JP2013228182A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of adjusting heating performance in a humidification heat exchanger 58, with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes: a main refrigerant circuit 41; a humidification refrigerant pipe 42 branched from the main refrigerant circuit 41; a humidification unit 50; a humidification heat exchanger 58 for heating humidification air; and a flow rate regulation valve 59 capable of adjusting a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the humidification heat exchanger 58. The humidification unit 50 has: a humidification rotor 52 including an adsorption part which adsorbs moisture in outdoor air and a humidification part which discharges the moisture adsorbed by the adsorption part by heating to the humidification air; a heater 56 for heating the humidification part; and an intake and exhaust fan 54 for carrying the humidification air including the moisture discharged from the humidification part into a room. In addition, the humidification heat exchanger 58 and the flow amount regulation valve 59 are provided in the humidification refrigerant pipe 42.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner including a humidifier.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an air conditioner including a humidifier that can supply moisture to humidified air and supply it to the room.

  For example, an air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-89903) includes an indoor unit, an outdoor air conditioning unit, and a humidifying unit (corresponding to a humidifying device). The humidification unit has a humidification rotor that adsorbs moisture in the air and releases the adsorbed moisture when heated, and a heater body that heats the humidification rotor, and moisture released from the humidification rotor Humidifying air containing can be supplied indoors. Further, the refrigerant circuit provided in the air conditioner is a heat exchanger different from the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor air conditioning unit and the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit, and is more humidifying air than the heater body. A rotor heating unit for heating the humidifying air is provided on the upstream side of the air flow.

  By the way, in the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, a rotor heating unit (hereinafter, referred to as a humidifying heat exchanger) that is a heat exchanger for heating humidifying air includes an indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat. It is provided in series with the refrigerant circuit provided with the exchanger. In the air conditioner having such a configuration, the heating capability of the humidifying heat exchanger is determined by the state of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (for example, the refrigerant flow rate and the refrigerant temperature). It is difficult to adjust the heating capacity.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the air conditioning apparatus which can adjust the heating capability in the heat exchanger for humidification with a simple structure.

  An air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a main refrigerant circuit, a sub-path, a humidifier, a humidification heat exchanger, and a flow rate adjustment valve. A compressor, a radiator, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator are sequentially connected to the main refrigerant circuit. The sub route branches from the first route and is connected to the second route. The 1st path has connected the discharge part of a compressor, and a radiator. The second path connects the radiator and the expansion mechanism. The humidifier has a moisture absorption part, a heater, and a fan. The hygroscopic part includes an adsorbing part and a humidifying part. The adsorption part is a part that adsorbs moisture in outdoor air in the moisture absorption part. A humidification part is a part which discharge | releases the water | moisture content adsorb | sucked to the adsorption | suction part by being heated in a moisture absorption part in the air for humidification. A heater is for heating a humidification part. A fan is for conveying the humidification air containing the water | moisture content discharge | released from the humidification part indoors. The humidifying heat exchanger is for heating humidifying air. The flow rate adjusting valve is a valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the humidifying heat exchanger. Further, the humidifying heat exchanger and the flow rate adjusting valve are provided in the sub-path.

  In the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, the humidifying heat exchanger is provided in a sub-path branched from the main refrigerant circuit. For this reason, the amount of heat exchange in the humidifying heat exchanger can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the humidifying heat exchanger with the flow rate adjusting valve. As a result, the heating capacity of the humidifying heat exchanger can be adjusted without being affected by the state of the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit.

  Therefore, in this air conditioner, the heating capability of the humidifying heat exchanger can be adjusted with a simple configuration.

  An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein a four-way switching valve is connected to the main refrigerant circuit. The four-way selector valve is used for the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit so that the indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air serves as a radiator, and the outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air serves as an evaporator. It is possible to switch the direction. The first path connects the discharge side of the compressor and the indoor heat exchanger via a four-way switching valve. Furthermore, the sub route branches off from the third route. The third path is a part of the first path, and connects the four-way switching valve and the indoor heat exchanger. In this air conditioner, since one end of the sub-path is connected to a portion of the first path that is far from the discharge part of the compressor, the pipe stress generated in the sub-path can be reduced.

  An air conditioner according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the humidifier has an air flow path through which humidifying air flows. The moisture absorption part includes a reheat part which is a separate area from the adsorption part and the humidification part. In the reheating section, the humidifying air is heated using the remaining heat of the humidifying section provided from the heater. Moreover, in a moisture absorption part, an adsorption | suction part, a humidification part, and a reheating part are comprised so that it may replace. Furthermore, a reheat part is arranged in the air flow path downstream of the air flow of the humidifying air of the humidifying heat exchanger, and a heater is arranged downstream of the air flow of the humidifying air in the reheat part. ing.

  In the air conditioning apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the humidifying heat exchanger, the reheating unit, and the heater are sequentially arranged in the air flow direction of the humidifying air in the air flow path. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, before heating a humidification part with a heater, humidification air can be heated with a humidification heat exchanger and a reheating part.

  Further, for example, in the humidifying heat exchanger and the reheating unit, if the humidifying air can be heated as much as necessary to release a predetermined amount or more of moisture from the humidifying unit, the humidifying unit does not have to be heated by the heater. It will be good. For this reason, in the case of a heater whose output can be controlled, the humidifying air is heated in the humidifying heat exchanger and the reheating unit before being heated by the heater, thereby suppressing the power consumption by the heater. can do.

  An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the humidifier has an air flow path through which humidifying air flows. The moisture absorption part includes a reheat part which is a separate area from the adsorption part and the humidification part. In the reheating section, the humidifying air is heated using the remaining heat of the humidifying section provided from the heater. Moreover, in a moisture absorption part, an adsorption | suction part, a humidification part, and a reheating part are comprised so that it may replace. Further, the air flow path includes a first air flow path, a second air flow path, and a third air flow path. A humidifying heat exchanger is disposed in the first air flow path. A reheat portion is disposed in the second air flow path. The third air channel is connected to the downstream end of the first air channel and the downstream end of the second air channel. Furthermore, a heater is disposed in the third air flow path.

  In the air conditioning apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the downstream end of the first air flow path where the humidifying heat exchanger is arranged, and the downstream end of the second air flow path where the reheating part is arranged, A heater is disposed in the third air flow path connected to. For this reason, before heating a humidification part with a heater, humidification air can be heated with a humidification heat exchanger and a reheating part.

  Further, for example, in the humidifying heat exchanger and the reheating unit, if the humidifying air can be heated as much as necessary to release a predetermined amount or more of moisture from the humidifying unit, the humidifying unit does not have to be heated by the heater. It will be good. For this reason, in the case of a heater whose output can be controlled, the humidifying air is heated in the humidifying heat exchanger and the reheating unit before being heated by the heater, thereby suppressing the power consumption by the heater. can do.

  An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the humidifier has an air passage through which humidifying air flows. Moreover, in a moisture absorption part, an adsorption | suction part and a humidification part are comprised so that it may replace. Further, in the air flow path, the humidifying air heated by the humidifying heat exchanger flows directly to the heater. And in the air flow path, the humidifying air heated by the heater flows to the humidifying section.

  In the air conditioner according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the humidifying air can be passed through the heater after being heated by the humidifying heat exchanger. Therefore, since the humidifying air heated using the humidifying heat exchanger with high energy efficiency can be flowed to the heater, the humidifying section can be efficiently heated.

