AU2008320195B2 - Humidity control apparatus - Google Patents

Humidity control apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2008320195B2
AU2008320195B2 AU2008320195A AU2008320195A AU2008320195B2 AU 2008320195 B2 AU2008320195 B2 AU 2008320195B2 AU 2008320195 A AU2008320195 A AU 2008320195A AU 2008320195 A AU2008320195 A AU 2008320195A AU 2008320195 B2 AU2008320195 B2 AU 2008320195B2
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
air
abnormality
control apparatus
humidity control
supplying
Prior art date
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Ceased
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AU2008320195A
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AU2008320195A1 (en
Inventor
Kikuji Hori
Nobuki Matsui
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Daikin Industries Ltd
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Daikin Industries Ltd
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Publication of AU2008320195A1 publication Critical patent/AU2008320195A1/en
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Publication of AU2008320195B2 publication Critical patent/AU2008320195B2/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/32Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
    • F24F11/38Failure diagnosis
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/0001Control or safety arrangements for ventilation
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/0008Control or safety arrangements for air-humidification
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/32Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63Electronic processing
    • F24F11/65Electronic processing for selecting an operating mode
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/80Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
    • F24F11/83Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1405Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification in which the humidity of the air is exclusively affected by contact with the evaporator of a closed-circuit cooling system or heat pump circuit
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1411Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1411Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant
    • F24F3/1429Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant alternatively operating a heat exchanger in an absorbing/adsorbing mode and a heat exchanger in a regeneration mode
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B13/00Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/0001Control or safety arrangements for ventilation
    • F24F2011/0002Control or safety arrangements for ventilation for admittance of outside air
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/20Humidity
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/20Humidity
    • F24F2110/22Humidity of the outside air

Abstract

A humidity control device (10) has a casing (11), air discharge and supply fans (25, 26) and dampers (41-48, 83, 84) for performing ventilation between outdoor air and indoor air via air paths (31-34, 37, 38, 81, 82) of the casing (11), and a refrigerant circuit (50) for controlling the humidity of air flowing in the air paths. The humidity control device (10) further has a controller (60) for monitoring abnormality in the device and determining the type of a detected abnormality. When a detected abnormality is an abnormality relating to the refrigerant circuit (50) and not an abnormality relating to the air discharge and supply fans (25, 26) and the dampers (41-48, 83, 84), the controller (60) stops a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit (50) to stop humidity control operation and enables ventilation operation.

Description

DESCRIPTION HUMIDITY CONTROL APPARATUS 5 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus for supplying the outside air, of which the humidity is controlled, into the room. BACKGROUND ART 10 A humidity control apparatus has been known in the art, which dehumidifies or humidifies the received outside air and supplies the air into the room (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The humidity control apparatus of this patent document controls the humidity of the air by performing an adsorbing operation of adsorbing the moisture in the air onto the adsorption member, and a recovery operation of desorbing the moisture from the adsorption 15 member. The humidity control apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes: two adsorption member accommodating spaces respectively accommodating two adsorption members; a plurality of air passageways respectively carrying the outside air and the room air passing therethrough which communicate with the adsorption member accommodating spaces; and 20 open/close mechanisms for selectively connecting or disconnecting the adsorption member accommodating spaces and the air passageways. With the humidity control apparatus having such a configuration, the open/close mechanisms are individually opened/closed so as to switch the mode of passage (channel) of the room air and the outside air from one to another, thereby controlling the humidity of the 25 outside air with the adsorption member and then supplying the air into the room, or I D08-J-484 controlling the humidity of the room air with the adsorption member and then supplying the air into the room. Such a humidity control apparatus can also perform a simple ventilation mode in which the passage of the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit is blocked, 5 and the outside air and the room air are passed through the air passageways in such a state, thereby only performing ventilation. CITATION LIST PATENT DOCUMENT 10 PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-283053 Now, such a humidity control apparatus as described above is monitoring the status of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit or an abnormality in a component such as the compressor. If an abnormality is detected, the operation of the humidity control 15 apparatus is shut down. Here, there are various apparatus abnormalities, including, for example, an abnormality in the compressor of the refrigerant circuit and an abnormality in the fan for performing the ventilation mode. It is not the best option to indiscriminately shut down the operation of the humidity control apparatus irrespective of the type of the 20 abnormality. That is, with such a humidity control apparatus as described above that is also capable of performing the ventilation mode, it may be possible to perform the ventilation mode even when an abnormality has occurred in the refrigerant circuit, etc. If there is any operation that can be performed with no problems even when an abnormality has occurred in some part of the apparatus, it is preferred that such an 2 D08-J-484 operation is allowed to be performed. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general 5 knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of 10 any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to a humidity control apparatus including: a casing including an air passageway formed therein; a ventilation mechanism for exchanging 15 an outside air and a room air with each other via the air passageway of the casing; and a refrigerant circuit for controlling a humidity of the air passageway, wherein a humidity controlling mode is performed in which an air, of which a humidity is controlled by actuating the ventilation mechanism and causing the refrigerant circuit to perform a refrigeration cycle, is supplied into a room. The refrigerant circuit includes a 20 compressor, a four-way switching valve and an expansion valve, and performs the humidity-controlling mode by changing a direction of circulation of the refrigerant by switching the four-way switching valve. The humidity control apparatus further includes an abnormality determination means for monitoring an abnormality inside the apparatus and determining a type of the detected abnormality, and when the detected 3 D08-J-484 abnormality is an abnormality related to the four-way switching valve of the refrigerant circuit and is not an abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism, the abnormality determination means stops the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit to shut down the humidity-controlling mode and keeps available a ventilation mode in which the 5 ventilation mechanism is actuated to exchange the outside air and the room air with each other. In an embodiment of the invention, the abnormality determination means can detect an abnormality in the humidity control apparatus, and determine the abnormality. When the abnormality detected by the abnormality determination means is an 10 abnormality related to the four-way switching valve of the refrigerant circuit and is not an abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism, the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit is stopped to shut down the humidity-controlling mode, and the ventilation mode is kept available. