JP2017044386A - Dehumidification system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrict increasing in cost or consumption power of a dehumidification system (1) including a heat exchanger unit (20) and a rotor unit (30) by eliminating heating of atmospheric air with heater used for preventing freezing at the heat exchanger unit (20) even if the atmospheric air shows a low temperature.SOLUTION: There is provided a mixing passage (P50) merging at least a part of regeneration air passed through a regeneration zone (72) of an adsorption rotor [70] and regeneration air passed through adsorption heat exchangers (102, 101) at an adsorption side with surrounding air supplied to the adsorption heat exchangers (101, 102) at an adsorption side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a dehumidification system, and more particularly to a technique for preventing freezing of a heat exchanger unit when the outside air is at a low temperature in a dehumidification unit including a heat exchanger unit and a rotor unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a heat exchanger that includes an air passage through which air flows and a dehumidifying unit disposed on the air passage, the dehumidifying unit having two adsorption heat exchangers that are alternately switched between an adsorption side and a regeneration side. There is known a dehumidification system including a unit and a rotor unit including an adsorption rotor having an adsorption zone and a regeneration zone (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this dehumidification system, the air passage is supplied to the humidity control space through the adsorption zone of the adsorption rotor after the outside air supplied to the adsorption heat exchange on the adsorption side passes through the adsorption heat exchanger on the adsorption side. An air supply passage, and a regeneration passage that heats the regeneration air and sequentially flows through the regeneration zone of the adsorption rotor and the adsorption heat exchanger on the regeneration side.

  In this dehumidifying system, after the outside air is dehumidified by the adsorption heat exchanger on the adsorption side, it is further dehumidified in the adsorption zone of the adsorption rotor and supplied to the room which is a humidity control space. Moreover, in the dehumidification system of patent document 1, the external air cooler (precooler) is provided in the upstream of the heat exchanger unit in an air supply path.

Japanese Patent No. 5695752

  By the way, in the above dehumidification system, the outside air always passes through the adsorption heat exchanger on the adsorption side. Therefore, in the above dehumidifying system, the adsorption heat exchanger may freeze under conditions where the outside air is at a low temperature (for example, −5 ° C. or lower). On the other hand, in order to prevent the adsorption heat exchanger from freezing, it is conceivable to heat the outside air with a heater. However, in that case, problems related to costs such as an increase in system cost due to the provision of a heater and an increase in power consumption due to the operation of the heater occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object thereof is a dehumidification system including a heat exchanger unit and a rotor unit, and does not require heating of the outside air by a heater even when the outside air is at a low temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in system cost and an increase in power consumption.

  The first invention includes an air passage (P) through which air flows, and a dehumidification unit (10) disposed on the air passage (P). The dehumidification unit (10) includes an adsorption side and a regeneration side. A heat exchanger unit (20) having two adsorption heat exchangers (101, 102) that can be alternately switched to each other, and a rotor unit (30) comprising an adsorption rotor (70) having an adsorption zone (71) and a regeneration zone (72) And the air passage (P) of the adsorption rotor (70) after the outside air supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (101,102) passes through the adsorption heat exchanger (101,102). The supply passage (P1) that passes through the adsorption zone (71) and is supplied to the humidity control space (S0), and the regeneration air (72) and regeneration side of the adsorption rotor (70) by heating the regeneration air Assuming a dehumidification system with a regeneration passage (P2) that flows through the adsorption heat exchangers (102,101) .

  The dehumidifying unit (10) adsorbs at least a part of the regeneration air that has passed through the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) and the regeneration air that has passed through the regeneration-side adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101). It is characterized by comprising a mixing passage (P50) for joining the outside air supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the side through the air supply passage (P1).

  In the first aspect of the invention, at least a part of the regeneration air that has passed through the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) and the regeneration heat exchanger (102, 101) on the regeneration side passes through the mixing passage (P50). Then, it joins the outside air supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the adsorption side through the supply passage (P1). Therefore, even when the outside air is at a low temperature, the temperature of the air rises by mixing the regenerated air, so that the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) to which the low temperature outside air is always supplied is unlikely to freeze. .

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, when the outside air is higher than a predetermined temperature or higher than a predetermined humidity, the flow rate adjustment for reducing the flow rate of the regenerated air in the mixing passage (P50). It is provided with a mechanism (50).

  In the second aspect of the invention, when the outside air temperature is low, the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the adsorption side is utilized without using the heater to heat the outside air by using the high-temperature regeneration air by opening the flow rate adjusting mechanism (50). ) Can be prevented, but when the outside air temperature rises in summer, etc., the adsorbing heat exchanger (101,102) is closed by closing the flow rate adjustment mechanism (50) and reducing the flow rate of regenerated air in the mixing passage (P50). ) Can be prevented from lowering the adsorption capacity due to the temperature rise of the air passing through.

  According to a third invention, in the second invention, when the outside air is higher than a predetermined temperature or higher than a predetermined humidity, the flow rate adjusting mechanism (50) is regenerated in the mixing passage (P50). It is characterized by being configured to stop the flow of air.

