Ventilation system

Abstract

A ventilation system comprises ductwork, a fan for creating a current of air passing through the ductwork, and an air supply outlet for supplying outdoor air into a living space of a house by means of the current of air. The ventilation system further comprises an electrostatic atomizer located at the side of the air supply outlet. The electrostatic atomizer is configured to produce mist of charged fine water particles by means of electrostatic atomization to spray the mist into the living space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to ventilation systems and more particularly to a residential ventilation system.

BACKGROUND ART

Many houses have been tight and well insulated in recent years, and accordingly ventilation systems are required to be installed in the houses in order to expel pollutants generated in the houses, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds etc. In a prior art ventilation system, outdoor air is supplied into a house through ductwork located in a ceiling crawl space, while indoor air is expelled through the ductwork at the same time. The ventilation fan in the ductwork is driven so that ventilation is performed for 24 hours. In another prior art ventilation system, indoor air is expelled through an exhaust fan, while outdoor air is supplied into a house through vents installed in exterior walls at the same time. Also in this case, ventilation is performed for 24 hours by driving the exhaust fan.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-79714 issued Mar. 18, 2003 discloses an air cleaner equipped with an electrostatic atomizer. The atomizer is configured to produce mist of charged fine water particles by means of electrostatic atomization to spray the mist, and has various advantages such as deodorization, sterilization and so on. Each of charged fine water particles constituting the mist is in the order of nanometer in size and has a strong electric charge, and accordingly can be widely sprayed throughout a living space and stay for a long time by force of repulsion and the size.

However, in case of the air cleaner, one or more air cleaners are required in addition to the ventilation system, and accordingly living spaces are reduced.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-233589 issued Sep. 2, 2005 discloses a ventilation system equipped with an electrostatic atomizer. In this case, living spaces are not reduced by the atomizer. However, since the atomizer is located at an intermediate fan of ductwork in a ceiling crawl space, the mist produced through the atomizer can remove odors, germs, viruses, etc. in the ductwork but cannot be widely sprayed throughout a house (a living space(s)).

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ventilation system capable of widely spraying mist of charged fine water particles throughout at least one living space in a house without reducing the living space.

A ventilation system of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a “first invention”) comprises: ductwork; a fan for creating a current of air passing through the ductwork; and an air supply outlet for supplying outdoor air into a living space of a house by means of the current of air. According to a first aspect, the ventilation system further comprises an electrostatic atomizer located at the side of the air supply outlet. The electrostatic atomizer is configured to produce mist of charged fine water particles by means of electrostatic atomization to spray the mist into the living space. In the first invention, since the electrostatic atomizer is located at the side of the air supply outlet, the ventilation system can widely spray mist of charged fine water particles throughout at least one living space in a house without reducing the living space.

In an embodiment, the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space. The air supply outlet is located at an opening of the ceiling of the living space and also connected with the ductwork through a passage. The fan pushes the outdoor air into the living space from the air supply outlet through the ductwork and the passage. According to a second aspect, the ventilation system of this invention (hereinafter referred to as a “second invention”) comprises a supply grille having the air supply outlet, the passage, the electrostatic atomizer and a controller. The passage comprises supply and bypass passages through which the outdoor air from the ductwork passes. The bypass passage comprises a variable passage varying a quantity of the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage, and a mist passage located at the downstream side of the variable passage. The electrostatic atomizer is configured to apply high voltage to condensation water at a position between the variable passage and the mist passage to produce mist of charged fine water particles. The controller is configured to control the variable passage to adjust the quantity of the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage. In the second invention, even if the outdoor air from the ductwork is increased or decreased, the controller controls the variable passage to adjust the quantity of the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage and accordingly stable outdoor air can be supplied to the electrostatic atomizer. Therefore, the mist can be constantly splayed even if ventilation speed of the ventilation system is changed.

In an embodiment of the second invention, the supply grille further comprises a wind speed sensor that is configured to detect speed of the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage to supply a sensor signal to the controller. The controller is configured to control the variable passage based on the sensor signal. In this embodiment, the variable passage can be suitably controlled.

In an embodiment of the first invention, the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space. The air supply outlet is located at an opening of the ceiling of the living space and also connected with the ductwork through a passage. The fan pushes the outdoor air into the living space from the air supply outlet through the ductwork and the passage. In a third aspect, the ventilation system of this invention (hereinafter referred to as a “third invention”) comprises a supply grille having a body case; and the air supply outlet, the passage, the electrostatic atomizer and a power supply that are put in the body case. The electrostatic atomizer comprises: first and second electrodes and a heat exchanger that are put in the passage; and a high voltage generator. The heat exchanger is connected with the power supply and configured to cool the first electrode to produce condensation water on the first electrode. The high voltage generator is connected with the power supply and configured to apply high voltage to the condensation water through the first and second electrodes to produce mist of charged fine water particles. In the third invention, since the heat exchanger cools the first electrode to produce condensation water on the first electrode, labor of water supply is unnecessary. In addition, since the air supply outlet, the passage, the electrostatic atomizer and the power supply are put in the body case, the supply grille having the body case can be easily installed in the ceiling crawl space.

In an embodiment, the air supply outlet comprises an air outlet and a mist outlet. The passage comprises supply and bypass passages through which the outdoor air from the ductwork passes. The supply passage is located between the ductwork and the air outlet. The bypass passage is located between the ductwork and the mist outlet. The first and second electrodes and the heat exchanger is put in the bypass passage. In this embodiment, ventilation air quantity can be secured.

In an embodiment, the air outlet side of the supply passage and the mist outlet side of the bypass passage are I-shaped and arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, ventilation air and the mist can be effectively discharged downward. The supply passage and bypass passage can be arranged compactly.

In an embodiment, the supply passage is in the shape of an L. The bypass passage is in the shape of an I, and is arranged at the inner corner of the supply passage to be connected between the ductwork side of the supply passage and the mist outlet. In this embodiment, the supply passage, bypass passage and so on can be efficiently enclosed in the body case.

In an embodiment, the supply passage is in the shape of an L. The bypass passage is in the shape of an I, and located opposite the inner corner of the supply passage to be connected between the outer corner of the supply passage and the mist outlet.

