JP2009109149A - Humidity conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidity conditioner quickly stabilized in opening control of an expansion valve. <P>SOLUTION: This humidity conditioner (10) alternately performs first batch operation, in which a second adsorption heat exchanger (52) adsorbs moisture from air and a first adsorption heat exchanger (51) discharges moisture into air, and a second batch operation, in which the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) adsorbs moisture form air and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) discharges moisture into air, so as to supply humidity-conditioned air into a room. In the first batch operation after starting a compressor (53), feedback control of refrigerant superheating degree is performed. In the second batch operation after starting the compressor, opening of an expansion valve (55) is fixedly controlled by setting opening of the expansion valve (55) in completion of the first batch operation as an initial opening, and after a predetermined time passes, feedback control of refrigerant superheating degree is performed. In the third or following batch operation after starting the compressor, opening of the expansion valve (55) in completion of the last same kind operation is set to an initial opening. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus that supplies outdoor air conditioned by an adsorbing member into a room.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a humidity control device that supplies dehumidified or humidified outdoor air to the room (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The humidity control device according to Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerant circuit to which two adsorption heat exchangers carrying an adsorbent are connected, and allows one of the adsorption heat exchangers to function as an evaporator to allow moisture in the air. The adsorption operation (dehumidification) is performed while the other adsorption heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the regeneration operation (humidification) is performed to release moisture from the adsorbent. Then, by switching the refrigerant circulation direction of the refrigerant circuit, the operations of the two adsorption heat exchangers can be interchanged.

  Specifically, in the dehumidifying operation, the humidity control device dehumidifies the taken outdoor air with one adsorption heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator and supplies the dehumidified outdoor air to the room, and functions as a condenser. A first batch operation is performed in which the other adsorption heat exchanger is humidified and discharged outside the room. Next, the refrigerant circulation direction of the refrigerant circuit and the air flow paths of the outdoor air and the indoor air are switched, and the taken outdoor air is dehumidified by the other adsorption heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator and supplied to the room and taken in. A second batch operation is performed in which indoor air is humidified by one adsorption heat exchanger functioning as a condenser and discharged outside the room. As described above, the humidity control apparatus continuously performs the dehumidifying operation while alternately switching the refrigerant circulation direction and the air flow path.

  On the other hand, in the humidifying operation, the humidity control apparatus humidifies the taken outdoor air with one adsorption heat exchanger that functions as a condenser and supplies the humidified indoor air to the room, and the other function that functions as the evaporator The first batch operation of dehumidifying with an adsorption heat exchanger and discharging it to the outside is performed. Next, the refrigerant circulation direction of the refrigerant circuit and the air flow paths of the outdoor air and the indoor air are switched, and the taken outdoor air is humidified by the other adsorption heat exchanger functioning as a condenser and supplied to the room and taken in. The second batch operation is performed in which the room air is dehumidified by one adsorption heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator and discharged outside the room. As described above, the humidity control apparatus continuously performs the humidification operation while alternately switching the refrigerant circulation direction and the air flow path.

  Thus, in the humidity control apparatus that operates while alternately switching between the first batch operation and the second batch operation, the batch operation is switched before the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit is stabilized. Therefore, the expansion valve control of the air conditioner cannot be applied as it is.

Therefore, in the humidity control apparatus according to Patent Document 1, in each batch operation, the first control is performed to fix the opening of the expansion valve to a predetermined initial opening until a predetermined time elapses after the start of the batch operation. After the predetermined period, the second control is performed to perform feedback control so that the degree of refrigerant superheat of the refrigerant circuit becomes a predetermined value by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve. The initial opening used in the first control is the same type of previous batch operation (if the first batch operation, the previous first batch operation, if the second batch operation, the previous second batch operation is (Applicable)) at the end of the expansion valve. That is, in the humidity control apparatus in which the batch operation is switched before the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit is stabilized, the refrigerant superheat degree greatly changes during each batch operation. Therefore, in order to prevent the opening degree control of the expansion valve from becoming unstable, the opening degree of the expansion valve is fixed at a constant initial opening degree while the refrigerant superheat degree is unstable. Then, the opening degree of the expansion valve is feedback-controlled so that the refrigerant superheating degree becomes the target value only for a predetermined period before the switching of the batch operation in which the refrigerant superheating degree is relatively stable, and the opening degree of the expansion valve is changed to the same type next time. The batch operation is taken over.
JP 2006-329590 A

  However, as described above, in the humidity control apparatus that uses the opening degree of the expansion valve at the end of the previous batch operation of the same type as the initial opening degree, the same batch operation of the previous type exists immediately after the start of the humidity control apparatus. Therefore, the initial opening cannot be set.

  Here, in the batch operation immediately after startup, the first control (fixed control) of the expansion valve opening may be performed using the predicted opening obtained by predicting the behavior of the refrigeration cycle in advance as the initial opening. Conceivable. However, when the predicted opening and the actual optimum opening are greatly deviated, in the configuration in which the feedback control of the refrigerant superheat degree is performed only at the end of each batch operation, the optimum opening from the predicted opening It takes a long time to converge to a proper opening.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and the object of the present invention is to set the opening of the expansion valve at the end of the previous batch operation to the initial opening in each batch operation and to set the opening. In a humidity control apparatus that performs fixed control and performs feedback control of the degree of refrigerant superheating only at the end of each batch operation, the opening control of the expansion valve is stabilized early.

  The first invention includes a compressor (53), first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), an expansion valve (55) whose opening degree is adjustable, and a four-way switching valve (54) for switching the circulation direction of the refrigerant. Is connected to the refrigerant circuit (50), and an opening degree control means (62) for controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve (55). The opening degree control means (62) of the expansion valve (55) The first batch operation in which the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) adsorbs moisture in the air and releases moisture to the air in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) while controlling the opening degree, and the first By switching the four-way switching valve (54) between the second batch operation in which the moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the moisture is released into the air by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). A humidity control device that alternately switches the refrigerant circuit (50) before the refrigerant superheat degree stabilizes during each batch operation and supplies humidity-controlled air to the room It is. Then, at the start of the first batch operation, the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous first batch operation is set to the initial opening, and at the start of the second batch operation, the previous second batch. Initial setting means (63) for setting the initial opening degree of each batch operation so as to set the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) at the end of operation to the initial opening degree, the opening degree control means ( 62), in the first batch operation after starting the compressor (53), the opening of the expansion valve (55) is adjusted from the start to the end of the batch operation to While the feedback control is performed so that the refrigerant superheat degree of the circuit (50) becomes a predetermined value, a predetermined time elapses from the start of each batch operation in the second and subsequent batch operations after the start of the compressor (53). Until the opening of the expansion valve (55) is the initial setting means 63), the first control is fixed to the initial opening set in step 63), and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the opening of the expansion valve (55) is adjusted to adjust the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50). A second control for feedback control to perform a predetermined value is performed, and the initial setting means (63) sets the initial opening to the expansion at the end of the first batch operation when the second batch operation starts. The opening of the valve (55) shall be set.