  In the third aspect of the invention, when the outside air temperature is low, the flow rate adjusting mechanism (50) is opened to use the high temperature regenerated air to raise the air temperature without heating the outside air with the heater, thereby increasing the adsorption side. While the adsorption heat exchanger (101,102) can be prevented from freezing, when the outside air temperature rises in summer, etc., the flow rate adjustment mechanism (50) is closed to reduce the flow rate of the regenerated air in the mixing passage (P50). It is possible to suppress a decrease in the adsorption capacity in the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) due to the temperature rise.

  According to a fourth invention, in the first invention, the mixing passage (P50) is provided between the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) and the regeneration-side adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101) in the regeneration passage (P2). It is characterized by branching from between and joining the supply passage (P1).

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, since the regeneration exhaust of the adsorption rotor (70) has a low humidity regardless of the conditions of the outside air, it is not necessary to stop the operation of mixing the regeneration exhaust with the supply air even when the outside air temperature is high.

  The fifth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the mixing passage (P50) is provided with a regeneration air cooler (55) for cooling the regeneration air flowing through the mixing passage (P50). Yes.

  In the fifth aspect of the invention, the temperature of the inlet air of the heat exchanger unit (20) is increased by mixing the low-humidity regenerative exhaust (regenerative exhaust of the adsorption rotor (70)) and the high-humidity outside air in the summer. In contrast, in the fifth aspect of the invention, cooling the air in the mixing passage (P50) raises the temperature of the inlet air of the heat exchanger unit (20) and lowers the capacity. Can be suppressed.

  According to the present invention, even when the outside air is at a low temperature, the temperature of the air is increased by mixing the regenerated air, so that the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the adsorption side to which the low temperature outside air is always supplied is frozen. It becomes difficult to occur. Therefore, even when the outside air is at a low temperature, heating of the outside air by the heater can be made unnecessary, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in system cost and an increase in power consumption.

  According to the second and third aspects of the invention, when the outside air is hotter than a predetermined temperature or higher than a predetermined humidity, the flow rate adjustment that reduces the flow rate of the regeneration air in the mixing passage (P50). By providing a mechanism (50), when the outside air is cold, regenerative air is mixed with the outside air so that heating of the outside air by the heater is unnecessary, thereby suppressing an increase in system cost and an increase in power consumption. When the outside air temperature is high, the adsorption capacity in the adsorption heat exchanger (101,102) can be reduced by decreasing the circulation rate of the regenerated air in the mixing passage (P50) due to the increase in the air temperature. Therefore, the system performance can be prevented from being degraded.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the regeneration exhaust of the adsorption rotor (70) has a low humidity regardless of the condition of the outside air, and the operation of mixing the regeneration exhaust with the supply air does not have to be stopped even when the outside air temperature is high. Therefore, the control can be simplified. Further, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the effect of reducing the humidity of the inlet air of the heat exchanger unit (20) in summer when the outside air temperature is high, and the heat exchanger unit by reducing the intake amount of outside air. The effect of reducing the capacity and power consumption of (20) (initial cost reduction and energy saving) can be realized.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the temperature of the inlet air of the heat exchanger unit (20) is suppressed by cooling the air in the mixing passage (P50), the heat exchanger unit ( 20) Dehumidification ability can be increased.

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a dehumidification system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of a dehumidification system according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the dehumidification system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of a dehumidification system according to a modification of the second embodiment.

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

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the dehumidification system (1) of the first embodiment. This dehumidification system (1) dehumidifies air (in this example, outdoor air (OA)) and supplies it to the humidity control space (S0). In this example, the humidity control space (S0) is configured by an indoor space (S1). The indoor space (S1) is a space in which supply of air having a low dew point temperature (for example, air having a dew point temperature of −50 ° C. or lower) is required, and is, for example, a dry clean room provided in a lithium battery production line. .

  The dehumidification system (1) includes an air passage (P) through which air flows and a dehumidification unit (10) disposed on the air passage (P). The dehumidifying unit (10) has a heat exchanger unit (20) and a rotor unit (30). The air passage (P) has an air supply passage (P1) and a regeneration passage (P2).

  The heat exchanger unit (20) includes a refrigerant circuit (100) and two adsorption heat exchangers (first adsorption heat exchanger) that are connected to the refrigerant circuit (100) and are alternately switched between an adsorption side and a regeneration side. (101) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (102)), two heat exchange chambers (first heat exchange chamber (S11) and second heat exchange chamber (S12)), and two adsorption blocks (first adsorption) A block (301) and a second adsorption block (302).

  The rotor unit (30) includes an adsorption rotor (70) divided into an adsorption zone (71), a regeneration zone (72), and a purge zone (73). The purge zone (73) is set to about half the area of the regeneration zone (72). The air passage (P) is provided with a rotor air supply passage (P71), a rotor regeneration passage (P72), a purge passage (P73), and a cooling air passage (P80).

<Air passage>
As described above, air to be supplied to the humidity control space (S0) (in this example, air to be supplied to the indoor space (S1)) flows through the air supply passage (P1). In this example, the air supply passage (P1) is configured to take outdoor air (OA) from the outdoor space and supply supply air (SA) to the indoor space (S1). Specifically, the air supply passage (P1) has an indoor space via a first air supply passage portion (P11) whose inflow end is connected to the outdoor space and a rotor air supply passage (P71) described later at the outflow end. And a second air supply passage portion (P12) connected to (S1). In this example, an external air cooler (11) is provided in the first air supply passage portion (P11) of the air supply passage (P1), and a drain pan (12) is provided in the vicinity of the external air cooler (11). Yes.

