas flowing through the supply path 38 increases as the rotation speed of the fan 36 increases. Therefore, the control unit 12 can adjust the supply rate of the ozone gas (the amount of ozone gas supplied to the space 90 per unit time) by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 36.

1-2. Control in Humidification System 1 In the humidification method performed by the humidification system 1, the air conditioning unit 20 is switched between a first state in which the humidification unit 22 performs a predetermined rapid humidification operation, and a second state in which the humidification of the external space 90 is suppressed more than in the first state. Then, the control unit 12 switches the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state to the first state, and then repeats the switching control of switching from the first state to the second state.

The above humidification method is implemented, for example, by the control unit 12 performing control (repetitive control) in the flow as shown in FIG. 2. The repetitive control shown in FIG. 2 is a first mode control that is executed when a first start condition is met. The first mode is a mode for inactivating or sterilizing viruses. The control unit 12 may be capable of implementing modes other than the first mode. For example, when a second start condition different from the first start condition is met, the control unit 12 may execute the second mode control and, for example, operate to maintain the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a preset humidity setting.

When a first start condition is met, the control unit 12 executes the repeat control shown in FIG. 2. The first start condition may be, for example, "power supply from a power supply unit (not shown) in the humidification system 1 to the control unit 12 has started", "a predetermined start operation has been performed on an operation unit (not shown) provided in the information processing unit 10", or "a predetermined setting condition has been met while power is being supplied to the control unit 12 (for example, a predetermined start time has been reached, the external space 90 has reached a predetermined temperature, etc.)".

When the first start condition is satisfied, the control unit 12 starts the repeat control shown in FIG. 2, and first sets the air conditioning unit 20 to an initial state in step S1. The initial state may be a state in which a humidification suppression operation described below is performed, a state in which a rapid humidification operation described below is performed, or a state in which the air conditioning unit 20 has stopped humidification or dehumidification.

After the control unit 12 sets the air conditioning unit 20 to its initial state in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, where the control unit 12 determines whether the relative humidity of the external space 90 is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value Rt1 based on the relative humidity of the external space 90 detected by the humidity sensor 40.

When the control unit 12 determines in step S2 that the relative humidity of the external space 90 is not equal to or greater than the upper limit value Rt1 (No in S2), the control unit 12 advances the process to step S3 and causes the air conditioning unit 20 to perform a rapid humidification operation. In general, a humidification operation is a humidification operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a rate of 1.3 (%/min) or more, or at a rate of 380 (ml/h) or more. In this case, the relative humidity of a ²⁵ m3 space at room temperature (25°C) can be increased by 20% (e.g., the relative humidity is from 40% to 60%) in 15 (min). In contrast, a rapid humidification operation is a humidification operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a rate of 2.0 (%/min) or more. In this case, the relative humidity of a ²⁵ m3 space at room temperature (25°C) can be increased by 20% (e.g., the relative humidity is from 40% to 60%) in 10 (min). Preferably, the rapid humidification operation is a humidification operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a rate of 4.0 (%/min) or more. In this case, the relative humidity of a ²⁵ m3 space at room temperature (25°C) can be increased by 20% (for example, the relative humidity is 40% to 60%) in 5 (min). An example of the rapid humidification operation is, for example, an operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a rate of 20/3 (%/min). Therefore, more preferably, the rapid humidification operation is a humidification operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a rate of 6.7 (%/min) or more. In this case, the relative humidity of a ²⁵ m3 space at room temperature (25°C) can be increased by 20% (for example, the relative humidity is 40% to 60%) in 3 (min). The rate at which the relative humidity of the external space 90 is increased in the rapid humidification operation is preferably 20.0 (%/min) or less.

