JP2006200819A - Cooling mat for auxiliary cooling device, and auxiliary cooling device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cooling mat used in an auxiliary cooling air cooling device for cooling the air sucked to a heat radiating portion of a heat exchanging device, formed by twisting fiber, and having self-cleaning effect to remove dust or bacteria and mold even when they are attached thereto, and to provide the auxiliary cooling device using the same. <P>SOLUTION: The fiber composing the cooling mat 21 is coated with a treatment agent of at least one of antibacterial agent and antifouling agent. When the coating treatment is performed by using the antibacterial agent, propagation of bacteria and mold spores on the cooling mat can be prevented even when the bacteria and mold spores are attached to the cleaning mat as they are sterilized/destroyed. Further when the coating treatment is performed by using the antifouling agent, the dirt is easily separated even when the dust is attached to the cooling mat, and the accumulation of dust can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooling mat for a cooling air auxiliary cooling device that cools the suction air for cooling the condenser when the temperature is high in a condenser that is a heat exchanging means used for an air conditioner / refrigerator / refrigerator, etc. The present invention relates to an auxiliary cooling device using the same.

  Conventionally, a condenser used in a refrigeration cycle such as an air conditioner / refrigerator / refrigerator has a high temperature due to heat generated when the refrigerant is liquefied, and thus needs to be cooled. The air-cooling method in which the condenser is cooled with air is inexpensive because it has a simple apparatus structure, but there is a problem that the cooling efficiency in the interior and the room is lowered at high temperatures in summer. Therefore, many proposals have been made to use an auxiliary cooling device for an air-cooled condenser, and a typical example of such an auxiliary cooling device is known in which water is directly sprayed on a heat radiation fin to improve cooling efficiency.

  Sprinkling type auxiliary cooling device is one or more spray nozzles that spray fine granular or mist water almost uniformly on the heat radiation fins of the condenser of the air conditioner outdoor unit, and the control for operating and stopping the nozzles For example, when the outside air temperature reaches a high temperature of about 35 ° C. when the compressor is in operation, excessive drain water does not come out from each spray nozzle portion with respect to the heat-radiating fin that has been heated. The amount of water is adjusted and water is sprayed, and the heat dissipating fins provided in the refrigerant pipe are cooled by the latent heat of evaporation of the sprayed water. This type of auxiliary cooling device is operated as a conventional air cooling device at times other than summer, and scales and scales adhere to the surface of the radiating fins while the operation is continued for a long period of time. Reduction in exchange efficiency and corrosion of heat radiating fins occur.

  As an example of an auxiliary cooling device used for an air-cooled condenser, the present applicant has already arranged a cooling mat in the vicinity of the heat dissipating fins of the condenser, and caused cooling water to flow down to the cooling mat so that the intake air of the condenser is reduced. A method of cooling is proposed (see Patent Document 1). In this type of auxiliary cooling device, the cooling water is not blown directly onto the radiator fins of the condenser, but the condenser is indirectly cooled by the cooling water using the cooling water to cool the radiator fins. Does not cause corrosion or scale adhesion due to cooling water of the fins. Further, since this auxiliary cooling device can be added to a conventional condenser, it can be attached to an existing unit, and can be easily attached / detached and cleaned. Moreover, since the cooling mat can also utilize a waste material, it has the advantage that it also becomes effective use of resources.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional fixing method for fixing the auxiliary cooling device to the outdoor unit, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional refrigeration cycle. In the refrigeration cycle, the compressor 11, the condenser 2, the dryer 14, the expansion valve 13, and the evaporator 12 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 7 so as to constitute the refrigeration cycle 10. An auxiliary cooling device 20 is provided in the vicinity of a condenser constituting a conventionally known refrigeration cycle (not shown), that is, at a position away from the cooling fan 3 attached to the condenser 2 by a certain distance. The auxiliary cooling device 20 includes a mat-like cooling mat 21, a water storage tank 25 that stores cooling water, and a water supply unit 30 that supplies cooling water to a water supply pipe 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the auxiliary cooling device 20 has, on the upper side, a water sprinkler 22 that causes the cooling water supplied from the water supply unit 30 to flow down to the cooling mat 21, and a drainage trough 23 that collects the water flowing down the cooling mat 21. I have. The water supply device 30 includes, for example, a water supply pipe 31 that communicates with the water pipe, an electromagnetic valve 32 that is interposed in the water supply pipe 31 and serves as an on-off valve for shutting off or passing the tap water, and a thermostat that controls opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 32 33, and a sensor 34 for measuring the temperature of the air flowing into the auxiliary cooling device 20 in order to operate the thermostat 33.