  The outdoor air cooler (11) cools and dehumidifies outdoor air (OA). For example, the outside air cooler (11) can be configured by a heat exchanger (specifically, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger) that functions as an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit (not shown). The drain pan (12) collects water condensed in the outside air cooler (11). For example, the drain pan (12) is configured by a container having an open upper surface and is disposed below the outside air cooler (11) so that water condensed in the outside air cooler (11) can be received.

  Air to be supplied to the humidity control space (S0) (in this example, air to be supplied to the indoor space (S1)) flows through the rotor air supply passage (P71). In this example, the rotor air supply passage (P71) is configured to take in air from the outflow end of the air supply passage (P1) and supply the supply air (SA) to the indoor space (S1). Specifically, the inflow end of the rotor air supply passage (P71) is connected to the outflow end of the air supply passage (P1), and the outflow end is connected to the indoor space (S1).

  Air for regenerating the adsorbent flows through the regeneration passage (P2). In this example, the regeneration passage (P2) is configured such that after the air branched from the outflow end of the air supply passage (P1) passes through the purge passage (P73) and the rotor regeneration passage (P72), the air is discharged air (EA ) To be discharged into the outdoor space. The regeneration passage (P2) has a first regeneration passage portion (P21) whose inflow end is connected to the rotor regeneration passage (P72) and a second regeneration passage portion (P22) whose outflow end is connected to the outdoor space. doing. In this example, a part of the air in the indoor space (S1) is directly discharged from the indoor space (S1) to the outdoor space as exhaust air (EA).

  Air for regenerating the adsorbent (in this example, air supplied from the purge passage (P73)) flows through the rotor regeneration passage (P72). In this example, the rotor regeneration passage (P72) is configured to take air from the outflow end of the purge passage (P73) and supply regeneration air (air for regenerating the adsorbent) to the regeneration passage (P2). ing. Specifically, the rotor regeneration passage (P72) has an inflow end connected to the outflow end of the purge passage (P73), and an outflow end connected to the inflow end of the regeneration passage (P2).

  In the purge passage (P73), air supplied to the rotor regeneration passage (P72) (in this example, air supplied from the air supply passage (P1)) flows. In this example, the purge passage (P73) is configured to take in air from the outflow end of the supply passage (P1) and supply the regeneration air to the rotor regeneration passage (P72). Specifically, the purge passage (P73) has an inflow end connected to the outflow end of the air supply passage (P1), and an outflow end connected to the inflow end of the rotor regeneration passage (P72).

  The cooled and dehumidified air flows through the cooling air passage (P80). In this example, the cooling air passage (P80) takes in the indoor air (RA) from the indoor space (S1) and passes the air into the intermediate portion of the air supply passage (P1) (specifically, the adsorption heat acting as an evaporator). It is configured to supply to the heat exchange chamber (S11, S12) in which the exchanger (101, 102) is provided. Specifically, the cooling air passage (P80) has an inflow end connected to the indoor space (S1) and an outflow end connected to a midway portion of the air supply passage (P1).

  An auxiliary cooler (80) is provided in the cooling air passage (P80). The auxiliary cooler (80) cools the air flowing through the cooling air passage (P80) (in this example, room air (RA)). For example, the auxiliary cooler (80) can be configured by a heat exchanger (specifically, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger) that functions as an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit (not shown). The air cooled in the cooling air passage (P80) is the air flowing through the air supply passage (P1) (in this example, the evaporator in the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) of the dehumidifying unit (10)). And the air that has passed through the heat exchange chamber (S11, S12) provided with the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102).

  The supply air passage (P1) is provided with a second auxiliary cooler (85) for cooling air between the connection point of the cooling air passage (P80) and the connection point of the purge passage (P73). . The second auxiliary cooler (85) can be constituted by, for example, a heat exchanger (specifically, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger) that functions as an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit (not shown). In this embodiment, an example in which both the auxiliary cooler (80) and the second auxiliary cooler (85) are provided on the inlet side to the adsorption zone (71) of the adsorption rotor (70) is shown. In the above product, when the second auxiliary cooler (85) is provided, the auxiliary cooler (80) may not be provided. That is, any one of the auxiliary cooler (80) and the second auxiliary cooler (85) may be provided.

  As described above, in the dehumidification system (1) of the present embodiment, the air passage (P) supplies the outside air supplied to the adsorption side adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) by the adsorption side adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102). After passing through the suction rotor (70), the suction passage (P1) that passes through the suction zone (71) and is supplied to the humidity control space (S0), and the regeneration air is heated to generate the suction rotor (70). ) Regeneration zone (72) and a regeneration passage (P2) that sequentially flows through the regeneration-side adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101). In the dehumidification system (1) of this embodiment, at least a part of the regeneration air that has passed through the regeneration-side adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101) is supplied to the outside air that is supplied to the adsorption-side adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102). A mixing passage (P50) that joins the air supply passage (P1) is provided. That is, the downstream side of the adsorption heat exchanger (102) in the regeneration passage (P2) and the upstream side of the adsorption heat exchanger (101) in the air supply passage (P1) (the downstream side of the outdoor air cooler (11)). Connected by a mixing passage (P50).