The rapid humidification operation may be, for example, a humidification operation that supplies water vapor or mist to the external space 90 at a rate of 570 (ml/h) or more. In this case, the relative humidity of a ²⁵ m3 space at room temperature (25°C) can be increased by 20% (for example, the relative humidity is 40% to 60%) in 10 (min). Desirably, the rapid humidification operation may be a humidification operation that supplies water vapor or mist to the external space 90 at a rate of 1150 (ml/h) or more. In this case, the relative humidity of a ²⁵ m3 space at room temperature (25°C) can be increased by 20% (for example, the relative humidity is 40% to 60%) in 5 (min). An example of the rapid humidification operation is, for example, a humidification operation that supplies water vapor or mist to the external space 90 at a rate of 1910 (ml/h). Therefore, more preferably, the rapid humidification operation is a humidification operation that supplies water vapor or mist to the external space 90 at a rate of 1910 (ml/h) or more. In this case, the relative humidity of a ²⁵ m3 space at room temperature (25° C.) can be increased by 20% (e.g., the relative humidity is increased from 40% to 60%) in 3 (min). The rate at which water vapor or mist is supplied to the external space 90 in the rapid humidification operation is preferably 5730 (ml/h) or less.

If the control unit 12 has already caused the air conditioning unit 20 to perform a rapid humidification operation at the time when the control unit 12 starts the processing of step S3, the control unit 12 continues to control the air conditioning unit 20 to perform the rapid humidification operation in the processing of step S3. If the control unit 12 starts or continues to control the air conditioning unit 20 to perform a rapid humidification operation in step S3, the control unit 12 determines in step S4 whether or not a predetermined end condition has been established.

If the control unit 12 determines in step S4 that the above-mentioned termination condition is satisfied (Yes in S4), it terminates the repetitive control shown in FIG. 2. If the control unit 12 determines in step S4 that the above-mentioned termination condition is not satisfied (No in S4), it returns the process to step S2 and determines whether the relative humidity of the external space 90 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value Rt1. It is desirable that the upper limit value Rt1 be in the range of, for example, 50% or more and 80% or less. The upper limit value Rt1 is, for example, 60%.

When the control unit 12 determines in step S2 that the relative humidity of the external space 90 is equal to or higher than the upper limit value Rt1 (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S5, and the air conditioning unit 20 is set to a humidification suppression state. The humidification suppression state corresponds to an example of the second state. The humidification suppression state is a state in which humidification of the external space 90 is suppressed more than in the first state (a state in which rapid humidification operation is being performed). In the humidification suppression state, the rate at which the relative humidity of the external space 90 increases is suppressed more than in the first state (a state in which rapid humidification operation is being performed). In addition, in the humidification suppression state, the rate at which water vapor or mist is supplied to the external space 90 is suppressed more than in the first state (a state in which rapid humidification operation is being performed).

In a representative example described below, the control unit 12 causes the humidifier unit 22 to perform a dehumidification operation in the humidification suppression state. That is, in the representative example, the second state is a state in which the humidifier unit 22 (dehumidifier unit) dehumidifies the external space 90. Therefore, in the humidification suppression state (second state), water vapor or mist present in the external space 90 is removed by the humidifier unit 22 (dehumidifier unit).

If the control unit 12 is already in the humidification suppression state at the time of starting the process of step S5, the control unit 12 continues the humidification suppression state in the process of step S5. If the control unit 12 starts or continues the humidification suppression state in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, and determines whether the relative humidity of the external space 90 is equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit value Rt2 based on the relative humidity of the external space 90 detected by the humidity sensor 40. If the control unit 12 determines in step S6 that the relative humidity of the external space 90 is equal to or lower than the lower limit value Rt2 (Yes in S6), the process proceeds to step S3, and causes the air conditioning unit 20 to perform a rapid humidification operation. The lower limit value Rt2 is a value lower than the upper limit value Rt1. It is desirable that the lower limit value Rt2 is, for example, in the range of 10% or more and 50% or less. The lower limit value Rt2 is, for example, 40%.

