GB2525112A - Dehumidifier - Google Patents

Dehumidifier Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2525112A
GB2525112A GB1513035.4A GB201513035A GB2525112A GB 2525112 A GB2525112 A GB 2525112A GB 201513035 A GB201513035 A GB 201513035A GB 2525112 A GB2525112 A GB 2525112A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
air
heat exchanger
refrigerant
temperature
dehumidifier
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Granted
Application number
GB1513035.4A
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GB201513035D0 (en
GB2525112B (en
Inventor
Shinichi Ito
Fumitake Unezaki
Mamoru Hamada
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/26—Drying gases or vapours
    • B01D53/265—Drying gases or vapours by refrigeration (condensation)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/26—Drying gases or vapours
    • B01D53/261—Drying gases or vapours by adsorption
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-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
    • F24F3/12—Air-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
    • F24F3/14—Air-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
    • F24F3/147—Air-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 with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/34—Chemical or biological purification of waste gases
    • B01D53/343—Heat recovery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/89—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-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
    • F24F3/12—Air-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
    • F24F3/14—Air-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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-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
    • F24F3/12—Air-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
    • F24F3/14—Air-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
    • F24F3/1411—Air-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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-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
    • F24F3/12—Air-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
    • F24F3/14—Air-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
    • F24F3/1411—Air-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
    • F24F3/1423—Air-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 with a moving bed of solid desiccants, e.g. a rotary wheel supporting solid desiccants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/80—Water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/65—Employing advanced heat integration, e.g. Pinch technology
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-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
    • F24F3/12—Air-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
    • F24F3/14—Air-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
    • F24F2003/144—Air-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 dehumidification only
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-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
    • F24F3/12—Air-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
    • F24F3/14—Air-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
    • F24F2003/144—Air-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 dehumidification only
    • F24F2003/1446—Air-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 dehumidification only by condensing

Abstract

This dehumidifier is provided with a first heat exchanger which is disposed upstream of a moisture adsorption means in the airflow direction of a first air passage and exchanges heat between the air and a refrigerant, a second heat exchanger which is disposed downstream of the moisture adsorption means in the airflow direction of the first air passage and exchanges heat between the air and the refrigerant, a third heat exchanger which is disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger in the airflow direction of the first air passage and exchanges heat between the air and the refrigerant, a first throttle means which is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a compressor which is connected at the discharge side to the third heat exchanger and compresses the refrigerant, wherein the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger selectively function as a compressor and an evaporator.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
DEHUMIDIFIER
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to dehumidifiers.
Background Art
[0002] A proposed typical dehumidifier using a combination of a desiccant and a heat pump includes two partitioned air passages in which air with different relative humidities flows and across which a desiccant member carrying an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing moisture is disposed (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
[0003] In the technique described in Patent Literature 1, the disk-shaped desiccant member rotates to cause adsorption in which moisture in the air is adsorbed and desorption in which the adsorbed moisture is desorbed to the air in accordance with the relative humidities of the air passages.
In addition, in the technique of Patent Literature 1, the air passages are divided into two to utilize a part of heat of condensation generated from the heat pump, the relative humidities of air passing through the desiccant member are reduced to promote desorption, and the other part of the heat of condensation is released to space to be dehumidified (dehumidified space) without any treatment.
Citation List Patent Literature [0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 4649967 (e.g., Claim 1)
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem [0005] In the technique of Patent Literature 1, the desiccant member is rotated to cause adsorption and desorption. Thus, a motor, for example, is required as a rotation mechanism for the desiccant member Accordingly, there arise problems such as increases in fabrication cost and power consumption and complication of an equipment configuration.
[0006] The technique of Patent Literature 1 proposes the two partitioned air passages. A leakage of air between the air passages causes the leaked air to inhibit adsorption or desorption. Thus, the desiccant member disposed across the two air passages is provided in contact with a portion across the two air passages.
Specifically, in the technique of Patent Literature 1, the desiccant member rubs against a portion partitioning the air passages to prevent leakage of air between the air passages. Accordingly, a necessary motor torque increases, and power consumption increases.
[0007] In the technique of Patent Literature 1, since the desiccant member and the portion partitioning the air passages rub against each other, these members are damaged when being rubbing against each other Leakage of air from a gap between the air passages reduces the efficiencies of adsorption and desorption. To repair the damage, maintenance is required, which causes an increase in cost.
[0008] In the technique of Patent Literature 1, the two air passages are necessary for using a part of heat of condensation as a heat source of desorption of the desiccant. Thus, the configuration of equipment becomes complicated, and a pressure loss increases. Accordingly, power of an air-sending device increases, leading to an increase in power consumption.
[0009] In the technique of Patent Literature 1, at a low outdoor temperature, a heater provided to an outdoor heat exchanger is driven to reduce frost accumulation on the outdoor heat exchanger However, when the dewpoint temperature decreases below the freezing point, it is difficult to reduce frost accumulation on the heat exchanger In this case, defrosting operation is required, resulting in a significant decrease in the amount of dehumidification per hour.
[0010] The present invention has been made to solve at least one of such problems as described above, and provide a dehumidifier that can reduce increases in cost and power consumption, complication of an equipment configuration, and reduction in efficiencies of adsorption and desorption.