<Heat exchanger unit>
The first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) incorporate one heat exchange chamber into the supply passage (P1) as a part of the supply passage (P1) and the other heat exchange chamber as a regeneration passage (P2). ) Can be incorporated into the regeneration passage (P2) as a part of. Specifically, each of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) is between the outflow end of the first supply passage portion (P11) and the inflow end of the second supply passage portion (P12). Is connected to the air supply passage (P1) and air (that is, air to be supplied to the humidity control space (S0)) circulates, and the outflow end of the first regeneration passage portion (P21) and the first 2 The air (that is, air for regenerating the adsorbent) flows through the regeneration passage (P2) by being connected to the inflow end of the regeneration passage portion (P22). In the following description, the generic name of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) is simply referred to as “heat exchange chamber (S11, S12)”.

  The refrigerant circuit (100) circulates refrigerant to execute a refrigeration cycle operation. The first and second adsorption heat exchangers (101, 102), the compressor (103), the expansion valve (104), And a four-way switching valve (105).

  Each of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (101, 102) is configured by supporting an adsorbent on the surface of a heat exchanger (for example, a cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger). The first and second adsorption heat exchangers (101, 102) are provided in the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12), respectively. As the adsorbent, zeolite, silica gel, activated carbon, an organic polymer material having a hydrophilic functional group may be used, or a material having not only a function of adsorbing moisture but also a function of absorbing moisture (so-called “concentration”). Adhesive) may be used. In the following description, the generic name of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (101, 102) is simply referred to as “adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102)”.

  The compressor (103) compresses and discharges the refrigerant. Moreover, the compressor (103) is comprised so that a rotation speed (operation frequency) can be changed by control of a controller (not shown). For example, the compressor (103) is configured by a variable capacity compressor (rotary, swing, scroll, etc. compressor) whose rotation speed can be adjusted by an inverter circuit (not shown).

  The expansion valve (104) adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant. For example, the expansion valve (104) is an electronic expansion valve that can change the opening degree in response to control by a controller (not shown).

  The four-way switching valve (105) has first to fourth ports, the first port is connected to the discharge side of the compressor (103), and the second port is connected to the suction side of the compressor (103). The third port is connected to the end of the second adsorption heat exchanger (102), and the fourth port is connected to the end of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101). In response to the control by the controller, the four-way switching valve (105) has a first connection state (state shown by a solid line in FIG. 1) and a second connection state (state shown by a broken line in FIG. 1). It is configured to be settable.

  When the four-way switching valve (105) is in the first connection state, the refrigerant circuit (100) uses the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) as an evaporator to dehumidify the air and to remove the second adsorption heat exchanger ( 102) becomes a condenser and performs a first refrigeration cycle operation (first operation) that humidifies air (that is, regenerates the adsorbent). On the other hand, when the four-way switching valve (105) is in the second connection state, the refrigerant circuit (100) serves as the first adsorption heat exchanger (102) for dehumidifying the air by using the evaporator as the second adsorption heat exchanger (102). The second refrigeration cycle operation (second operation) is performed in which the vessel (101) becomes a condenser to humidify the air (that is, regenerate the adsorbent). Thus, the refrigerant circuit (100), in response to control by the controller, is configured to be able to execute the first and second refrigeration cycle operation. Specifically, the refrigerant circuit (100) is configured to alternately perform the first and second refrigeration cycle operations.

  When the four-way selector valve (105) is first connected state, the first port and the third port and the second port and the fourth port are communicated with each other while communicating. Thus, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (103) passes through the four-way switching valve (105) and flows into the second adsorption heat exchanger (102). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (102), a regeneration operation is performed in which the adsorbent is heated by the refrigerant and moisture in the adsorbent is released to the air. The refrigerant that dissipates heat and condenses in the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is decompressed by the expansion valve (104), and then flows into the first adsorption heat exchanger (101). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (101), an adsorption operation in which moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent is performed, and the adsorption heat generated at that time is imparted to the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has absorbed heat and evaporated in the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is sucked into the compressor (103) and compressed.

  When the four-way switching valve (105) is in the second connection state, the first port communicates with the fourth port, and the second port communicates with the third port. Thus, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (103) passes through the four-way switching valve (105) and flows into the first adsorption heat exchanger (101). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (101), the adsorbent is heated by the refrigerant, and a regeneration operation is performed in which moisture in the adsorbent is released to the air. The refrigerant radiated and condensed in the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is decompressed by the expansion valve (104) and then flows into the second adsorption heat exchanger (102). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (102), an adsorption operation in which moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent is performed, and adsorption heat generated at that time is imparted to the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has absorbed heat and evaporated in the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is sucked into the compressor (103) and compressed.

  In response to the control by the controller, the switching mechanism (200) changes the connection state between the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12), the supply passage (P1), and the regeneration passage (P2) to the first state. It is configured to be settable between a passage state (state shown by a solid line in FIG. 1) and a second passage state (state shown by a broken line in FIG. 1).

  When the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) becomes the first passage state, the first heat exchange chamber (S11) is located between the first and second air supply passage portions (P11, P12). Is connected to the intake passage (P1) and the second heat exchange chamber (S12) is connected between the first and second regeneration passage portions (P21, P22) and incorporated into the regeneration passage (P2). It is.