If the control unit 12 determines in step S6 that the relative humidity of the external space 90 is not equal to or lower than the lower limit value Rt2 (No in S6), the process proceeds to step S7, where it determines whether or not a predetermined termination condition has been met. If the control unit 12 determines in step S7 that the termination condition has been met (Yes in S7), it ends the repetitive control shown in FIG. 2. If the control unit 12 determines in step S7 that the termination condition has not been met (No in S7), it returns the process to step S5, and the humidification suppression state is continued. The termination condition used in the determination in step S7 may be the same as or different from the termination condition used in the determination in step S4. This termination condition may be, for example, "power supply to the control unit 12 has stopped," "a specified termination operation has been performed on an operation unit (not shown) provided in the information processing unit 10," or "a predetermined setting condition has been established while power is being supplied to the control unit 12 (for example, a predetermined termination time has been reached, the external space 90 has reached a predetermined temperature, etc.)."

When the control unit 12 continues to perform the repeated control as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 12 can repeat the switching control multiple times, switching the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state (humidification suppression state) to the first state (state in which rapid humidification operation is performed) (i.e., switching due to a Yes determination in step S6), and then switching from the first state to the second state (i.e., switching due to a Yes determination in step S2).

In the above-described humidification system 1, the relative humidity of the external space 90 can be changed, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. The example in FIG. 3 is an example in which the relative humidity of the external space 90 is less than the lower limit Rt2 at the time when the control in FIG. 2 is started. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 12 can switch the air conditioning unit 20 to the first state when the relative humidity of the external space 90 reaches the lower limit Rt2 after switching the air conditioning unit 20 from the first state (state in which rapid humidification is performed) to the second state (humidification suppression state). Then, the control unit 12 can switch the air conditioning unit 20 to the second state when the relative humidity of the external space 90 reaches the upper limit Rt1 after switching the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state (humidification suppression state) to the first state (state in which rapid humidification is performed). The control unit 12 can alternately repeat the first state and the second state by such an operation.

1-3. Example of Effects The humidification system 1 can increase the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a faster rate by the rapid humidification operation, so that the virus inactivation or sterilization effect in the external space 90 is likely to be high during the period of this rapid humidification operation. Moreover, after the relative humidity has increased by the rapid humidification operation, the humidification system 1 can suppress the increase in humidity by switching to the second state, and then repeat the rapid humidification operation again, so that the period during which the rapid humidification operation is performed can be secured more. Therefore, "virus inactivation or sterilization in the external space 90" can be performed more effectively.

For example, depending on the usage environment, in an environment where excessive humidification is not desired or in an environment where it is desirable to maintain a certain level of low humidity, it may be difficult to continuously maintain a high humidity state. Alternatively, in an environment where the humidity is relatively high, a virus inactivation effect or a sterilization effect may be obtained, but it is difficult to produce an even greater effect by suddenly increasing the humidity. In this regard, the humidification system 1 makes it easy to deal with the above-mentioned problems because it is possible to suppress humidity by using the second state (humidification suppression state) while further enhancing the virus inactivation effect or sterilization effect by ensuring a longer period of rapid humidification operation. In addition, the humidification system 1 can obtain a virus inactivation effect or sterilization effect simply and inexpensively without adopting complex or expensive means.

In the humidification system 1, if a rapid humidification operation is performed to increase the relative humidity of the external space 90 at a rate of 2.0 (%/min) or more, the effect of inactivating or sterilizing viruses in the external space 90 is even greater.

In the humidification system 1, if a humidification operation is performed in which water vapor or mist is supplied to the external space 90 at a rate of 570 (ml/h) or more, the effect of inactivating or sterilizing viruses in the external space 90 is even greater.

In the humidification system 1, when in the second state, the dehumidification unit dehumidifies the external space, and after the relative humidity has increased due to the rapid humidification operation, the relative humidity can be reduced at a faster rate. Therefore, the humidification system 1 is advantageous in terms of "resuming rapid humidification operation earlier and ensuring a longer period of the resumed rapid humidification operation."

The humidification system 1 can more accurately prevent the relative humidity in the external space 90 from dropping too low using the lower limit value Rt2 as a reference, and can more accurately ensure a "period during which the relative humidity rises above the lower limit value Rt2."

The humidification system 1 can more accurately prevent the relative humidity in the external space 90 from rising too high using the upper limit value Rt1 as a reference, and can more accurately ensure a "period during which the relative humidity rises below the upper limit value Rt1."