  In the case of the above configuration, basically, in each batch operation, the first control for fixing the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) to the initial opening degree is performed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the opening degree of the expansion valve (55). Is adjusted to perform second control for feedback control of the degree of refrigerant superheat. At this time, the initial opening in the first control is set to the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous batch operation of the same type.

  Thus, in each batch operation, while the refrigerant superheat degree is unstable, the expansion valve (55) is controlled at a fixed opening, and the refrigerant superheat degree is maintained for a predetermined period before switching the batch operation where the refrigerant superheat degree is relatively stable. By performing this feedback control, it is possible to stabilize the refrigerant superheat degree as much as possible in the batch operation where the refrigerant superheat degree is unstable.

  And if it sees in the whole driving | operation of the humidity control apparatus with which batch operation is repeated, the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) at the time of completion | finish of each batch operation will be set to the initial opening degree of 1st control of the following same batch operation. Thereafter, the opening degree is adjusted to a more optimal degree by the second control. Since this control operation is repeated sequentially, even if the feedback control of the refrigerant superheat degree is performed only for a short period before switching of each batch operation, the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) is eventually increased by repeating the batch operation. It converges to the optimal opening.

  Here, immediately after the start of the humidity controller, there is no previous batch operation of the same type, that is, there is no initial opening to be set in the first control, but in the first batch operation after the compressor (53) is started. Adjusts the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) to feedback control the degree of refrigerant superheat, and in the second batch operation after startup, the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation Is set to the initial opening and the first control is performed. In this way, in the first batch operation after startup, the optimum opening degree according to the actual machine is set as much as possible as the initial opening degree used for the next batch operation while converging the refrigerant superheat degree during the batch operation to the target value. Can be sought. Also, in the second batch operation after startup, there is no batch operation of the same type as before, but the type of batch operation is different, but the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation is the first. By setting the initial opening of the control, it is possible to start the opening control of the expansion valve (55) using an appropriate opening in accordance with the actual machine rather than using the predicted opening previously obtained. . In addition, in this way, by using the opening obtained by feedback control even in an environment where the refrigerant's degree of pyrolysis is unstable as an initial initial opening, the first initial opening is as close to the actual machine as possible. The opening degree of the expansion valve (55) can be stabilized at an early stage when viewed from the whole operation of the humidity control apparatus.

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, when the compressor (53) is started, the opening of the expansion valve (55) is reduced so that liquid refrigerant is not sucked into the compressor (53). It is configured to perform start-up control for controlling the compressor (53) to a predetermined operating state, and when the start-up control is completed, the refrigerant circulation direction of the refrigerant circuit (50) by the four-way switching valve (54). The first batch operation is started after switching.

  In the case of the above configuration, the start control is performed before the first batch operation, and the refrigerant circulation direction is switched when switching from the start control to the first batch operation. In other words, since the start control and the batch operation have different purposes, the operation state is completely different, and further, the refrigerant circulation direction is switched, so that the refrigerant superheat degree greatly changes in the first batch operation. Even when the refrigerant superheat degree is unstable in this way, as described above, the initial opening degree of the second batch operation or the third batch operation is controlled by feedback control of the refrigerant superheat degree in the first batch operation after startup. Is obtained, the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) can be stabilized at an early stage.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the initial setting means (63) terminates each previous batch operation in the third and subsequent batch operations after the start of the compressor (53). It is assumed that when there is no opening of the expansion valve (55) at the time, the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the other batch operation is set to the initial opening.

  In the case of the above configuration, when the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of each previous batch operation does not exist in the initial setting means (63), the initial setting means (63) terminates the other batch operation. Set the opening of the expansion valve (55) to the initial opening.

  According to the present invention, in the first batch operation after starting the compressor (53), the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) is adjusted so that the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes a predetermined value. On the other hand, in the second batch operation after startup, the first control is performed after setting the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation to the initial opening. By performing the second control, it is possible to obtain the initial opening used in the first control immediately after the start of the humidity control device. Furthermore, by obtaining the initial opening degree by feedback control, the opening degree according to the actual machine can be obtained as much as possible, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) can be quickly converged to the optimum opening degree. .

  According to the second aspect of the invention, even when the start control is performed before the first batch operation and the circulation direction of the refrigerant is switched when the start control is switched to the batch operation, as described above, In the batch operation, feedback control of the refrigerant superheat degree is performed, and in the second batch operation, the first control is performed by setting the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation as the initial opening. The opening of the expansion valve (55) can be quickly converged to the optimum opening.

  According to the third invention, when there is no opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of each previous batch operation, the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of another batch operation is set to the initial opening. Therefore, the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) can be set to an opening degree close to the operating condition, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) can be quickly converged.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The humidity control device (10) of the present embodiment performs indoor ventilation as well as indoor humidity adjustment. At the same time, the taken outdoor air (OA) is humidity-adjusted and supplied to the room. ) To the outside.

<Overall configuration of humidity control device>
The humidity control apparatus (10) will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “front”, and “rear” used in the description here are the humidity control device (10) from the front side unless otherwise stated. It means the direction when viewed.

  The humidity control device (10) includes a casing (11). A refrigerant circuit (50) is accommodated in the casing (11). Connected to the refrigerant circuit (50) are a first adsorption heat exchanger (51), a second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a compressor (53), a four-way switching valve (54), and an electric expansion valve (55). Has been. Details of the refrigerant circuit (50) will be described later.

  The casing (11) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is slightly flat and relatively low in height. In the casing (11) shown in FIG. 1, the left front side (ie, front) is the front panel (12), and the right back side (ie, back) is the back panel (13). Is the first side panel (14), and the left back side is the second side panel (15).