Solution to Problem [0011] A dehumidifier according to the present invention includes: a first air passage in which air taken from a dehumidified space flows; an air supply unit that takes air from the dehumidified space into the first air passage; a moisture adsorption unit that is disposed in the first air passage, adsorbs moisture contained in air flowing in the first air passage, and desorbs the adsorbed moisture to air flowing in the first air passage; a first heat exchanger that is disposed upstream of the moisture adsorption unit in an airflow direction in the first air passage and exchanges heat between air and refrigerant; a second heat exchanger that is disposed downstream of the moisture adsorption unit in the airflow direction in the first air passage and exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant; a third heat exchanger that is disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger in the airflow direction in the first air passage and exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant; a first expansion unit that is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and reduces a pressure of the refrigerant; and a compressor that has a discharge side connected to the third heat exchanger and compresses the refrigerant, wherein each of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger selectively serves as a condensor or an evaporator Advantageous Effects of Invention [0012] The above-described configuration of the dehumidifier of the present invention can reduce increases in cost and power consumption, complication of an equipment configuration, and reduction in the efficiencies of adsorption and desorption.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0013] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an adsorption isothermal chart showing a change of a saturation moisture adsorption amount with respect to a relative humidity of a moisture adsorption unit of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 shows a measurement control system configuration of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 shows psychrometric charts showing changes of the temperature and humidity in modes of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 shows psychrometric charts showing changes of the temperature and humidity in modes of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a mollier chart showing variations of a refrigerant pressure and an enthalpy of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 shows psychrometric charts showing changes of the temperature and humidity in modes of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 [Air Passage Configuration] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier 300 according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an adsorption isothermal chart showing a change of a saturation moisture adsorption amount with respect to a relative humidity of a moisture adsorption unit 16 of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1. Fig. 3 shows a measurement control system configuration of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1. Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, the configuration of the dehumidifier 300, for example, will be described.
The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1 is improved in reducing an increase in cost, power consumption, complication of the equipment configuration, and reduction in efficiencies of adsorption and desorption.
[0015] [Configuration] The dehumidifier 300 includes a compressor 13 that compresses refrigerant, first and second heat exchangers 11 a and 11 b each serving as a condensor or an evaporator, a third heat exchanger 11 c serving as a condensor, an expansion unit 14 that reduces the pressure of condensed refrigerant, and a four-way valve 15 that switches a refrigerant channel. The compressor 13, the first heat exchanger ha, the second heat exchanger lib, the third heat exchanger lic, the expansion unit 14, and the four-way valve 15 are connected to each other by refrigerant pipes, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit A. In the following description, the first heat exchanger ha, the second heat exchanger lib, and the third heat exchanger lic may be collectively referred to as heat exchangers 11.
[0016] The dehumidifier 300 also includes a moisture adsorption unit 16 for adsorbing and desorbing moisture, and an air supply unit 12 for supplying air to the heat exchangers 11 and the moisture adsorption unit 16.
The dehumidifier 300 includes temperature and humidity sensors 1 a to he for use in detecting the temperature and humidity of air, a wind speed sensor 2 for use in detecting the air velocity, temperature sensors 3a to 3h for use in detecting the temperature of refrigerant, and a control circuit 4 for, for example, switching the four-way valve 15 based on detection results of the temperature and humidity sensors 1 a to 1 e, the wind speed sensor 2, and the temperature sensors 3a to 3h.
[0017] The dehumidifier 300 includes an air passage (a first air passage 50), not shown, provided with at least the heat exchanger 11 and the moisture adsorption unit 16. An upstream side of the air passage in the dehumidifier 300 communicates with a dehumidified space and includes an air inlet through which air is taken from the dehumidified space into the air passage. A downstream side of the air passage in the dehumidifier 300 communicates with the dehumidified space and includes an air outlet through which air dehumidified in the dehumidifier 300 is released to the dehumidified space. In Fig. 1, an airflow in the first air passage 50 is indicated by solid arrows.
[0018] (Compressor 13) The compressor 13 has a discharge side connected to the third heat exchanger lic and a suction side connected to the four-way valve 15. The compressor 13 may be, for example, a positive-displacement compressor driven by a motor (not shown). The number of compressors 13 is not limited to one, and two or more compressors may be connected in parallel or in series.
[0019] (Heat Exchanger 11) One of the first heat exchanger 11 a and the second heat exchanger 11 b is connected to the expansion unit 14, and the other is connected to the four-way valve 15. That is, the first heat exchanger ha, the expansion unit 14, and the second heat exchanger 11 b are connected in series.
The third heat exchanger 11 c is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 13 at one side, and is connected to the four-way valve 15 at the other side. The first heat exchanger ha, the second heat exchanger lib, and the third heat exchanger 11 c are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the airflow direction.
The heat exchanger 11 may be, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger including heat transmission pipes and a large number of fins.
[0020] (Expansion Unit 14) The expansion unit 14 reduces the pressure of refrigerant. The expansion unit 14 is connected to the first heat exchanger 11 a at one side and is connected to the second heat exchanger 11 b at the other side.
The expansion unit 14 can, for example, adjust the flow rate of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, and is an electronic expansion valve that can adjust the valve opening degree with a stepping motor (not shown), a mechanical expansion valve using a diaphragm for a pressure receiver, or a capillary tube.
[0021] (Four-way Valve 15) The four-way valve 15 can switch a flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit A by switching the refrigerant channel. The four-way valve 15 is connected to a side of the first heat exchanger 11 a not connected to the expansion unit 14, a side of the second heat exchanger 11 b not connected to the expansion unit 14, a side of the third heat exchanger 11 c not connected to the discharge side of the compressor 13, and the suction side of the compressor 13.
In a first operation mode, which will be described later, the four-way valve switches to connect the third heat exchanger 11 c and the second heat exchanger 11 b to each other and conned the first heat exchanger 11 a and the suction side of the compressor 13 to each other.
In a second operation mode, which will be described later, the four-way valve 15 switches to connect the third heat exchanger 11 c and the first heat exchanger 11 a to each other and connect the second heat exchanger 11 b and the suction side of the compressor 13 to each other.
[0022] (Air Supply Unit 12) The air supply unit 12 takes air into the air passage provided with the heat exchanger 11 and the moisture adsorption unit 16 and supplies air in the air passage to the air-conditioned space. In Fig. 1, the air supply unit 12 is disposed downstream of the third heat exchanger 11 c in the airflow direction.
However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the air supply unit 12 may be disposed upstream of the first heat exchanger ha, for example.