The humidification system 1 functions as an ozone generator and can realize both the "function of supplying ozone to the external space 90" and the "function of effectively inactivating or sterilizing viruses in the external space 90 by increasing the relative humidity in the external space 90."

1-4. Experimental Results The following description relates to experiments related to the effects of the first embodiment.
4 shows the results of an experiment to evaluate the virus suppression effect of abruptly increasing the relative humidity in a space. In this experiment, the change in the amount of viruses was confirmed in Experiment ^A , in which influenza viruses were suspended in a space of 25 m3 at room temperature (25°C) and the relative humidity of the space was kept constant, and in Experiment B, in which influenza viruses were suspended in a space of ²⁵ m3 at room temperature (25°C) and the relative humidity of the space was suddenly increased.

In experiment A, influenza viruses were suspended in a space of ²⁵ m3, and the relative humidity of the space was maintained at 60% for three minutes. Meanwhile, in experiment B, influenza viruses were suspended in a space of ²⁵ m3, and the relative humidity of the space was suddenly increased from 40% to 60% in three minutes. In both experiments A and B, the amount of influenza viruses in the space was confirmed at the start and end of the ^three minutes. FIG. 4 shows the results of experiments A and B. In the graph of FIG. 4, the horizontal axis is the elapsed time, and the vertical axis is a value (specifically, the infectivity value) indicating the amount of influenza viruses contained in the air per 1 m3 in the ²⁵ m3 space. On the horizontal axis, "0" is the start point of the three minutes, and "3" is the end point of the three minutes.

The experimental results shown in Figure 4 confirmed that the degree of reduction in influenza viruses was greater when the humidity in the space was suddenly increased below a certain level (40% to 60%) than when the humidity was maintained at a relatively high level (60%).

2. Second embodiment The humidification system 1 of the second embodiment differs from the humidification system 1 of the first embodiment only in the "conditions for switching from the second state to the first state" in the repetitive control shown in Fig. 2. Specifically, the humidification system 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the process of step S6 in the repetitive control of Fig. 2, and in the determination of step S6, it is determined whether or not the humidification suppression state has continued for a predetermined time. The humidification system 1 of the second embodiment also has the configuration of Fig. 1.

In the humidification system 1 of the second embodiment, when the control unit 12 is performing the repeated control as shown in FIG. 2, if the termination condition of step S4 is not satisfied and the relative humidity of the external space 90 is less than the upper limit value Rt1 while the first state (state in which rapid humidification operation is being performed) is continuing, the control unit 12 repeats the processing of step S3 to continue the first state. If the relative humidity of the external space 90 reaches or exceeds the upper limit value Rt1 while the first state is continuing in this way, the control unit 12 judges Yes in step S2 and sets the humidification suppression state in step S5. After the processing of step S5, in step S6, instead of step S6 of the first embodiment, the control unit 12 judges whether the humidification suppression state has continued for a predetermined time T2, and if the humidification suppression state has continued for the predetermined time T2 (Yes in step S6), the process proceeds to step S3. Thus, in the humidification system 1 of the second embodiment, the control unit 12 operates to switch the air conditioning unit 20 back to the first state when the second state has been in the first state for a predetermined time T2.

Figure 5 shows a specific example of the operation of the humidification system 1 of the second embodiment. In the humidification system 1 of the second embodiment, when the relative humidity of the external space 90 reaches or exceeds the upper limit value Rt1 while the air conditioning unit 20 continues in the first state, the control unit 12 switches the air conditioning unit 20 from the first state to the second state, maintains the second state for a predetermined time T2 after the switching, and switches the air conditioning unit 20 to the first state when the predetermined time T2 has elapsed in the second state. In this way, the control unit 12 repeats the switching operation of alternately switching between the first state and the second state.

In addition to providing the same effects as the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the humidification system 1 can prevent the relative humidity in the external space 90 from dropping too low according to a time criterion, and can resume the first state more quickly.