  The casing (11) is formed with an outside air suction port (24), an inside air suction port (23), an air supply port (22), and an exhaust port (21). The outside air inlet (24) and the inside air inlet (23) are open to the back panel (13). The outside air inlet (24) is disposed in the lower part of the back panel (13). The inside air suction port (23) is arranged in the upper part of the back panel (13). The air supply port (22) is disposed near the end of the first side panel (14) on the front panel (12) side. The exhaust port (21) is disposed near the end of the second side panel (15) on the front panel (12) side.

  The internal space of the casing (11) includes an upstream divider plate (71), a downstream divider plate (72), a central divider plate (73), a first divider plate (74), and a second divider plate ( 75). These partition plates (71 to 75) are all erected on the bottom plate of the casing (11), and divide the internal space of the casing (11) from the bottom plate of the casing (11) to the top plate. .

  The upstream divider plate (71) and the downstream divider plate (72) are parallel to the front panel portion (12) and the rear panel portion (13), and are spaced at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the casing (11). Has been placed. The upstream divider plate (71) is disposed closer to the rear panel portion (13). The downstream partition plate (72) is disposed closer to the front panel portion (12).

  The first partition plate (74) and the second partition plate (75) are installed in a posture parallel to the first side panel portion (14) and the second side panel portion (15). The first partition plate (74) is spaced a predetermined distance from the first side panel (14) so as to close the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) from the right side. Has been placed. The second partition plate (75) is spaced from the second side panel (15) by a predetermined distance so as to close the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) from the left side. Has been placed.

  The central partition plate (73) is disposed between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) in a posture orthogonal to the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72). Yes. The central partition plate (73) is provided from the upstream partition plate (71) to the downstream partition plate (72), and the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) is left and right. It is divided into.

  In the casing (11), the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the back panel (13) is divided into two upper and lower spaces, and the upper space forms the inside air passage (32). The lower space constitutes the outside air passage (34). The room air side passage (32) communicates with the room through a duct connected to the room air inlet (23). An inside air filter (27) and an inside air humidity sensor (96) are installed in the inside air passage (32). The outside air passage (34) communicates with the outdoor space via a duct connected to the outside air inlet (24). An outside air filter (28) and an outside air humidity sensor (97) are installed in the outside air passage (34).

  The space between the upstream divider plate (71) and the downstream divider plate (72) in the casing (11) is divided into left and right by the central divider plate (73), and is located on the right side of the central divider plate (73). The space constitutes the first heat exchanger chamber (37), and the space on the left side of the central partition plate (73) constitutes the second heat exchanger chamber (38). A first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is accommodated in the first heat exchanger chamber (37). The second adsorption heat exchanger (52) is accommodated in the second heat exchanger chamber (38). Moreover, although not shown in figure, the electric expansion valve (55) of a refrigerant circuit (50) is accommodated in the 1st heat exchanger chamber (37). These first and second heat exchanger chambers (37, 38) constitute an air passage and an adsorption member chamber.

  Each adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) has an adsorbent supported on the surface of a so-called cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and is a rectangular thick plate or flat rectangular parallelepiped as a whole. It is formed in a shape. Each adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is placed in the heat exchanger chamber (37, 38) with its front and back surfaces parallel to the upstream partition plate (71) and downstream partition plate (72). It is erected.

  In the internal space of the casing (11), the space along the front surface of the downstream partition plate (72) is partitioned vertically, and the upper portion of the vertically partitioned space is the air supply side passage ( 31), and the lower part constitutes the exhaust side passage (33).

  The upstream partition plate (71) is provided with four open / close dampers (41 to 44). Each damper (41-44) is formed in the shape of a substantially horizontally long rectangle. Specifically, in a part (upper part) facing the room air passage (32) in the upstream partition (71), the first room air damper (41) is attached to the right side of the central partition (73). The second inside air damper (42) is attached to the left side of the central partition plate (73). Moreover, in the part (lower part) which faces an external air side channel | path (34) among upstream side partition plates (71), the 1st external air side damper (43) is attached to the right side rather than a center partition plate (73), A second outside air damper (44) is attached to the left side of the central partition plate (73).

  The downstream partition plate (72) is provided with four open / close dampers (45 to 48). Each damper (45-48) is formed in the shape of a substantially horizontally long rectangle. Specifically, in the part (upper part) facing the supply side passageway (31) in the downstream partition plate (72), the first supply side damper (45) is located on the right side of the central partition plate (73). The second air supply side damper (46) is attached to the left side of the central partition plate (73). Moreover, in the part (lower part) which faces an exhaust side channel | path (33) among downstream partition plates (72), the 1st exhaust side damper (47) is attached to the right side rather than a center partition plate (73), A second exhaust side damper (48) is attached to the left side of the central partition plate (73).

  In the casing (11), the space between the air supply side passage (31) and the exhaust side passage (33) and the front panel portion (12) is divided into left and right by the partition plate (77). The space on the right side of (77) constitutes the air supply fan chamber (36), and the space on the left side of the partition plate (77) constitutes the exhaust fan chamber (35).

  The air supply fan (26) is accommodated in the air supply fan chamber (36). The exhaust fan chamber (35) accommodates an exhaust fan (25). The supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are both centrifugal multiblade fans (so-called sirocco fans). The air supply fan (26) blows out the air sucked from the downstream side partition plate (72) side to the air supply port (22). The exhaust fan (25) blows out the air sucked from the downstream partition plate (72) side to the exhaust port (21).

  The supply fan chamber (36) accommodates the compressor (53) and the four-way switching valve (54) of the refrigerant circuit (50). The compressor (53) and the four-way selector valve (54) are disposed between the air supply fan (26) and the partition plate (77) in the air supply fan chamber (36).

  In the casing (11), the space between the first partition (74) and the first side panel (14) forms a first bypass passage (81). The starting end of the first bypass passage (81) communicates only with the outside air passage (34) and is blocked from the inside air passage (32). The terminal end of the first bypass passage (81) is partitioned by the partition plate (78) from the air supply side passage (31), the exhaust side passage (33), and the air supply fan chamber (36). A first bypass damper (83) is provided in a portion of the partition plate (78) facing the supply fan chamber (36).

  In the casing (11), the space between the second partition (75) and the second side panel (15) constitutes a second bypass passage (82). The starting end of the second bypass passage (82) communicates only with the inside air passage (32) and is blocked from the outside air passage (34). The terminal end of the second bypass passage (82) is partitioned by the partition plate (79) from the air supply side passage (31), the exhaust side passage (33), and the exhaust fan chamber (35). A second bypass damper (84) is provided in a portion of the partition plate (79) facing the exhaust fan chamber (35).