  An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising: a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a valve opening degree control unit. Prepare. A 1st detection part detects the temperature of the refrigerant | coolant which flowed out from the heat exchanger for humidification. A 2nd detection part detects the temperature of the refrigerant | coolant which flows through a heat radiator. The valve opening degree control unit controls the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve so that the first detection temperature detected by the first detection unit is lower than the second detection temperature detected by the second detection unit. adjust. In this air conditioner, the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve can be adjusted so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the humidifying heat exchanger is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the radiator by a constant temperature.

  An air conditioner according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect, comprising a third detector for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air. Further, the valve opening degree control unit opens the flow rate adjustment valve when the third detected temperature detected by the third detection unit is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature. In this air conditioner, it is possible to determine whether or not to heat the humidifying air using the humidifying heat exchanger based on the temperature of the outdoor air.

  An air conditioner according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, and includes a third detector that detects the temperature of the outdoor air. Further, the valve opening degree control unit fully closes the flow rate adjusting valve when the third detected temperature detected by the third detection unit is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature. In this air conditioner, when the temperature of the outdoor air is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature, it is determined that there is no need to humidify the room (for example, the cooling operation period), and the humidifying heat exchanger is used as a radiator. It can be prevented from functioning.

  An air conditioner according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the sixth aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein the valve opening degree control unit evaporates an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with indoor air. When the outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air is a radiator, the flow rate adjustment valve is fully closed. In this air conditioner, when the indoor heat exchanger is an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger is a radiator, that is, when cooling operation is performed in the air conditioner, it is determined that it is not necessary to humidify the room. Thus, the humidifying heat exchanger can be prevented from functioning as a radiator.

  The air conditioning apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a fourth detection unit and a heater control unit. A 4th detection part detects the temperature of the air for humidification after a water | moisture content is discharge | released from a humidification part. The heater control unit controls the operation of the heater based on the fourth detected temperature detected by the fourth detection unit. In this air conditioner, since the operation of the heater is controlled by the temperature of the humidifying air containing moisture released from the humidifying unit, the temperature of the humidifying air containing moisture released from the humidifying unit is a predetermined temperature. In the above case, the power consumption of the heater can be suppressed by reducing the output of the heater.

  In the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, the heating capability of the humidifying heat exchanger can be adjusted with a simple configuration.

  In the air conditioner according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the sub path is branched from the third path, the pipe stress generated in the sub path can be reduced.

  In the air conditioner according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the air flow path, the reheat unit is disposed on the downstream side of the humidifying heat exchanger, and the heater is disposed on the downstream side of the reheat unit. Before heating with the heater, the humidifying air can be heated with the humidifying heat exchanger and the reheating unit.

  In the air conditioning apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the downstream end of the first air flow path where the humidifying heat exchanger is arranged, and the downstream end of the second air flow path where the reheating part is arranged, Since the heater is arrange | positioned in the 3rd air flow path connected to, before heating with a heater, humidification air can be heated with a humidification heat exchanger and a reheating part.

  In the air conditioning apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the humidifying air heated by the energy efficient humidifying heat exchanger flows to the heater, so that the humidifying portion can be efficiently heated.

  In the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the valve opening degree of the flow control valve is set so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the humidifying heat exchanger is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the radiator by a constant temperature. Can be adjusted.

  In the air conditioner according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flow rate adjustment valve is opened when the temperature of the outdoor air is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature. Therefore, the humidifying heat exchanger is based on the temperature of the outdoor air. Can be used to determine whether to heat the humidifying air.

  In the air conditioner according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature, the flow rate adjustment valve is fully closed, so the humidifying heat exchanger is used as a radiator. It can be prevented from functioning.

  In the air conditioner according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the indoor heat exchanger is an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger is a radiator, the flow regulating valve is fully closed, so that the heat for humidification The exchanger can be prevented from functioning as a radiator.

  In the air conditioner according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the operation of the heater is controlled by the temperature of the humidifying air containing the moisture released from the humidifying unit, so that the humidifying containing the moisture released from the humidifying unit is performed. When the temperature of the working air is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the output of the heater is reduced, so that power consumption in the heater can be suppressed.

The front view of the air conditioning apparatus of this invention. The schematic diagram of the refrigerant circuit with which an air harmony device is provided. Schematic of a humidification unit. The disassembled perspective view of a humidification unit. The control block diagram of a control apparatus. The figure for demonstrating each area | region of a humidification rotor. Schematic of the humidification flow path. The schematic diagram of the channel for humidification concerning a modification (C). The figure for demonstrating each area | region of the humidification rotor which concerns on a modification (E). The schematic diagram of the channel for humidification concerning a modification (E).

  Hereinafter, an air-conditioning apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) Configuration of Air Conditioner FIG. 1 is a front view of the air conditioner 10. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circuit 40 provided in the air conditioning apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the humidifying unit 50. In addition, in FIG. 2, the flow of the refrigerant | coolant at the time of humidification operation is shown by the arrow. In FIG. 3, the second adsorption air intake port 51 c is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 is a pair-type air conditioner in which one outdoor unit 11 and one indoor unit 20 are connected in parallel by a refrigerant pipe. In addition to the cooling operation, the dehumidifying operation, and the heating operation, the air conditioner 10 is combined with the heating operation or alone, humidifying operation for humidifying the room, air supply operation for supplying outdoor air to the room, In addition, an operation such as an exhaust operation for exhausting the indoor air to the outside can be performed. In addition, although the air conditioning apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a pair type air conditioning apparatus, it is not limited to this, The multi-type air conditioning with which the several indoor unit 20 was connected to the one outdoor unit 11 It may be a device.

  The indoor unit 20 is a wall-mounted indoor unit that is installed on a wall surface of a room. The indoor unit 20 houses an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, and the like inside.

  The indoor heat exchanger 21 is for exchanging heat with a refrigerant using indoor air as a heat source, and the indoor fan 22 generates an air flow that contacts the indoor heat exchanger 21, thereby exchanging the indoor air and the indoor heat. Heat can be exchanged with the refrigerant flowing through the vessel 21.

  The indoor fan 22 sucks indoor air into the indoor unit 20 from the air intake port 25a and blows out air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 21 from the air outlet 25b into the room. It is a fan to let you. Note that the indoor fan 22 in the present embodiment is a cross-flow fan that generates an air flow in a direction intersecting the rotation axis by being driven to rotate.

  Further, in the indoor unit 20, the indoor fan 22 is rotated and an air flow is generated, and the air flow downstream of the air intake port 25 a and the air flow upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 21. One end of an intake / exhaust duct 15 to be described later is disposed in the space. For this reason, the air blown from the intake / exhaust duct 15 is blown into the room from the air outlet 25b after heat exchange is performed by the indoor heat exchanger 21. In the present embodiment, the end portion of the intake / exhaust duct 15 is disposed in the air flow downstream side of the air intake port 25a and in the air flow upstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 21. The arrangement of the end of the exhaust duct 15 is not limited to this. For example, the end of the intake / exhaust duct 15 is on the downstream side of the air flow in the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the upstream side of the air flow in the air outlet 25b. It may be arranged in the space.

  The outdoor unit 11 is installed outdoors, and includes a lower outdoor unit 30 and an upper humidification unit 50 as shown in FIG. In addition, in the outdoor unit 11 of this embodiment, the power supply of the outdoor unit 30 and the humidification unit 50 is unified.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit 30 accommodates therein a compressor 31, a four-way switching valve 32, an accumulator 35, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor fan 36, an electric expansion valve 34, and the like.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is for exchanging heat with the refrigerant using outdoor air as a heat source, and the outdoor fan 36 generates an air flow in contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 33, thereby exchanging the outdoor air and the outdoor heat. It is possible to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the vessel 33.