2. Third embodiment The humidification system 1 of the third embodiment differs from the humidification system 1 of the first embodiment only in the "conditions for switching from the first state to the second state" in the repeat control shown in Fig. 2. Specifically, the humidification system 1 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the processing of step S2 in the repeat control of Fig. 2. In the humidification system 1 of the third embodiment, the control unit 12 determines in step S2 whether "rapid humidification has not been performed or the state of rapid humidification has continued for the set time T1." The humidification system 1 of the second embodiment also has the configuration of Fig. 1.

In the third embodiment of the humidification system 1, the control unit 12 judges in step S2 immediately after step S1 that the rapid humidification operation has not been performed, so that the result is Yes, and the system is set to the second state (humidification suppression state) in step S5. If the termination condition of step S7 is not satisfied and the relative humidity of the external space 90 exceeds the lower limit value Rt2 while the second state (humidification suppression state) is continuing, the control unit 12 repeats the processing of step S5 to continue the second state. If the relative humidity reaches or falls below the lower limit value Rt2 while the second state (humidification suppression state) is continuing, the control unit 12 judges in step S6 that the result is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S3 to start the rapid humidification operation. If the termination condition of step S4 is not satisfied after the processing of step S3, the control unit 12 determines in step S2 whether the rapid humidification operation state (first state) has continued for the set time T1, and if the rapid humidification operation state has continued for the set time T1 (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S5. In this way, in the humidification system 1 of the third embodiment, the control unit 12 can switch the air conditioning unit 20 to the second state when the set time T1 has elapsed after switching the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state to the first state.

Figure 6 shows a specific example of the operation of the humidification system 1 of the third embodiment. In the humidification system 1 of the third embodiment, the control unit 12 operates to switch the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state to the first state when the relative humidity of the external space 90 reaches or falls below the lower limit value Rt2 while the air conditioning unit 20 is continuing in the second state, and to switch the air conditioning unit 20 to the second state when the first state has been in a set time T1 after switching the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state to the first state.

In addition to providing the same effects as the first embodiment, the humidification system 1 of the third embodiment can prevent the relative humidity in the external space 90 from increasing too much according to a time criterion.

4. Fourth embodiment The humidification system 1 of the fourth embodiment has a similar configuration to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, and therefore Fig. 1 will be referred to in the following description. However, the humidification system 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the details of the configuration in Fig. 1 and in step S5 of the control in Fig. 2, but is otherwise similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, in the humidification system 1 of the fourth embodiment, the air conditioning unit 20 has a dry air introduction unit instead of a dehumidification unit. Then, in step S5, instead of "control to cause the humidification unit 22 to perform a dehumidification operation when the humidification is suppressed", "control to cause dry air to be introduced into the dry air introduction unit (e.g., the humidification unit 22) when the humidification is suppressed" is performed.

In the representative example described below, the humidifier 22 corresponds to an example of a dry air introduction section. However, this is not limited to this example, and the air conditioning section 20 may be provided with a dry air introduction section as a device different from the humidifier 22. In either case, the dry air is air having a relative humidity lower than the relative humidity of the external space 90 in the first state described above. The dry air is preferably air having a relative humidity 10% or more lower than the relative humidity of the external space 90 in the first state described above, and more preferably air having a relative humidity 20% or more lower. The dry air introduction section may be configured as an air moving device that can function to introduce dry air from a space different from the external space 90 into the external space 90 when dry air is present in the space. In this case, the air moving device may have, for example, a communication part (piping, ventilation port, etc.) that communicates with the external space 90 and another space, a flow device (fan, blower, etc.) that flows the air in the communication part from the other space side to the external space 90 side, and an opening/closing part (valve, shutter, etc.) that switches the communication part between a blocked state and an open state. Note that the air moving device described here is merely an example, and is not limited to this example. For example, the air moving device may be a device that sucks air present in the external space 90 or another space into itself, removes moisture from the air inside itself to make it dry air, and supplies the generated dry air to the external space 90. Alternatively, in an environment where it is clear or likely that dry air exists in another space, the air moving device may be a device (exhaust fan, ventilation device, etc.) that ventilates between the other space and the external space 90.