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the ventilation mode is available as long as it is possible to perform the ventilation mode, 15 instead of entirely shutting down the operation of the humidity control apparatus. Here, the ventilation mode being available means that the ventilation mode can be performed, whether or not the ventilation mode is performed immediately. When the humidity-controlling mode is shut down, the ventilation mode may be performed or continued. Alternatively, when the humidity-controlling mode is shut 20 down, the entire operation may once be shut down, entering a stand-by state where the process waists for an instruction from the user, or the like, to perform the ventilation mode. When the detected abnormality is an abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism, the abnormality determination means may shut down the ventilation 4 D08-J-484 mechanism and stop the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit to shut down the humidity-controlling mode. In an embodiment of the invention, the ventilation mechanism performs the ventilation mode, and also performs the humidity-controlling mode in cooperation with 5 the refrigerant circuit. That is, when the ventilation mechanism is not operating normally, both the ventilation mode and the humidity-controlling mode cannot be performed normally. Therefore, when the detected abnormality is an abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism, the operation of the ventilation mechanism is shut down so as not to perform the ventilation mode, and the refrigeration cycle of the 10 refrigerant circuit is also stopped so as to shut down the humidity-controlling mode. Thus, the ventilation mode and the humidity-controlling mode can be prevented from being performed with an abnormality. The ventilation mechanism may include an exhaust fan provided in the casing for discharging an air to an outside, and an air-supplying fan provided in the casing for 15 supplying an air into the room, and the abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism may include an abnormality of the exhaust fan and the air-supplying fan. In an embodiment of the invention, the abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism is specifically identified. That is, when the humidity control apparatus includes the exhaust fan or the air-supplying fan as the ventilation mechanism, the 20 abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism includes an abnormality of the exhaust fan and the air-supplying fan. The ventilation mechanism may include an open/close mechanism provided in the casing for connecting/disconnecting the air passageway, and the abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism may include an abnormality of the open/close 5 D08-J-484 mechanism. In an embodiment of the invention, the abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism may be further identified. That is, when the humidity control apparatus includes the open/close mechanism for connecting/disconnecting the air passageway as 5 the ventilation mechanism, the abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism includes an abnormality of the open/close mechanism. According to an embodiment of the invention, the abnormality determination means determines the abnormality of the humidity control apparatus, and when the detected abnormality is an abnormality related to the four way switching valve of the 10 refrigerant circuit and is not an abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism, the humidity-controlling mode is shut down, and the ventilation mode is kept available. Therefore, even if an abnormality is detected, the ventilation mode can be performed as long as it is possible to perform the ventilation mode, thereby preventing the humidity control apparatus from being shut down unnecessarily. 15 According to an embodiment of the invention, with a configuration where the ventilation mechanism is used both in the ventilation mode and in the humidity controlling mode, when an abnormality related to the refrigerant circuit is detected and an abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism is detected, the humidity controlling mode is shut down and the ventilation mode is kept available, whereas 20 when an abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism is detected, both the humidity-controlling mode and the ventilation mode are shut down, whether or not an abnormality related to the refrigerant circuit is detected, thereby preventing the ventilation mode and the humidity-controlling mode from being performed with an abnormality. 6 D08-J-484 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [FIG. I] FIG. I is a perspective view showing a humidity control apparatus as viewed from the front surface side, omitting a part of the casing and the electrical 5 component box. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view, a right side view and a left side view showing the humidity control apparatus, omitting a part thereof. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a piping diagram showing a configuration of the refrigerant circuit, where (A) shows an operation during the first operation and (B) 10 shows an operation during the second operation. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view, a right side view and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus showing the flow of the air in the first operation of the dehumidifying ventilation mode. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic plan view, a right side view and a left 15 side view of the humidity control apparatus showing the flow of the air in the second operation of the dehumidifying ventilation mode. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic plan view, a right side view and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus showing the flow of the air in the first operation of the humidifying ventilation mode. 20 [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic plan view, a right side view and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus showing the flow of the air in the second operation of 7 D08-J-484 the humidifying ventilation mode. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic plan view, a right side view and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus showing the flow of the air in the simple ventilation mode. 5 [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic plan view, a right side view and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus showing the flow of the air in the purge operation. [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a humidity control apparatus of Variation 3 of the embodiment, where (A) shows an operation during the first operation and (B) shows an operation during the second operation. 10 [FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a humidity control apparatus of Variation 4 of the embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 10 Humidity control apparatus 15 11 Casing 25 Exhaust fan (ventilation mechanism) 26 Air-supplying fan (ventilation mechanism) 31 Air-supplying-side passageway (air passageway) 32 Inside air-side passageway (air passageway) 20 33 Exhaust-side passageway (air passageway) 34 Outside air-side passageway (air passageway) 37 First heat exchanger chamber (air passageway) 38 Second heat exchanger chamber (air passageway) 41 First inside air-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 25 42 Second inside air-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 8 D08-J-484 43 First outside air-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 44 Second outside air-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 45 First air-supplying-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 46 Second air-supplying-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 5 47 First exhaust-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 48 Second exhaust-side damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 50 Refrigerant circuit (humidity controlling means) 60 Controller (abnormality determination means) 53 Compressor 10 54 Four-way switching valve 55 Electric expansion valve (expansion valve) 81 First bypass passageway (air passageway) 82 Second bypass passageway (air passageway) 83 First bypass damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) 15 84 Second bypass damper (ventilation mechanism, open/close mechanism) DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. 