The air supply unit 12 is a fan that can change the flow rate of air passing through the air passage in the dehumidifier 300, and may be a centrifugal fan driven by a motor such as a DC fan motor or a multiblade fan, for example.
[0023] (Moisture Adsorption Unit 16) The moisture adsorption unit 16 has a shape corresponding to, for example, the air passage section to enlarge the ventilation cross section for the air passage cross section of the dehumidifier 300. Specifically, if the air passage section is rectangular, the ventilation section of the moisture adsorption unit 16 is rectangular. If the air passage section is hexagonal, the ventilation section of the moisture adsorption unit 16 is hexagonal.
The moisture adsorption unit 16 is an air-passing member having a plurality of through holes through which air in the first air passage 50 passes.
The moisture adsorption unit 16 is, for example, a porous flat plate through which air passes in the thickness direction thereof.
The moisture adsorption unit 16 is a porous flat plate whose surface is coated, surface-treated, or impregnated with an adsorbent having the property of adsorbing moisture from air with a relatively high humidity, such as zeolite, silica gel, or activated carbon, and desorbing the moisture to air with a relatively low humidity.
The moisture adsorption unit 16 is not of a typical type that is rotated by, for example, a motor, and is fixed to the first air passage 50.
[0024] Fig. 2 shows the amount (equilibrium adsorption amount) of moisture that the adsorbent used for the moisture adsorption unit 16 can adsorb with respect to the relative humidity of air The equilibrium adsorption amount generally increases as the relative humidity of air increases. The adsorbent used for the moisture adsorption unit 16 is an adsorbent showing a large difference between the equilibrium adsorption amount at a relative humidity 80% or more and the equilibrium adsorption amount at a relative humidity of 40 to 60%. In this manner, the adsorption and desorption performance of the moisture adsorption unit 16 can be enhanced.
[0025] (Temperature and Humidity Sensors la to le) The temperature and humidity sensors la to le are sensors that detect a dry-bulb temperature, a relative humidity, a dewpoint temperature, an absolute humidity, and a wet-bulb temperature in the air passage.
The temperature and humidity sensor la detects the temperature and humidity of air that has been taken into the dehumidifier 300 and has not passed through the first heat exchanger ha yet. The temperature and humidity sensor lb detects the temperature and humidity of air that has passed through the first heat exchanger ha. The temperature and humidity sensor ic detects the temperature and humidity of air that has passed through the moisture adsorption unit 16. The temperature and humidity sensor id detects the temperature and humidity of air that has passed through the second heat exchanger lib. The temperature and humidity sensor le detects the temperature and humidity of air that has passed through the third heat exchanger lic. The temperature and humidity sensors la to le are connected to the control circuit 4 that controls the dehumidifier 300.
[0026] (Wind Speed Sensor 2) The wind speed sensor 2 is disposed in the first air passage 50 of the dehumidifier 300, and detects the flow rate of air in the first air passage 50. As illustrated in Fig. I, the wind speed sensor 2 is disposed downstream of the air supply unit 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the wind speed sensor 2 may be disposed at any location in the first air passage 50 as long as the wind speed sensor 2 can detect the flow rate of air passing through the first air passage 50. The wind speed sensor 2 is connected to the control circuit 4 that controls the dehumidifier 300.
[0027] (Temperature Sensors 3a to 3h) The temperature sensors 3a to 3h detect the temperature of refrigerant.
The temperature sensor 3a is disposed at the discharge side of the compressor 13 and detects the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13. The temperature sensor 3b is disposed at the suction side of the compressor 13 and detects the temperature of refrigerant that is sucked into the compressor 13.
The temperature sensor 3c is disposed in a pipe at the refrigerant inflow side of the third heat exchanger 11 c and detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing in the third heat exchanger lic. The temperature sensor 3d is disposed in a pipe at the refrigerant outflow side of the third heat exchanger 11 c and detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing out of the third heat exchanger 11 c.
The temperature sensor 3e is disposed in a pipe at a side of the second heat exchanger 11 b and detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing in and out of the second heat exchanger 11 b. The temperature sensor 3f is disposed in a pipe at the other side of the second heat exchanger lib and detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing in and out of the second heat exchanger 11 b.
The temperature sensor 3g is disposed in a pipe at a side of the first heat exchanger ha and detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing in and out of the first heat exchanger 11 a. The temperature sensor 3h is disposed in a pipe at the other side of the first heat exchanger 112 and detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing in and out of the first heat exchanger 11 a.
The temperature sensors 3a to 3h are connected to the control circuit 4 that controls the dehumidifier 300.
[0028] (Control Circuit 4) The control circuit 4 controls, for example, switching of the four-way valve 15, the frequency of the compressor 13, the rotation speed of the air supply unit 12, and the opening degree of the expansion unit 14, depending on detection results of the temperature and humidity sensors la to if, the wind speed sensor 2, and the temperature sensors 3a to 3h.
[0029] In this manner, the system of the dehumidifier 300 is configured such that information on the temperature, humidity, and velocity of air and the refrigerant temperature is output to the control circuit 4 and is used for operation control of, for example, the expansion unit 14, the air supply unit 12, and the four-way valve 15.
[0030] (Refrigerant) Examples of refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit A include HFC refrigerant such as R41OA, R407C, and R404A, HCFC refrigerant such as R22 and R134a, and natural refrigerant such as hydrocarbons and helium.
[0031] [Flow of Refrigerant] The refrigerant circuit is switched between two operation modes by switching the four-way valve 15. In a first operation mode, refrigerant flows in the compressor 13, the third heat exchanger 11 c, the four-way valve 15, the second heat exchanger 11 b, the expansion unit 14, the first heat exchanger 11 a, and the four-way valve 15 in this order, and flows into the compressor again.
That is, in the first operation mode, refrigerant flows along the solid lines.