  The cooling mat 21 is installed in order to prevent the cooling water from splashing as it falls and flowing along with the air sucked by the cooling fan 3, and as a property of the material of the cooling mat 21 It is preferable that the air resistance is low when it passes through the air and heat exchange with the falling cooling water is smooth and durable. As the mat through which air easily passes, it is preferable to use, for example, a non-woven fibrous body, for example, a material obtained by recycling waste plastic into a fibrous form from the viewpoint of effective use of resources. The shape of the cooling mat 21 is preferably a shape that substantially covers the air suction surface of the condenser 2, and the thickness may be about several centimeters depending on the material and shape. In addition, the cooling mat 21 can be easily installed by selecting a stretchable material. And this cooling mat 21 is attached to the condenser 2 by the support part 27 (refer FIG. 4).

  The cooling water cools down the air passing toward the condenser 2 while flowing down the cooling mat 21 in a comb shape from the water sprinkler 22. The cooling water that has cooled the air sucked into the condenser 2 is collected in the drainage basin 23. The water sprinkler 22 sprays the cooling water supplied from the water supply pipe 31 of the water supply device 30 evenly on the upper portion of the cooling mat 21, and a plurality of water sprinkling holes are drilled at the bottom thereof. The cooling water is formed to drop substantially uniformly from the holes. The drainage basin 23 is a basin for receiving cooling water dripping from the lower portion of the cooling mat 21.

  With this configuration, when the sensor 34 senses that the temperature of the inflowing air is equal to or higher than the set value, the thermostat 33 operates to open and close the electromagnetic valve 32. When the electromagnetic valve 32 is opened, tap water is supplied from the water supply pipe 31 to the cooling mat 21 through a watering nozzle (not shown). Moreover, as a drainage means, it drains to the water storage tank 25 through the drain pipe 28 (refer FIG. 5) connected to the one end part of the drainage basin 23, or drains directly to the ground. The cooling water circulates while cooling the air flowing into the condenser 2 in this way.

  The refrigeration cycle 10 is described as having one condenser 2, but the two condensers are arranged mirror-symmetrically, and the auxiliary cooling devices 20 and 20a are also provided on the air inflow side of each condenser. It can also be symmetric. Moreover, the combination of the condenser 2 and the auxiliary cooling device 20 may be one set, and a plurality of sets may be arranged in parallel. Moreover, in the above embodiment, although the water sprinkler 22 as a watering means has been arrange | positioned above the cooling mat 21, the whole structure can be simplified by arrange | positioning a watering pipe in the cooling mat 21. FIG. . Furthermore, as long as the cooling mat 21 is a material in which cooling water is transferred to the outside of the fibrous material, the cooling mat 21 may employ other forms such as a synthetic resin body having open cells.

  As the cooling water, drain water generated in the evaporator 12 may be used instead of tap water. That is, drain water is supplied from the drain pan to the water storage tank by a pump. The cooling water in the water storage tank 25 is supplied again to the water supply pipe 31 by the water supply device 30 through the circulation water distribution pipe by the pump, and after flowing into the water storage tank 25 through the water sprinkler 22 after being used for cooling. The water sprinkler 22 and the drain spit 23 may be a sprinkler pipe and a drain pipe, respectively. Hygiene / environmental improvement can be achieved by putting Legionella sanitizer in the water tank 25. The sterilizing agent can be maintained in a favorable environmental condition by exchanging about once a month. The water temperature of the water storage tank 25 is constantly monitored by a sensor (not shown), and when the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature, the cooling water in the water storage tank 25 is drained, and at the same time, for example, tap water is newly supplied to the water storage tank 25. You may do it. Further, the cooling water in the water storage tank 25 may be forcibly drained once / day in order to maintain the environmental condition.