20 A humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment is for controlling the humidity of the room while also ventilating the room, and the humidity control apparatus (10) controls the humidity of the received outside air (OA) to supply the outside air into the room while simultaneously discharging the received room air (RA) to the outside. <Generation Configuration Of Humidity Control Apparatus> 25 The humidity control apparatus (10) will be described with reference to FIGS. I and 9 D08-J-484 2 as necessary. Note that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "near" and "far" as used herein refer to the respective directions as the humidity control apparatus (10) is viewed from the front surface side. The humidity control apparatus (10) includes a casing (11). A refrigerant circuit 5 (50) is accommodated in the casing (11). A first adsorption heat exchanger (51), a second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a compressor (53), a four-way switching valve (54) and an electric expansion valve (55) are connected to the refrigerant circuit (50). The details of the refrigerant circuit (50) will be described later. The casing (11) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is slightly 10 flattened and has a relatively low height. The near left side surface (i.e., the front surface) of the casing (11) shown in FIG. 1 forms a front surface panel portion (12), the far right side surface (i.e., the rear surface) forms a rear surface panel portion (13), the near right side surface forms a first side surface panel portion (14), and the far left side surface forms a second side surface panel portion (15). 15 The casing (11) is provided with an outside air inlet port (24), an inside air inlet port (23), an air-supplying port (22) and an exhaust port (21). The outside air inlet port (24) and the inside air inlet port (23) are opened in the rear surface panel portion (13). The outside air inlet port (24) is placed in a lower portion of the rear surface panel portion (13). The inside air inlet port (23) is placed in an upper portion of the rear surface panel portion (13). The 20 air-supplying port (22) is placed near an end portion of the first side surface panel portion (14) toward the front surface panel portion (12). The exhaust port (21) is placed near an end portion of the second side surface panel portion (15) toward the front surface panel portion (12). In the internal space of the casing (11), an upstream-side partition (71), a 25 downstream-side partition (72), a center partition (73), a first partition (74), and a second 10 D08-J-484 partition (75) are provided. These partitions (71-75) are each provided upright on the bottom plate of the casing (11), partitioning the internal space of the casing (11) from the bottom plate to the top plate of the casing (11). The upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72) are placed 5 at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction of the casing (11) in orientations parallel to the front surface panel portion (12) and the rear surface panel portion (13). The upstream side partition (71) is placed closer to the rear surface panel portion (13). The downstream side partition (72) is placed closer to the front surface panel portion (12). The first partition (74) and the second partition (75) are placed in orientations 10 parallel to the first side surface panel portion (14) and the second side surface panel portion (15). The first partition (74) is placed at a predetermined interval from the first side surface panel portion (14) so as to cover the space between the upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72) from the right side. The second partition (75) is placed at a predetermined interval from the second side surface panel portion (15) so as to cover the 15 space between the upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72) from the left side. The center partition (73) is placed between the upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72) in an orientation perpendicular to the upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72). The-center partition (73) is provided extending 20 from the upstream-side partition (71) to the downstream-side partition (72), partitioning the space between the upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72) into left and right portions. In the casing (11), the space between the upstream-side partition (71) and the rear surface panel portion (13) is partitioned into two, upper and lower, spaces, where the upper 25 space forms an inside air-side passageway (32), and the lower space forms an outside air-side 1 1 D08-J-484 passageway (34). The inside air-side passageway (32) communicates with the room via a duct connected to the inside air inlet port (23). An inside air-side filter (27) and an inside air humidity sensor (96) are placed along the inside air-side passageway (32). The outside air side passageway (34) communicates with the outside space via a duct connected to the outside 5 air inlet port (24). An outside air-side filter (28) and an outside air humidity sensor (97) are placed in the outside air-side passageway (34). The space between the upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72) in the casing (11) is partitioned by the center partition (73) into left and right portions, where the space on the right side of the center partition (73) forms a first heat 10 exchanger chamber (37), and the space on the left side of the center partition (73) forms a second heat exchanger chamber (38). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is accommodated in the first heat exchanger chamber (37). The second adsorption heat exchanger (52) is accommodated in the second heat exchanger chamber (38). Although not shown in the figures, the electric expansion valve (55) of the refrigerant circuit (50) is 15 accommodated in the first heat exchanger chamber (37). These first and second heat exchanger chambers (37, 38) form the air passageways. Each of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) is a so-called "cross-fin-type fin and-tube heat exchanger" with an adsorbent carried on the surface thereof, and as a whole is formed in a rectangular thick plate shape or a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape. 20 Each adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is provided upright in the heat exchanger chambers (37, 38) in an orientation such that the front surface and the rear surface are parallel to the upstream-side partition (71) and the downstream-side partition (72). In the internal space of the casing (11), a space along the front surface of the downstream-side partition (72) is partitioned into upper and lower portions, where the upper 25 one of the upper and lower partitioned spaces forms an air-supplying-side passageway (31), 12 D08-J-484 and the lower one forms an exhaust-side passageway (33). The upstream-side partition (71) is provided with four open/close dampers (41-44). Each of the dampers (41-44) is generally formed in a horizontally-oriented rectangular shape. Specifically, in a portion (upper portion) of the upstream-side partition (71) that is facing the 5 inside air-side passageway (32), the first inside air-side damper (41) is attached on the right of the center partition (73), and the second inside air-side damper (42) is attached on the left of the center partition (73). In a portion (lower portion) of the upstream-side partition (71) that is facing the outside air-side passageway (34), the first outside air-side damper (43) is attached on the right of the center partition (73), and the second outside air-side damper (44) 10 is attached on the left of the center partition (73). The downstream-side partition (72) is provided with four open/close dampers (45 48). Each of the dampers (45-48) is generally formed in a horizontally-oriented rectangular shape. Specifically, in a portion (upper portion) of the downstream-side partition (72) that is facing the air-supplying-side passageway (31), the first air-supplying-side damper (45) is 15 attached on the right of the center partition (73), and the second air-supplying-side damper (46) is attached on the left of the center partition (73). In a portion (lower portion) of the downstream-side partition (72) that is facing the exhaust-side passageway (33), the first exhaust-side damper (47) is attached on the right of the center partition (73), and the second exhaust-side damper (48) is attached on the left of the center partition (73). 20 In the casing (11), the space between the air-supplying-side passageway (31) and the exhaust-side passageway (33) and the front surface panel portion (12) is partitioned by a partition (77) into left and right portions, where the space on the right side of the partition (77) forms an air-supplying fan chamber (36), and the space on the left side of the partition (77) forms an exhaust fan chamber (35). 