In the fourth embodiment, if the control unit 12 determines in step S2 that the relative humidity of the external space 90 is equal to or higher than the upper limit value Rt1 (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S5 and the air conditioning unit 20 is in a humidification suppression state. In the fourth embodiment, the humidification suppression state corresponds to an example of the second state, and is a state in which humidification of the external space 90 is suppressed more than in the first state (a state in which rapid humidification operation is being performed). In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 12 causes the humidification unit 22 (dry air introduction unit) to introduce dry air into the external space 90 when in the humidification suppression state. In other words, in the fourth embodiment, the second state is a state in which the humidification unit 22 (dry air introduction unit) introduces dry air into the external space 90. The mode of introducing dry air may be, for example, a mode of performing ventilation between another space in which dry air exists and the external space 90, or a mode of introducing dry air from the other space in which dry air exists into the external space 90 while discharging the air existing in the external space 90 to another space different from the above-mentioned other space.

When the control unit 12 goes into the humidification suppression state in step S5, in an environment where it is clear or likely that dry air is present in another space, the control unit 12 may operate the air movement device to introduce dry air from the other space into the external space 90 without checking the relative humidity of the other space. Alternatively, when the control unit 12 goes into the humidification suppression state in step S5, the control unit 12 may detect the relative humidity of the other space, and if the relative humidity corresponds to the above-mentioned dry air, operate the air movement device to introduce dry air from the other space into the external space 90.

The humidification system 1 of the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the humidification is suppressed, the introduction of dry air can further promote the reduction in humidity.

In the representative example of the fourth embodiment described above, the air conditioning unit 20 has a dry air introduction section, but the air conditioning unit 20 may have a dehumidification section similar to that of the first embodiment in addition to the dry air introduction section. In this case, the control unit 12 may control the dehumidification section to dehumidify the external space 90 and the dry air introduction section to introduce dry air into the external space 90 in parallel during the humidification suppression state.

5. Fifth embodiment The humidification system 1 of the fifth embodiment has a similar configuration to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, and therefore Fig. 1 will be referred to in the following description. However, the humidification system 1 of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the details of the configuration in Fig. 1 and in the control step S5 in Fig. 2, but is otherwise similar to the first embodiment. In the humidification system 1 of the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning unit 20 may or may not have a dehumidification unit.

In the fifth embodiment, if the control unit 12 determines in step S2 that the relative humidity of the external space 90 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value Rt1 (Yes in S2), the control unit 12 advances the process to step S5 and sets the humidification suppression state. In the fifth embodiment, the humidification suppression state also corresponds to an example of the second state. However, the second state in the fifth embodiment is a state in which a notification is given to encourage suppression of the humidity in the external space 90. In the humidification system 1 of the fifth embodiment, the control unit 12 causes the display unit 16 to display a message encouraging suppression of the humidity in the external space 90 while the humidification suppression state of step S5 continues. In this example, the display unit 16 corresponds to an example of a notification unit. The "display encouraging the suppression of humidity in the external space 90" may be, for example, a display of a message encouraging ventilation such as "Please ventilate" or other display to that effect or a voice notification to that effect; a display of a message encouraging the introduction of dry air such as "Please introduce dry air" or other display to that effect or a voice notification to that effect; a display of a message encouraging dehumidification such as "Please dehumidify" or other display to that effect or a voice notification to that effect; or a message encouraging the stopping of humidification such as "Please stop humidification" or other display to that effect or a voice notification to that effect. In the above example, the message display may be performed by, for example, displaying text information on the screen of the display unit 16. In the above example, other displays may be performed by displaying lamps or code numbers. The voice notification may be performed by issuing a buzzer or alarm.

In the example of the fifth embodiment, it is desirable to stop the humidification operation of the air conditioning unit 20 while the humidification suppression state continues (while step S5 is repeated), but the humidification operation may continue in the air conditioning unit 20. Alternatively, dehumidification by the dehumidification unit may be performed in parallel when the humidification suppression state is described above.

The fifth embodiment of the humidification system 1 can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, when in the humidification suppression state, the "notification encouraging suppression of humidity in the external space 90" can increase the likelihood that suppression of humidity in the external space 90 will be promoted.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings, and the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the various features of the above-mentioned embodiments and the embodiments to be described later may be combined in any combination as long as they are not contradictory.