  These air supply side passage (31), inside air side passage (32), exhaust side passage (33), outside air side passage (34), exhaust fan chamber (35), air supply fan chamber (36), first bypass passage ( 81) and the second bypass passage (82) constitute an air passage. Further, the first inside air side damper (41), the second inside air side damper (42), the first outside air side damper (43), the second outside air side damper (44), the first air supply side damper (45), the second The air supply side damper (46), the first exhaust side damper (47), the second exhaust side damper (48), the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are connected to the flow path switching mechanism and open / close. Configure the mechanism.

  In the right side view and the left side view of FIG. 2, the first bypass passage (81), the second bypass passage (82), the first bypass damper (83), and the second bypass damper (84) are shown. Is omitted.

<Configuration of refrigerant circuit>
As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant circuit (50) includes a first adsorption heat exchanger (51), a second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a compressor (53), a four-way switching valve (54), and an electric expansion. It is a closed circuit provided with a valve (55). The refrigerant circuit (50) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating the filled refrigerant. This refrigerant circuit (50) constitutes humidity control means.

  In the refrigerant circuit (50), the compressor (53) has its discharge side connected to the first port of the four-way switching valve (54) and its suction side connected to the second port of the four-way switching valve (54). . In the refrigerant circuit (50), the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the electric expansion valve (55), and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) are connected from the third port of the four-way switching valve (54). They are connected in order toward the fourth port.

  The four-way switching valve (54) includes a first state (state shown in FIG. 3A) in which the first port and the third port communicate with each other, and the second port and the fourth port communicate with each other. The second port and the fourth port can communicate with each other, and the second port and the third port can communicate with each other in the second state (the state shown in FIG. 3B).

  The compressor (53) is a hermetic compression in which a compression mechanism that compresses refrigerant and an electric motor that drives the compression mechanism are housed in one casing. When the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the electric motor of the compressor (53) (that is, the operating frequency of the compressor (53)) is changed, the rotational speed of the compression mechanism driven by the electric motor changes, and the compressor per unit time The amount of refrigerant discharged from (53) changes. That is, the compressor (53) is configured to have a variable capacity.

  The electric expansion valve (55) is a pulse motor drive type electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

  In the refrigerant circuit (50), a high pressure sensor (91) and a discharge pipe temperature sensor (93) are connected to the pipe connecting the discharge side of the compressor (53) and the first port of the four-way switching valve (54). It is attached. The high pressure sensor (91) measures the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53). The discharge pipe temperature sensor (93) measures the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53).

  In the refrigerant circuit (50), a low-pressure pressure sensor (92) and a suction pipe temperature sensor (94) are connected to a pipe connecting the suction side of the compressor (53) and the second port of the four-way switching valve (54). And are attached. The low pressure sensor (92) measures the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor (53). The suction pipe temperature sensor (94) measures the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor (53).

  In the refrigerant circuit (50), a pipe temperature sensor (95) is attached to a pipe connecting the third port of the four-way switching valve (54) and the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). The pipe temperature sensor (95) is disposed in the vicinity of the four-way switching valve (54) in this pipe and measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the pipe.

<Configuration of controller>
The humidity control device (10) is provided with a controller (60) as a control unit. Although omitted in FIGS. 1 and 2, an electrical component box is attached to the front panel (12) of the casing (11), and a control board accommodated in the electrical component box controls the controller (60). It is composed.

  The controller (60) receives the measured values of the inside air humidity sensor (96), the inside air temperature sensor, the outside air humidity sensor (97), and the outside air temperature sensor. Moreover, the measured value of each sensor (91, 92, ...) provided in the refrigerant circuit (50) is input to the controller (60). Further, an operation signal output from a remote controller (not shown) or the like operated by the user is input to the controller (60).

  The controller (60) controls the operation of the humidity controller (10) based on these input operation signals and measurement values. Specifically, the controller (60) includes dampers (41 to 48, 83, 84), fans (25, 26), a compressor (53), a four-way switching valve (54), and an electric expansion valve (55). To control the operation of the humidity control device (10). In the humidity control apparatus (10), a dehumidification ventilation operation, a humidification ventilation operation, and a simple ventilation operation, which will be described later, are switched by the control operation of the controller (60).

  Specifically, the controller (60) includes an operation control means (61) for controlling the humidity control operation, and an initial setting with the opening degree control means (62) for controlling the electric expansion valve (55). Means (63), correction means (64), opening degree reducing means (65), and opening degree increasing means (66) are provided.

  The operation control means (61) switches the refrigerant circulation direction with the four-way switching valve (54) and controls the open / closed state of the dampers (41 to 48, 83, 84), whereby the second adsorption heat exchanger. The first batch operation for adsorbing moisture in the air in (52) and releasing moisture to the air in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), and adsorbing the moisture in the air in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) In addition, the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) alternately performs the second batch operation for releasing moisture into the air, and supplies the humidity-controlled air that is dehumidified air or humidified air to the room. . The operation control means (61) is configured to switch each batch operation every predetermined batch time (for example, 3 minutes).

  The opening degree control means (62) controls the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55), and as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined valve control start time T (for example, from the start of each batch operation) 168 seconds), in principle, the first control for controlling the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) to the initial opening is performed. On the other hand, when the valve control start time T elapses, the electric expansion valve (55) The second control is performed to perform feedback control so that the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes a predetermined target value by adjusting the opening degree of the refrigerant circuit. Note that the opening degree control means (62) is basically configured to keep the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) at the initial opening degree during the first control.

  However, the opening degree control means (62) is the electric expansion valve (55) in the entire batch operation after the start of the humidity control device (10), that is, in the first batch operation after the start of the compressor (53). ) Is adjusted so that the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes a predetermined target value.

  The initial setting means (63) stores the valve opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation and the second batch operation (that is, at the end of the second control) each time the first batch operation and the second batch operation are completed. is doing. The initial setting means (63) sets the initial opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous first batch operation at the start of the first batch operation (ie, at the start of the first control). On the other hand, at the start of the second batch operation (ie, at the start of the first control), the initial opening of the electric expansion valve (55) is set to the previous opening of the electric expansion valve (55). The opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the two-batch operation is set. That is, the initial setting means (63) is configured to take over the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) of the previous batch operation of the same type.