  In this way, in an indirect auxiliary cooling device using a cooling mat, the cooling mat is arranged at a certain distance from the radiation fins, so that the influence of cooling water on the radiation fins (corrosion, scale adhesion, etc.) is reduced. It is possible to reliably shut off, and a water spraying means is provided at the upper part of the cooling mat, a drainage means is provided at the lower part of the cooling mat, and a circulation for circulating the cooling water between the water draining means and the watering means. By providing the service pipe, it is possible to smoothly supply and drain the cooling mat and to effectively use the cooling water.

  The auxiliary cooling device 20 can improve the cooling capacity of the condenser 2 that is a cooling target, and since it is indirect cooling, it is excellent in that it does not cause corrosion or scale adhesion due to cooling water of the radiation fins. It has an effect and can be added to a conventional condenser, can be attached to an existing unit, and can be easily attached / detached and cleaned. Furthermore, since the cooling mat can use the waste material, it has an excellent effect that it can effectively use resources.

However, in heat exchange means used for air conditioning, refrigeration, refrigeration equipment, etc., when the outside air temperature is high in summer, etc., the cooling water is supplied and is always wet with water, and the auxiliary cooling equipment When applied to an outdoor unit, it will be exposed to wind and rain, so it is often wet with water regardless of the season. Molding may occur on the cooling mat in a hot and humid environment. In addition, when exposed to the outside air, dust may adhere to and accumulate on the cooling mat. Such heat exchange devices are often used in large-scale stores and buildings, and are installed near spaces where many people come and go. For this reason, if dust adheres to the cooling mat or mold occurs, dust or mold spores may be mixed in the cooling air sucked into the heat radiating section and scattered through the heat radiating fan, It is necessary to take measures for hygiene management.
JP 2004-3806 (paragraphs [0014] to [0023], FIGS. 1 to 3)

  The object of the present invention is to provide an antibacterial action or a self-cleaning action on the cooling mat in the above cooling mat and the auxiliary cooling device using the same, so that even if dust, bacteria, or mold adheres to the cooling mat. Sterilized, disassembled, or washed away to maintain a clean condition at all times, and even if the cooling air passes through the cooling mat, it has excellent hygiene management so that the cooling air does not contain dust, fungi or mold spores It is to provide a cooling mat and an auxiliary cooling device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device according to the present invention is used in an auxiliary cooling device for cooling air that cools intake air sucked into a heat radiating portion of a heat exchange device, and is entangled in fibers formed by entanglement. In the cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device in which cooling water flows down, the fiber is coated with at least one treatment agent of antibacterial agent and antifouling agent.

  According to this cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device, the entangled fiber is coated with at least one of an antibacterial agent and an antifouling agent, so that when the antibacterial agent is coated, the cooling mat Even if bacteria or mold spores adhere to the surface, they are sterilized and destroyed, so that propagation on the cooling mat can be prevented. In addition, when the antifouling agent is coated, even if dust adheres to the cooling mat, the dirt is easily peeled off to prevent accumulation. Either one or both of the antibacterial agent and antifouling agent treatment agent can be applied depending on the use environment, and if both the antibacterial agent and antifouling agent are coated at the same time, both actions can be expected. it can.

  In the cooling mat for the auxiliary cooling device, the antibacterial agent can be a substance containing a metal that releases bactericidal ions such as silver and copper. Examples of metals that release bactericidal ions are silver and copper, which are relatively inexpensive.