In an embodiment, the heat exchanger has a radiator that is put in the supply passage. In this embodiment, the radiator is cooled by the air flowing through the supply passage, and accordingly can be cooled continuously and efficiently.

In an embodiment of the first invention, the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space. The air supply outlet is located at an opening of the ceiling of the living space and also connected with the ductwork through a passage. The fan pushes the outdoor air into the living space from the air supply outlet through the ductwork and the passage. According to a fourth aspect, the ventilation system of this invention (hereinafter referred to as a “fourth invention”) comprises: a supply grille having the air supply outlet, the passage and the electrostatic atomizer; a room sensor that is configured to detect a state of the living space to produce a state signal; and a controller that is configured to adjust a quantity of the mist based on the state signal. In the fourth invention, a quantity of the mist can be suitably controlled in response to a state of the living space.

In an embodiment, the room sensor is an illuminance sensor that is configured to detect illuminance of the living space to produce an illuminance signal. The controller is configured to change an operation mode of the electrostatic atomizer based on the illuminance signal and thereby to control a quantity of the mist. In this embodiment, a state of the living space, for example human activity state can be judged based on the illuminance signal. When the illuminance level of the living space is higher than a given illuminance level at night, it is possible to judge that human activity state is alive. When the illuminance level of the living space is lower than the given illuminance level at night, it is possible to judge that human activity state is asleep. Therefore, the electrostatic atomizer can be suitably controlled based on the human activity state.

In an embodiment, the room sensor is a sound sensor that is configured to detect a sound of the living space to produce a sound signal. The controller is configured to change an operation mode of the electrostatic atomizer based on the sound signal and thereby to control a quantity of the mist. In this embodiment, a state of the living space, for example human activity state can be judged based on the sound signal. When the sound level of the living space is higher than a given sound level, it is possible to judge that human activity state is alive. When the sound level of the living space is lower than the given sound level, it is possible to judge that human activity state is asleep. Therefore, the electrostatic atomizer can be suitably controlled based on the human activity state.

In an embodiment, the supply grille, the controller is configured to control the electrostatic atomizer based on the state signal from the room sensor. The supply grille, the room sensor and the controller are related with each other and provided for each of a plurality of living spaces. In this embodiment, the electrostatic atomizers can be suitably controlled in response to each state of the plurality of living spaces.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system further comprises: a storage device that stores a plurality of operation modes with respect to the electrostatic atomizer; and a selection means for selecting one of a sensor operation and at least one operation that correspond to the operation modes, respectively. The supply grille, the room sensor, the controller, the storage device and the selection means are related with each other. The controller is configured: (i) to adjust a quantity of the mist produced by the electrostatic atomizer of the related supply grille based on the state signal from the related room sensor in accordance with the operation mode corresponding to the sensor operation selected through the related selection means; and also (ii) to adjust a quantity of the mist produced by the electrostatic atomizer of the related supply grille in accordance with the operation mode corresponding to said at least one operation selected through the related selection means. In this embodiment, a quantity of the mist produced through the electrostatic atomizer can be suitably controlled in response to a state of the living space.

In an embodiment of the first invention, the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space. The fan pulls off the indoor air from the living space through the ductwork to generate negative indoor pressure in the living space. The air supply outlet is located at an opening of an exterior wall of the living space, and supplies outdoor air into the living space by means of the negative indoor pressure. According to a fifth aspect, the electrostatic atomizer of this invention (hereinafter referred to as a “fifth invention”) is configured to apply high voltage to condensation water at the side of the air supply outlet to produce mist of charged fine water particles. In the fifth invention, mist of charged fine water particles can be sprayed without reducing living spaces. The mist can be sprayed throughout the living space by means of the outdoor air supplied into the living space.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system further comprises: an outlet sensor for detecting whither the air supply outlet is opened or closed; and a controller. This controller is configured to operate the electrostatic atomizer when the outlet sensor detects that the air supply outlet is opened, and also to stop the operation of the electrostatic atomizer when the outlet sensor detects that the air supply outlet is closed. In this embodiment, when the air supply outlet is closed, the electrostatic atomizer can be automatically stopped without user's manual operation and energy can be saved.

In an embodiment, the electrostatic atomizer can be attached to and detached from the side of the air supply outlet. In this embodiment, when mist of charged fine water particles is unnecessary, the electrostatic atomizer can be detached from the side of the air supply outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation system, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an interior supply grille of the ventilation system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic atomizer of the ventilation system;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the ventilation system;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the ventilation system;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an interior supply grille of a ventilation system, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the interior supply grille of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the interior supply grille of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9A-9D are installation explanatory diagrams of the interior supply grille of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic atomizer of the ventilation system in the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an interior supply grille in an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the interior supply grille of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation system, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of an interior supply grille of the ventilation system in the third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the ventilation system in the third embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the ventilation system in the third embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the ventilation system in the third embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the ventilation system in the third embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation system, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are longitudinal sectional views of a supply grille and an electrostatic atomizer of the ventilation system in the fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are front views of the supply grille and electrostatic atomizer of the ventilation system in the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the electrostatic atomizer of the ventilation system in the fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are front and sectional views of the open supply grille of the ventilation system in the fourth embodiment, 3; particularly, FIG. 23B is a sectional view along line X-X of FIG. 23A;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are front and sectional views of the close supply grille of the ventilation system in the fourth embodiment; particularly, FIG. 24B is a sectional view along line X-X of FIG. 24A; and

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of the ventilation system in the fourth embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a ventilation system 1, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation system 1 is a residential ventilation system.

This system includes ductwork 13; a fan (ventilation fan) 141 for creating a current of air passing through the ductwork 13; and air supply outlets 112 for supplying outdoor air into each living space (see living space (room) 191 of FIG. 2) of a house by means of the current of air.