  The initial setting means (63) is configured so that the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of another type of batch operation when there is no opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of each previous batch operation. The opening is set to the initial opening.

  When the capacity of the compressor (53) is changed, the correcting means (64) is configured so that the electric expansion valve (55) has an opening corresponding to the capacity change of the compressor (53). ) Is corrected.

  When the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes smaller than the target value before the valve control start time T of each batch operation elapses, the opening degree reducing means (65) opens the electric expansion valve (55). The control opening degree of the opening degree control means (62) is reduced so as to decrease.

  When the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50) increases over time to a predetermined upper limit superheat degree over time before the valve control start time T of each batch operation elapses, the opening degree increasing means (66) The control opening degree of the opening degree control means (62) is increased so that the opening degree of the valve (55) is increased.

-Driving action-
The humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment selectively performs a dehumidification ventilation operation, a humidification ventilation operation, and a simple ventilation operation. This humidity control apparatus (10) performs dehumidification ventilation operation and humidification ventilation operation as humidity control operation. Hereinafter, after each operation is described in detail, the opening control of the electric expansion valve in the humidity control operation will be described.

<Dehumidification ventilation operation>
In the humidity control apparatus (10) during the dehumidification / ventilation operation, a first batch operation and a second batch operation described later are alternately repeated at predetermined batch time intervals (for example, intervals of 3 to 4 minutes). During the dehumidifying ventilation operation, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are always closed.

  In the humidity control apparatus (10) during the dehumidification / ventilation operation, outdoor air is taken as first air from the outside air inlet (24) into the casing (11), and indoor air is taken from the inside air inlet (23) to the casing (11). It is taken in as second air.

  First, the first batch operation of the dehumidifying ventilation operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, during the first batch operation, the first inside air side damper (41), the first outside air side damper (43), the second air supply side damper (46), and the first exhaust side damper are provided. (47) is in the open state, and the second inside air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first air supply side damper (45), and the second exhaust side damper (48) are in the closed state. . In the refrigerant circuit (50) during the first batch operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the first state (the state shown in FIG. 3A), and the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is The second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as a condenser and serves as an evaporator.

  The first air that has flowed into the outside air passage (34) and passed through the outside air filter (28) flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second outside air damper (44), and thereafter It passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the heat of adsorption generated at that time is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air dehumidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into the supply air passage (31) through the second supply air damper (46) and passes through the supply air fan chamber (36). Later, the air is supplied into the room through the air supply port (22).

  On the other hand, the second air that has flowed into the room air passage (32) and passed through the room air filter (27) flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first room air damper (41), Thereafter, it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second air given moisture in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into the exhaust side passage (33) through the first exhaust side damper (47) and passes through the exhaust fan chamber (35). It is discharged outside through the exhaust port (21).

  Next, the second batch operation of the dehumidifying ventilation operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, during the second batch operation, the second inside air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first air supply damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper are provided. (48) is in the open state, and the first inside air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second air supply side damper (46), and the first exhaust side damper (47) are in the closed state. . In the refrigerant circuit (50) during the second batch operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the second state (the state shown in FIG. 3B), and the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is The second adsorption heat exchanger (52) becomes an evaporator and becomes a condenser.

  The first air that has flowed into the outside air passage (34) and passed through the outside air filter (28) flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first outside air damper (43), and thereafter Passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the adsorption heat generated at that time is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air dehumidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into the supply air passage (31) through the first supply air damper (45) and passes through the supply air fan chamber (36). Later, the air is supplied into the room through the air supply port (22).

  On the other hand, the second air that has flowed into the room air passage (32) and passed through the room air filter (27) flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second room air damper (42), Thereafter, it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second air given moisture in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into the exhaust side passage (33) through the second exhaust side damper (48) and passes through the exhaust fan chamber (35). It is discharged outside through the exhaust port (21).

<Humidified ventilation operation>
In the humidity control apparatus (10) during the humidification ventilation operation, a first batch operation and a second batch operation described later are alternately repeated at predetermined time intervals (for example, intervals of 3 to 4 minutes). During the humidification ventilation operation, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are always closed.

  In the humidity control apparatus (10) during the humidification ventilation operation, outdoor air is taken as second air from the outside air inlet (24) into the casing (11), and indoor air is taken from the inside air inlet (23) to the casing (11). It is taken in as 1st air in.

  First, the 1st batch operation of humidification ventilation operation is explained. As shown in FIG. 6, during the first batch operation, the second inside air side damper (42), the first outside air side damper (43), the first air supply side damper (45), and the second exhaust side damper are provided. (48) is in the open state, and the first inside air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second air supply side damper (46), and the first exhaust side damper (47) are in the closed state. . In the refrigerant circuit (50) during the first batch operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the first state (the state shown in FIG. 3A), and the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is The second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as a condenser and serves as an evaporator.

  The first air that has flowed into the room air passage (32) and passed through the room air filter (27) flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second room air damper (42), and then It passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the heat of adsorption generated at that time is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air deprived of moisture in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into the exhaust side passage (33) through the second exhaust side damper (48) and passes through the exhaust fan chamber (35). It is discharged outside through the exhaust port (21).

  On the other hand, the second air that flows into the outside air passage (34) and passes through the outside air filter (28) flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first outside air damper (43), Thereafter, it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second air humidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows through the first air supply damper (45) into the air supply passage (31) and passes through the air supply fan chamber (36). Later, the air is supplied into the room through the air supply port (22).

  Next, the second batch operation of the humidification ventilation operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, during this second batch operation, the first inside air side damper (41), the second outside air side damper (44), the second air supply side damper (46), and the first exhaust side damper are provided. (47) is in the open state, and the second inside air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first air supply side damper (45), and the second exhaust side damper (48) are in the closed state. . In the refrigerant circuit (50) during the second batch operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the second state (the state shown in FIG. 3B), and the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is The second adsorption heat exchanger (52) becomes an evaporator and becomes a condenser.

  The first air that has flowed into the room air passage (32) and passed through the room air filter (27) flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first room air damper (41), and then Passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the adsorption heat generated at that time is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air deprived of moisture by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into the exhaust side passage (33) through the first exhaust side damper (47) and passes through the exhaust fan chamber (35). It is discharged outside through the exhaust port (21).

  On the other hand, the second air that has flowed into the outside air passage (34) and passed through the outside air filter (28) flows into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second outside air damper (44), Thereafter, it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second air humidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows through the second supply air damper (46) into the supply air passage (31) and passes through the supply air fan chamber (36). Later, the air is supplied into the room through the air supply port (22).