  The outdoor fan 36 is a fan for taking outdoor air into the outdoor unit 30, exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 33, and then discharging it to the outside of the outdoor unit 30. Note that the outdoor fan 36 in the present embodiment is a propeller fan driven by a fan motor.

  2 and 3, the humidification unit 50 includes a humidification rotor 52, a heater 56, an adsorption fan 55, a flow path switching device 53, an intake / exhaust fan 54, a humidification heat exchanger 58, The flow rate adjustment valve 59 is accommodated in the humidification unit casing 51. Further, between the humidification unit 50 and the indoor unit 20, an intake / exhaust duct 15 capable of communicating the internal space of the humidification unit 50 and the internal space of the indoor unit 20 is provided. The humidifying unit 50 can exhaust the air taken in from the room to the outside through the intake / exhaust duct 15 and supply the outdoor air taken in from the room to the room. Further, the humidifying unit 50 can humidify the outdoor air and supply it to the room via the intake / exhaust duct 15.

(2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Schematic Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 10 mainly includes a compressor 31, an indoor heat exchanger 21, an electric expansion valve 34, and an outdoor unit. A vapor compression refrigerant circuit 40 including a heat exchanger 33, a humidifying heat exchanger 58, and a flow rate adjusting valve 59 is provided. The refrigerant circuit 40 includes a main refrigerant circuit 41 and a humidifying refrigerant pipe (corresponding to a sub route) 42 that is branched from the main refrigerant circuit 41 and connected to the humidifying heat exchanger 58.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the compressor 31, the indoor heat exchanger 21, the electric expansion valve 34, and the outdoor heat exchanger 33 are sequentially connected to the main refrigerant circuit 41.

  The compressor 31 is an inverter type compressor 31 having a variable rotation speed, and compresses the sucked gas refrigerant.

  The electric expansion valve 34 is a valve for adjusting the refrigerant pressure and the refrigerant flow rate between the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the outdoor heat exchanger 33. In this embodiment, the electric expansion valve 34 is employed as the expansion mechanism, but the expansion mechanism is not limited to this as long as the mechanism can adjust the refrigerant pressure, the refrigerant flow rate, and the like.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is mainly composed of a heat transfer tube that is bent back and forth at both ends in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of fins inserted from the heat transfer tube. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as an evaporator during heating operation, and functions as a radiator (condenser) during cooling operation.

  The indoor heat exchanger 21 is mainly composed of a heat transfer tube that is bent back and forth at both ends in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of fins inserted from the heat transfer tube. The indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a radiator (condenser) during heating operation, and functions as an evaporator during cooling operation. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is provided with a second temperature sensor 90 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21.

  Further, the four-way switching valve 32 connected to the main refrigerant circuit 41 constitutes a switching mechanism that changes the flow path of the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit 41. The four-way switching valve 32 is connected to the discharge part 31a of the compressor 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 21, and is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and the suction part of the compressor 31 (solid line in FIG. 2). 2) (refer to the broken line in FIG. 2) in which the discharge portion 31a of the compressor 31 and the outdoor heat exchanger 33 are connected, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the suction portion of the compressor 31 are connected. The refrigerant circulation direction in the main refrigerant circuit 41 is configured to be reversible.

  Further, the accumulator 35 is for separating the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant, and is provided in a refrigerant pipe connecting the suction portion of the compressor 31 and the four-way switching valve 32 in the main refrigerant circuit 41. .

  One end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 is connected via a four-way switching valve 32 to a first refrigerant pipe (corresponding to the first path) 41a that connects the discharge part 31a of the compressor 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. ing. In the present embodiment, one end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 is a part of the first refrigerant pipe 41 a and is connected to the third refrigerant pipe 41 c that connects the four-way switching valve 32 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. Has been. The other end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 is connected to a second refrigerant pipe (corresponding to the second path) 41 b that connects the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the electric expansion valve 34.

  The humidifying heat exchanger 58 is for exchanging heat with the refrigerant using outdoor air as a heat source, and can exchange heat between the outdoor air and the refrigerant flowing through the humidifying heat exchanger 58.

  The flow rate adjusting valve 59 is an electric valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the humidifying heat exchanger 58, and its opening degree is adjusted by the control device 60 described later. When the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is in the open state, a part of the refrigerant flowing through the third refrigerant pipe (corresponding to the third path) 41c passes through the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 and passes through the second refrigerant pipe 41b. Merges with flowing refrigerant. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that even if the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is fully opened, a refrigerant amount that is 1 / 50th of the refrigerant amount flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 flows through the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42.

  Further, in the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42, a pipe 42 a connecting the humidifying heat exchanger 58 and the flow rate adjusting valve 59 has a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the humidifying heat exchanger 58. 91 is arranged.

(2-2) Configuration of Humidification Unit FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the humidification unit 50. Hereinafter, the configuration of the humidifying unit 50 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(2-2-1) Humidification unit casing The humidification unit casing 51 houses a humidification rotor 52, a heater 56, an intake / exhaust fan 54, a flow path switching device 53, an adsorption fan 55, and the like.

  The front surface (front surface) of the humidifying unit casing 51 is provided with an adsorption air outlet 51a and a first adsorption air intake port 51b each having a plurality of slit-shaped openings.

  The first adsorption air intake port 51 b is an opening through which outdoor air taken in from the outdoor in order to adsorb moisture to the humidification rotor 52. The adsorbing air outlet 51a takes in outdoor air that has been taken in from the first adsorbing air intake 51b and a second adsorbing air intake 51c, which will be described later, and has been adsorbed by the humidifying rotor 52, into the humidifying unit. It is an opening for discharging out of the casing 51.

  In addition, on the back surface of the humidifying unit casing 51, there are provided a second adsorption air intake port 51c and intake / exhaust port 51d formed of a plurality of slit-shaped openings (see FIG. 4). Similarly to the first adsorption air intake port 51b, the second adsorption air intake port 51c is an opening through which outdoor air taken in from the outside in order to adsorb moisture to the humidification rotor 52 passes. In the humidifying unit casing 51, an adsorption flow path 70 is formed with the first adsorption air intake port 51b and the second adsorption air intake port 51c as inlets and the adsorption air outlet 51a as an outlet. Yes.

  The intake / exhaust port 51d is for separating outdoor air into the humidifying unit casing 51 during the humidifying operation or the air supply operation, separately from the first adsorption air intake port 51b and the second adsorption air intake port 51c. It is an opening. The outdoor air taken into the humidification unit casing 51 from the intake / exhaust port 51d passes through the humidification rotor 52 and then is heated by the heater 56, and further passes through the humidification rotor 52 toward the intake / exhaust fan 54. Flowing. In this way, in the humidifying unit casing 51, a humidifying channel 71 having the intake / exhaust port 51d as an inlet is formed separately from the adsorption channel 70. The humidifying channel 71 is connected to the intake / exhaust duct 15. For this reason, during the humidification operation or the air supply operation, the outdoor air taken in from the intake / exhaust port 51d flows through the humidification channel 71 and is supplied to the room through the intake / exhaust duct 15. On the other hand, during the exhaust operation, the indoor air taken in from the indoor unit 20 flows into the humidification flow path 71 through the intake / exhaust duct 15 and is exhausted to the outside through the intake / exhaust port 51d.