Specifically, the ventilation system 1 includes: the ductwork 13; a heat exchanger 14 having the fan 141; an exterior supply grille 15; interior exhaust grilles 16; an exterior exhaust grille 17; and interior supply grilles 11 each of which has the air supply outlet 112. The exterior supply grille 15 and the exterior exhaust grille 17 are located outside the house, and the interior exhaust grilles 16 and the interior supply grilles 11 are located at the openings of the ceilings in the house.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ductwork 13 is located in a ceiling crawl space 194 above ceilings 195 of the living spaces. This ductwork 13 can be divided into: supply ductwork formed of an upstream supply duct 131, downstream supply ducts 132 and distributors 133; and exhaust ductwork formed of upstream exhaust ducts 135, a distributor(s) 136 and a downstream exhaust duct 137. The upstream supply duct 131 is connected between the exterior supply grille 15 and the heat exchanger 14, and has a filter 1311 located at the intermediate position of the duct 131. The downstream supply ducts 132 forms air supply lines distributed by the distributors 133, and the air supply lines are connected between the heat exchanger 14 and each interior supply grille 11. The upstream exhaust ducts 135 forms air exhaust lines distributed by the distributor(s) 136, and the air exhaust lines are connected between each interior exhaust grilles 16 and the heat exchanger 14. The downstream exhaust duct 137 is connected between the heat exchanger 14 and the exterior exhaust grille 17.

The heat exchanger 14 has the ventilation fan 141, and is configured to exchange heat between the supply ductwork and the exhaust ductwork. Since the ventilation system is a balanced system, the ventilation fan 141 includes at least one of two fans located at both sides of the supply ductwork and the exhaust ductwork, and creates a current of air passing through each of the supply ductwork and the exhaust ductwork. When being activated, the ventilation fan 141 pushes outdoor air into each living space through the supply ductwork, and also pulls off indoor air from each living space through the exhaust ductwork. Indoor air of each living space is expelled outside the house. Accordingly, the circulation of air is continuously performed. However, not limited to this, the ventilation system 1 may have the ventilation fan 141 including at least one of two fans located at both sides of the supply ductwork and the exhaust ductwork instead of the heat exchanger 14.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, each interior supply grille 11 includes a body case 110 having an air supply inlet 111, the air supply outlet 112 and a passage 113 connected between the inlet 111 and the outlet 112. The air supply inlet 111 is connected with the supply ductwork. The air supply outlet 112 is located at an opening of a ceiling 195 of a living space, and also connected with the supply ductwork through the passage 113. The passage 113 can be divided into supply and bypass passages 1131 and 1132 through which outdoor air from the supply ductwork passes. The supply passage 1131 is in the shape of an L-pipe. The bypass passage 1132 can be subdivided into a variable passage 1133 formed of a movable partition wall 1134 and an actuator 1135, and a mist passage 1136. However, not limited to this, the variable passage 1133 may be other structure that can narrow and broaden the variable passage 1133.

Each interior supply grille 11 is also provided therein with an electrostatic atomizer 10, an ammeter 124, a wind speed sensor 125, a human body sensor 126, and a controller 120.

The electrostatic atomizer 10 is configured to produce mist of charged fine water particles by means of electrostatic atomization to spray the mist into the living space. For example, the atomizer 10 is formed of a high voltage device 101, a heat exchanger 102 and the controller 120.

The high voltage device 101 is formed of an I-shaped electrode (electrostatic atomization pole) 1011, a ring-shaped counter electrode 1012, a frame 1013 and a high voltage generator 1014. The electrode 1011 is put in the frame 1013, and the counter electrode 1012 is fixed to the top opening of the frame 1013. The high voltage generator 1014 is activated by the controller 120 to apply high voltage between the electrodes 1011 and 1012 through the ammeter 124.

The heat exchanger 102 is configured to cool the electrode 1011 to produce condensation water (dew drop) on the electrode 1011. For example, the heat exchanger 102 is formed of a Peltier unit 1021, a cooling piece 1022 and a radiator fin 1023. The Peltier unit 1021 has a cooling surface and a radiation surface, and is energized through the controller 120 and then cools the cooling surface and also radiates heat from the radiation surface. The cooling surface is in contact with one surface of the cooling piece 1022, and this cooling piece 1022 functions as a cooling part of the heat exchanger 102. The cooling piece 1022 is also fit into the bottom opening of the frame 1013, and the base of the electrode 1011 is fixed on the other surface of cooling piece 1022. The radiation surface is in contact with the base of the radiator fin 1023, and this radiator fin 1023 functions as a radiator of the heat exchanger 102.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electrostatic atomizer 10 is fixed inside the body case 110 so that the radiator fin 1023 is put in the supply passage 1131. Accordingly, the radiator fin 1023 can radiate heat efficiently by means of outdoor air passing through the supply passage 1131. The high voltage device 101 is also put between the variable passage 1133 and the mist passage 1136 so that the bypass passage 1132 is constituted by the variable passage 1133, a through hole 1013a of the frame 1013, an opening 1012a of the counter electrode 1012, and the mist passage 1136.

The downstream end of the partition wall 1134 in the variable passage 1133 is hinged on the side of the heat exchanger 102 of the electrostatic atomizer 10, and the wall 1134 can be pivoted through the actuator 1135. This actuator 1135 has an extendable axis of which tip is fixed to the partition wall 1134, and is driven under the control of the controller 120 to adjust a pivot angle of the partition wall 1134. The mist passage 1136 is provided therein with the wind speed sensor 125 that is configured to detect speed of outdoor air passing through the bypass passage 1132 to supply a sensor signal to the controller 120. However, not limited to this, the wind speed sensor 125 may be put in the variable passage 1133.

The air supply outlet 112 includes an outlet (air outlet) 1121 of the supply passage 1131 and an outlet (mist outlet) 1122 of the bypass passage 1132, and these outlets 1121 and 1122 are located at an opening of a ceiling 195 of a living space. The human body sensor 126 is arranged between the outlets 1121 and 1122, and is configured to detect whether or not a human is in the living space and then to supply a human body sensor signal to the controller 120. However, not limited to this, the ventilation system 1 may have another sensor such as an odor sensor for detecting an odor to supply an odor sensor signal to the controller 120, or the like in addition to or instead of the human body sensor 126.

The controller 120 comprises a microcomputer, and is configured to control the electrostatic atomizer 10 and the actuator 1135 based on each signal from the ammeter 124, the wind speed sensor 125 and the human body sensor 126.