25 An air-supplying fan (26) is accommodated in the air-supplying fan chamber (36). 13 D08-J-484 An exhaust fan (25) is accommodated in the exhaust fan chamber (35). The air-supplying fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are each a centrifugal-type multi-blade fan (so-called a "sirocco fan"). The air-supplying fan (26) sucks in the air from the side of the downstream side partition (72), and blows the air out to the air-supplying port (22). The exhaust fan (25) 5 sucks in the air from the side of the downstream-side partition (72), and blows the air out to the exhaust port (21). The compressor (53) and the four-way switching valve (54) of the refrigerant circuit (50) are accommodated in the air-supplying fan chamber (36). The compressor (53) and the four-way switching valve (54) are placed between the air-supplying fan (26) in the air 10 supplying fan chamber (36) and the partition (77). In the casing (11), the space between the first partition (74) and the first side surface panel portion (14) forms a first bypass passageway (81). The starting end of the first bypass passageway (81) communicates only with the outside air-side passageway (34) and is blocked from the inside air-side passageway (32). The terminal end of the first bypass passageway 15 (81) is separated by a partition (78) from the air-supplying-side passageway (31), the exhaust side passageway (33) and the air-supplying fan chamber (36). A first bypass damper (83) is provided on a portion of the partition (78) that faces the air-supplying fan chamber (36). In the casing (11), the space between the second partition (75) and the second side surface panel portion (15) forms a second bypass passageway (82). The starting end of the 20 second bypass passageway (82) communicates only with the inside air-side passageway (32), and is blocked from the outside air-side passageway (34). The terminal end of the second bypass passageway (82) is separated by the partition (79) from the air-supplying-side passageway (31), the exhaust-side passageway (33) and the exhaust fan chamber (35). A second bypass damper (84) is provided on a portion of the partition (79) that faces the exhaust 25 fan chamber (35). 14 D08-J-484 The air-supplying-side passageway (31), the inside air-side passageway (32), the exhaust-side passageway (33), the outside air-side passageway (34), the first bypass passageway (81) and the second bypass passageway (82) form the air passageways. The first inside air-side damper (41), the second inside air-side damper (42), the first outside air 5 side damper (43), the second outside air-side damper (44), the first air-supplying-side damper (45), the second air-supplying-side damper (46), the first exhaust-side damper (47), the second exhaust-side damper (48), the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) form the open/close mechanisms. Note that the first bypass passageway (81), the second bypass passageway (82), the 10 first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are not shown in the right side view and the left side view of FIG. 2. <Configuration Of Refrigerant Circuit> As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant circuit (50) is a closed circuit including the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the compressor 15 (53), the four-way switching valve (54) and the electric expansion valve (55). The refrigerant circuit (50) allows refrigerant, filling the refrigerant circuit (50), to circulate therethrough to perform a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant circuit (50) forms the humidity controlling means. In the refrigerant circuit (50), the compressor (53) has its discharge side connected 20 to the first port of the four-way switching valve (54), and its intake side connected to the second port of the four-way switching valve (54). In the refrigerant circuit (50), the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the electric expansion valve (55) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) are connected in this order from the third port to the fourth port of the four-way switching valve (54). 25 The four-way switching valve (54) can be switched between a first state (the state 15 D08-J-484 shown in FIG. 3(A)) in which the first port and the third port communicate with each other and the second port and the fourth port communicate with each other, and a second state (the state shown in FIG. 3(B)) in which the first port and the fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the third port communicate with each other. 5 The compressor (53) is a totally closed type compressor, in which a compression mechanism for compressing the refrigerant and a motor for driving the compression mechanism are accommodated in a single casing. As the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the motor of the compressor (53) (i.e., the operation frequency of the compressor (53)) is varied, the rotational speed of the compression mechanism driven by the motor is 10 varied, thereby changing the amount of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53) per unit time. That is, the compressor (53) is capacity-variable. In the refrigerant circuit (50), a high-pressure pressure sensor (91) and a discharge pipe temperature sensor (93) are attached to a pipe that connects between the discharge side of the compressor (53) and the first port of the four-way switching valve (54). The high 15 pressure pressure sensor (91) measures the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53). The discharge pipe temperature sensor (93) measures the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53). In the refrigerant circuit (50), a low-pressure pressure sensor (92) and an intake pipe temperature sensor (94) are attached to a pipe that connects between the intake side of the 20 compressor (53) and the second port of the four-way switching valve (54). The low-pressure pressure sensor (92) measures the pressure of the refrigerant to be taken into the compressor (53). The intake pipe temperature sensor (94) measures the temperature of the refrigerant to be taken into the compressor (53). In the refrigerant circuit (50), a pipe temperature sensor (95) is attached to a pipe 25 that connects between the third port of the four-way switching valve (54) and the first 16 D08-J-484 adsorption heat exchanger (51). The pipe temperature sensor (95) is placed near the four way switching valve (54) along the pipe, and measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe. <Configuration Of Controller> 5 The humidity control apparatus (10) is provided with a controller (60) as a control unit. Although not shown in FIGS. I and 2, an electrical component box is attached to the front surface panel portion (12) of the casing (11), and the control substrate accommodated in the electrical component box forms the controller (60). The controller (60) receives measured values from the inside air humidity sensor 10 (96), the inside air temperature sensor, the outside air humidity sensor (97), the outside air temperature sensor and the sensors (91, 92, . . .) provided in the refrigerant circuit (50). The controller (60) is connected directly or indirectly with the inverter of the compressor (53), the inverter of the exhaust fan (25), the inverter of the air-supplying fan (26), the motors of the dampers (41-48, 83, 84), the actuator of the four-way switching valve (54), the motor of the 15 electric expansion valve (55), etc., so that signals can be exchanged therebetween. Based on these measured values received, the controller (60) controls the operations of the dampers (41-48, 83, 84), the fans (25, 26), the compressor (53), the four-way switching valve (54) and the electric expansion valve (55) so as to control the operation of the humidity control apparatus (10). With the control operation by the controller (60), the operation of the 20 humidity control apparatus (10) is switched between a dehumidifying ventilation mode, a humidifying ventilation mode, and a simple ventilation mode. -Operating Modes The humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment selectively performs one of a dehumidifying ventilation mode, a humidifying ventilation mode and a 25 simple ventilation mode. The humidity control apparatus (10) performs the dehumidifying 17 D08-J-484 ventilation mode and the humidifying ventilation mode as humidity-controlling modes. <Dehumidifying Ventilation Mode> The humidity control apparatus (10) in the dehumidifying ventilation mode performs a first operation and a second operation, which will be described later, alternately 5 with each other at intervals of a predetermined period (e.g., at intervals of 3-4 min). In the dehumidifying ventilation mode, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are always closed. In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the