  The humidification channel 71 is provided with a fourth temperature sensor 92 for detecting the temperature of the air supplied into the room through the intake / exhaust duct 15. In the present embodiment, the fourth temperature sensor 92 is provided between the humidification rotor 52 and the intake / exhaust fan 54 in the humidification flow path 71 and passes through the humidification rotor 52 via the heater 56. Thereafter, the temperature of the air before being sucked into the intake / exhaust fan 54 is detected. Note that the arrangement of the fourth temperature sensor 92 is not limited to this as long as the temperature of the air flowing through the humidification passage 71 is detected after passing through the humidification rotor 52 via the heater 56.

(2-2-2) Humidification rotor The humidification rotor 52 is a ceramic rotor having a honeycomb structure and has a substantially disk-shaped outer shape. The humidifying rotor 52 is rotatably provided and is driven to rotate by a rotor driving motor. Further, the main part of the humidification rotor 52 is fired from an adsorbent such as zeolite. Adsorbents such as zeolite have the property of adsorbing moisture in the contacting air and desorbing the adsorbed moisture by heating.

  In this embodiment, zeolite is used as the adsorbent, but silica gel, alumina, or the like can also be used as the adsorbent. Thus, the humidification rotor 52 can be reduced in size because the humidification rotor 52 is substantially disk shape.

(2-2-3) Heater The heater 56 is located above the humidification rotor 52 and is disposed so as to face the humidification rotor 52. The heater 56 heats outdoor air sent to the humidification rotor 52 in order to desorb moisture from the humidification rotor 52. The outdoor air heated by the heater 56 is sent to the humidification rotor 52, whereby the humidification rotor 52 is heated.

  The heater 56 includes a heater main body 56a including a plurality of heating wires as heating elements, a cover 56b disposed so as to cover the heater main body 56a from above, and one of the humidifying flow paths 71 disposed in the cover 56b. And a flow path forming part 56c constituting the part. The cover 56b has a semicircular shape in plan view (see FIG. 4). Further, the flow path forming portion 56c constitutes a substantially fan-shaped flow path in plan view, and when air flows in the direction A shown in FIG. 3, the heater body 56a is passed through the flow path. The rear outdoor air flows. Since the flow path forming portion 56c is disposed so as to face the rotation axis direction of the humidification rotor 52, if the outdoor air flowing through the flow path forming portion 56c is supplied with heat, the outdoor air supplied with heat is supplied. As a result of flowing through the substantially fan-shaped channel in plan view and flowing into the humidification rotor 52, the humidification rotor 52 is always heated in a substantially fan shape when the humidification rotor 52 is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis.

(2-2-4) Intake / Exhaust Fan The intake / exhaust fan 54 is disposed on the side of the humidification rotor 52, and the flow of outdoor air that is taken in from the outdoor and sent to the indoor unit 20 and the indoor unit from the indoor 20 is a centrifugal fan assembly that generates a flow of room air that is taken into 20 and sent out of the room. In the case of sending outdoor air to the indoor unit 20, the intake / exhaust fan 54 allows the outdoor air to flow into the humidifying flow channel 71 from the intake / exhaust port 51 d, passes through the humidification rotor 52, and then the flow switching device 53. And the airflow which flows into the indoor unit 20 through the intake / exhaust duct 15 is produced | generated. At this time, air flows in the direction A shown in FIG. Further, the intake / exhaust fan 54 flows from the indoor unit 20 to the outdoor side through the intake / exhaust duct 15 and the humidification channel 71 from the intake / exhaust port 51d when the indoor air is discharged from the indoor unit 20 to the outdoor side. Create an air flow. At this time, air flows in the direction B shown in FIG. In addition, the intake / exhaust fan 54 in this embodiment is a turbo fan.

(2-2-5) Channel Switching Device The channel switching device 53 is arranged between the intake / exhaust fan 54 and the intake / exhaust duct 15. The flow path switching device 53 is connected to the intake / exhaust fan 54 and the intake / exhaust duct 15, supplied from the humidified flow path 71 and the intake / exhaust duct 15, and humidified flow path 71. It is possible to switch to a supply stop state in which the connection with the intake / exhaust duct 15 is released.

  In the supply state, the flow of outdoor air from the humidification flow path 71 to the intake / exhaust duct 15 or the flow of room air from the intake / exhaust duct 15 to the humidification flow path 71 is allowed. For this reason, in the air supply state, as shown in FIG. 3, outdoor air that is taken in from the intake / exhaust port 51d and flows through the humidification flow path 71 is supplied to the indoor unit 20 via the intake / exhaust duct 15, or the indoor unit 20 The indoor air that has flowed through the intake / exhaust duct 15 flows into the humidifying channel 71 and is exhausted to the outside through the intake / exhaust port 51d.

  On the other hand, in the supply stop state, the flow of outdoor air from the humidification flow path 71 to the intake / exhaust duct 15 or the flow of room air from the intake / exhaust duct 15 to the humidification flow path 71 is blocked. For this reason, in the supply stop state, outdoor air is not supplied into the indoor unit 20 or indoor air is not exhausted to the outside.

  In this embodiment, the flow direction of the air flowing in the humidifying flow channel 71 is switched between the A direction and the B direction shown in FIG.

(2-2-6) Adsorption Fan The adsorption fan 55 is configured such that the impeller 55a is rotationally driven by the fan motor 55b and generates a flow of outdoor air that passes through a portion of the humidification rotor 52 that does not face the heater 56. In other words, the suction fan 55 is sucked from the first suction air intake port 51b and the second suction air intake port 51c, flows through the suction flow path 70, and is discharged from the suction air blower outlet 51a to the outside. To generate a flow of outdoor air.

(2-3) Control Device As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 60 included in the air conditioning device 10 is connected to various devices included in the air conditioning device 10, and operates various devices to perform indoor air conditioning. Take control. More specifically, the control device 60 adjusts the valve opening degree of the electric expansion valve 34, the rotational speeds of the indoor fan 22 and the outdoor fan 36, the rotational speed of the compressor 31, and the like, so that the indoor heat exchanger 21 and The amount of heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is controlled, or the amount of heat exchange in the humidifying heat exchanger 58 is controlled by adjusting the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 59.

  Moreover, the control apparatus 60 has the execution part 61 which performs various operations, such as a heating operation and a cooling operation. The execution unit 61 executes various operations based on commands from operation switches operated by the user and detection results of various sensors (such as a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor).

  When receiving a cooling operation instruction from the user, the control device 60 drives the compressor 31, sets the state of the four-way switching valve 32 to the second state, adjusts the valve opening degree of the electric expansion valve 34, and The cooling operation is performed by driving the indoor fan 22 and the outdoor fan 36.

  Further, when receiving a heating operation instruction from the user, the control device 60 drives the compressor 31 and sets the state of the four-way switching valve 32 to the first state and adjusts the valve opening degree of the electric expansion valve 34. And the heating operation is performed by driving the indoor fan 22 and the outdoor fan 36.

  Furthermore, the execution part 61 performs the humidification driving | operation which supplies the outdoor air positively humidified in the humidification unit 50 indoors, when there exists a humidification instruction | indication from a user. In addition, although the humidification operation in this embodiment is performed simultaneously with heating operation, it is not limited to this, Humidification operation may be performed independently and may be performed simultaneously with cooling operation.

  The execution unit 61 includes a humidification unit control unit 63 that controls various devices included in the humidification unit 50, and a valve opening degree control unit 62 that adjusts the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 59. When the unit 63 and the valve opening degree control unit 62 control various devices, the humidified outdoor air generated in the humidification unit 50 is supplied into the room via the indoor unit 20.