That is, when receiving the human body sensor signal indicating that a human(s) is in the living space, the controller 120 energizes the heat exchanger 102 to cool the electrode 1011 usually supplied with outdoor air through the variable passage 1133. The high voltage device 101 is also activated. Accordingly, air around the electrode 1011 is cooled and then condensation water is produced on the electrode 1011. Since high voltage is applied between the electrode 1011 and the counter electrode 1012, the condensation water is electrostatically atomized and then mist of charged fine water particles is produced. The mist is carried by ion wind and the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage 1132 and then mightily sprayed throughout the living space from the mist outlet 1122. In this case, the controller 120 controls a quantity of the mist by changing a discharge current obtained from the ammeter 124 or an on and off duty ratio of intermittent operation. In an example, the high voltage device 101 may generate the high voltage after the condensation water (dew drop) is produced (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-239632 issued Sep. 14, 2006 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-122819 issued May 18, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference, especially paragraph 0022 in the former).

The controller 120 also controls the actuator 1135 based on a wind speed sensor signal from the wind speed sensor 125 as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the controller 120 detects wind speed of the outdoor air flowing through the bypass passage 1132 based on the wind speed sensor signal, and then judges whether or not the wind speed is in a reference range. The reference range is set to a range by which the heat exchanger 102 can produce a proper quantity of mist of charged fine water particles and the mist can be mightily sprayed into the living space from the mist outlet 1122. In case that the wind speed is below the reference range, the controller 120 controls to shorten the extendable axis of the actuator 1135 to pivot the partition wall 1134 so that the variable passage 1133 is broadened. In case that the wind speed is above the reference range, the controller 120 controls to lengthen the extendable axis of the actuator 1135 to pivot the partition wall 1134 so that the variable passage 1133 is narrowed. In case that the wind speed is in the reference range, the controller 120 controls to fix the actuator 1135 to keep the size of the variable passage 1133.

In the first embodiment, even if the outdoor air from the ductwork 13 (i.e., supply ductwork) is increased or decreased, each wind speed of the bypass passages 1131 of the interior supply grilles 11 is kept in the reference range.

In an embodiment, the controller 120 (e.g., a storage device) has a plurality of reference ranges corresponding to the reference range of the first embodiment. The controller 120 also uses a reference range selected from the reference ranges by a selection means such a control panel put in a living space or the like.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 6-8 and 9A-9D show schematic diagrams of an interior supply grille 21 of a ventilation system, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. This ventilation system is formed in the same way as the first embodiment except the interior supply grille 21.

The interior supply grille 21 includes a body case 210 having an air supply inlet 211, the air supply outlet 212 and a passage 213 connected between the inlet 211 and the outlet 212. The air supply inlet 211 is connected with the supply ductwork of the ventilation system. The air supply outlet 212 is located at an opening 296 of a ceiling 295 of a living space 291, and also connected with the supply ductwork through the passage 213. The passage 213 can be divided into supply and bypass passages 2131 and 2132 through which outdoor air from the supply ductwork passes. The supply passage 2131 is formed of an L-shaped supply pipe, and the base end of this supply pipe sticks out from the side of the body case 210.

As shown in FIG. 10, the interior supply grille 21 is also provided therein with an electrostatic atomizer 20, an ammeter 224, a power supply 223, a human body sensor (not shown) and a controller 220. The power supply 223 has a connector 2231 that is connected with the output of the supply 223 via lead wires from inside of the body case 210. This power supply 223 is connected with a connector 2232 of a commercial power source via the connector 2231 to supply electric power to the electrostatic atomizer 20, the controller 220 and so on.

The electrostatic atomizer 20 is configured to produce mist of charged fine water particles by means of electrostatic atomization to spray the mist into the living space. The atomizer 20 includes a high voltage device 201 and a heat exchanger 202.

The high voltage device 201 is formed of an I-shaped electrode (a first electrode) 2011, a ring-shaped counter electrode (a second electrode) 2012, a frame 2013 and a high voltage generator 2014. The electrode 2011 is put in the frame 2013, and the counter electrode 2012 is fixed to the top opening of the frame 2013. The high voltage generator 2014 is activated by the controller 220 and then uses electric power supplied from the power supply 223 to apply high voltage between the electrodes 2011 and 2012 through the ammeter 224.

The heat exchanger 202 is configured to cool the electrode 2011 to produce condensation water on the electrode 2011. For example, the heat exchanger 202 is formed of a Peltier unit 2021, a cooling piece 2022 and a radiator fin 2023. The Peltier unit 2021 has a cooling surface and a radiation surface, and is energized from the power supply 223 through the controller 220 and then cools the cooling surface and also radiates heat from the radiation surface. The cooling surface is in contact with one surface of the cooling piece 2022, and this cooling piece 2022 functions as a cooling part of the heat exchanger 202. The cooling piece 2022 is also fit into the bottom opening of the frame 2013, and the base of the electrode 2011 is fixed on the other surface of cooling piece 2022. The radiation surface is in contact with the base of the radiator fin 2023, and this radiator fin 2023 functions as a radiator of the heat exchanger 202.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the electrode 2011, the counter electrode 2012, the frame 2013 and the heat exchanger 202 are unified to be fixed inside the body case 210. The radiator fin 2023 is put in the supply passage 2131, while the electrode 2011, the counter electrode 2012 and the frame 2013 is put in the I-shaped bypass passage 2132. The outdoor air from the supply ductwork can pass through the bypass passage 2132 via at least one through hole of the frame 2013 and an opening 2012a of the counter electrode 2012. The bypass passage 2132 is provided therein with a cylinder-shaped silencer 2137 for reducing the amount of noise when the mist is produced. The voltage generator 2014, the power supply 223 and the controller 220 are put in storage spaces 2103 in the body case 210.

The air supply outlet 212 includes an outlet (air outlet) 2121 of the supply passage 2131 and an outlet (mist outlet) 2122 of the bypass passage 2132, and these outlets 2121 and 2122 are located at an opening of the ceiling 295 of the living space 291. The human body sensor (not shown) is arranged between the outlets 2121 and 2122, and is configured to detect whether or not a human is in the living space and then to supply a human body sensor signal to the controller 220.