[0032] In a second operation mode, refrigerant flows in the compressor 13, the third heat exchanger 11 c, the four-way valve 15, the first heat exchanger 11 a, the expansion unit 14, the second heat exchanger 11 b, and the four-way valve 15 in this order, and flows into the compressor again. That is, in the second operation mode, refrigerant flows along the broken lines.
[0033] (Refrigerant Flow in First Operation Mode) Refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13 flows toward the third heat exchanger lic. At this time, the third heat exchanger lic serves as a condensor, and a part of the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air After having passed through the third heat exchanger 11 c, the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 11 b through the four-way valve 15. The second heat exchanger 11 b serves as a condensor, and the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air, and flows into the expansion unit 14. The refrigerant whose pressure has been reduced in the expansion unit 14 flows into the first heat exchanger ha. The first heat exchanger ha serves as an evaporator After having evaporated through heat exchange with air, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 13 again through the four-way valve 15.
[0034] (Refrigerant Flow in Second Operation Mode) Refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13 flows into the third heat exchanger lic. At this time, the third heat exchanger lic serves as a condensor, and a part of the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air After having passed through the third heat exchanger 11 c, the refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 11 a through the four-way valve 15. The first heat exchanger 11 a serves as a condensor, and the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air, and flows into the expansion unit 14. The refrigerant whose pressure has been reduced in the expansion unit 14 flows into the second heat exchanger 11 b. The second heat exchanger 11 b serves as an evaporator After having evaporated through heat exchange with air, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 13 again through the four-way valve 15.
[0035] In this manner, in the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1, each of the first heat exchanger 11 a and the second heat exchanger 11 b selectively serves as a condensor or an evaporator Specifically, in the first operation mode, the first heat exchanger 11 a serves as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as a condensor In the second operation mode, the first heat exchanger 11 a serves as a condensor and the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as an evaporator.
[0036] [Psychrometric Chart] Fig. 4 shows psychrometric charts showing changes of the temperature and humidity in the modes of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1. Fig. 4 (a) is a psychrometric chart in the first operation mode, and Fig. 4 (b) is a psychrometric chart in the second operation mode.
Reference numerals (1-1)to (1-5) in Fig. 4(a) represent: air (1-1) before passage through the first heat exchanger 11 a, air (1-2) after the passage through the first heat exchanger ha, the air (1-3) after passage through the moisture adsorption unit 16, air (1-4) after passage through the second heat exchanger 11 b, and air (1-5) after passage through the third heat exchanger 11 c, in the first operation mode.
Reference numerals (2-1) to (2-5) in Fig. 4 (b) represent: air (2-1) before passage through the first heat exchanger 11 a, air (2-2) after the passage through the first heat exchanger 11 a, air (2-3) after passage through the moisture adsorption unit 16, air (2-4) after passage through the second heat exchanger 11 b, and air (2-5) after passage through the third heat exchanger 11 c, in the second operation mode.
Referring to Fig. 4, the states of air in the first operation mode and the second operation mode will be described.
[0037] Fig. 4 (a) shows an example in which the moisture retention amount in the moisture adsorption unit 16 is small and adsorption occurs with respect to high-humidity air (e.g., a relative humidity of 70% or more). Fig. 4 (b) shows an example in which the moisture retention amount in the moisture adsorption unit 16 is large and desorption occurs with respect to low-humidity air (e.g., a relative humidity of 60% or less).
[0038] (Psychrometric Chart in First Operation Mode) In the first operation mode, air (1-1) taken into the air passage through the air inlet is sent to the first heat exchanger 11 a.
Here, air taken into the air passage is cooled by the first heat exchanger 11 a serving as an evaporator. Air that has passed through the first heat exchanger ha is cooled to a dewpoint temperature or lower and becomes dehumidified air (1-2) which is sent to the moisture adsorption unit 16.
Since the relative humidity of the dehumidified air is as high as about 70 to 90%RH, the adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 easily adsorbs moisture. The adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 adsorbs and dehumidifies moisture of the cooled air so that the temperature of the air increases and the humidity decreases, and the resulting air flows into the second heat exchanger lib (1-3).
Since the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as a condensor, the air is heated and the temperature of air passing through the second heat exchanger lib increases (1-4).
After having passed through the second heat exchanger 11 b, the air flows into the third heat exchanger hic. Since the third heat exchanger lic serves as a condensor, the temperature of air passing through the third heat exchanger hic increases (1-5), and the resulting air is released to the dehumidified space through the air outlet.
[0039] (Psychrometric Chart in Second Operation Mode) In the second operation mode, air (2-1) taken into the air passage through the air inlet is sent to the first heat exchanger ha.
Here, air taken into the air passage is heated by the first heat exchanger ha serving as a condensor The temperature of air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 a increases (2-2), and the resulting air is sent to the moisture adsorption unit 16.
Since the relative humidity of the heated air is lower than that of inflow air, the adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 easily desorbs moisture. The adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 desorbs and humidifies moisture of the heated air so that the temperature of the air decreases and the humidity increases, and the resulting air flows into the second heat exchanger 11 b (2-3).
Since the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as an evaporator, the air passing through the second heat exchanger lib is cooled. When the air is cooled to a dewpoint temperature or lower, the air changes to dehumidified air (2- 4), whose moisture is dehumidified.
After having passed through the second heat exchanger 11 b, the air flows into the third heat exchanger 11 c. Since the third heat exchanger 11 c serves as a condensor, air passing through the third heat exchanger lic increases (2-5), and the resulting air is released to the dehumidified space through the air outlet.
[0040] [Variation] As described below, the first heat exchanger ha and the third heat exchanger hic can reduce a decrease in dehumidification efficiency by adjusting the ratio of the heat transfer areas.
For example, the dehumidified space is assumed to be a room in a summer season (temperature: about 27 degrees C, humidity: about 60%). In the second operation mode, if the amount of heating of the first heat exchanger ha is large, the amount of moisture desorption of the moisture adsorption unit 16 is greater than or equal to the dehumidifying capacity of the second heat exchanger lib so that the dehumidification efficiency decreases.