  When the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) becomes the second passage state, the first heat exchange chamber (S11) is placed between the first and second regeneration passage portions (P21, P22). Connected and incorporated into the regeneration passage (P2), the second heat exchange chamber (S12) is connected between the first and second air supply passage portions (P11, P12) and incorporated into the air supply passage (P1) It is.

  The switching mechanism (200) sets the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) to the first passage state when the four-way switching valve (105) is in the first connection state, When the four-way switching valve (105) is in the second connection state, the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) is set to the second passage state. As described above, the switching mechanism (200) is configured such that the heat exchange chamber provided with the adsorption heat exchanger serving as an evaporator of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) is provided in the supply passage (P1). Switching of the refrigeration cycle operation of the refrigerant circuit (100) so that the heat exchange chamber with the adsorption heat exchanger that is built in as a part of the condenser is installed as part of the regeneration passage (P2) The connection state between the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12), the supply passage (P1), and the regeneration passage (P2) can be switched in conjunction with the operation. That is, the switching mechanism (200) has the heat exchange chamber (S11, S12) provided with the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) serving as an evaporator among the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12). Passed air is supplied to the humidity control space (S0), and air for regenerating the adsorbent flows in the heat exchange chamber (S12, S11) where the adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101), which is a condenser, is installed. The air flow is switched.

  Each of the first and second adsorption blocks (301, 302) is configured to carry an adsorbent and bring air into contact with the adsorbent. For example, each of the first and second adsorption blocks (301, 302) is configured by supporting an adsorbent on the surface of a structure (specifically, a structure having a honeycomb structure). The first and second adsorption blocks (301, 302) are provided in the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12), respectively. In the following description, the generic name of the first and second adsorption blocks (301, 302) is simply referred to as “adsorption block (301, 302)”.

  The first adsorption block (301) is located downstream of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) when the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is an evaporator in the first heat exchange chamber (S11) ( Air dehumidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) passes when the position becomes the leeward side (that is, when the first heat exchange chamber (S11) is incorporated as a part of the air supply passage (P1)) Position). In other words, in the first adsorption block (301), in the first heat exchange chamber (S11), the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) is the first passage state (shown by the solid line in FIG. 1). In this case, it is disposed at a position downstream of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101).

  Similarly, when the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is an evaporator in the second heat exchange chamber (S12), the second adsorption block (302) has the second adsorption heat exchanger (102). ) On the downstream side (leeward side) (that is, when the second heat exchange chamber (S12) is incorporated as a part of the air supply passage (P1), the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) removes the moisture. At a position where the generated air passes). In other words, in the second adsorption block (302), in the second heat exchange chamber (S12), the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) is the second passage state (indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1). The second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is disposed at a position downstream of the second adsorption heat exchanger (102).

<Rotor unit>
The rotor unit (30) includes a regenerative heater (21). The regeneration heater (21) is provided in the rotor regeneration passage (P72) and heats air for regenerating the adsorbent (in this example, air supplied from the purge passage (P73) to the rotor regeneration passage (P72)). Is configured to do. The heating temperature in the regenerative heater (21) is set to a temperature (for example, 60 ° C.) lower than the upper limit value of the condensation temperature of the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102).

  The adsorption rotor (70) is configured by carrying an adsorbent on the surface of a disk-like porous base material, and is provided with a rotor supply passage (P71), a rotor regeneration passage (P72), and a purge passage (P73). It is arranged across. The adsorption rotor (70) is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown), and rotates about the axis between the rotor supply passage (P71), the rotor regeneration passage (P72), and the purge passage (P73). It is configured as follows. Specifically, the adsorption rotor (70) includes an adsorption zone (71) disposed in the rotor air supply passage (P71), a regeneration zone (72) disposed in the rotor regeneration passage (P72), and a purge passage ( P73) and a purge zone (73). The adsorbent carried on the adsorption rotor (70) sequentially moves through the adsorption zone (71), the regeneration zone (72), and the purge zone (73) as the adsorption rotor (70) rotates. That is, in the adsorption rotor (70), the portion located in the adsorption zone (71) moves to the regeneration zone (72), the portion located in the regeneration zone (72) moves to the purge zone (73), and the purge zone ( Rotate so that the part located at 73) moves to the suction zone (71).

  The adsorption zone (71) is the air that flows through the rotor air supply passage (P71) (in this example, the adsorption that is the evaporator of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) of the dehumidifying unit (10)). The air that has passed through the heat exchange chamber (S11, S12) provided with the heat exchanger (101, 102) and the air that has passed through the cooling air passage (P80) is brought into contact with the adsorbent to dehumidify the air. It is a part for. The air dehumidified after passing through the adsorption zone (71) is supplied to the indoor space (S1) as supply air (SA).

  The regeneration zone (72) is arranged at a position downstream of the regeneration heater (21) in the rotor regeneration passage (P72) and passes through the rotor regeneration passage (P72) (in this example, passes through the regeneration heater (21)). This is a part for regenerating the adsorbent by bringing it into contact with the adsorbent. The air that has passed through the regeneration zone (72) is supplied to the regeneration passage (P2).