  In the cooling mat for the auxiliary cooling device, the antifouling agent can be a photocatalytic substance such as titanium oxide. Titanium oxide receives light and exhibits a catalytic action, and has an action of decomposing dirt such as organic matter. For this reason, bacteria and fungi are also sterilized and decomposed. Titanium oxide is hydrophilic and has the action of washing away dirt by wetting the surface and keeping the coating surface clean. Moreover, in order to improve the wettability of the surface, there also exists an effect | action which improves the cooling efficiency of an auxiliary | assistant cooling device.

  In this cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device, the coated cooling mat can be obtained by applying, spraying, or dipping a liquid coating agent obtained by adding a binder to an antibacterial agent or an antifouling agent. That is, such a coating agent can be applied to the cooling mat with a brush. Moreover, it can also spray by spraying a coating agent with a spray. Furthermore, the cooling mat which gave such a coating can also be obtained by storing a coating agent in a liquid tank and immersing a cooling mat in a liquid coating agent.

  The auxiliary cooling device for cooling air that cools the intake air sucked into the heat radiating portion of the heat exchange device includes the cooling mat for the auxiliary cooling device, the frame frame that supports the cooling mat, and cooling water from above the cooling mat. A water sprinkler for sprinkling water and a drain spear for receiving cooling water falling from the cooling mat can be provided and arranged near the heat dissipating part. By supporting the cooling mat for the auxiliary cooling device with a frame frame, air can pass through the portion of the cooling mat other than the frame, and the auxiliary cooling device is disposed in the vicinity of the heat radiating portion of the heat exchange device. The cooling efficiency of the heat radiating portion can be improved by cooling the intake air through which the water supplied from the water sprinkler and flowing down to the drainage trough passes. The cooling mat of the auxiliary cooling device has a self-cleaning action by coating treatment against bacteria, mold and dirt, and when the auxiliary cooling device is attached to an outdoor unit etc., it is removed from the outdoor unit for special care, cleaning, There is no need to perform maintenance, and such hygiene management can be maintained at a low cost over a long period of time even if it is attached to an outdoor unit or the like.

  Since the cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device and the auxiliary cooling device using the same according to the present invention are configured as described above, dust or bacteria or mold adheres to the cooling mat due to the self-cleaning action provided in the cooling mat. However, they must be sterilized, disassembled, or washed away so that the cooling mat is always kept clean, and even if the cooling air passes through the cooling mat, the cooling air must contain dust or fungi and mold spores. A cooling mat excellent in hygiene management and an auxiliary cooling device can be obtained.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the shape of the auxiliary cooling device 20 for cooling air according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the main part thereof, and FIG. 3 is a top view with the lid of the water sprinkler removed. is there. The air-conditioning / cooling / refrigeration apparatus and the outdoor unit to which the auxiliary cooling apparatus of the present invention is applied can have the structure described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 and constitute a refrigeration cycle (not shown). In the outdoor unit in which the condenser is accommodated, the auxiliary cooling device 20 is provided in the vicinity of the condenser, that is, at a position away from the cooling fan 3 attached to the condenser by a certain distance. Here, further re-explanation is omitted.

  1 to 3, the auxiliary cooling device 20 includes, as described with reference to FIG. 4, a mat-like cooling mat 21 and a water sprinkler 22 for spraying cooling water onto the cooling mat 21 from above. A drainage basin 23 for receiving cooling water falling from the cooling mat 21 is provided. The cooling water from the drainage basin 23 may be discharged to the ground as it is, or may be stored in the water storage tank 25 and returned to the water supply pipe side by a pump. The water sprinkler 22 is configured as, for example, a frame having openings at the top and bottom, and the upper opening is covered with a water sprinkle cover 22L. The left and right wall members of the water sprinkler 22 are connected by a beam 22C. The upper portion of the cooling mat 21 is held in the lower opening of the water sprinkler 22 and the lower portion of the cooling mat 21 is held in the upper opening of the drainage tub 23. A drainage hole 23B is provided on the bottom surface of the drainage basin 23, and the cooling water from the cleaning mat 21 is discharged to the drainage pipe 23A.