dehumidifying ventilation mode, the outside air is taken into the casing (11) through the outside air inlet port (24) as the first air, 10 and the room air is taken into the casing (11) through the inside air inlet port (23) as the second air. First, the first operation of the dehumidifying ventilation mode will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first operation, the first inside air-side damper (41), the second outside air-side damper (44), the second air-supplying-side damper (46) and the first exhaust 15 side damper (47) are open, and the second inside air-side damper (42), the first outside air side damper (43), the first air-supplying-side damper (45) and the second exhaust-side damper (48) are closed. In the refrigerant circuit (50) in the first operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set in the first state (the state shown in FIG. 3(A)), where the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as the condenser and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) 20 serves as the evaporator. The first air, which has passed through the outside air-side filter (28) flowing into the outside air-side passageway (34), flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second outside air-side damper (44), and then passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the moisture 25 of the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, with the resulting heat of adsorption being 18 D08-J-484 absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air, which has been dehumidified through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), flows into the air-supplying-side passageway (31) through the second air-supplying-side damper (46), and is supplied into the room through the air supplying port (22) after passing through the air-supplying fan chamber (36). 5 On the other hand, the second air, which has passed through the inside air-side filter (27) flowing into the inside air-side passageway (32), flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first inside air-side damper (41), and then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to 10 the second air. The second air, which has been given the moisture through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), flows into the exhaust-side passageway (33) through the first exhaust-side damper (47), and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (21) after passing through the exhaust fan chamber (35). Next, the second operation in the dehumidifying ventilation mode will be described. 15 As shown in FIG. 5, in the second operation, the second inside air-side damper (42), the first outside air-side damper (43), the first air-supplying-side damper (45) and the second exhaust side damper (48) are open, and the first inside air-side damper (41), the second outside air side damper (44), the second air-supplying-side damper (46) and the first exhaust-side damper (47) are closed. In the refrigerant circuit (50) in the second operation, the four-way 20 switching valve (54) is set in the second state (the state shown in FIG. 3(B)), where the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser. The first air, which has passed through the outside air-side filter (28) flowing into the outside air-side passageway (34), flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through 25 the first outside air-side damper (43), and then passes through the first adsorption heat 19 D08-J-484 exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the moisture of the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, with the resulting heat of adsorption being absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air, which has been dehumidified through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), flows into the air-supplying-side passageway (31) through the first air 5 supplying-side damper (45), and is supplied into the room through the air-supplying port (22) after passing through the air-supplying fan chamber (36). On the other hand, the second air, which has passed through the inside air-side filter (27) flowing into the inside air-side passageway (32), flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second inside air-side damper (42), and then passes through the 10 second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second air, which has been given the moisture through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), flows into the exhaust-side passageway (33) through the second exhaust-side damper (48), and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 15 (21) after passing through the exhaust fan chamber (35). <Humidifying Ventilation Mode> The humidity control apparatus (10) in the humidifying ventilation mode performs a first operation and a second operation, which will be described later, alternately with each other at intervals of a predetermined period (e.g., at intervals of 3-4 min). In the 20 humidifying ventilation mode, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are always closed. In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the humidifying ventilation mode, the outside air is taken into the casing (11) from the outside air inlet port (24) as the second air, and the room air is taken into the casing (11) from the inside air inlet port (23) as the first air. 25 First, the first operation of the humidifying ventilation mode will be described. As 20 D08-J-484 shown in FIG. 6, in the first operation, the second inside air-side damper (42), the first outside air-side damper (43), the first air-supplying-side damper (45) and the second exhaust-side damper (48) are open, and the first inside air-side damper (41), the second outside air-side damper (44), the second air-supplying-side damper (46) and the first exhaust-side damper 5 (47) are closed. In the refrigerant circuit (50) in the first operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set in the first state (the state shown in FIG. 3(A)), where the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as the condenser and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the evaporator. The first air, which has passed through the inside air-side filter (27) flowing into the 10 inside air-side passageway (32), flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second inside air-side damper (42), and then passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the moisture of the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, with the resulting heat of adsorption being absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air, which has been deprived of the moisture through the second 15 adsorption heat exchanger (52), flows into the exhaust-side passageway (33) through the second exhaust-side damper (48), and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (21) after passing through the exhaust fan chamber (35). On the other hand, the second air, which has passed through the outside air-side filter (28) flowing into the outside air-side passageway (34), flows into the first heat 20 exchanger chamber (37) through the first outside air-side damper (43), and then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second air, which has been humidified through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), flows into the air-supplying-side passageway (31) 25 through the first air-supplying-side damper (45), and is supplied into the room through the air 21 D08-J-484 supplying port (22) after passing through the air-supplying fan chamber (36). Next, the second operation in the humidifying ventilation mode will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the second operation, the first inside air-side damper (41), the second outside air-side damper (44), the second air-supplying-side damper (46) and the first exhaust 5 side damper (47) are open, and the second inside air-side damper (42), the first outside air side damper (43), the first air-supplying-side damper (45) and the second exhaust-side damper (48) are closed. In the refrigerant circuit (50) in the second operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set in the second state (the state shown in FIG. 3(B)), where the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator and the second adsorption heat 10 exchanger (52) serves as the condenser. The first air, which has passed through the inside air-side filter (27) flowing into the inside air-side passageway (32), flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first inside air-side damper (41), and then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the moisture of the first air is adsorbed by 15 the adsorbent, with the resulting heat of adsorption being absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air, which has been deprived of the moisture through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), flows into the exhaust-side passageway (33) through the first exhaust-side damper (47), and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (21) after passing through the exhaust fan chamber (35). 