  The purge zone (73) is supplied to the regeneration zone (72) using the exhaust heat of the regeneration zone (72) (specifically, the exhaust heat not used for regeneration of the adsorbent in the regeneration zone (72)). It is a part for preheating the air to be used. In detail, the purge zone (73), air flowing through the purge passage (P73) is dehumidified in contact with the adsorbent. Further, the portion located in the regeneration zone (72) (that is, the portion heated by the air that has passed through the regeneration heater (21)) moves to the purge zone (73) as the adsorption rotor (70) rotates. Accordingly, the air flowing through the purge passage (P73) is preheated by being given heat from the purge zone (73) (that is, exhaust heat of the regeneration zone (72)). The part located in the purge zone (73) is cooled by applying heat to the air passing through the purge passage (P73) and then moved to the adsorption zone (71) as the adsorption rotor (70) rotates. To do.

-Driving action-
<Dehumidifying operation by dehumidifying unit>
Next, the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifying unit (10) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The dehumidifying unit (10) repeats the first and second dehumidifying operations alternately at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 5 minutes).

<< First dehumidifying operation >>
In the first dehumidifying operation, the compressor (103) is driven, the opening degree of the expansion valve (104) is adjusted, and the four-way switching valve (105) is in the first connection state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1). . Thus, the refrigerant circuit (100) performs a first refrigeration cycle operation in which the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) serves as an evaporator and the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) serves as a condenser. Further, the switching mechanism (200) sets the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) to the first passage state (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1).

  The air taken into the air supply passage (P1) (in this example, outdoor air (OA)) is cooled and dehumidified by the outdoor air cooler (11) and then supplied to the first heat exchange chamber (S11). The air supplied to the first heat exchange chamber (S11) passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) functioning as an evaporator. At this time, moisture in the air passing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is adsorbed by the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101). Further, the heat of adsorption generated during the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant flowing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101). Thus, while the air passing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) functioning as an evaporator is deprived of moisture by the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101), the humidity decreases, It is cooled by the endothermic action of the refrigerant flowing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101), and the temperature also decreases. Next, the air dehumidified and cooled by the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) passes through the first adsorption block (301). At this time, moisture in the air is adsorbed on the adsorbent of the first adsorption block (301). Thereby, the air dehumidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is further dehumidified by the first adsorption block (301).

  The dehumidified air that has passed through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) and the first adsorption block (301) passes through the second auxiliary cooler (85), and further passes through the rotor air supply passage (P71). Thus, the air is supplied to the indoor space (S1) as supply air (SA).

  In the regeneration passage (P2), the air diverted to the purge passage (P73) at the outflow end of the air supply passage (P1) flows after being processed by the adsorption rotor (70). Specifically, the air at the outflow end of the supply passage (P1) is dehumidified and cooled air, and this air passes through the purge passage (P73) and cools the purge zone (73) of the adsorption rotor (70). At the same time, the air itself is heated. The air heated in the purge zone (73) is further heated by the regeneration heater (21) and then passes through the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) through the rotor regeneration passage (P72) to remove the adsorbent. Reproduce.

  The air that has passed through the rotor regeneration passage (P72) flows through the regeneration passage (P2) and is supplied to the second heat exchange chamber (S12). The air supplied to the second heat exchange chamber (S12) first passes through the second adsorption block (302). At this time, moisture in the adsorbent of the second adsorption block (302) is released into the air, and the adsorbent of the second adsorption block (302) is regenerated. Next, the air that has passed through the second adsorption block (302) passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) functioning as a condenser. At this time, the air passing through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is heated by the refrigerant flowing through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102). In addition, moisture in the adsorbent of the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is released to the air passing through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102). Thereby, the adsorbent of the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is regenerated. In this way, the air passing through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) functioning as a condenser is given moisture from the adsorbent of the second adsorption heat exchanger (102), and the humidity further increases. The refrigerant is heated by the heat dissipation action of the refrigerant flowing through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102), and the temperature rises, passes through the second regeneration passage portion (P22) of the regeneration passage (P2) and is discharged as exhaust air (EA). Discharged into space.

  Here, part of the exhaust air (EA) discharged from the second regeneration passage portion (P22) flows through the mixing passage (P50) and joins the air flowing through the first air supply passage portion (P11). Since the exhaust air (EA) is high-temperature air, when the temperature of the outside air flowing through the first air supply passage (P11) is low, the temperature of the air rises by mixing the outside air and the exhaust air (EA). . If the air flowing through the first air supply passage (P11) is at a low temperature, the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the adsorption side may freeze, whereas the air in the first air supply passage (P11) When exhaust air (EA) is merged with air, the temperature of the air rises and freezing is unlikely to occur.

<Second dehumidifying operation>
In the second dehumidifying operation, the compressor (103) is driven, the opening degree of the expansion valve (104) is adjusted, and the four-way switching valve (105) is in the second connection state (the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1). . Thereby, the refrigerant circuit (100) performs a second refrigeration cycle operation in which the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) serves as a condenser and the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) serves as an evaporator. Further, the switching mechanism (200) sets the connection state of the first and second heat exchange chambers (S11, S12) to the second passage state (the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1).