  Inside the water sprinkle 22, a water supply pipe 40 having a water supply port 41 at one end and a blind plug 42 at the other end is disposed horizontally and parallel to the wall materials on both sides constituting the water supply 22. The water supply pipe 40 is provided with a plurality of cooling water outflow holes 43 through which the cooling water flows out as appropriate. The cooling water outflow hole 43 opens toward the inner wall surface 22 </ b> W of one wall member of the water sprinkler 22. The cooling water supplied to the water supply pipe 40 flows out in a substantially horizontal direction from the cooling water outflow hole 43 toward the inner wall surface 22W, hits the inner wall surface 22W, and is dispersed vertically and horizontally to form minute water droplets. Is poured from the opening 22K to the upper end of the cooling mat 21. By providing the water supply pipe 40 close to the inner wall surface 22 </ b> W on the cooling air inflow side that passes through the cooling mat, the cooling water flows down toward the cooling air inflow side of the cooling mat 21. Therefore, the cooling air passing through the cooling mat 21 is efficiently cooled by the heat of vaporization, so that a large amount of cooling water is not held on the cooling air suction side of the cooling mat 21, and water droplets of cooling water are generated in the condenser 2. It is possible to prevent scattering.

  The cooling mat 21 is installed in order to prevent the cooling water from splashing as it falls and flowing along with the air sucked by the cooling fan 3, and the properties of the material of the cooling mat 21 are as follows. It is preferable that the air resistance is low and the heat exchange with the falling cooling water is smooth and durable. For example, a non-woven fibrous body is preferable as the mat that allows air to easily pass therethrough. In addition, the cooling mat 21 is preferably used after being entangled with a reprocessed waste plastic that has been reprocessed into a fiber shape from the viewpoint of effective use of resources.

  The shape of the cooling mat 21 is desirably a shape that substantially covers the air suction surface of the condenser 2, and the thickness may be about several centimeters depending on the material and shape. Moreover, since the cooling mat 21 is manufactured by entwining fibers, the cooling mat 21 can be expanded and contracted as a whole and can be easily installed. The cooling mat 21 is attached to the condenser 2 by a support portion 27.

  As long as the cooling mat 21 is a material in which cooling water is transferred to the outside of the fibrous material, the cooling mat 21 may adopt another form such as a synthetic resin body having open cells. The cooling mat 21 using the fibrous material wets the surface of the fiber with the cooling water and holds the cooling water between the entangled fibers, so that the area where the cooling air contacts the cooling water is increased and the cooling effect is increased. Can be increased.

  The fibers forming the cooling mat 21 are coated with at least one of an antibacterial agent and an antifouling agent. The antibacterial agent may be a substance containing a metal that releases bactericidal ions. Examples of metals that release bactericidal ions are silver and copper, which are relatively inexpensive. When the antibacterial agent is coated, even if bacteria or mold spores adhere to the cooling mat 21, they are sterilized and destroyed, so that reproduction on the cooling mat 21 can be prevented.

When the antifouling agent is coated on the fibers forming the cooling mat 21, even if dust adheres to the cooling mat 21, the dirt is easily peeled off to prevent accumulation. By coating a metal oxide having a catalytic action, such as titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), as an antifouling agent, hydrophilicity can be improved and water retention can be increased. When the metal oxide is titanium oxide, it is a photocatalytic substance that exhibits a catalytic action when exposed to light, so that dirt such as organic matter adhering to the cooling mat 21 can be decomposed, and bacteria and fungi Also has the effect of sterilizing and decomposing. Titanium oxide has hydrophilicity and has the effect of washing away dirt by wetness of the surface and keeping the coating surface clean, so that the cleaning interval of the cooling mat 21 can be extended.

  Either one or both of the antibacterial agent and antifouling agent treatment agent can be applied depending on the use environment, and if both the antibacterial agent and antifouling agent are coated at the same time, both actions can be expected. it can.