  More specifically, when the humidification unit control unit 63 receives a humidification instruction from the user, the humidification unit control unit 63 sets the flow path switching device 53 in a supply state, rotationally drives the humidification rotor 52, the suction fan 55, and the intake / exhaust fan 54, and Then, the heater 56 is driven. Furthermore, the valve opening degree control part 62 will adjust the valve opening degree of the flow regulating valve 59, if the humidification instruction | indication from a user is received.

  The humidifying unit control unit 63 rotationally drives the humidifying rotor 52, the adsorption fan 55, and the intake / exhaust fan 54 and drives the heater 56, whereby air having a moisture content higher than outdoor air (humidified air). Is generated and supplied to the indoor unit 20 through the intake / exhaust duct 15. The generation process of the humidified air will be described in detail later.

  Further, the valve opening degree control unit 62 performs SC control of the flow rate adjustment valve 59 according to the degree of refrigerant subcooling on the outlet side of the humidifying heat exchanger 58. The SC control of the flow rate adjusting valve 59 is performed based on the refrigerant temperature Ta detected by the first temperature sensor 91. Further, the valve opening degree control unit 62 makes the refrigerant temperature Ta detected by the first temperature sensor 91 lower than the refrigerant temperature Tc detected by the second temperature sensor 90 by a certain temperature Td (Ta = Tc− Td), the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 59 is adjusted. Further, when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature, the valve opening degree control unit 62 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 59 to be fully closed. In the present embodiment, the second predetermined temperature is set in advance, but is not limited thereto, and may be set by a user or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the second predetermined temperature is set to a temperature (for example, 30 ° C.) that is normally considered not to require indoor humidification by a user in a hot and humid climate region such as Japan. And Furthermore, the outdoor air temperature is detected by, for example, a third temperature sensor 93 provided in the outdoor unit 11. Here, the outdoor air temperature detected by the third temperature sensor 93 is the temperature of the outdoor air that is not supplied with heat by various devices included in the humidifying unit 50.

  Further, the humidification unit control unit 63 adjusts the output of the heater 56 in accordance with the temperature of the air detected by the fourth temperature sensor 92. In the present embodiment, the humidification unit control unit 63 sets the output of the heater 56 in units of 1 W so that the temperature of the air detected by the fourth temperature sensor 92 maintains a fourth predetermined temperature (for example, 55 ° C.). To control. For example, when the humidifying unit control unit 63 determines that the temperature of the air detected by the fourth temperature sensor 92 is higher than the fourth predetermined temperature, the temperature of the air approaches the fourth predetermined temperature. When control is performed to lower the output of the heater 56 and it is determined that the output is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, control is performed to increase the output of the heater 56 so that the temperature of the air approaches the fourth predetermined temperature.

  Note that the output control of the heater 56 by the humidifying unit control unit 63 is not limited to this, and for example, as long as the output of the heater 56 is controlled stepwise (for example, every 60 W), each step May be set, and the output stage of the heater 56 may be controlled based on the air temperature detected by the fourth temperature sensor 92 and the set temperature value.

(3) Refrigerant flow during humidification operation The refrigerant flow during the humidification operation will be described below. Hereinafter, a case where the outdoor air temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature will be described.

  During the humidification operation, the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the third refrigerant pipe 41c to the indoor heat exchanger 21 via the four-way switching valve 32, or in the middle of the third refrigerant pipe 41c. Flows into the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42.

  The high-pressure gas refrigerant that has reached the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the indoor air blown by the indoor fan 22 in the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the outdoor air blown out from the humidification duct. As the refrigerant condenses, it heats the air and heats the room. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 flows through the second refrigerant pipe 41 b and reaches the electric expansion valve 34.

  The liquid refrigerant that has reached the electric expansion valve 34 is decompressed by the electric expansion valve 34 and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33. In the outdoor heat exchanger 33, the flowing liquid refrigerant evaporates by exchanging heat with outdoor air. The evaporated gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 31 via the four-way switching valve 32 and the accumulator 35.

  On the other hand, the high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 flows into the humidifying heat exchanger 58. Then, after performing heat exchange with the outdoor air in the humidifying heat exchanger 58, the humidified heat exchanger 58 joins the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe 41 b via the flow rate adjustment valve 59.

  As described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 40, whereby the indoor heat exchanger 21 can heat the room, and the humidifying heat exchanger 58 heats the outdoor air taken in from the intake / exhaust port 51d. can do.

(4) Air Flow During Humidification Operation FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining three regions included in the humidification rotor 52. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the humidifying channel 71.

  Hereinafter, the flow of air during the humidifying operation will be described.

  During the humidification operation, the suction fan 55 is driven, air flows through the suction flow path 70 in the direction of arrows A11-A12 in FIG. The air flows in the direction of arrow A21-25. During the humidification operation, the humidification rotor 52 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIGS.

  Further, hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, among outdoor air, outdoor air taken into the humidifying unit 50 from the first adsorption air intake port 51b and the second adsorption air intake port 51c is referred to as adsorption air. The outdoor air taken into the humidification unit 50 from the intake / exhaust port 51d is referred to as humidification air.

  The adsorption air taken into the humidification unit 50 from the first adsorption air intake port 51b and the second adsorption air intake port 51c flows in the direction of arrow A11 in FIG. . The adsorbing air flows through the adsorbing flow path 70, thereby passing through a region (hereinafter referred to as an adsorbing portion 52 a) of the humidifying rotor 52 that does not face the heater 56. Then, the suction air that has passed through the suction portion 52a of the humidification rotor 52 flows in the direction of arrow A12 in FIG. 3 and enters the suction fan 55 from the vicinity of the bell mouth 57 through the space surrounded by the bell mouth 57, The suction fan 55 blows out the humidification unit 50 from the suction air outlet 51a.

  On the other hand, the humidification air taken into the humidification unit 50 from the intake / exhaust port 51d goes to the humidification heat exchanger 58. The humidifying air that has passed through the humidifying heat exchanger 58 flows in the direction of arrow A21 in FIG. 3 and is adjacent to the adsorbing portion 52a of the humidifying rotor 52, and is the heater body 56a of the humidifying flow channel 71. It passes through a region on the upstream side (hereinafter referred to as a reheat portion 52c). Then, the humidifying air that has passed through the reheating portion 52 c of the humidification rotor 52 flows in the direction of arrow A <b> 22 in FIG. 3 and reaches the heater body 56 a of the heater 56. The humidifying air that has reached the heater main body 56a flows in the direction of arrow A23 in FIG. 3, and is a region different from the adsorbing portion 52a and the reheating portion 52c in the humidifying rotor 52 and faces the flow path forming portion 56c. It passes through the region (hereinafter referred to as the humidifying part 52b). Then, the humidifying air that has passed through the humidifying section 52b of the humidifying rotor 52 flows in the direction of arrow A24 in FIG. Thereafter, the humidifying air that has reached the flow path switching device 53 is returned to the flow path switching device 53 again via the intake / exhaust fan 54, flows in the direction of arrow A25 in FIG. To the machine 20.

  Here, the generation process of humidified air in the humidifying unit 50 will be described. The humidified air here refers to air containing moisture released from the humidification rotor 52 when the humidification rotor 52 is heated in the humidification air. Moreover, since the area | region where the humidification rotor 52 becomes the highest temperature is the humidification part 52b of the humidification rotor 52, the air before passing through the humidification part 52b among humidification air is made into the air before humidification for convenience of explanation below. The air after passing through the humidifying part 52b is referred to as humidified air.