20 On the other hand, the second air, which has passed through the outside air-side filter (28) flowing into the outside air-side passageway (34), flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second outside air-side damper (44), and then passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed 25 moisture is given to the second air. The second air, which has been humidified through the 22 D08-J-484 second adsorption heat exchanger (52), flows into the air-supplying-side passageway (31) through the second air-supplying-side damper (46), and is supplied into the room through the air-supplying port (22) after passing through the air-supplying fan chamber (36). <Simple Ventilation Mode> 5 On the other hand, the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode supplies the received outside air (OA) as it is into the room as the supply air (SA) while simultaneously discharging the received room air (RA) as it is to the outside as the exhaust air (EA). The operation of the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. 10 In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are open, and the first inside air-side damper (41), the second inside air-side damper (42), the first outside air-side damper (43), the second outside air-side damper (44), the first air-supplying-side damper (45), the second air supplying-side damper (46), the first exhaust-side damper (47) and the second exhaust-side 15 damper (48) are closed. In the simple ventilation mode, the compressor (53) of the refrigerant circuit (50) is shut down. In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode, the outside air is taken into the casing (11) through the outside air inlet port (24). The outside air, which has passed through the outside air inlet port (24) flowing into the outside air-side passageway 20 (34), flows into the air-supplying fan chamber (36) from the first bypass passageway (81) through the first bypass damper (83), and is then supplied into the room through the air supplying port (22). In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode, the room air is taken into the casing (11) through the inside air inlet port (23). The room air, which has 25 flown into the inside air-side passageway (32) through the inside air inlet port (23), flows into 23 D08-J-484 the exhaust fan chamber (35) from the second bypass passageway (82) through the second bypass damper (84), and is then discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (21). The exhaust fan (25), the air-supplying fan (26) and the dampers (41-48, 83, 84) form the ventilation mechanism. 5 -Abnormality Determination The controller (60), which performs the dehumidifying ventilation mode, the humidifying ventilation mode and the simple ventilation mode as described above, also performs an abnormality determination control as follows. Specifically, the controller (60) monitors various parts of the humidity control apparatus (10), e.g., abnormalities of the 10 compressor (53), the four-way switching valve (54) and the sensors (91-97), and abnormalities of the exhaust fan (25), the air-supplying fan (26) and the dampers (41-48, 83, 84). When an abnormality is detected, the controller (60) determines what is the abnormality related to, and controls the humidity control apparatus (10) to perform different operations depending on the determination result. The controller (60) serves as the 15 abnormality determination means. The abnormality determination control will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 9. The controller (60) determines in step Sl whether a ventilation mode-related abnormality (the details of which will be described later) has been detected. The process 20 proceeds to step S2 when a ventilation mode-related abnormality has been detected, and to step S3 when no ventilation mode-related abnormality has been detected. In step S2, the controller (60) shuts down the operation of the compressor (53), the exhaust fan (25), the air-supplying fan (26), etc., to entirely shut down the operation of the humidity control apparatus (10). That is, neither the humidity-controlling mode nor the 25 simple ventilation mode is performed. 24 D08-J-484 On the other hand, in step S3, the controller (60) determines whether a refrigerant circuit-related abnormality (the details of which will be described later) has been detected. The process proceeds to step S4 when a refrigerant circuit-related abnormality has been detected, and to Return when no refrigerant circuit-related abnormality has been detected. 5 Then, in step S3, the controller (60) shuts down the operation of the compressor (53), actuates the exhaust fan (25) and the air-supplying fan (26), opens the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84), and closes the first inside air-side damper (41), the second inside air-side damper (42), the first outside air-side damper (43), the second outside air-side damper (44), the first air-supplying-side damper (45), the second air 10 supplying-side damper (46), the first exhaust-side damper (47) and the second exhaust-side damper (48). That is, the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit (50) is stopped to shut down the humidity-controlling mode, but the simple ventilation mode is performed. Here, the ventilation mode-related abnormality refers to an abnormality with which the ventilation mode cannot be performed normally, e.g., an abnormality of the exhaust fan 15 (25), an abnormality of the air-supplying fan (26), and an abnormality of the damper (41-48, 83, 84). The abnormality of the exhaust fan (25) can be detected by comparing the instruction value from the controller (60) to the exhaust fan (25) with the behavior of the exhaust fan (25) in response to the instruction value. That is, it can be determined that the 20 exhaust fan (25) is abnormal when, in response to an instruction value from the controller (60) to the exhaust fan (25), the exhaust fan (25) is not exhibiting a behavior according to the instruction value. The behavior of the exhaust fan (25) can be detected based on a motor current, etc. As is the abnormality of the exhaust fan (25), the abnormality of the air-supplying 25 fan (26) can be detected by comparing an instruction value from the controller (60) to the air 25 D08-J-484 supplying fan (26) with the behavior of the air-supplying fan (26) in response to the instruction value. The abnormality of the damper (41-48, 83, 84) can be detected by comparing an instruction value from the controller (60) to the damper (41-48, 83, 84) with the behavior of 5 the damper (41-48, 83, 84) in response to the instruction value. That is, it is possible to determine that the damper (41-48, 83, 84) is abnormal when, in response to an instruction value from the controller (60) to the damper (41-48, 83, 84), the damper (41-48, 83, 84) is not exhibiting a behavior according to the instruction value. The behavior of the damper (41-48, 83, 84) can be detected by a limit switch, or the like, provided in the vicinity thereof. 10 On the other hand, the refrigerant circuit-related abnormality refers to an abnormality with which the refrigeration cycle cannot be performed normally, including, for example, an abnormality of an overcurrent to the motor of the compressor (53), an abnormality of the inverter printed circuit board of the compressor (53), an operation abnormality of the four-way switching valve (54), an abnormality of the sensor (91-94), an 15 abnormality of the refrigeration cycle, etc. The abnormality of an overcurrent to the motor of the compressor (53) can be detected by monitoring the motor current to the compressor (53). An overcurrent to the motor can be detected by detecting the motor current going out of a predetermined range that is considered normal. 