  The air taken into the supply air passage (P1) (in this example, outdoor air (OA)) is cooled and dehumidified by the outdoor air cooler (11) and then supplied to the second heat exchange chamber (S12). The air supplied to the second heat exchange chamber (S12) passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) functioning as an evaporator. At this time, the air passing through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) functioning as an evaporator is deprived of moisture by the adsorbent of the second adsorption heat exchanger (102), and the humidity decreases. The refrigerant is cooled by the endothermic action of the refrigerant flowing through the two-adsorption heat exchanger (102), and the temperature also decreases. Next, the air dehumidified and cooled by the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) passes through the second adsorption block (302). At this time, moisture in the air is adsorbed to the adsorbent of the second adsorption block (302). Thereby, the air dehumidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) is further dehumidified by the second adsorption block (302).

  The air dehumidified after passing through the second adsorption heat exchanger (102) and the second adsorption block (302) passes through the second auxiliary cooler (85), and further passes through the rotor air supply passage (P71). Thus, the air is supplied to the indoor space (S1) as supply air (SA).

  In the regeneration passage (P2), the air diverted to the purge passage (P73) at the outflow end of the air supply passage (P1) flows after being processed by the adsorption rotor (70). Specifically, the air at the outflow end of the supply passage (P1) is dehumidified and cooled air, and this air passes through the purge passage (P73) and cools the purge zone (73) of the adsorption rotor (70). At the same time, the air itself is heated. The air heated in the purge zone (73) is further heated by the regeneration heater (21) and then passes through the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) through the rotor regeneration passage (P72) to remove the adsorbent. Reproduce.

  The air that has passed through the rotor regeneration passage (P72) flows through the regeneration passage (P2) and is supplied to the first heat exchange chamber (S11). The air supplied to the first heat exchange chamber (S11) first passes through the first adsorption block (301). At this time, moisture in the adsorbent of the first adsorption block (301) is released into the air, the adsorbent of the first adsorption block (301) is reproduced. Next, the air passing through the first adsorption block (301) passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) functioning as a condenser. At this time, the air passing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is heated by the refrigerant flowing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101). In addition, moisture in the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is released to the air passing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101). Thereby, the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) is regenerated. As described above, the air passing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101) functioning as a condenser is given moisture from the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (101), and the humidity further increases. The refrigerant is heated by the heat radiation action of the refrigerant flowing through the first adsorption heat exchanger (101), the temperature rises, passes through the regeneration passage (P2), and is discharged into the outdoor space as exhaust air (EA).

  Here, part of the exhaust air (EA) discharged from the second regeneration passage portion (P22) flows through the mixing passage (P50) and joins the air flowing through the first air supply passage portion (P11). Since the exhaust air (EA) is high-temperature air, when the temperature of the air flowing through the first air supply passage (P11) is low, the temperature of the air rises by mixing the outside air and the exhaust air (EA). . And if the air (outside air) flowing through the first air supply passage (P11) is at a low temperature, the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the adsorption side into which the low temperature outside air always flows may freeze. Thus, if the exhaust air (EA) is merged with the air in the first air supply passage (P11), the temperature of the air rises, so that freezing is unlikely to occur.

-Effect of Embodiment 1-
According to this embodiment, even when the outside air temperature is low, freezing can be suppressed in the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the adsorption side, so that a heater for heating the outside air becomes unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced. For example, since the temperature of the air flowing out from the regeneration-side adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101) is 30 ° C. or higher, as shown in FIG. When the flow rate ratio is 2: 1, keep the temperature of the air supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (101,102) on the adsorption side at 0 ° C or higher without using a heater even when the outside air is -15 ° C. Can prevent freezing.

-Modification of Embodiment 1-
The modification of Embodiment 1 is an example in which a damper (50) is provided as a flow rate adjusting mechanism in the mixing passage (P50) as shown in FIG. The damper (50) is configured to reduce the circulation amount of the regenerative air in the mixing passage (P50) when the outside air is hotter than a predetermined temperature or higher than a predetermined humidity as in summer. Has been. Specifically, the opening degree of the damper (50) is controlled according to the outside air temperature by a controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the dehumidifying system (1).

  The other structure of the dehumidification system (1) of this modification is the same as Embodiment 1 of FIG.

  In this manner, when the outside air temperature is low, the damper (50) is opened to utilize the high-temperature regeneration air, and as in the first embodiment, the adsorption heat exchange on the adsorption side can be performed without heating the outside air with the heater. Can prevent freezing of the heat exchangers (101,102), but when the outside air temperature rises in summer, the damper (50) is closed and the flow rate of the regenerated air in the mixing passage (P50) is reduced, thereby reducing the adsorption heat exchanger ( 101, 102) can be prevented from lowering the adsorption capacity.

  Further, in this modified example, when the outside air is hotter than a predetermined temperature or higher than a predetermined humidity, the circulation amount of the regeneration air in the mixing passage (P50) is reduced by the damper (50). However, when the outside air is hotter than the predetermined temperature or higher than the predetermined humidity, the circulation of the regeneration air in the mixing passage (P50) may be stopped.

  In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adsorption capacity of the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) from decreasing when the outside air temperature is high.