  Further, during the humidification operation, the humidification rotor 52 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, so that the adsorption portion 52 a, the humidification portion 52 b, and the reheat portion 52 c, which are different areas in the humidification rotor 52, respectively. , Will be replaced in order. More specifically, when the humidification rotor 52 is rotated, the portion of the humidification rotor 52 that is the adsorption portion 52a becomes the humidification portion 52b, and the portion that becomes the humidification portion 52b becomes the reheat portion 52c, and the reheat portion The part which became 52c becomes the adsorption | suction part 52a again.

  When the adsorption air taken in from the first adsorption air intake port 51b and the second adsorption air intake port 51c passes through the adsorption portion 52a of the humidification rotor 52, the moisture in the adsorption air is adsorbed. It is adsorbed by the part 52a.

  On the other hand, the pre-humidified air taken in through the intake / exhaust port 51d is heated by the humidifying heat exchanger 58, or flows to the reheating part 52c of the humidifying rotor 52 without being heated. More specifically, when the refrigerant flows through the humidification heat exchanger 58, the pre-humidification air taken into the humidification unit casing 51 from the intake / exhaust port 51d and the refrigerant flowing through the humidification heat exchanger 58 It is heated by performing heat exchange and flows to the reheat part 52c. On the other hand, when the refrigerant does not flow through the humidifying heat exchanger 58, the air before humidification flows to the reheating unit 52c without being heated.

  And the air before humidification which flowed to the reheating part 52c is heated by the heat which the reheating part 52c has, when passing the reheating part 52c. More specifically, since the humidifying rotor 52 rotates and the portion that was the humidifying portion 52b shifts to the reheating portion 52c, in the reheating portion 52c, the remaining heat of the humidifying portion 52b provided from the heater body 56a. Is used to heat the pre-humidified air. Thereafter, the pre-humidified air that has passed through the reheating part 52c is heated by the heater body 56a and then passes through the humidifying part 52b. At this time, the humidifying unit 52b is heated by the air before humidification heated by the humidifying heat exchanger 58, the reheating unit 52c, and the heater body 56a, so that the moisture adsorbed by the adsorption unit 52a is removed before the humidification. Release to air (desorption). As a result, the air before humidification becomes humidified air containing moisture adsorbed by the adsorption part 52a.

(5) Features (5-1)
In the present embodiment, a humidifying heat exchanger 58 for heating the humidifying air is provided in the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 branched from the main refrigerant circuit 41. For this reason, the amount of heat exchange in the humidifying heat exchanger 58 can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the humidifying heat exchanger 58 with the flow rate adjusting valve 59. As a result, the heating capacity of the humidifying heat exchanger 58 can be adjusted without being influenced by the state of the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit 41 (refrigerant temperature, refrigerant amount, etc.).

  Thus, in this air conditioning apparatus 10, the heating capability in the humidifying heat exchanger 58 can be adjusted with a simple configuration.

  In the present embodiment, one end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 is a part of the first refrigerant pipe 41 a and is connected to the third refrigerant pipe 41 c that connects the four-way switching valve 32 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. Has been. For this reason, one end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 is a part of the first refrigerant pipe 41 a and is connected to the refrigerant pipe connecting the discharge part 31 a of the compressor 31 and the four-way switching valve 32. Since the distance from the discharge portion 31a of the compressor 31 is long, the pipe stress generated in the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 can be reduced.

(5-2)
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the humidifying flow channel 71 is arranged in the order of the humidifying heat exchanger 58, the reheating unit 52 c of the humidifying rotor 52, and the heater 56 in the air flow direction of the humidifying air. Has been. For this reason, before heating with the heater 56, the humidification air can be heated with the humidification heat exchanger 58 and the reheating part 52c, or with the reheating part 52c.

(5-3)
In the present embodiment, the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is adjusted so that the refrigerant temperature Ta flowing out from the humidifying heat exchanger 58 becomes smaller than the refrigerant temperature Tc flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21. Thus, by performing SC control of the flow rate adjustment valve 59, the state of the refrigerant flowing from the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 to the second refrigerant pipe 41b can be changed to a liquid state.

  In this embodiment, the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is SC-controlled. However, when the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is fully opened, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 with respect to the amount of refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit 41 is reduced. If there are few, since the state of the refrigerant | coolant which flows in into the 2nd refrigerant | coolant piping 41b from the humidification refrigerant | coolant piping 42 may be a gas state, SC control does not need to be performed.

(5-4)
In the present embodiment, when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature, the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is fully closed. As a result, since the refrigerant does not flow and is not replenished, the refrigerant temperature in the humidification heat exchanger 58 becomes the same temperature as the outdoor air, so that the humidification heat exchanger 58 does not function as a radiator (condenser). Can be. In the present embodiment, the second predetermined temperature is set to a temperature that is normally considered not to require indoor humidification by the user in a region with a hot and humid climate such as Japan. For this reason, when the indoor environment is an environment in which it is estimated that humidification is unnecessary for the user, the humidification heat exchanger 58 can be prevented from functioning as a radiator.

(5-5)
In this embodiment, since the heating capability of the humidification heat exchanger 58 can be adjusted, a certain amount of heat can be secured in the humidification heat exchanger 58. As a result, the amount of reduction in the input to the heater 56 is stabilized, so that the heating capability of the heating heat exchanger 58 and the output of the heater 56 can be controlled in conjunction with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the output of the heater 56 is controlled so that the temperature of the humidified air detected by the fourth temperature sensor 92 becomes a fourth predetermined temperature (for example, 55 ° C.).

  Here, in the present embodiment, as a means for supplying heat to the humidifying part 52 b of the humidifying rotor 52, there are a humidifying heat exchanger 58 and a reheating part 52 c in addition to the heater 56. For this reason, when the temperature of the humidified air is higher than the fourth predetermined temperature, the temperature of the humidified air can be brought close to the fourth predetermined temperature by reducing the output of the heater 56. As a result, the power consumption in the heater 56 can be suppressed while maintaining the humidifying ability in the humidifying unit 50.

  Further, the present inventor has found that conventional air conditioning that does not include the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42, the humidifying heat exchanger 58, and the flow rate adjusting valve 59 in the air conditioning apparatus 10 of the present embodiment by means of desktop calculation (simulation). The power consumption of the heater in the apparatus was compared with the power consumption of the heater 56 in the air conditioning apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. In addition, this desk calculation was performed on the conditions that the outdoor air temperature is 7 degreeC and the outdoor air contains sufficient water | moisture content in a 200V air conditioner.

  As a result, the input to the heater in the conventional air conditioner is 800 W, whereas the input to the heater 56 in the air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment is 496 W.

  Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus 10 of this embodiment, since the input required in order to heat-exchange with the humidification heat exchanger 58 is 38W, the total input amount required in order to produce | generate humidified air is changed to the conventional amount. Compared with the air conditioner, it could be reduced by 33%.

  In addition, in the air conditioning apparatus 10 of this embodiment, in order to flow a refrigerant | coolant through the humidification refrigerant | coolant piping 42, compared with the conventional air conditioning apparatus, it is necessary to raise the capability of the compressor 31 by 230W. On the other hand, when the temperature of the outdoor air is 7 ° C., the air after passing through the humidifying heat exchanger 58 is 35 ° C., and the air after passing through the reheating part 52 c of the humidifying rotor 52 is 50 ° C. Met. The air after passing through the heater 56 was 105 ° C., and the air after passing through the humidifying portion 52 b of the humidifying rotor 52 was 55 ° C. Further, the air flowing through the intake / exhaust fan 54 was 45 ° C., and the air blown out from the intake / exhaust duct 15 to the indoor unit 20 was 35 ° C./80% Rh. For this reason, even if there is a heat loss of about 10% to 15% on the outdoor unit 11 side and about 20% on the intake / exhaust duct 15, 70% of the increase in capacity of the compressor 31 can be recovered indoors.