20 The abnormality of the inverter printed circuit board of the compressor (53) can be detected by monitoring the internal data of the inverter printed circuit board. It is possible to determine that the inverter printed circuit board is abnormal when the internal data read out from the inverter printed circuit board is not an expected value. The operation abnormality of the four-way switching valve (54) can be detected by 25 making a comparison between the condensation temperature calculated based on the high 26 D08-J-484 pressure pressure sensor (91) and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the four-way switching valve (54) to one of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) that is assumed to be functioning as a condenser if the four-way switching valve (54) is operating as instructed by the controller (60), i.e., the temperature of the refrigerant that is assumed to be the high 5 pressure refrigerant. Specifically, if the temperature of the refrigerant that is assumed to be the high-pressure refrigerant is less than or equal to the condensation temperature, the four way switching valve (54) is not operating as instructed by the controller (60), and it is possible to determine that there is an abnormality. The abnormality of the sensor (91-94) can be detected by monitoring the output 10 signal from the sensor (91-94). It is possible to determine that the sensor (91-94) is abnormal when the output signal from the sensor (91-94) represents a value outside an expected range. The abnormality of the refrigeration cycle is, for example, an abnormal increase in the high pressure of the refrigerant, and can be detected by monitoring the output signal from 15 the sensor (91-94). It is possible to determine that the refrigeration cycle is abnormal when the output signal from the sensor (91-94) represents a value outside a range for which the refrigeration cycle is assumed to be performed normally. Thus, the controller (60) monitors an abnormality of the humidity control apparatus (10), and when an abnormality is detected, the controller (60) determines the type of the 20 abnormality, and takes a measure according to the type of the abnormality. That is, when the detected abnormality is a refrigerant circuit-related abnormality and is not a ventilation mode-related abnormality, the controller (60) shuts down the humidity-controlling mode and performs the simple ventilation mode, whereas when the detected abnormality is a ventilation mode-related abnormality, the controller (60) shuts down the humidity-controlling mode and 25 does not perform the simple ventilation mode, irrespective of whether a refrigerant circuit 27 D08-J-484 related abnormality has been detected. Note that when the detected abnormality is a refrigerant circuit-related abnormality and is not a ventilation mode-related abnormality, the controller (60) shuts down the humidity-controlling mode, and does not always need to perform the simple ventilation mode. 5 For example, the process may shut down the humidity-controlling mode, and wait for an instruction from the user to perform the simple ventilation mode. -Advantages Of Embodiment Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the process detects an abnormality in the humidity control apparatus (10), and if the abnormality is a refrigerant circuit-related 10 abnormality and is not a ventilation mode-related abnormality, the process shuts down the operation of the compressor (53) and performs the simple ventilation mode. Thus, even when a humidity-controlling mode such as the dehumidifying ventilation mode or the humidifying ventilation mode cannot be performed normally, the ventilation mode can be performed as long as it is possible to perform the ventilation mode. That is, instead of 15 completely shutting down the humidity control apparatus (10) because of an abnormality in the humidity control apparatus (10), an operation that can be performed normally is kept available, so as to prevent the humidity control apparatus (10) from being shut down unnecessarily, and it is therefore possible to effectively operate the humidity control apparatus (10). 20 Particularly, since the humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment performs the humidity-controlling mode and the simple ventilation mode with a single apparatus, many of the components are used both in the humidity-controlling mode and in the simple ventilation mode. Therefore, by determining whether the detected abnormality is an abnormality related to the humidity-controlling mode or an abnormality related to the simple 25 ventilation mode, the simple ventilation mode can be performed as long as it is possible to 28 D08-J-484 normally perform the simple ventilation mode even if there is an abnormality in the humidity control apparatus (10). In the humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment, the exhaust fan (25), the air-supplying fan (26) and the dampers (41-48, 83, 84) operate not only when 5 performing the simple ventilation mode but also when performing the humidity-controlling mode. That is, if the exhaust fan (25), the air-supplying fan (26) and the dampers (41-48, 83, 84) are not operating normally, neither the simple ventilation mode nor the humidity controlling mode can be performed normally. Therefore, if the detected abnormality is a ventilation mode-related abnormality, the humidity control apparatus (10) shuts down not 10 only the simple ventilation mode but also the humidity-controlling mode. Then, it is possible to prevent the simple ventilation mode and the humidity-controlling mode from being performed with an abnormality. -Variation 1 Of Embodiment In the refrigerant circuit (50) of the present embodiment, a supercritical cycle may 15 be performed, in which the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle is set to a value higher than the critical pressure of the refrigerant. In such a case, one of the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) operates as a gas cooler, and the other as an evaporator. -Variation 2 Of Embodiment 20 In the humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment, the adsorbents carried on the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) are heated or cooled by the refrigerant, but the adsorbents may be heated or cooled by supplying a cold water or hot water to the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). 25 -Variation 3 Of Embodiment 29 D08-J-484 In the embodiment above, the humidity control apparatus (10) may be configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 10, the humidity control apparatus (10) of this variation includes a refrigerant circuit (100) and two adsorption elements (111, 112). The refrigerant circuit 5 (100) is a closed circuit in which a compressor (101), a condenser (102), an expansion valve (103) and an evaporator (104) are connected in this order. When the refrigerant is circulated through the refrigerant circuit (100), a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle is performed. The first adsorption element (111) and the second adsorption element (112) each include an adsorbent such as zeolite. Each adsorption element (111, 112) includes many air 10 passageways formed therein, and the air comes into contact with the adsorbent as the air passes through the air passageways. The humidity control apparatus (10) of this variation has a normal operation mode in which the dehumidifying ventilation mode and the humidifying ventilation mode are performed, a downtime operation mode in which the simple ventilation mode and the purge 15 operation are performed, and a forced shutdown mode in which the dehumidifying ventilation mode, the humidifying ventilation mode, the simple ventilation mode and the purge operation are all shut down. The humidity control apparatus (10) in the dehumidifying ventilation mode or the humidifying ventilation mode performs a first operation and a second operation alternately 20 with each other at intervals of a predetermined period. The humidity control apparatus (10) in the dehumidifying ventilation mode takes in the outside air as the first air and the room air as the second air. On the other hand, the humidity control apparatus (10) in the humidifying ventilation mode takes in the room air as the first air and the outside air as the second air. First, the first operation of the dehumidifying ventilation mode and the humidifying 25 ventilation mode will be described with reference to FIG. 10(A). The humidity control 30 D08-J-484 apparatus (10) in the first operation supplies the second air, which has been heated through the condenser (102), to the first adsorption element (111). In the first adsorption element (111), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and the moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent. The humidity control apparatus (10) in the first operation supplies the first air to 5 the second adsorption element (112) so that the moisture in the first air is adsorbed onto the second adsorption element (112). The first air, which has been deprived of the moisture by the second adsorption element (112), is cooled when passing through the evaporator (104). Next, the second operation of the dehumidifying ventilation mode and the humidifying ventilation mode will be described with reference to FIG. 10(B). The humidity 10 control apparatus (10) in the second operation supplies the second air, which has been heated through the condenser (102), to the second adsorption element (112). In the second adsorption element (112), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and the moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent. The humidity control apparatus (10) in the first operation supplies the first air to the first adsorption element (111) so that the moisture in the first air is 15 adsorbed onto the first adsorption element (111). The first air, which has been deprived of the moisture by the first adsorption element (111), is cooled when passing through the evaporator (104). The humidity control apparatus (10) in the dehumidifying ventilation mode supplies the first air (outside air), which has been dehumidified, into the room, and discharges the 20 moisture desorbed from the adsorption element (111, 112) to the outside together with the second air (room air). The humidity control apparatus (10) in the humidifying ventilation mode supplies the second air (outside air), which has been humidified, into the room, and discharges the first air (room air), which has been deprived of the moisture by the adsorption element (111, 112), to the outside. 