In such a case, by making the heat transfer area of the third heat exchanger 11 c larger than that of the first heat exchanger 11 a, the amount of heat of condensation of the first heat exchanger 11 a is reduced and, thereby, excessive heating of inflow air is reduced. As a result, a decrease in dehumidification efficiency can be reduced.
[0041] In a case where the relative humidity of air in the dehumidified space is higher than that of the above-described case (i.e., temperature: about 27 degrees C, humidity: about 80%), the ratio of heat transfer area can be adjusted in the following manner In the second operation mode, the amount of moisture desorption by desorption reaction decreases unless the relative humidity of air flowing into the moisture adsorption unit 16 is reduced. This decrease in the amount of moisture desorption of the moisture adsorption unit 16 means that the humidity of air flowing into the downstream of second heat exchanger 11 b cannot be increased. That is, since the humidity of air flowing into the second heat exchanger lib cannot be increased, the dehumidification amount in the second heat exchanger lib decreases accordingly, and the dehumidification efficiency also decreases.
In such a case, by increasing the heat transfer area ratio of the first heat exchanger hiato the third heat exchanger lic, the degree of heating air flowing into the first heat exchanger ha is increased. In this manner, dried air with a reduced relative humidity flows into the moisture adsorption unit 16 so that the amount of desorption increases, and air with a high relative humidity and a high enthalpy flows into the second heat exchanger 11 b so that a decrease in dehumidification efficiency can be reduced.
[0042] [Advantages of Dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1 a motor such as a desiccant rotor is not provided to the moisture adsorption unit 16. Thus, problems such as an increase in fabrication cost, an increase in power consumption, and complication of an equipment configuration do not occur.
[0043] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1, a desiccant rotor is not disposed across the two partitioned air passages. Thus, inhibition of adsorption or desorption due to leakage of air between the air passages does not occur. In addition, an increase in power consumption due to rubbing of the portion partitioning the air passages and the desiccant rotor and an increase in cost necessary for maintenance of members damaged by the rubbing can be prevented.
[0044] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1, heat of condensation is partially used as a heat source of desorption of the desiccant. Thus, the two separated air passages are unnecessary, and complication of an equipment configuration does not occur accordingly. In addition, it is possible to prevent power consumption from increasing due to an increase in rotation speed of the air supply unit 12 because of an increased pressure loss associated with the two air passages.
[0045] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1 when frost accumulation occurs on the heat exchanger 11, the four-way valve 15 is switched so that defrosting operation is performed. In this defrosting operation, dehumidified air can also be supplied to the dehumidified space so that a decrease in dehumidification per hour can be reduced.
[0046] In a typical technique of rotating a moisture adsorption unit, in an operation at low temperature (e.g., temperature: 10 degrees C, humidity: 60%), air before desorption by the moisture adsorption unit is heated with, for example, a heater so that air at high temperature flows into an evaporator to increase the evaporating temperature and, thereby, reduce frost accumulation. In an operation at a lower temperature (e.g., temperature: 5 degrees C, humidity: 60%), for example, an input of the heating unit such as the heater becomes excessive or frost accumulation occurs. If frost accumulation occurs, a refrigeration cycle and stop of certain intervals or a defrosting operation by a heater input is needed, and the amount of dehumidification decreases.
On the other hand, in the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1, even when frost accumulation occurs while the first heat exchanger ha serves as an evaporator, switching of the four-way valve 15 causes the first heat exchanger 11 a to serve as a condensor and perform defrosting and the second heat exchanger lib to serve as an evaporator and perform dehumidification. In addition, when frost accumulation occurs while the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as an evaporator, switching of the four-way valve 15 causes the second heat exchanger 11 b to serve as a condensor and perform defrosting, the first heat exchanger ha to serve as an evaporator and moisture adsorption unit 16 to perform dehumidification.
In this manner, in the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1 even when the dewpoint temperature is less than or equal to the freezing point, switching of the four-way valve 15 enables defrosting operation to perform defrosting and supply dehumidified air to the dehumidified space. Thus, a decrease in dehumidification per hour can be reduced.
[0047] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1, all the faces of the moisture adsorption unit 16 can be used for adsorption in the first operation mode. Thus, the amount of dehumidification can be made larger than that in a typical dehumidifier using a desiccant rotor. That is, in the case of using the moisture adsorption unit 16 having the same volume as that of the desiccant rotor, air with a lower humidity than that of the typical dehumidifier can be generated, thereby increasing the drying speed of clothes.
[0048] The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1 can perform the first operation mode and the second operation mode.
Thus, in the second operation mode, desorption by the moisture adsorption unit 16 reduces the air temperature, and air cooled while passing through the second heat exchanger lib serving as an evaporator is disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger lib and flows into the third heat exchanger lic serving as a condensor.
In this manner, the condensing temperature of the third heat exchanger 11 c decreases, and the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle increases, thereby enhancing the dehumidifying capacity of the dehumidifier 300.
[0049] In the second operation mode, the first heat exchanger ha serves as a condensor and heats air flowing into the moisture adsorption unit 16, thereby reducing the relative humidity. In this manner, the amount of moisture desorption by the moisture adsorption unit 16 increases, and air with a high relative humidity and an enthalpy higher than that of intake air is supplied to the second heat exchanger 11 b serving as an evaporator, thereby increasing the dehumidification amount.
[0050] Embodiment 2 Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier 300 according to Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 includes a dehumidification unit 100 including an air passage provided with, for example, a first heat exchanger ha, a second heat exchanger lib, and a moisture adsorption unit 16, and a heat radiation unit 200 including an air passage provided with, for example, a third heat exchanger lic. Heat of condensation generated in the third heat exchanger lic is released to space the outside of dehumidified space. In Embodiment 2, aspects different from those of Embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and description of components described in Embodiment 1 is not repeated.