In the above-described embodiment, the fan 26 is exemplified as an example of a flow rate adjustment device that adjusts the flow rate in the supply path 28, but other flow rate adjustment devices capable of adjusting the flow rate in the supply path 28 (e.g., other types of known flow rate adjustment devices capable of adjusting the speed of a fluid) may be used in conjunction with or substituted for the fan 26. For example, in the humidification system 1, instead of the fan 26 or in conjunction with the fan 26, a method of adjusting the flow rate (flow rate) of the supply path 28 with a flow rate adjustment valve may be adopted. In either case, when the humidification device 2 generates water vapor or mist at a constant generation rate, the more the flow rate adjustment device increases the flow rate in the supply path 28, the more the amount of water vapor or mist supplied to the external space 90 per unit time can be increased.

In the above-described embodiment, a method for adjusting the supply rate of water vapor or mist to the external space 90 by adjusting the flow rate in the supply path 28 with a flow rate adjustment device (fan 26, etc.) has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the humidification system 1 may omit the flow rate adjustment device (fan 26, etc.) or use the flow rate adjustment device (fan 26, etc.) in combination to adjust the generation rate of water vapor or mist by the humidifier 24 (the amount of water vapor or mist supplied from the humidifier 24 to the supply path 28 per unit time), thereby adjusting the supply rate of water vapor or mist to the external space 90.

In the embodiment described above, the ozone generator 32 and the humidifier 24 are configured as separate entities, but they may be configured as an integrated unit. In other words, the ozone generator 32 may have a humidifying function of emitting water vapor or mist. In this way, when the ozone generator 32 has a humidifying function, the fan 26 may be omitted, and the degree of ozone supply and the degree of water vapor or mist supply may be adjusted by the fan 36.

In the embodiment described above, the humidifier 22 also functions as a dehumidifier, but the dehumidifier may be provided as a separate device from the humidifier 22.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the dehumidification unit dehumidifies the external space 90 has been described as the humidification suppression state, but the humidification suppression state is not limited to this example. For example, the humidification suppression state may be a state in which the air conditioning unit 20 neither humidifies nor dehumidifies the external space 90. Alternatively, the humidification suppression state may be a state in which the air conditioning unit 20 humidifies in a state in which the degree of humidification is reduced compared to the rapid humidification operation (for example, a state in which the supply rate of water vapor or mist is reduced compared to the rapid humidification operation).

In the repeat control of FIG. 2, the control unit 12 may operate to switch the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state to the first state when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed after switching the air conditioning unit 20 from the first state to the second state, and may switch the air conditioning unit 20 to the second state when a set time T1 has elapsed after switching the air conditioning unit 20 from the second state to the first state. In this case, the predetermined time T2 and the set time T1 may be the same or different.

In the above-described embodiment, the humidification system 1 is configured as an integrated device, but is not limited to this example. The multiple devices constituting the humidification system 1 may be separated. When the multiple devices constituting the humidification system 1 are separated, wired or wireless communication may be performed between the devices. FIG. 7 illustrates a humidification system 100 in which the multiple devices constituting the humidification system 10 are separated. In the example of FIG. 7, the information processing unit 10 has a configuration similar to that of the information processing unit 10 in FIG. 1. The ozone supply unit 30 has a configuration similar to that of the ozone supply unit 30 in FIG. 1. In the above-described embodiment, a single humidity sensor 40 is provided in the humidification system 1, but multiple humidity sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C may be arranged at different locations in the external space 90 as shown in FIG. 7. The humidity sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C have a configuration similar to that of the humidity sensor 40 in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 7, the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C is provided to the information processing unit 10 by communication. When determining the relative humidity of the external space 90, the control unit 12 may perform statistical calculations on the relative humidities detected by the humidity sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C to determine the relative humidity of the external space 90. The average value, maximum value, minimum value, median value, etc. of the multiple relative humidities detected by the humidity sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C may be determined as the relative humidity of the external space 90. In the above-described embodiment, a single air conditioning unit 20 is provided in the humidification system 1, but this example is not limited to this example. As shown in FIG. 7, multiple air conditioning units 20A, 20B, and 20C may be arranged in different locations in the external space 90. The air conditioning units 20A, 20B, and 20C have the same configuration as the air conditioning unit 20 in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 7, when performing a rapid humidification operation, rapid humidification may be performed by multiple air conditioning units 20A, 20B, and 20C at the same rising speed or supply speed as in the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7, when the humidification suppression state (second state) is set, the humidification suppression state can be set by multiple air conditioning units 20A, 20B, and 20C in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims.