25 In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode, the 31 D08-J-484 compressor (101) of the refrigerant circuit (100) is shut down, and the outside air passes through one of the first adsorption element (111) and the second adsorption element (112) with the room air passing through the other. Then, the outside air is supplied into the room after passing through the adsorption element (111, 112), and the room air is discharged to the 5 outside after passing through the adsorption element (111, 112). In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode, the passageways for the outside air and the room air are not switched around. -Variation 4 Of Embodiment In the embodiment above, the humidity control apparatus (10) may be configured as 10 follows. As shown in FIG. 11, the humidity control apparatus (10) of this variation includes a main unit (150) and a heat source unit (165). The internal space of the main unit (150) is partitioned into a supplying passageway (151) and an exhaust passageway (152). The starting end of the supplying passageway (151) 15 communicates with an outside air inlet port (153), and the terminal end thereof communicates with an air-supplying port (154). A utilization-side heat exchanger (161), a humidification element (162) and an air-supplying fan (157) are arranged in this order in the supplying passageway (151) from the starting end toward the terminal end thereof. The starting end of the exhaust passageway (152) communicates with an inside air inlet port (155), and the 20 terminal end thereof communicates with an exhaust port (156). An exhaust fan (158) is placed in the exhaust passageway (152). The heat source unit (165) is connected to the utilization-side heat exchanger (161) via a pair of connection pipes (166). Although not shown in the figures, the heat source unit (165) includes a compressor, an expansion valve, etc. The heat source unit (165) forms a 25 refrigerant circuit (167) together with the utilization-side heat exchanger (161). The 32 D08-J-484 utilization-side heat exchanger (161) is an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air and the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (167) selectively performs one of a refrigeration cycle operation in which the utilization-side heat exchanger (161) serves as the evaporator, and a refrigeration cycle operation in which the utilization-side heat exchanger 5 (161) serves as the condenser. Although not shown in the figures, the humidification element (162) includes a water passageway and an air passageway with a moisture permeable membrane interposed therebetween. Externally-supplied tap water passes through the water passageway. The air flowing through the supplying passageway (151) passes through the air passageway. The 10 moisture permeable membrane only allows water vapor to pass but does not allow liquid water to pass. The humidity control apparatus (10) of this variation selectively performs one of a dehumidifying ventilation mode, a humidifying ventilation mode, and a simple ventilation mode. 15 In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the dehumidifying ventilation mode, the refrigerant circuit (167) performs a refrigeration cycle operation in which the utilization-side heat exchanger (161) serves as the evaporator, and the water supply to the humidification element (162) is shut down. In this operation, the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the utilization-side heat exchanger (161) is set to a value lower than the dew point of the 20 outside air. The outside air, which has flown into the supplying passageway (151), is cooled when passing through the utilization-side heat exchanger (161), and the moisture in the outside air is condensed to be drain water. The outside air, which has passed through the utilization-side heat exchanger (161), is supplied into the room through the air-supplying port (154) after passing through the humidification element (162). The drain water generated in 25 the utilization-side heat exchanger (161) is discharged to the outside. The room air, which 33 D08-J-484 has flown into the exhaust passageway (152), is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (156). In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the humidifying ventilation mode, the refrigerant circuit (167) performs a refrigeration cycle operation in which the utilization-side 5 heat exchanger (161) serves as the condenser, and the water is supplied to the humidification element (162). The outside air, which has flown into the supplying passageway (151), is sent to the humidification element (162) after being heated when passing through the utilization-side heat exchanger (161). In the humidification element (162), the air is given to the water vapor, which has passed through the moisture permeable membrane. The air, 10 which has been humidified through the humidification element (162), is supplied into the room through the air-supplying port (154). The room air, which has flown into the exhaust passageway (152), is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (156). In the humidity control apparatus (10) in the simple ventilation mode, the operation of the refrigerant circuit (167) and the water supply to the humidification element (162) are 15 both shut down, and only the air-supplying fan (157) and the exhaust fan (158) are operated. The outside air, which has flown into the supplying passageway (151), passes through the utilization-side heat exchanger (161) and the humidification element (162) in this order, and is then supplied into the room through the air-supplying port (154). The room air, which has flown into the exhaust passageway (152), is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 20 (156). Note that the embodiments above are essentially illustrative of preferred embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention, applications thereof, or the range of applications thereof. 25 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 34 D08-J-484 As described above, the present invention is useful for a humidity control apparatus for controlling the humidity inside the room. 35 D08-J-484

Claims (3)

  1. 2. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein 25 when the detected abnormality is an abnormality related to the ventilation 36 D08-J-484 mechanism, the abnormality determination means shuts down the ventilation mechanism and stops the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit to shut down the humidity-controlling mode. 5 3. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ventilation mechanism includes an exhaust fan provided in the casing for discharging an air to an outside, and an air-supplying fan provided in the casing for supplying an air into the room, and the abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism includes an abnormality 10 of the exhaust fan and the air-supplying fan.
  2. 4. The humidity control apparatus of one of claims 1-3, wherein, the ventilation mechanism includes an open/close mechanism provided in the casing for connecting/disconnecting the air passageway, and 15 the abnormality related to the ventilation mechanism includes an abnormality of the open/close mechanism.
  3. 5. A humidity control apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 37 D08-J-484
AU2008320195A 2007-10-31 2008-10-30 Humidity control apparatus Ceased AU2008320195B2 (en)

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JP2007283683A JP2009109124A (en) 2007-10-31 2007-10-31 Humidity conditioner
PCT/JP2008/003110 WO2009057306A1 (en) 2007-10-31 2008-10-30 Humidity control device

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CN101842640A (en) 2010-09-22
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US20100252642A1 (en) 2010-10-07
JP2009109124A (en) 2009-05-21

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