  Treatment agents such as antibacterial agents and antifouling agents may be coated in the form of fibers, but from the viewpoint of low cost and mass treatment, it is preferable to perform coating treatment after forming into a mat shape. That is, the coating of the treating agent is made by preparing a liquid coating agent in which the cooling mat 21 is added with an antibacterial agent or an antifouling agent, and applying such a liquid coating agent with a brush, spraying with a spray, or applying a liquid coating agent. It can be carried out by storing in a liquid tank and immersing in it.

  The auxiliary cooling device 20 for cooling air includes the cooling mat 21 for the auxiliary cooling device, the frame frame that supports the cooling mat 21, the water sprinkler 22 that sprinkles cooling water from above the cooling mat 21, and the cooling that falls from the cooling mat. It is provided with a drainage basin 23 that receives water, and can be arranged and applied in the vicinity of the heat radiating portion. By supporting the cooling mat 21 for the auxiliary cooling device with a frame frame, air can pass through the portion of the cooling mat other than the frame, and the auxiliary cooling device 20 is disposed in the vicinity of the heat radiating portion in the heat exchange device. In this way, it is possible to cool the intake air through which the water flowing down through the fibers passes and improve the cooling efficiency of the heat radiating section. The cooling mat 21 of the auxiliary cooling device has a self-cleaning action by a coating process against bacteria, mold and dirt, and when the auxiliary cooling device 20 is attached to the outdoor unit or the like, it is removed from the outdoor unit, and special care is taken. There is no need to perform cleaning and maintenance, and such hygiene management can be maintained at a low cost for a long period of time even when attached to an outdoor unit or the like.

Sectional drawing explaining the structure of the auxiliary cooling device of the cooling air which concerns on this invention. Sectional drawing explaining the structure of the principal part of the auxiliary cooling device of the cooling air shown in FIG. The top view explaining the structure of the principal part of the auxiliary cooling device of the cooling air shown in FIG. The schematic perspective view which shows an example of the outdoor unit incorporating the auxiliary | assistant cooling device of cooling air. The figure explaining the refrigerating cycle incorporating the auxiliary cooling device of cooling air.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Condenser 3 ... Cooling fan 7 ... Refrigerant pipe 10 ... Refrigeration cycle 11 ... Compressor 12 ... Evaporator 13 ... Expansion valve 14 ... Dryer 20, 20a ... Auxiliary cooling device 21 ... Cooling mat 22 ... Sprinkler 22C ... Beam 22K ... Sprinkling trough opening 22L ... Sprinkling trough lid 22W ... Sprinkling trough inner wall surface 23 ... Drainage trough 23A ... Drainage pipe 23B ... Drainage hole 24 ... Circulation pipe 25 ... Reservoir 26 ... Pump 27 ... Supporting part 30 ... Water supply device 31 ... Water supply pipe 32 ... Solenoid valve 33 ... Thermostat 34 ... Sensor 40 ... Water supply pipe 41 ... Water supply port 42 ... Blind plug 43 ... Cooling water outflow hole

Claims (5)

  A cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device that is used in an auxiliary cooling device for cooling air that cools intake air sucked into a heat radiating portion of a heat exchange device, and in which cooling water flows down to the entangled fiber, an antibacterial agent for the fiber And a cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device, which is coated with at least one treatment agent of an antifouling agent.   The cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the antibacterial agent is a substance containing a metal that releases bactericidal ions such as silver and copper.   The cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the antifouling agent is a photocatalytic substance such as titanium oxide.   The auxiliary coating according to claim 1, wherein the coating is applied by applying, spraying, or dipping the cooling mat with a liquid coating agent obtained by adding a binder to the antibacterial agent or the antifouling agent. Cooling mat for cooling device.   The cooling mat for an auxiliary cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a frame frame for supporting the cooling mat, a sprinkler for spraying cooling water from above to the cooling mat, and dropping from the cooling mat. An auxiliary cooling device comprising a drainage basin for receiving cooling water and disposed in the vicinity of the heat radiating portion.

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