The supply passage 2131 is in the shape of an L. The bypass passage 2132 is in the shape of an I, and is arranged at the inner corner of the supply passage 2131. The bypass passage 2132 is also arranged in parallel with the air outlet (2121) side of the supply passage 2131, and is connected between the ductwork side of the passage 2131 and the mist outlet 2122. Accordingly, the supply passage 2131 and bypass passage 2132 can be arranged compactly in the body case 210.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the body case 210 has an inclined recess 2101 at the opposite side of the air supply inlet 211. The body case 210 also has a flange 2102 at the air supply outlet (212) side. Accordingly, after the air supply inlet 211 and the connector 2231 are connected with a downstream supply duct 232 of the supply ductwork and the connector 2232, respectively, the interior supply grille 21 can be inserted into the opening 296 as shown in FIGS. 9B-9D. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, the downstream supply duct 232 having the connector 2232 is pulled into the living space 291 through the opening 296. The air supply inlet 211 and the connector 2231 are then connected with the downstream supply duct 232 and the connector 2232, respectively. As shown in FIG. 9B, the interior supply grille 21 is laid and then the air supply inlet (211) side of the grille 21 is inserted into the opening 296. As shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the interior supply grille 21 is inserted into the opening 296 while rotating the grille 21 until the flange 2102 comes into contact with the ceiling 295. Subsequently, the flange 2102 is fixed on the ceiling 295 by means of, for example, screw fixation.

In the same way as the first embodiment, the controller 220 comprises a microcomputer, and is configured to control the electrostatic atomizer 20 (i.e., high voltage generator 2014 and the Peltier unit 2021) based on each signal from the ammeter 224 and the human body sensor.

When receiving the human body sensor signal indicating that a human is in the living space 291, the controller 220 energizes the heat exchanger 202 through the power supply 223 to cool the electrode 2011 usually supplied with outdoor air. Accordingly, air around the electrode 2011 is cooled and then condensation water is produced on the electrode 2011. Since high voltage is applied between the electrode 2011 and the counter electrode 2012, the condensation water is electrostatically atomized and then mist of charged fine water particles is produced. The mist is carried by ion wind and the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage 2132 and then widely sprayed throughout the living space 291 from the mist outlet 2122.

In the second embodiment, the heat exchanger 202 cools the electrode 2011 to produce condensation water on the electrode 2011, and accordingly labor of water supply for each interior supply grille 21 in a ceiling crawl space 294 is unnecessary. Since outdoor air is usually supplied for the electrode 2011, condensation water can be produced continuously and efficiently.

The interior supply grille 21 has the electrostatic atomizer 20, the ammeter 224, the power supply 223, the human body sensor and the controller 220, and therefore can be easily installed by connecting the connectors 2231 and 2232.

Since the bypass passage 1132 and the mist outlet 2122 are provided in addition to the supply passage 2131 and the air outlet 2121, ventilation air quantity can be secured independent of the structure for producing the mist.

The bypass passage 2132 is arranged at the inner corner of the supply passage 2131 in parallel with the air outlet side of the supply passage 2131, and accordingly, the supply passage 2131 and bypass passage 2132 can be arranged compactly in the body case 210. Because of this, an interior supply grille 21 can be installed instead of a conventional interior supply grille.

The electrostatic atomizer 20 is automatically activated in response to the human body sensor signal indicating that a human is in the living space 291, and thereby capable of saving energy. For example, after a person to whom pollen sticks enters the living space, the system automatically sprays the mist and accordingly is effective in pollinosis. Because the mist of charged fine water particles has the function of inactivating allergen substances such as pollen, in addition to elimination (of microbes) and deodorization functions.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system has a means that has a cooling part like the heat exchanger 202 and produces and stores condensation water. The electrode 2011 is made of porous material, and the stored water is supplied to the electrode 2011 by means of capillary phenomenon of the electrode 2011 itself.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the bypass passage 2132 is located opposite the inner corner of the supply passage 2131, and is also arranged in parallel with the air outlet (2121) side of the supply passage 2131. The bypass passage 2132 is also connected between the outer corner of the supply passage 2131 and the mist outlet 2122. Also in this case, the outdoor air from the supply ductwork passes through the mist outlet 2122 from the radiator fin (2023) side, and accordingly the radiator fin 2023 can be cooled continuously and efficiently.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a ventilation system 3, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In the same way as the first embodiment, the ventilation system 3 includes ductwork 33, a heat exchanger 34 having a fan (ventilation fan), an exterior supply grille 35, interior exhaust grilles 36 and an exterior exhaust grille 37. The ductwork 33 has: supply ductwork formed of an upstream supply duct 331 (having a filter 3311), downstream supply ducts 332 and distributors 333; and exhaust ductwork formed of an upstream exhaust duct(s) 335, and a downstream exhaust duct 337. In case that a plurality of upstream exhaust ducts 335 are used, a distributor(s) for the ducts 335 is further added.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the ventilation system 3 is characterized by interior supply grilles 31 each of which has an air supply outlet 312. At least one interior supply grille 31 is installed on a ceiling 395 of each living space 391 having its own partition walls. On the other hand, the interior exhaust grilles 36 are installed on a ceiling of a passageway 393 to each living space 391.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, each interior supply grille 31 includes a body case 310 having an air supply inlet 311, the air supply outlet 312, and a passage 313 connected between the inlet 311 and the outlet 312, in almost the same way as the first embodiment. The passage 313 includes supply and bypass passages 3131 and 3132 through which outdoor air from the supply ductwork passes, but the bypass passage 3132 is different from the bypass passage 1132 in that the passage 3132 includes a constant passage 3133 and a mist passage 3136.

Each interior supply grille 31 is also provided therein with an electrostatic atomizer 30, a storage device 322, an ammeter 324, and a controller 320. In the same way as the first embodiment, the electrostatic atomizer 30 is formed of a high voltage device 301, a heat exchanger 302 and the controller 320. The high voltage device 301 is formed of an I-shaped electrode 3011, a ring-shaped counter electrode 3012, a frame 3013 and a high voltage generator 3014. The heat exchanger 302 is formed of a Peltier unit 3021, a cooling piece 3022 and a radiator fin 1023. The storage device 322 stores a plurality of operation modes (operation programs) for the electrostatic atomizer 30, and so on.