[0051] The dehumidification unit 100 includes the first heat exchanger 11 a, the second heat exchanger lib, the moisture adsorption unit 16, an expansion unit 14, and a first air supply unit 12a. The dehumidification unit 100 also includes temperature and humidity sensors la to le, a wind speed sensor 2, and temperature sensors 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3h.
The dehumidification unit 100 further includes a first air passage 50 provided with the first heat exchanger 11 a, the second heat exchanger 11 b, the moisture adsorption unit 16, and the first air supply unit 12a.
In the dehumidification unit 100, air taken into the first air passage 50 from the dehumidified space passes through the first heat exchanger ha, the moisture adsorption unit 16, and the second heat exchanger lib in this order, and is supplied to the dehumidified space again.
The flow of air in the dehumidification unit 100 is indicated by the arrow X in Fig. 5.
[0052] The heat radiation unit 200 includes the third heat exchanger lic and a second air supply unit 1 2b for releasing air in the heat radiation unit 200 to the outside of the dehumidified space. The heat radiation unit 200 also includes a temperature and humidity sensor le and a wind speed sensor 2 that is different from that in the dehumidification unit 100, and a temperature and humidity sensor if that detects the temperature and humidity of an upstream portion of the third heat exchanger ii c in the airflow direction.
The heat radiation unit 200 further includes a second air passage 51 provided with the third heat exchanger lic and the second air supply unit 12b.
In the heat radiation unit 200, air taken into the second air passage 51 from the dehumidified space or space except the dehumidified space passes through the third heat exchanger ii c and is released to the outside of the dehumidified space.
The flow of air in the heat radiation unit 200 is indicated by the arrow Y in Fig. 5.
[0053] In Fig. 5, the four-way valve 15, the compressor 13, and the temperature sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are disposed outside the dehumidification unit 100 and the heat radiation unit 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The compressor 13, the expansion unit 14, and the four-way valve 15 may be disposed in any of the dehumidification unit 100 and the heat radiation unit 200. The temperature sensors 3c and 3d may be disposed in, for example, the heat radiation unit 200.
[0054] [Dehumidification of Dehumidifier] Fig. 6 shows psychrometric charts showing changes of the temperature and humidity in modes of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 2. Fig. 6 (a) is a psychrometric chart in a first operation mode, and Fig. 6 (b) is a psychrometric chart in a second operation mode.
Reference numerals (1-la) to (l-4a), (l-lb), and (l-2b) in Fig. 6(a) represent: air (1-la) before passage through the first heat exchanger lla, air (1- 2a) after the passage through the first heat exchanger 11 a, air (1 -3a) after passage through the moisture adsorption unit 16, air (l-4a) after passage through the second heat exchanger 11 b, air (1-1 b) before passage through the third heat exchanger lic, and air (1-2b) after the passage through the third heat exchanger llc, in the first operation mode.
Reference numerals (2-la) to (2-4a), (2-lb), and (2-2b) in Fig. 6(b) represent: air (2-la) before passage through the first heat exchanger lla, air (2- 2a) after the passage through the first heat exchanger 11 a, air (2-3a) after passage through the moisture adsorption unit 16, air (2-4a) after passage through the second heat exchanger 11 b, air (2-1 b) before passage through the third heat exchanger 11 c, and air (2-2b) after the passage through the third heat exchanger llc, in second operation mode.
[0055] Fig. 6 (a) shows an example in which the moisture retention amount of the moisture adsorption unit 16 is small and adsorption occurs with respect to high-humidity air (e.g., a relative humidity of 70% or more). Fig. 6 (b) shows an example in which the moisture retention amount of the moisture adsorption unit 16 is large and desorption occurs with respect to low-humidity air (e.g., a relative humidity of 60% or less).
[0056] (Psychrometric Chart in First Operation Mode: Dehumidification Unit 100) In the dehumidification unit 100 in the first operation mode, air (1-la) taken into the first air passage 50 through the air inlet is sent to the first heat exchanger ila.
Here, air taken into the first air passage 50 is cooled by the first heat exchanger ila serving as an evaporator In a case where air that has passed through the first heat exchanger lla is cooled to a dewpoint temperature or lower, the air becomes dehumidified air (l-2a), whose moisture is dehumidified, and is sent to the moisture adsorption unit 16.
Since the relative humidity of the dehumidified and cooled air is as high as about 70 to 90%RH, the adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 easily adsorbs moisture. The adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 adsorbs and dehumidifies moisture of the cooled air so that the temperature of the air increases and the humidity decreases, and the resulting air flows into the second heat exchanger llb (1-3a).
Since the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as a condensor, air passing through the second heat exchanger llb is heated and the temperature thereof increases (1-4a).
The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 11 b is released to air-conditioned space through the air outlet.
[0057] (Psychrometric Chart in First Operation Mode: Heat Radiation Unit 200) In the heat radiation unit 200 in the first operation mode, air (1-1 b) taken into the second air passage 51 through the air inlet is sent to the third heat exchanger lic.
Here, since the third heat exchanger 110 serves as a condensor, the temperature of air passing through the third heat exchanger lic increases (1-2b).
The air that has passed through the third heat exchanger lic is released through an air outlet of the heat radiation unit 200.
[0058] (Psychrometric Chart in Second Operation Mode: Dehumidification Unit 100) In the dehumidification unit 100 in the second operation mode, air (2-1 a) taken into the second air passage 51 through the air inlet is sent to the first heat exchanger ha.
Here, air taken into the second air passage 51 is heated by the first heat exchanger ha serving as a condensor, and the temperature of air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 a increases (2-2a), and the resulting air is sent to the moisture adsorption unit 16.
Since the relative humidity of the heated air is lower than that of intake air, the adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 easily desorbs moisture. The adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 desorbs and humidifies moisture of the heated air so that the temperature of the air decreases and the humidity increases, and the resulting air flows into the second heat exchanger 11 b (2-3a).