<Simple ventilation operation>
During the simple ventilation operation, the humidity control device (10) supplies the outdoor air (OA) taken into the room as supplied air (SA) as it is, and at the same time, takes the indoor air (RA) taken as it is into the outdoor air (EA). To discharge. Here, the operation of the humidity control apparatus (10) during the simple ventilation operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the humidity control apparatus (10) during the simple ventilation operation, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are opened, and the first room air damper (41) and the second room air damper ( 42), a first external air damper (43), a second external air damper (44), a first air supply damper (45), a second air supply damper (46), a first exhaust air damper (47), And the 2nd exhaust side damper (48) will be in a closed state. Further, during the simple ventilation operation, the compressor (53) of the refrigerant circuit (50) is stopped.

  In the humidity control apparatus (10) during the simple ventilation operation, outdoor air is taken into the casing (11) from the outside air inlet (24). The outdoor air that has flowed into the outside air passage (34) through the outside air inlet (24) flows from the first bypass passage (81) through the first bypass damper (83) into the supply fan chamber (36). Then, the air is supplied into the room through the air supply port (22).

  Further, in the humidity control apparatus (10) during the simple ventilation operation, room air is taken into the casing (11) from the inside air suction port (23). The room air that has flowed into the inside air passage (32) through the inside air inlet (23) flows from the second bypass passage (82) through the second bypass damper (84) into the exhaust fan chamber (35). Then, it is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (21).

  Thus, the humidity control apparatus (10) that performs the dehumidification ventilation operation, the humidification ventilation operation, and the simple ventilation operation performs the following startup control when starting the humidity control operation, and subsequently performs the following electric expansion valve control. Perform humidity control while performing.

<Startup control>
First, activation control will be described in detail.

  Specifically, the controller (60) opens the first outside air damper (43), the second outside air damper (44), the first exhaust side damper (47), and the second exhaust side damper (48). On the other hand, the first air damper (41), the second air damper (42), the first air damper (45), the second air damper (46), the first bypass damper (83), and The second bypass damper (84) is closed. Then, the controller (60) starts the operation of the exhaust fan (25).

  Then, the outdoor air that has flowed into the casing (11) from the outside air suction port (24) passes through the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) and flows out of the room from the exhaust port (21). (Hereinafter also referred to as outdoor air circulation operation).

  Subsequently, the controller (60) sets the operating frequency of the compressor (53) to a predetermined minimum starting frequency, the oil spreads in the refrigerant circuit (50), and the oil temperature is set to operate the compressor (53) and the like. The operation of the compressor (53) is started until a predetermined warm-up time that elevates to the extent that there is no hindrance is passed. Next, when the warm-up time has elapsed, the controller (60) sets the operating frequency of the compressor (53) to the minimum so that the differential pressure difference of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes larger than a predetermined starting differential pressure threshold. Control is performed between the starting frequency and a switching lower limit frequency (> minimum starting frequency) which is the lowest operating frequency necessary for switching the four-way switching valve (54).

  At the same time as starting control of the compressor (53), the controller (60) also controls starting of the electric expansion valve (55). First, the controller (60) sets the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) to a fully closed state. When the high pressure of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes higher than the predetermined first high pressure threshold value or the low pressure becomes lower than the predetermined first low pressure threshold value, the controller (60) satisfies the electric expansion. The opening of the valve (55) is set to a predetermined fixed opening. Thereafter, when the controller (60) satisfies both the fact that the high / low differential pressure of the refrigerant circuit (50) is greater than a predetermined PI differential pressure threshold value and the superheat degree is equal to or higher than the predetermined overheat threshold value, the controller (60) PI control is performed so that the degree of superheat becomes a predetermined overheat threshold value.

  Thus, the start-up control of the compressor (53) and the electric expansion valve (55) is continued until a predetermined start-up control time elapses and the electric expansion valve shifts to PI control.

  When the start-up control is completed, the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit (50) is in a state where the humidity control operation can be performed. When starting the humidity control operation, the controller (60) switches the refrigerant circulation direction in the refrigerant circuit (50) to a direction opposite to the circulation direction during the start control. For example, when the four-way switching valve (54) is in the second state (see FIG. 3B) and the start-up control is performed, the controller (60) moves the four-way switching valve (54) to the first state (FIG. 3 (A)) to start the humidity control operation. That is, the controller (60) starts the humidity control operation in the second batch operation when the start control is performed in the first batch operation (or first when the start control is performed in the second batch operation). Start humidity control in batch operation).

<Opening control of electric expansion valve>
During the humidity control operation, the opening degree control of the following electric expansion valve (55) is performed. In the following description, a case where the start control is performed in the second batch operation will be described with reference to FIG. In the case where the start control is performed in the first batch operation, the first batch operation and the second batch operation are interchanged in the following sentence.

  First, after the start control is completed, the operation control means (61) switches the first batch operation to the first batch operation. In the first batch operation after the start-up (the first first batch operation in this embodiment), the opening degree control means (62) adjusts the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) during the execution of the batch operation. Feedback control (specifically, PI control) is performed so that the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes a predetermined target value (for example, 5 ° C.) (hereinafter, also referred to as startup feedback control).

  When a predetermined batch time has elapsed, the operation control means (61) switches the first batch operation to the second batch operation. Here, the opening degree control means (62) executes the first control for fixing the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) to the initial opening degree at the start of the batch operation, and when the valve control start time T elapses, the electric expansion is performed. The second control is performed in which the opening degree of the valve (55) is adjusted to perform feedback control so that the refrigerant superheat degree becomes a predetermined target value. This control operation is performed in the second and subsequent batch operations after the start-up control is completed. The second control is configured so that detailed control contents such as a transfer function and control parameters are different from the startup feedback control. The second control and the startup feedback control may have the same control content.

  Here, in order to perform the first control, an initial opening to be set is required. Therefore, the initial setting means (63) sets the initial opening degree of the opening degree control means (62). The initial setting means (63) sets the electric expansion valve (55) at the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous first batch operation at the start of the first batch operation, and the second batch. At the start of operation, the electric expansion valve (55) is set to the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous second batch operation. That is, the initial setting means (63) sets the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous same type of hatch operation to the initial opening.