Each interior supply grille 31 is further provided with a control panel (selection means) 321 and a room sensor 326 that are installed in the corresponding living space 391. The control panel 321 is configured to supply the controller 320 with a control signal indicating an operation selected by a user from a plurality of operations respectively corresponding to said operation modes, or the like. The room sensor 326 is configured to detect a state of the living space to produce a state signal. That is, the illuminance sensor 3261 detects illuminance of the living space to produce an illuminance signal corresponding to the illuminance, and then supplied the signal to the controller 320. The sound sensor 3262 detects sound of the living space to produce a sound signal corresponding to the sound (level), and then supplied the signal to the controller 320. However, not limited to this, the room sensor 326 may be the other sensor such as a human body sensor, an odor sensor or the like.

The room sensor 326, the control panel 321 and at least one interior supply grille 31 are related with each other and provided for each of the living spaces of the house.

The controller 320 comprises a microcomputer, and is configured to control the related electrostatic atomizer 30 based on a necessary signal from each of the related ammeter 324 and room sensor 326 in accordance with the operation mode selected from the related storage device 322 through the related control panel 321.

First, the fundamental operation of the controller 320 is explained. When the electrostatic atomizer 30 is activated, the controller 320 energizes the heat exchanger 302 to cool the electrode 3011 usually supplied with outdoor air through the bypass passage 3132. Accordingly, air around the electrode 3011 is cooled and then condensation water is produced on the electrode 3011. Since high voltage is applied between the electrode 3011 and the counter electrode 3012, the condensation water is electrostatically atomized and then mist of charged fine water particles is produced. The mist is carried by ion wind and the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage 3132 and then sprayed throughout the living space 391 from the mist outlet 3122. Accordingly, it is possible to widely spray the mist of charged fine water particles throughout each living space 391 in a house without reducing each living space 391.

The illuminance sensor operation of the controller 320 is explained with reference to FIG. 16. In a living space 391, when receiving a control signal indicating a daytime operation selected by a user, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the normal operation mode that is stored in the storage device 322 and corresponds to the daytime operation. For example, the controller 320 repeatedly controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with an intermittent operation of turning the atomizer 30 on and off for 10 and 30 minutes, respectively.

When receiving a control signal indicating a nighttime operation selected by a user, the controller 320 changes its operation mode in response to the illuminance signal. That is, when the illuminance obtained from the illuminance signal is equal to or higher than reference illuminance, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the normal operation mode.

When the illuminance is lower than the reference illuminance, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the low operation mode that is stored in the storage device 322 and corresponds to the nighttime operation. For example, the controller 320 repeatedly controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with an intermittent operation of which on and off duty ratio is changed so that a quantity of the mist is less than that of the normal operation mode. Specifically, this low operation mode (intermittent operation) is set to turn the atomizer 30 on and off for, e.g., 10 and 60 minutes, respectively. In this case, a quantity of the mist is reduced to about half of that of the normal operation mode. However, not limited to this, a quantity of the mist may be reduced by changing a discharge current obtained from the ammeter 324, or changing the discharge current and the on and off duty ratio of the intermittent operation.

The priority assigned operation of the controller 320 is explained with reference to FIG. 17. In a living space 391, when receiving a control signal indicating that priority is assigned to the illuminance sensor 3261 by a user and then receiving a control signal indicating a daytime operation selected by the user, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the normal operation mode.

When receiving a control signal indicating that priority is assigned to the illuminance sensor 3261 by the user and then receiving a control signal indicating a nighttime operation selected by the user, the controller 320 changes its operation mode in response to the illuminance signal. When the illuminance obtained from the illuminance signal is equal to or higher than the reference illuminance, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the normal operation mode. When the illuminance is lower than the reference illuminance, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the low operation mode.

When receiving a control signal indicating that priority is assigned to the sound sensor 3262 by the user, the controller 320 changes its operation mode in response to the sound signal. That is, when the sound obtained from the sound signal is equal to or larger than reference sound, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the normal operation mode. When the sound is lower than the reference sound, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the low operation mode.

The other operation of the controller 320 is explained with reference to FIG. 18. In a living space 391, if a user selects a sensor operation through the control panel 321, said priority assigned operation (see FIG. 17) is performed.

When receiving a control signal indicating a standard operation selected by the user, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the standard operation mode that is stored in the storage device 322 and corresponds to the standard operation. This standard operation mode is previously stored in the storage device 322. However, not limited to this, the storage device 322 may store a plurality of standard operation modes. In this case, one of the standard operation modes is easily selected by a user through the control panel 321.

When receiving a control signal indicating an option operation selected by the user, the controller 320 controls the electrostatic atomizer 30 in accordance with the option operation mode that is stored in the storage device 322 and corresponds to the option operation. This option operation mode is the operation mode that was performed on a particular date such as the previous day or the like and stored in the storage device 322 by the user. However, not limited to this, the storage device 322 may store a plurality of option operation modes. The option operation modes are set based operation modes performed on the different dates. In this case, one of the option operation modes is easily selected by a user through the control panel 321.

In the third embodiment, the ventilation system 3 can appropriately spray the mist of charged fine water particles into each of the living spaces in response to each state (state change) of the living spaces.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram of a ventilation system 4, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation system 4 includes: the ductwork 43; a fan (exhaust fan) 441; interior exhaust grilles 46; an exterior exhaust grille 47; and supply grilles 41 each of which has an air supply outlet 412. The interior exhaust grilles 46 are located at the openings of the ceilings of a passageway 493 in a house, and the exterior exhaust grille 47 is located outside the house. However, not limited to the passageway, the exterior exhaust grille 47 can be located outside toilet, bathroom, kitchen or the like.

The ductwork 43 is located in a ceiling crawl space above the ceiling of the passageway 493. This ductwork 43 is provided with exhaust ductwork, and also connected with the supply grilles 41 via the interior exhaust grilles 46 and upstream exhaust lines 435 passing through gaps of doors 4931 in the passageway 493. The exhaust ductwork is formed of a downstream exhaust duct 437 connected between the interior exhaust grilles 46 and the exterior exhaust grille 47. The exhaust fan 441 pulls off indoor air from living spaces 491 through the interior exhaust grilles 46 and the exhaust ductwork, and then generates negative indoor pressure in each of the living spaces 491.