Since the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as an evaporator, the air passing through the second heat exchanger lib is cooled. The cooled air passing through the second heat exchanger 11 b is cooled to a dewpoint temperature or lower, and thus, becomes dehumidified air (2-4a).
The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 11 b is released to the air-conditioned space through the air outlet.
[0059] (Psychrometric Chart in Second Operation Mode: Heat Radiation Unit 200) In the heat radiation unit 200 in the second operation mode, air (2-1 b) taken into the second air passage 51 through the air inlet is sent to the third heat exchanger lic.
Since the third heat exchanger lic serves as a condensor, the temperature of air passing through the third heat exchanger lic increases (2-2b).
The air that has passed through the third heat exchanger lic is released through the air outlet of the heat radiation unit 200.
[0060] [Advantages of Dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 2] The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 2 has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1.
Typically, in space that requires cooling and dehumidification (e.g., grain warehouses), a reheat dehumidifier and a cooler are disposed to perform dehumidification while reducing a temperature rise in the dehumidified space.
The presence of the two devices, the reheat dehumidifier and the cooler, reduces energy saving performance.
On the other hand, in the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 2, heat of condensation is released to the outside of the dehumidified space. Thus, the temperature rise in the dehumidified space can be reduced or the dehumidified space can be cooled so that degradation of energy saving performance can be reduced.
[0061] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 2, the rotation speed of the second air supply unit 12b is controlled such that the velocity of air flowing in the heat radiation unit 200 is adjusted. Thus, the dehumidification amount of the dehumidification unit 100 can be controlled, and thus, the dehumidification amount in accordance with an object can be easily achieved.
The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 2 may be modified in a manner explained as Variation of Embodiment 1.
[0062] Embodiment 3 Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier 300 according to Embodiment 3. Fig. 8 is a mollier chart showing variations of a refrigerant pressure and an enthalpy of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 3.
In Embodiment 3, aspects different from those of Embodiments 1 and 2 will be mainly described, and description of components described in Embodiments 1 and 2 is not repeated.
[0063] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 3, a second expansion unit 14a is additionally disposed between the third heat exchanger 11 c and the four-way valve 15 of Embodiments 1 and 2.
The expansion unit 14 between the second heat exchanger lib and the first heat exchanger ha of Embodiments 1 and 2 will be referred to as a first expansion unit 14b in Embodiment 3.
[0064] (Flow of Refrigerant in First Operation Mode) Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a flow of refrigerant in a first operation mode will be described.
Refrigerant discharged from a compressor 13 flows toward a third heat exchanger lic. At this time, the third heat exchanger hic serves as a condensor, and a part of the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air After having passed through the third heat exchanger lic, the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced in a second expansion unit 14a and flows into a second heat exchanger 11 b through a four-way valve 15. The second heat exchanger 11 b serves as a condensor, and the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air and flows into the first expansion unit 1 4b. After the pressure of the refrigerant has been reduced in the first expansion unit 14b, the resulting refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 11 a. The first heat exchanger 11 a serves as an evaporator. After having evaporated through heat exchange with air, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 13 again through the four-way valve 15.
[0065] (Flow of Refrigerant in Second Operation Mode) Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a flow of refrigerant in a second operation mode will be described.
Refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13 flows into the third heat exchanger lic. At this time, the third heat exchanger lic serves as condensor, and a part of the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air After the refrigerant has passed through the third heat exchanger 11 c, the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced in the second expansion unit 14a, and the resulting refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 11 a through the four-way valve 15. The first heat exchanger 11 a serves as a condensor, and the refrigerant is condensed and liquefied while exchanging heat with air, and flows into the first expansion unit 14b. The refrigerant whose pressure has been reduced in the first expansion unit 1 4b flows into the second heat exchanger 11 b.
The second heat exchanger 11 b serves as an evaporator. After having evaporated through heat exchange with air, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 13 again through the four-way valve 15.
[0066] [Advantages of Dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 3] The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 3 has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1.
The amount of heat of condensation of the third heat exchanger 11 c can be controlled by adjusting the valve opening degree of the second expansion unit 14a, and the operating state can be made in accordance with the temperature and humidity of intake air without a change in the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger 11.
[0067] For example] the valve opening degree of the second expansion unit 14a is reduced for low-humidity air whose humidity is lower than a first value (e.g., temperature: 26 degrees C, humidity: 40%). Accordingly, the condensing pressure of the third heat exchanger lic increases in the second operation mode so that the amount of heat of condensation increases, and the amount of the heat of condensation of the first heat exchanger 11 a is reduced so that excessive heating of airflowing in the moisture adsorption unit 16 can be avoided.
On the other hand, the valve opening degree of the second expansion unit 14a is increased for high-humidity air whose humidity is lower than a second value (e.g., temperature: 26 degrees C, humidity: 80%). Accordingly, the condensing pressure of the third heat exchanger 11 c is reduced in the second operation mode so that the amount of the heat of condensation is reduced, and the amount of the heat of condensation of the first heat exchanger 11 a increases, and the relative humidity of air flowing into the moisture adsorption unit 16 is reduced so that the amount of moisture desorption increases.
In the above example, (1) the second value is larger than the first value, (2) the first value is larger than 40 and smaller than 80, and (3) the second value is smaller than 80 and larger than 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, these values may be changed depending on, for example, the temperature of the dehumidified space.
[0068] Embodiment 4 Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a dehumidifier 300 according to Embodiment 4. In Embodiment 4, aspects different from those of Embodiments 1 through 3 will be mainly described, and description of components described in Embodiments 1 through 3 is not repeated.
[0069] In Embodiment 4, a first heat exchanger ha and a second heat exchanger 11 b are connected to in parallel. Unlike Embodiments 1 through 3, the four-way valve 15 is removed. In addition, a downstream side of a third heat exchanger 11 c is connected to upstream sides of the first heat exchanger 11 a and the second heat exchanger lib. Instead of the expansion unit 14 of Embodiments 1 and 2 and the second expansion unit 14a and the first expansion unit 14b of Embodiment 3, a third expansion unit 14c and a fourth expansion unit 14d are provided.