  However, the previous batch operation of the same kind here is a batch operation during a series of operations from once starting up the humidity control device (10) to stopping. Therefore, immediately after the start control is completed, there is no previous batch operation of the same type. Therefore, the opening degree control means (62) does not perform the first and second controls in the first batch operation after activation, but performs the feedback control during activation as described above.

  Furthermore, the previous batch operation of the same kind does not exist for the second batch operation after startup (the first second batch operation in this embodiment). Therefore, the initial setting means (63) memorizes the opening degree of the last electric expansion valve (55) of the feedback control at the start in the first batch operation after start-up, and in the second batch operation after start-up, The opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation stored is set as the initial opening degree. Thus, in the second batch operation after startup, the type of batch operation is different, but the first control is performed with the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation as the initial opening. The second control is performed.

  In the third and subsequent batch operations after the start-up control is completed, the same type of batch operation as the previous one exists, and as described above, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous same type of batch operation is determined. Set as initial opening.

  Thus, the opening degree control means (62) basically includes the first control for fixing the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) to the initial opening degree in each batch operation, and the electric expansion valve (55). The second control for performing feedback control so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant becomes a target value by adjusting the opening degree of the refrigerant is performed.

  That is, the humidity control apparatus (10) switches between the first batch operation and the second batch operation in a short time by the operation control means (61), so that the batch before the refrigerant superheat degree is stabilized in each batch operation. Driving will be switched. Therefore, in each batch operation, after the start of the batch operation, feedback of the superheat degree of the refrigerant is unstable by fixing the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) at the initial opening degree by the first control for most of the period. By performing the control, the opening degree control of the electric expansion valve (55), and hence the degree of refrigerant superheat, is prevented from becoming unstable. Then, by executing the second control only just before the end of each batch operation where the refrigerant superheat degree is relatively stable, the refrigerant superheat degree is finally converged to a predetermined target value so that a stable refrigeration cycle is performed. I have to.

  Here, in the first batch operation and the second batch operation, the refrigerant expansion direction is different, the refrigerant pressure loss is different, and the air pressure loss in the air passage is different. The degree of opening will also be different. Therefore, when starting the first batch operation, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) of the previous first batch operation is taken over, and when starting the second batch operation, the electric expansion valve of the previous second batch operation ( 55) is configured to take over the opening degree.

  However, immediately after the start of the humidity control device (10), there is no previous batch operation of the same type, so in the first batch operation after startup, the startup feedback control is performed instead of the first and second controls. . Also, for the second batch operation after startup, there is no previous batch operation of the same type, so the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of startup feedback control in the first batch operation is set as the initial opening. The first control is performed and the second control is performed.

  On the other hand, when the valve control start time T of each batch operation has not elapsed and the opening degree control means (62) controls the electric expansion valve (55) to the initial opening degree, the refrigerant superheat degree is the target. If it becomes smaller than the value, the opening degree reducing means (65) reduces the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55).

  In addition, before the valve control start time T of each batch operation elapses and the opening degree control means (62) is controlling the electric expansion valve (55) to the initial opening degree, the refrigerant superheat degree is aged over time. Therefore, when the degree of superheat increases to a predetermined degree of superheat, the opening increase means (66) increases the opening of the electric expansion valve (55).

  That is, after starting the compressor (53) and starting the dehumidifying operation or the humidifying operation, a predetermined time is required until the initial opening degree of the opening degree control means (62) set by the initial setting means (63) is stabilized. Cost. Specifically, after switching each batch operation, the degree of refrigerant superheat may increase greatly or may decrease rapidly. Therefore, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant is prevented from excessively increasing or decreasing by the opening degree reducing means (65) and the opening degree increasing means (66).

When the opening degree control of the electric expansion valve (55) is performed in this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the first batch operation after startup, the refrigerant superheat degree is unstable but the predetermined superheat degree (FIG. Meanwhile at 5 ° C.) to converge slightly (see N ₀ in the figure), in the batch operation of the second and subsequent post-launch, although the refrigerant superheat degree increases rapidly after switching straight batch operation, immediately decreased First, it quickly converges to the target superheat. Then, before switching to the next batch operation, the target superheat degree is further converged by feedback control (see N and M in the figure).

  When the capacity of the compressor (53) is changed, the correcting means (64) is provided with an opening control means (64) so that the electric expansion valve (55) has an opening corresponding to the capacity change of the compressor (53). 62) Correct the control opening.

  In addition, the initial setting means (63) is configured such that when there is no opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of each previous batch operation due to an error or the like, the electric expansion valve (55 at the end of another type of batch operation). ) Is set to the initial opening.

-Effect of the embodiment-
Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the valve control start time T has elapsed from the start of each batch operation, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is controlled so that the refrigerant superheat degree becomes a predetermined value. The opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) can be controlled relatively stably. That is, since each batch operation is switched in a short time, the degree of refrigerant superheat varies greatly during each batch operation. Therefore, just before the end of each batch operation in which the refrigerant superheat degree is relatively stable, that is, for a predetermined period before switching the batch operation, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is adjusted so that the refrigerant superheat degree reaches a predetermined value. Since the feedback control is performed as described above, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) can be controlled stably.

  In addition, since the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is maintained at a constant value from the start of each batch operation until the valve control start time elapses, the opening degree control of the electric expansion valve (55) is stabilized. Can do.

  Here, the constant value to be held, that is, the initial opening, the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous first batch operation is changed to the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the start of the first batch operation. When the second batch operation is started, the electric expansion valve (55) is set to the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous second batch operation. The opening can be quickly converged to a predetermined value.

  That is, in the first batch operation and the second batch operation, the refrigerant expansion direction is different, the refrigerant pressure loss is different, and the air pressure loss in the air passage is different. The opening will also be different. Therefore, when starting the first batch operation, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) of the previous first batch operation is taken over, and when starting the second batch operation, the electric expansion valve of the previous second batch operation ( By taking over the opening of 55), the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) can be converged early.

  However, in the configuration in which the first control of the electric expansion valve control is performed with the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous batch operation of the same type as the initial opening, the humidity control device (10) Immediately after the start-up, since there is no previous batch operation of the same type, there is no initial opening to be set. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the first batch operation after startup, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is adjusted to perform feedback control so that the refrigerant superheat degree becomes a predetermined target value, and the second time after startup. In this batch operation, although the type of batch operation is different, the first control is performed with the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation as the initial opening, and then the second control is performed. Can be configured. By doing so, the opening control of the electric expansion valve (55) can be stabilized at an early stage even in the configuration in which the feedback control of the refrigerant superheat degree is performed only just before the end of each batch operation.