As shown in FIGS. 19, 20A and 20B, each of the supply grilles 41 is located at an opening 496 of an exterior wall 492 of a living space 491 in the house, and supplies outdoor air into the living space 491 by means of the negative indoor pressure. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 22, 23A, 23B, 24A and 24B, the supply grille 41 is formed of a filter 410, a vent fixture 411 as the air supply outlet 412, and a shutter 413. The filter 410 covers the opening 496 to remove pollutants such as pollen, fine particles and so on form the outdoor air. The vent fixture 411 has ventilation holes 4111 arranged radially, and is installed inside the filter 410. The shutter 413 has holes 4131 and covers 4132 for opening and closing over the outside of the ventilation holes 4111, and is located between the filter 410 and the vent fixture 411. The shutter 413 also has a knob 4130 for rotating the shutter 413 around the knob 4130 in a given rotation range. In FIGS. 23A and 23B, the ventilation holes 4111 are opened. In FIGS. 24A and 24B, the ventilation holes 4111 are closed.

A recess 4921 having a wall socket 4922 is formed inside the upper part of each opening 496, and an electrostatic atomizer 40 is fit into each recess 4921. The electrostatic atomizer 40 can be attached to and detached from the recess 4921, and is configured to apply high voltage to condensation water at the side of the air supply outlet 412 to produce mist of charged fine water particles.

For example, the electrostatic atomizer 40 has a case 400, and also has a high voltage device 401, a heat exchanger 402, a power plug 4231, an ammeter 424, a shutter sensor 427, a fan 428 and the controller 420 that are put in the case 400. The case 400 has an air inlet 4001 and a mist outlet 4002 at the upper front and the bottom of the case, respectively.

In the same way as the first embodiment, the high voltage device 401 is formed of an I-shaped electrode 4011, a ring-shaped counter electrode 4012, a frame 4013 and a high voltage generator 4014. Similarly, the heat exchanger 402 is formed of a Peltier unit 4021, a cooling piece 4022 and a radiator fin 4023. The radiator fin 4023 is cooled by the fan 428. However, not limited to the heat exchanger 402, the electrostatic atomizer 40 may have a means for producing condensation water on the cooling piece 4022. In this case, the electrode 4011 with a suction body may carry the condensation water to the top by means of capillary phenomenon of the suction body.

The power plug 4231 is located at the rear of the case 400, and just connected to the wall socket 4922 when the electrostatic atomizer 40 is fit into the recess 4921. The shutter sensor 427 is configured to detect whether the ventilation holes 4111 are opened or closed, and is located at the edge side of the shutter 413. For example, the shutter sensor 427 is a proximity sensor, and supplies a shutter sensor signal to the controller 420. The shutter sensor 427 is turned on when the ventilation holes 4111 are opened, namely when the cover 4132 is in the proximity of the shutter sensor 427 (FIGS. 23A and 23B). The shutter sensor 427 is turned off when the ventilation holes 4111 are closed (FIGS. 24A and 24B).

The electrostatic atomizer 40 is fixed in the recess 4921 so that the air inlet 4001, the fan 428, the radiator fin 4023, the Peltier unit 4021, the cooling piece 4022, the electrode 4011, the counter electrode 4012 and the mist outlet 4002 are arranged in this order from upward to downward. Accordingly, an air passage is formed from the air inlet 4001 to the mist outlet 4002, and the counter electrode 4012 is located to the air supply outlet (vent fixture) side. Specifically, the counter electrode 4012 is located above the inside of the air supply outlet 412 (vent fixture 411). However, not limited to above the inside of the air supply outlet 412, the counter electrode 4012 may be located so that the mist is sprayed inside the air supply outlet 412 (vent fixture 411).

The controller 420 comprises a microcomputer, and is configured to control the high voltage generator 4014, the Peltier unit 4021 and the fan 428 based on each signal from the ammeter 424 and the shutter sensor 427. For example, when receiving the shutter sensor signal indicating that the shutter sensor 427 is turned on, the controller 420 activates the high voltage generator 4014, the Peltier unit 4021 and the fan 428 as shown in FIG. 25. Thereby, the fan 428 operates, and the electrostatic atomizer 40 produces mist of charged fine water particles. That is, the controller 420 energizes the heat exchanger 402 to cool the electrode 4011 usually supplied with indoor air from the air inlet 4001. Accordingly, air around the electrode 4011 is cooled and then condensation water is produced on the electrode 4011. Since high voltage is applied between the electrode 4011 and the counter electrode 4012, the condensation water is electrostatically atomized and then mist of charged fine water particles is produced. The mist is carried by ion wind, the indoor air from the air inlet 4001 and the outdoor air from the supply grille 41, and then sprayed throughout the living space. When receiving the shutter sensor signal indicating that the shutter sensor 427 is turned off, the controller 420 stops the high voltage generator 4014, the Peltier unit 4021 and the fan 428.

In the fourth embodiment, it is possible to widely spray mist of charged fine water particles throughout each living space 491 in the house without reducing each living space 491. Moreover, the mist can be widely sprayed by means of a current of outdoor air passing through a supply grille 41.

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

Claims

1. A ventilation system, comprising: ductwork; a fan for creating a current of air passing through the ductwork; and an air supply outlet for supplying outdoor air into a living space of a house by means of the current of air;

wherein the ventilation system further comprises an electrostatic atomizer located at the side of the air supply outlet, the electrostatic atomizer being configured to produce mist of charged fine water particles by means of electrostatic atomization to spray the mist into the living space.

2. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein:

the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space;

the air supply outlet is located at an opening of the ceiling of the living space and also connected with the ductwork through a passage; and

the fan pushes the outdoor air into the living space from the air supply outlet through the ductwork and the passage;

wherein the ventilation system comprises a supply grille having the air supply outlet, the passage, the electrostatic atomizer and a controller, the passage comprising supply and bypass passages through which the outdoor air from the ductwork passes,

the bypass passage comprising a variable passage varying a quantity of the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage, and a mist passage located at the downstream side of the variable passage,

the electrostatic atomizer being configured to apply high voltage to condensation water at a position between the variable passage and the mist passage to produce mist of charged fine water particles,

the controller being configured to control the variable passage to adjust the quantity of the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage.