For example, if the target humidity at the inlet of the heat exchanger unit (20) in the air supply passage (P1) is 7.2 g / kg and the exhaust air humidity is 5 g / kg or less in winter, Since the mixed air can be reduced below the target humidity, the damper (50) should be opened and air of about 10 m ³ / min flowed. On the other hand, if the target humidity at the inlet of the heat exchanger unit (20) in summer is the same as that in winter and the humidity of the exhaust air is 8g / kg or more, the mixed air of the outside air and the exhaust air exceeds the target humidity. (50) should be closed and the flow rate of the mixing passage (P50) should be zero.

<< Embodiment 2 of the Invention >>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The second embodiment of the present invention is an example in which the configuration of the mixing passage is different from that of the first embodiment.
In the dehumidification system (1) of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the mixing passage (P50) adsorbs at least a part of the regenerated air that has passed through the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70). The outside air supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102) on the side is joined in the supply passage (P1). That is, upstream of the adsorption heat exchanger (102) in the regeneration passage (P2) (between the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) in the regeneration passage (P2) and the adsorption heat exchanger (102) on the regeneration side) And the upstream side of the adsorption heat exchanger (101) in the supply passage (P1) (the downstream side of the outside air cooler (11)) are connected by a mixing passage (P50).

  Other configurations of the dehumidification system (1) of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the regeneration exhaust of the adsorption rotor (70) has a low humidity regardless of the conditions of the outside air. Therefore, unlike the modification of the first embodiment, the regeneration exhaust is supplied to the intake air even when the outside air temperature is high. It is not necessary to stop the mixing operation.

  In the second embodiment, in the summer when the outside air humidity is high, the humidity of the inlet air of the heat exchanger unit (20) can be lowered, and the heat exchanger unit (20) can be reduced by reducing the intake amount of outside air. The effect of reducing the capacity and power consumption (reduction in initial cost and energy saving) can be realized.

-Modification of Embodiment 2-
A modified example of the second embodiment is that, in the second embodiment of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 4, the regenerative air cooler (55) that cools the regenerated air flowing through the mixing passage (P50) in the mixing passage (P50). This is an example of providing. The regenerative air cooler (55) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  In a modification of the second embodiment, in the second embodiment, the low-humidity regeneration exhaust (regeneration exhaust of the adsorption rotor (30)) and the high-humidity outside air are mixed in the summer, so that the heat exchanger unit (20) While it is possible that the temperature of the inlet air will rise, cooling the air in the mixing passage (P50) can prevent such problems from occurring in the summer, and the heat exchanger unit (20 ) Can be prevented from degrading.

<< Other Embodiments >>
About the said embodiment, it is good also as the following structures.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the adsorption block (301, 302) is provided in the heat exchanger unit (20), but the adsorption block (301, 302) is not necessarily provided.

  The specific circuit configuration of the dehumidification system (1) of each of the above embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the air flow rates shown in the drawings of the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be changed as appropriate.

  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 technique for preventing freezing of a heat exchanger unit when the outside air is at a low temperature in a dehumidifying unit including a heat exchanger unit and a rotor unit.

1 Dehumidification system
10 Dehumidifying unit
20 Heat exchanger unit
30 Rotor unit
50 Flow rate adjustment mechanism
55 Regenerative air cooler
70 Suction rotor
71 Adsorption zone
72 Playback zone
73 Purge zone
101 First adsorption heat exchanger
102 Second adsorption heat exchanger
P Air passage
P1 Air supply passage
P2 regeneration passage
P50 mixing passage
S0 Humidity control space

Claims (5)

An air passage (P) through which air flows, and a dehumidifying unit (10) disposed on the air passage (P),
The dehumidifying unit (10) includes a heat exchanger unit (20) having two adsorption heat exchangers (101, 102) that can be switched alternately between an adsorption side and a regeneration side, an adsorption zone (71), and a regeneration zone (72). A rotor unit (30) having an adsorption rotor (70) having
The adsorption passage (71) of the adsorption rotor (70) after the outside air supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (101,102) through the air passage (P) passes through the adsorption heat exchanger (101,102). Supply passage (P1) that passes through the humidity control space (S0) and the regeneration air, and the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) and the regeneration-side adsorption heat exchanger A dehumidification system comprising a regeneration passage (P2) that sequentially flows through (102, 101),
At least part of the regeneration air that has passed through the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) and the regeneration-side adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101) is transferred to the adsorption-side adsorption heat exchanger (101, 102). A dehumidification system comprising a mixing passage (P50) that joins the supplied outside air in the air supply passage (P1). In claim 1,
A flow rate adjusting mechanism (50) for reducing the flow rate of regenerated air in the mixing passage (P50) when outside air is higher than a predetermined temperature or higher than a predetermined humidity. Dehumidifying system to do. In claim 2,
The flow rate adjusting mechanism (50) is configured to stop the flow of the regeneration air in the mixing passage (P50) when the outside air is higher than a predetermined temperature or higher than a predetermined humidity. A dehumidification system characterized by that. In claim 1,
The mixing passage (P50) branches from the regeneration zone (72) of the adsorption rotor (70) in the regeneration passage (P2) and the adsorption heat exchanger (102, 101) on the regeneration side, and supplies the air supply passage (P1). A dehumidification system characterized by merging with In claim 4,
The dehumidification system, wherein the mixing passage (P50) is provided with a regeneration air cooler (55) for cooling the regeneration air flowing through the mixing passage (P50).

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