(6) Modification (6-1) Modification A
Since the air conditioner 10 of the above embodiment is an air conditioner capable of performing heating operation and cooling operation, one end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 connects the four-way switching valve 32 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. The other end is connected to the third refrigerant pipe 41c and the other end is connected to the second refrigerant pipe 41b that connects the indoor heat exchanger 21 that functions as a radiator during heating operation and the electric expansion valve 34. If it is an air conditioner that can only be operated, there is no need to provide a four-way switching valve in the main refrigerant circuit, so one end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe functions as a compressor discharge section and a radiator. The other end may be connected to a refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the electric expansion valve.

(6-2) Modification B
In the above embodiment, the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is adjusted by receiving a humidification instruction from the user. The valve opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 59 is adjusted so that the refrigerant temperature Ta flowing out from the humidifying heat exchanger 58 is smaller than the refrigerant temperature Tc flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21, but the outdoor air temperature is When the temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), the valve is fully closed.

  Instead of this, or in addition to this, when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature, the flow rate adjustment valve 59 may be controlled to be in the open state.

  For example, the first predetermined temperature is set to a temperature lower than the second predetermined temperature (for example, 0 ° C.), and the flow rate adjustment valve 59 is controlled to be fully closed if the outdoor air temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature. If the outdoor air temperature is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature, the flow rate adjusting valve 59 is controlled to be fully opened. If the outdoor air temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature and lower than the second predetermined temperature, the flow rate adjusting valve is controlled. 59 may be SC controlled to adjust the valve opening. By controlling the flow rate adjusting valve 59 in this way, the heat exchange amount of the humidifying heat exchanger 58 can be adjusted in accordance with the changing outdoor air temperature.

  Further, instead of or in addition to the above control, when the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a radiator, that is, at the time of cooling operation, the flow rate adjustment valve 59 may be controlled to be fully closed. In a region with a hot and humid climate such as Japan, the indoor humidity is often not so low that the user is required to humidify the room during the cooling operation. That is, when the outdoor air temperature is high, such as when cooling operation is performed, it is estimated that indoor humidification is unnecessary. Therefore, by controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 59 to be in a fully closed state during the cooling operation, it is determined whether indoor humidification is necessary or not according to the operation of the air conditioner 10, and the humidification heat exchanger 58 is determined. Whether or not to function as a radiator can be determined.

(6-3) Modification C
In the above embodiment, the humidifying channel 71 is provided with the reheating part 52c on the downstream side of the air flow of the humidifying air in the humidifying heat exchanger 58, and the air flow of the humidifying air in the reheating part 52c. A heater 56 is disposed on the downstream side.

  Instead of this, the humidification flow path may be configured so that the humidification air that has passed through the humidification heat exchanger is sent to the heater without passing through the reheating unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the humidification flow path 171 may include three flow paths. More specifically, in addition to the first humidification flow path 171a having the intake / exhaust port 151da for taking in the humidification air (outdoor air) into the humidification unit casing and the intake / exhaust port 151da, the humidification air (outdoor) A second humidification flow path 171b having an intake / exhaust port 151db for taking air) into the humidification unit casing, a downstream end of the first humidification flow path 171a, and a downstream end of the second humidification flow path 171b. 3rd humidification flow path 171c connected to a part may be included. Here, “downstream” means downstream of the air flow of the humidifying air. The humidification heat exchanger 58 is disposed in the first humidification flow path 171a, and the reheating portion 52c of the humidification rotor 52 is disposed in the second humidification flow path 171b. Further, a heater 56 is disposed in the third humidification channel 171c. By configuring the humidifying flow path 171 in such a configuration, the humidifying air can be heated by the heater 56 after being separately heated by the humidifying heat exchanger 58 and the reheating unit 52c. Thereby, since the humidification air can be heated using the humidification heat exchanger 58, power consumption in the heater 56 can be suppressed, and heat can be sufficiently taken from the reheating part 52c. It is possible to suppress a decrease in moisture adsorption efficiency in the portion 52a.

(6-4) Modification D
In the above embodiment, one end of the humidifying refrigerant pipe 42 is connected to the third refrigerant pipe 41c that connects the four-way switching valve 32 and the indoor heat exchanger 21, but a part of the first refrigerant pipe 41a is connected. If it is connected, it will not be limited to this, For example, you may be connected to the refrigerant | coolant piping which connects the discharge part 31a of the compressor 31, and the four-way switching valve 32. FIG.

(6-5) Modification E
In the above embodiment, the humidification rotor 52 includes the adsorption unit 52 a that adsorbs moisture in the outdoor air, the humidification unit 52 b that releases the moisture adsorbed on the adsorption unit 52 a to the humidification air when heated, and the heater 56. It has three regions: a reheating unit 52c that heats humidifying air using the remaining heat of the supplied humidifying unit 52b. In the humidifying flow path 71, a reheating part 52c is arranged on the downstream side of the air flow of the humidifying air in the humidifying heat exchanger 58, and on the downstream side of the air flow of the humidifying air in the reheating part 52c. A heater 56 is disposed.

  Instead, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the humidification rotor 252 has an adsorption unit 252a that adsorbs moisture in outdoor air, and the moisture adsorbed on the adsorption unit 252a by being heated is used as humidification air. The humidifying part 252b to be discharged, and the humidifying air that has passed through the humidifying heat exchanger 58 flows directly to the heater 56, and the humidifying air heated by the heater 56 flows to the humidifying part 252b. A humidifying channel 271 may be configured.

  More specifically, the adsorbing portion 252a of the humidifying rotor 252 shown in FIG. 9 is an area of the humidifying rotor 252 that does not face the heater 56, as in the adsorbing portion 52a of the above-described embodiment. It is a portion through which the adsorption air taken into the humidification unit from the mouth and the second adsorption air intake port passes. And in the adsorption | suction part 252a, the water | moisture content contained in adsorption | suction air is adsorb | sucked. The adsorption air that has passed through the adsorption unit 252a is blown out of the humidification unit from the adsorption air outlet by an adsorption fan. Further, the humidifying rotor 252 of this modification is not provided with a region corresponding to the reheating part 52c of the humidifying rotor 52 of the above embodiment, and the adsorbing part 52a and the reheating part of the humidifying rotor 52 of the above embodiment. A region corresponding to 52 c is the suction portion 252 a of the humidification rotor 252.

  Further, the humidifying part 252b of the humidifying rotor 252 shown in FIG. 9 is a region facing the flow path forming part of the humidifying rotor 252 and is similar to the humidifying part 52b of the above-described embodiment, and is connected to the humidifying unit from the intake / exhaust port 251d. This is the part through which the humidifying air taken in. Then, the humidifying air that has been heated passes through the humidifying section 252b, whereby the humidifying section 252b is heated, and the moisture adsorbed by the heating of the humidifying section 252b is released into the humidifying air. Thereafter, the humidifying air (humidified air) containing moisture released from the humidifying unit 252b is sent to the indoor unit through the intake / exhaust duct.

  Next, the humidifying channel 271 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the humidifying channel 271 is a channel from the intake / exhaust port 251d for taking in the humidifying air into the humidifying unit casing to the intake / exhaust duct, and the humidifying air flows therethrough. . In the humidification channel 271, various devices are arranged so that the humidification air taken in from the intake / exhaust port 251 d flows in the order of the humidification heat exchanger 58, the heater 56, and the humidification unit 252 b.