3. The ventilation system of claim 2, wherein: the supply grille further comprises a wind speed sensor that is configured to detect speed of the outdoor air passing through the bypass passage to supply a sensor signal to the controller; and

the controller is configured to control the variable passage based on the sensor signal.

4. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein:

the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space;

the air supply outlet is located at an opening of the ceiling of the living space and also connected with the ductwork through a passage; and

the fan pushes the outdoor air into the living space from the air supply outlet through the ductwork and the passage;

wherein the ventilation system comprises a supply grille having: a body case;

and the air supply outlet, the passage, the electrostatic atomizer and a power supply that are put in the body case;

the electrostatic atomizer comprising: first and second electrodes and a heat exchanger that are put in the passage; and a high voltage generator;

the heat exchanger being connected with the power supply and configured to cool the first electrode to produce condensation water on the first electrode,

the high voltage generator being connected with the power supply and configured to apply high voltage to the condensation water through the first and second electrodes to produce mist of charged fine water particles.

5. The ventilation system of claim 4, wherein: the air supply outlet comprising an air outlet and a mist outlet; and

the passage comprising supply and bypass passages through which the outdoor air from the ductwork passes,

the supply passage being located between the ductwork and the air outlet,

the bypass passage being located between the ductwork and the mist outlet, the first and second electrodes and the heat exchanger being put in the bypass passage.

6. The ventilation system of claim 5, wherein the air outlet side of the supply passage and the mist outlet side of the bypass passage are I-shaped and arranged in parallel.

7. The ventilation system of claim 6, wherein:

the supply passage is in the shape of an L; and

the bypass passage is in the shape of an I, and is arranged at the inner corner of the supply passage to be connected between the ductwork side of the supply passage and the mist outlet.

8. The ventilation system of claim 6, wherein:

the supply passage is in the shape of an L; and

the bypass passage is in the shape of an I, and located opposite the inner corner of the supply passage to be connected between the outer corner of the supply passage and the mist outlet.

9. The ventilation system of claim 5, wherein the heat exchanger has a radiator that is put in the supply passage.

10. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein:

the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space;

the air supply outlet is located at an opening of the ceiling of the living space and also connected with the ductwork through a passage; and

the fan pushes the outdoor air into the living space from the air supply outlet through the ductwork and the passage;

wherein the ventilation system comprises:

a supply grille having the air supply outlet, the passage and the electrostatic atomizer;

a room sensor that is configured to detect a state of the living space to produce a state signal; and

a controller that is configured to adjust a quantity of the mist based on the state signal.

11. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein:

the room sensor is an illuminance sensor that is configured to detect illuminance of the living space to produce an illuminance signal; and

the controller is configured to change an operation mode of the electrostatic atomizer based on the illuminance signal and thereby to control a quantity of the mist.

12. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein:

the room sensor is a sound sensor that is configured to detect a sound of the living space to produce a sound signal; and

the controller is configured to change an operation mode of the electrostatic atomizer based on the sound signal and thereby to control a quantity of the mist.

13. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein:

the controller is configured to control the electrostatic atomizer based on the state signal from the room sensor; and

the supply grille, the room sensor and the controller are related with each other and provided for each of a plurality of living spaces.

14. The ventilation system of claim 10, further comprising:

a storage device that stores a plurality of operation modes with respect to the electrostatic atomizer; and

a selection means for selecting one of a sensor operation and at least one operation that correspond to the operation modes, respectively;

wherein: the supply grille, the room sensor, the controller, the storage device and the selection means are related with each other; and

the controller is configured:

(i) to adjust a quantity of the mist produced by the electrostatic atomizer of the related supply grille based on the state signal from the related room sensor in accordance with the operation mode corresponding to the sensor operation selected through the related selection means; and also

(ii) to adjust a quantity of the mist produced by the electrostatic atomizer of the related supply grille in accordance with the operation mode corresponding to said at least one operation selected through the related selection means.

15. The ventilation system of claim 1,

the ductwork is located in a ceiling crawl space;

the fan pulls off the indoor air from the living space through the ductwork to generate negative indoor pressure in the living space; and

the air supply outlet is located at an opening of an exterior wall of the living space, and supplies outdoor air into the living space by means of the negative indoor pressure;

wherein the electrostatic atomizer is configured to apply high voltage to condensation water at the side of the air supply outlet to produce mist of charged fine water particles.

16. The ventilation system of claim 15, further comprising:

an outlet sensor for detecting whether the air supply outlet is opened or closed; and

a controller that is configured to operate the electrostatic atomizer when the outlet sensor detects that the air supply outlet is opened, and also to stop the operation of the electrostatic atomizer when the outlet sensor detects that the air supply outlet is closed.

17. The ventilation system of claim 15, wherein the electrostatic atomizer can be attached to and detached from the side of the air supply outlet.

18. The ventilation system of claim 11, wherein:

the controller is configured to control the electrostatic atomizer based on the state signal from the room sensor; and

the supply grille, the room sensor and the controller are related with each other and provided for each of a plurality of living spaces.

19. The ventilation system of claim 11, further comprising:

a storage device that stores a plurality of operation modes with respect to the electrostatic atomizer; and

a selection means for selecting one of a sensor operation and at least one operation that correspond to the operation modes, respectively;

wherein: the supply grille, the room sensor, the controller, the storage device and the selection means are related with each other; and

the controller is configured:

(i) to adjust a quantity of the mist produced by the electrostatic atomizer of the related supply grille based on the state signal from the related room sensor in accordance with the operation mode corresponding to the sensor operation selected through the related selection means; and also (ii) to adjust a quantity of the mist produced by the electrostatic atomizer of the related supply grille in accordance with the operation mode corresponding to said at least one operation selected through the related selection means.

20. The ventilation system of claim 16, wherein the electrostatic atomizer can be attached to and detached from the side of the air supply outlet.