[0070] In the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 4, refrigerant flows in a compressor 13, a third heat exchanger lic, the third expansion unit 14c, and the first heat exchanger ha in this order in a first operation mode. In the first operation mode, the fourth expansion unit 14d is fully closed.
In a second operation mode, refrigerant flows in the compressor 13, the third heat exchanger 11 c, the fourth expansion unit 1 4d, and the second heat exchanger hib in this order. In the second operation mode, the third expansion unit 1 4c is fully closed.
[0071] [Psychrometric Chart] Fig. 10 shows psychrometric charts showing changes of the temperature and humidity in modes of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 4. Fig. 10 (a) is a psychrometric chart in the first operation mode, and Fig. 10 (b) is a psychrometric chart in the second operation mode.
Reference numerals (1-ic) to (1-Sc) in Fig. 10(a) represent: air (1-ic) before passage through the first heat exchanger ii a, air (1 -2c) after the passage through the first heat exchanger ii a, air (1 -3c) after passage through a moisture adsorption unit 16, air (i-4c) after passage through the second heat exchanger i 0 ii b, and air (i -5c) after passage through the third heat exchanger ii c, in the first operation mode.
Reference numerals (2-i c) to (2-Sc) in Fig. 10(b) represent: air (2-ic) before passage through the first heat exchanger 11 a, air (2-2c) after the passage through the first heat exchanger 11 a, air (2-Sc) after passage through the moisture adsorption unit 16, air (2-4c) after passage through the second heat exchanger iib, and air (2-Sc) after passage through the third heat exchanger iic, in second operation mode.
Referring to Fig. 10, the states of air in the first operation mode and the second operation mode will be described.
[0072] Fig. 10 (a) shows an example in which the moisture retention amount of the moisture adsorption unit 16 is small and adsorption occurs with respect to high-humidity air (e.g., a relative humidity of 70% or more). Fig. 10 (b) shows an example in which the moisture retention amount of the moisture adsorption unit 16 is large and desorption occurs with respect to low-humidity air (e.g., a relative humidity of 60% or less).
[0073] (Psychrometric Chart in First Operation Mode) In the first operation mode, air (1-ic) taken into the air passage through an air inlet is sent to the first heat exchanger ii a.
Here, air taken into the air passage is cooled by the first heat exchanger ha serving as an evaporator. In a case where air that has passed through the first heat exchanger ha is cooled to a dewpoint temperature or lower, the air becomes dehumidified air (i-2c), whose moisture is dehumidified, and is sent to the moisture adsorption unit 16.
Since the relative humidity of the dehumidified air is as high as about 70 to 90%RH, the adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 easily adsorbs moisture. The adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 adsorbs and dehumidifies moisture of the cooled air so that the temperature of the air increases and the humidity decreases, and the resulting air flows into the second heat exchanger lib (1-Sc).
Since the fourth expansion unit 14d is fully closed, the second heat exchanger lib does not serve as a heat exchanger, and changes in temperature and humidity do not occur (i-4c). The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger hi b flows into the third heat exchanger ii c (1 -4c).
Since the third heat exchanger lic serves as a condensor, the temperature of air passing through the third heat exchanger iic increases, and the resulting air is released to the dehumidified space through an air outlet (1 -Sc).
[0074] (Psychrometric Chart in Second Operation Mode) In the second operation mode, air (2-ic) taken into the air passage through the air inlet is sent to the first heat exchanger 11 a.
Here, since the third expansion unit 1 4c is fully closed, the first heat exchanger ha does not serve as a heat exchanger, and changes in temperature and humidity do not occur (2-2c), and the air is sent to the moisture adsorption unit 16. The adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 easily desorbs moisture in accordance with the relative humidity of inflow air. The adsorbent of the moisture adsorption unit 16 desorbs and humidifies moisture of the inflow air so that the temperature of the air decreases and the humidity increases, and the resulting air flows into the second heat exchanger lib (2-3c).
Since the second heat exchanger 11 b serves as an evaporator, air passing through the second heat exchanger lib is cooled. When the cooled air is cooled to a dewpoint temperature or lower, the resulting air becomes dehumidified air (2-4c), whose moisture is dehumidified.
Since the third heat exchanger lic serves as a condensor, the temperature of air passing through the third heat exchanger lic increases, and the resulting air is released to the dehumidified space through an air outlet (2-5c).
[0075] [Dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 4] The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 4 has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 1.
The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 4 can reduce excessive heating of air flowing into the moisture adsorption unit 16 in the second operation mode for low-humidity air (e.g., temperature: 26 degrees C, humidity: 30%).
In addition, it is possible to reduce a switching loss in mode switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode (e.g., thermal capacity of a heat exchanger in switching from a condensor to an evaporator), thereby increasing the amount of dehumidification.
[0076] The dehumidifier 300 of Embodiment 4 may be modified in a manner explained as Variation of Embodiment 1.
Reference Signs List [0077] la to if temperature and humidity sensor, 2 wind speed sensor, 3a to 3h temperature sensor, 4 control circuit, ii heat exchanger, ha first heat exchanger, ii b second heat exchanger, ii c third heat exchanger, 12 air supply unit, 12a first air supply unit, i2b second air supply unit, 13 compressor, 14 expansion unit, i4a second expansion unit, i4b first expansion unit, i4c third expansion unit, i4d fourth expansion unit, 15 four-way valve, i6 moisture adsorption unit, 50 first air passage, 51 second air passage, 100 dehumidification unit, 200 heat radiation unit, 300 dehumidifier, A refrigerant circuit
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CN104955548B (en) 2017-07-18
DE112013006529B4 (en) 2017-12-14
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GB2525112B (en) 2021-02-24
TW201430294A (en) 2014-08-01
TWI528001B (en) 2016-04-01

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