  The humidifying air (pre-humidified air) taken in from the intake / exhaust port 251d is directed to the humidifying heat exchanger 58, heated by the humidifying heat exchanger 58, flows in the direction of arrow A221 in FIG. To the heater body. The pre-humidified air that reaches the heater main body is heated by the heater main body, then flows in the direction of arrow A223 in FIG. 10, and passes through the humidifying portion 252b of the humidifying rotor 252. At this time, the humidifying unit 252b is heated by the humidifying heat exchanger 58 and the pre-humidified air heated by the heater body, so that the moisture adsorbed by the adsorbing unit 252a is released to the pre-humidified air. As a result, the air for humidification (humidified air) containing the moisture adsorbed by the adsorption unit 252a is obtained. Thereafter, the humidified air flows in the direction of arrow A224 in FIG. 10, reaches the flow path switching device, returns to the flow path switching device again via the intake / exhaust fan 54, flows in the direction of arrow A225 in FIG. It is sent to the indoor unit through the intake / exhaust duct.

  By configuring the humidifying flow path 271 in such a configuration, the humidifying air can be heated by the heater 56 after being heated by the humidifying heat exchanger 58. Thereby, since humidification air can be heated using the humidification heat exchanger 58, the power consumption in the heater 56 can be suppressed compared with the case where the humidification heat exchanger is not provided. Furthermore, since the humidification air heated by the heat exchanger 58 with high energy efficiency flows to the heater 56, the humidification part 252b can be efficiently heated.

  Further, according to the desktop calculation (simulation), in the air conditioning apparatus 10 of the above embodiment, there is a possibility that the heat recovery may not be so much performed in the reheating unit 52c, and a loss of about 40 W may occur. .

  Therefore, as in the present modification, the humidification rotor 252 is composed of an adsorption unit 252a and a humidification unit 252b, and the humidification air that has passed through the humidification heat exchanger 58 is directly sent to the heater 56. By configuring the use flow path 271, it is possible to eliminate the loss that occurs when the humidifying air passes through the reheat section.

  Furthermore, when the humidification rotor 252 has the same size as the humidification rotor 52 of the above-described embodiment, since the proportion of the adsorption portion 252a in the humidification rotor 252 is larger than that of the humidification rotor 52 of the above-described embodiment, More water can be adsorbed by the portion 252a.

  Moreover, compared with the case where a plurality of humidification channels are provided as in Modification C, it is possible to suppress a decrease in air volume due to pressure loss.

  Since this invention can adjust the heating capability of the heat exchanger for humidification with a simple structure, application to an air conditioning apparatus provided with a humidifier is effective.

10 Air conditioner 21 Indoor heat exchanger (heat radiator)
31 Compressor 32 Four-way selector valve 31a Discharge part 33 Outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator)
34 Electric expansion valve (expansion mechanism)
41 Main refrigerant circuit 41a First refrigerant pipe (first path)
41b Second refrigerant pipe (second path)
41c 3rd refrigerant | coolant piping (3rd path | route)
42 Humidification refrigerant piping (sub-path)
50 Humidification unit (humidifier)
52 Humidification rotor (moisture absorption part)
52a Adsorption part 52b Humidification part 52c Reheating part 54 Intake / exhaust fan (fan)
56 Heater 58 Humidification Heat Exchanger 59 Flow Control Valve 62 Valve Opening Control Unit 63 Humidification Unit Control Unit (Heater Control Unit)
90 Second temperature sensor (second detection unit)
91 1st temperature sensor (1st detection part)
92 4th temperature sensor (4th detection part)
93 3rd temperature sensor (3rd detection part)
171a First humidification flow path (first air flow path)
171b Second humidification channel (second air channel)
171c Third humidification channel (third air channel)
71,171 Humidification channel (air channel)

JP 2002-89903 A

Claims (10)

A main refrigerant circuit (41) in which a compressor (31), a radiator (21), an expansion mechanism (34), and an evaporator (33) are sequentially connected;
It branches from the 1st path | route (41a) which connects the discharge part (31a) and the said heat radiator of the said compressor, and is connected to the 2nd path | route (41b) which connects the said heat radiator and the said expansion mechanism. A secondary route (42),
The moisture absorption part (52) including an adsorption part (52a) that adsorbs moisture in outdoor air, and a humidification part (52b) that discharges moisture adsorbed on the adsorption part to humidification air when heated, and the humidification A humidifier (50) comprising: a heater (56) for heating a part; and a fan (54) for conveying the humidifying air containing moisture released from the humidifying part into a room;
A humidifying heat exchanger (58) for heating the humidifying air;
A flow rate adjustment valve (59) capable of adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the humidifying heat exchanger;
With
The humidifying heat exchanger and the flow rate adjusting valve are provided in the sub-path,
Air conditioner (10). The main refrigerant circuit is configured such that an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the indoor air serves as the radiator, and an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the outdoor air serves as the evaporator. A four-way switching valve (32) capable of switching the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the circuit is connected,
The first path connects the discharge unit of the compressor and the indoor heat exchanger via the four-way switching valve,
The sub route is a part of the first route, and is branched from a third route (41c) connecting the four-way switching valve and the indoor heat exchanger,
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1. The humidifier has an air flow path (71) through which the humidifying air flows,
The moisture absorption part is a region different from the adsorption part and the humidification part, and the reheating part (52c) heats the humidification air using the remaining heat of the humidification part supplied from the heater. Including
In the moisture absorption part, the adsorption part, the humidification part, and the reheat part are configured to be interchanged,
In the air flow path, the reheating unit is disposed on the downstream side of the air flow of the humidifying air in the humidifying heat exchanger, and the reheating unit is disposed on the downstream side of the air flow of the humidifying air. The heater is located,
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The humidifier has an air flow path (171) through which the humidifying air flows,
The moisture absorption part is a region different from the adsorption part and the humidification part, and the reheating part (52c) heats the humidification air using the remaining heat of the humidification part supplied from the heater. Including
In the moisture absorption part, the adsorption part, the humidification part, and the reheat part are configured to be interchanged,
The air flow path includes a first air flow path (171a) in which the humidifying heat exchanger is disposed, a second air flow path (171b) in which the reheat unit is disposed, and the first air. A third air flow path (171c) connected to the downstream end of the flow path and the downstream end of the second air flow path and where the heater is disposed,
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The humidifier has an air flow path through which the humidifying air flows,
In the moisture absorption part, the adsorption part and the humidification part are configured to be interchanged,
In the air flow path, the humidification air heated by the humidification heat exchanger flows directly to the heater, and the humidification air heated by the heater flows to the humidification unit,
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A first detector (91) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the humidifying heat exchanger;
A second detector (90) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the radiator;
A valve opening that adjusts the valve opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve so that the first detection temperature detected by the first detection unit is lower than the second detection temperature detected by the second detection unit by a certain temperature. Degree control unit (62);
Further comprising
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A third detector (93) for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air;
The valve opening control unit opens the flow rate adjustment valve when a third detected temperature detected by the third detection unit is equal to or lower than a first predetermined temperature;
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 6. A third detector (93) for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air;
The valve opening degree control unit, when the third detection temperature detected by the third detection unit is equal to or higher than a second predetermined temperature, to fully close the flow rate adjustment valve;
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. When the indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the indoor air serves as the evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the outdoor air serves as the radiator, Fully close the flow adjustment valve,
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8. A fourth detection unit (92) for detecting the temperature of the humidifying air after moisture is released from the humidifying unit;
A heater control unit (63) for controlling the operation of the heater based on a fourth detected temperature detected by the fourth detection unit;
Further comprising
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images