  That is, for the first batch operation after startup, the first control may be performed using the predicted opening degree obtained by predicting the behavior of the refrigeration cycle in advance, and then the second control may be performed. However, it is difficult to obtain a predicted opening degree that suits all operating conditions, and the predicted opening degree and the actual opening degree that finally converges by the opening control of the electric expansion valve (55) are greatly different. In such a case, in the configuration in which the feedback control of the refrigerant superheat degree is performed only just before the end of each batch operation, it takes a long time to converge. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is set to a value that matches the actual operating conditions by performing feedback control even in an environment where the degree of refrigerant superheat immediately after startup is not stable. It can be as close as possible in advance, and the opening degree control of the electric expansion valve (55) can be stabilized at an early stage.

  In addition, when the refrigerant superheat degree becomes smaller than the target value before the lapse of the valve control start time T of each batch operation, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is reduced, so that the so-called wet operation is prevented. And the return of the liquid refrigerant to the compressor (53) can be prevented.

  Further, before the lapse of the valve control start time T of each batch operation, when the refrigerant superheat degree increases over time to a predetermined superheat degree, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is increased, so that compression is performed. The machine (53) can be reliably prevented from overheating.

  Further, when the capacity of the compressor (53) changes, the electric expansion valve (55) is corrected so as to have an opening corresponding to the capacity change of the compressor (53). The electric expansion valve (55) can be controlled, and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) can be stabilized.

  In addition, in the third and subsequent batch operations after startup, when there is no opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of each previous batch operation, the electric expansion valve (55) at the end of another type of batch operation does not exist. Since the opening is set to the initial opening, the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) can be set to an opening close to the operating conditions, and the opening of the electric expansion valve (55) can be quickly converged. it can.

-Modification 1 of embodiment-
In the refrigerant circuit (50) of the present embodiment, a supercritical cycle in which the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle is set to a value higher than the critical pressure of the refrigerant may be performed. In that case, one of the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) operates as a gas cooler, and the other operates as an evaporator.

-Modification 2 of embodiment-
In the humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment, the adsorbent carried on the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) is heated or cooled by the refrigerant. The adsorbent may be heated or cooled by supplying cold water or hot water to the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52).

  In addition, the above embodiment is an essentially preferable illustration, Comprising: It does not intend restrict | limiting the range of this invention, its application thing, or its use.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for a humidity control apparatus for adjusting indoor humidity.

It is a perspective view which abbreviate | omits a part of casing and an electrical component box from the humidity control apparatus seen from the front side. It is a schematic plan view, a right side view, and a left side view showing a humidity controller with a part thereof omitted. It is a piping system diagram showing the composition of a refrigerant circuit, (A) shows operation in the 1st batch operation, and (B) shows operation in the 2nd batch operation. It is the schematic top view of the humidity control apparatus which shows the flow of the air in the 1st batch driving | operation of a dehumidification ventilation driving | operation, a right view, and a left view. It is the schematic top view of the humidity control apparatus which shows the flow of the air in the 2nd batch driving | operation of a dehumidification ventilation driving | operation, a right view, and a left view. It is a schematic plan view, a right side view, and a left side view of a humidity control apparatus showing an air flow in a first batch operation of a humidification ventilation operation. It is the schematic top view of the humidity control apparatus which shows the flow of the air in the 2nd batch operation of humidification ventilation operation | movement, a right view, and a left view. It is a schematic plan view, a right side view, and a left side view of a humidity control apparatus showing the flow of air in simple ventilation operation. It is a timing diagram which shows the opening degree control of an expansion valve. It is a characteristic view which shows the change of a refrigerant | coolant superheat degree.

Explanation of symbols

10 Humidity control device
50 Refrigerant circuit
51 First adsorption heat exchanger (Adsorption heat exchanger)
52 Second adsorption heat exchanger (Adsorption heat exchanger)
53 Compressor
54 Four-way selector valve
55 Electric expansion valve (expansion valve)
62 Opening control means
63 Initial setting method

Claims (3)

A refrigerant circuit to which a compressor (53), first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), an expansion valve (55) whose opening degree is adjustable, and a four-way switching valve (54) for switching the circulation direction of the refrigerant are connected. (50) and an opening degree control means (62) for controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve (55), while controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve (55) by the opening degree control means (62). A first batch operation in which moisture in the air is adsorbed by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and moisture is released into the air by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51); and the first adsorption heat exchanger (51 ) And the second batch operation for adsorbing moisture in the air and releasing the moisture to the air in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) by switching the four-way switching valve (54) of the refrigerant circuit (50). A humidity control device that alternately switches before the refrigerant superheat degree is stabilized during each batch operation and supplies humidity control air indoors,
At the start of the first batch operation, the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the previous first batch operation is set to the initial opening, and at the start of the second batch operation, the opening of the previous second batch operation is set. Initial setting means (63) for setting the initial opening of each batch operation so as to set the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end to the initial opening;
The opening degree control means (62)
In the first batch operation after starting the compressor (53), the refrigerant circuit (50) is adjusted by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve (55) from the start to the end of the batch operation. While the feedback control is performed so that the refrigerant superheat degree becomes a predetermined value,
In the second and subsequent batch operations after the start of the compressor (53), the opening of the expansion valve (55) is set by the initial setting means (63) until a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of each batch operation. The first control for fixing the set initial opening is executed, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the opening of the expansion valve (55) is adjusted so that the refrigerant superheat degree of the refrigerant circuit (50) becomes a predetermined value. The second control for feedback control is performed so that
The initial setting means (63) sets the initial opening to the opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of the first batch operation at the start of the second batch operation. Humidity control device. In claim 1,
When starting up the compressor (53), the compressor (53) is brought into a predetermined operating state while reducing the opening of the expansion valve (55) so that liquid refrigerant is not sucked into the compressor (53). It is configured to perform startup control to control,
When the start control is completed, the humidity control apparatus is characterized in that the first batch operation is started after the refrigerant circulation direction of the refrigerant circuit (50) is switched by the four-way switching valve (54). In claim 1 or 2,
The initial setting means (63) is configured such that, in the third and subsequent batch operations after the start of the compressor (53), there is no opening of the expansion valve (55) at the end of each previous batch operation. A humidity control apparatus configured to set an opening of an expansion valve (55) at the end of another batch operation to an initial opening.

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