1: Humidification system 12: Control unit 20, 20A, 20B, 20C: Air conditioning unit 22: Humidification unit (dehumidification unit)
30: Ozone supply unit 40, 40A, 40B, 40C: Humidity sensor 90: External space

Claims (11)

an air conditioning unit having a humidifier that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit;
A notification unit that notifies the outside of the device itself;
A control unit that controls the air conditioning unit and the notification unit;
A humidification system comprising:
The air conditioning unit is switched to at least a first state in which the humidification unit performs a predetermined rapid humidification operation for virus inactivation or sterilization,
The notification unit is switched to at least a second state in which a notification is given to encourage the user to lower the relative humidity of the external space,
The control unit repeats a switching control of switching from control for at least the second state to control for the first state while stopping the second state, and then switching from control for the first state while stopping the second state to control for at least the second state.
Humidification system . The humidification system according to claim 1 , wherein the rapid humidification operation is a humidification operation that increases the relative humidity of the external space at a rate of 2.0 (%/min) or more. The rapid humidification operation is a humidification operation that supplies water vapor or mist to the external space at a rate of 570 (ml/h) or more.
A humidification system according to claim 1 or 2 . an air conditioning unit having a humidifier that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit;
A control unit that controls the air conditioning unit;
A humidification system comprising:
The air conditioning unit includes a dry air introduction unit that introduces dry air from a separate space different from the external space to the external space,
The air conditioning unit is switched between a first state in which the humidifier unit humidifies the external space for virus inactivation or sterilization, and a second state in which the dry air introduction unit introduces dry air into the external space,
The control unit repeats switching control of switching the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state, and then from the first state to the second state . The control unit switches to the first state when the relative humidity of the external space reaches a predetermined lower limit value after switching from the first state to the second state.
The humidification system of claim 4 . The control unit switches the air conditioning unit to the first state when a predetermined time has elapsed after switching from the first state to the second state.
The humidification system of claim 4 . The control unit switches to the second state when the relative humidity of the external space reaches a predetermined upper limit value after switching from the second state to the first state.
A humidification system according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The control unit switches to the second state when a set time has elapsed after switching from the second state to the first state.
A humidification system according to any one of claims 4 to 6. A humidification system according to any one of claims 4 to 8;
an ozone supply unit for supplying ozone to the external space;
An ozone generator having A humidification method for humidifying an external space using an air conditioning unit having a humidifying unit that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit and a control unit that controls the air conditioning unit, comprising:
The air conditioning unit includes a dry air introduction unit that introduces dry air from a separate space different from the external space to the external space,
The air conditioning unit is switched between a first state in which the humidifier unit humidifies the external space for virus inactivation or sterilization, and a second state in which the dry air introduction unit introduces dry air into the external space,
After switching the air conditioning unit from the second state to the first state, the control unit repeats switching control to switch the air conditioning unit from the first state to the second state.
Humidification method. A humidification method for humidifying an external space using an air conditioning unit having a humidifying unit that humidifies an external space outside the air conditioning unit, a notification unit that notifies the outside of the air conditioning unit, and a control unit that controls the air conditioning unit and the notification unit,
The air conditioning unit is switched to at least a first state in which the humidification unit performs a predetermined rapid humidification operation for virus inactivation or sterilization,
The notification unit is switched to at least a second state in which a notification is given to encourage the user to lower the relative humidity of the external space,
The control unit repeats a switching control of switching from control for at least the second state to control for the first state while stopping the second state, and then switching from control for the first state while stopping the second state to control for at least the second state.
Humidification method.

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