JP2020020517A - Water-retention compact, air conditioner outdoor unit cooling method, and method for producing water-retention compact - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water-retention compact that has high cooling efficiency of a heat exchanger, and can reduce a necessary amount of electric power than before, and an air conditioner outdoor unit cooling method and a method for producing a water-retention compact.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a water-retention compact 1 for cooling a heat exchanger 11 included in an outdoor unit 10 of an air conditioner, the water-retention compact 1 being a cement block, having a water-retention rate of 35 vol.% or less, and a ventilation rate of 0. 0001(m/h)/Pa or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a water retention molded product for cooling a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, a method of cooling an air conditioning outdoor unit using the water retention molded product, and a method of manufacturing a water retention molded product.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, it is known that by cooling a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner is increased, and the power consumption of the air conditioner is reduced. As a cooling device for a heat exchanger, a device that sprays water to a heat exchanger (for example, Patent Document 1), a device that installs a cooling mat near a heat exchanger and allows cooling water to flow down to the cooling mat (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. H11-157182 and H10-27115 disclose attaching a water retention molded body to an air suction side of an outdoor unit (for example, Patent Literatures 3 and 4).

JP-A-10-213361 JP-A-2004-3806 JP 2014-181833 A WO 2006/129838

  However, in the cooling device described in Patent Literature 1, electric power or the like for spraying water to the heat exchanger is separately required, which may increase power consumption. Furthermore, by spraying water to the heat exchanger, scale may adhere to the fins of the heat exchanger or corrosion may occur.

  The cooling device described in Patent Literature 2 cools the heat exchanger by heat exchange between the cooling water flowing down to the cooling mat and air, so that the temperature of the heat exchanger is lower than the temperature of the cooling water. The temperature cannot be lowered and it is difficult to cool the heat exchanger efficiently. In addition, power such as electric power is required to cause cooling water to flow down the cooling mat.

  Further, in the water-retained molded body having the configuration described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, the cooling of the heat exchanger may not be sufficient, and in order to further improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner and suppress the power consumption, There seems to be room for improvement.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a water-retainable molded body and a water-retained molded body that have a high cooling efficiency of a heat exchanger and can reduce a necessary amount of electric power as compared with the related art. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for cooling an outdoor unit used in an air conditioner and a method for manufacturing a water-retained molded article.

A water-retainable formed body that can solve the above-mentioned problem is a water-retained formed body that cools a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the water-retained formed body is a cement block, and a water retention rate is 35% by volume. And the air permeability is not less than 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa.

In the water retention molded article of the above invention, the density of the water retention molded article is preferably 0.5 g / cm ³ or more.

  In the water-retained molded article of the invention, the water-retained molded article has a water retention of 3 vol% to 24 vol% in pF0 to 1.8, and a water retention of 1 to 7 vol% in pF 1.8 to 4.2. % Or less, and a water retention rate at a pF of 4.2 to 7.0 is preferably 10% by volume or more and 30% by volume or less.

  In the water-retained molded article of the above invention, it is preferable to have a holder for holding the water-retained molded article and disposing the water-retained molded article on the air suction side of an outdoor unit.

  In the water retention molded article of the above invention, a drain pipe is connected to an indoor unit of the air conditioner, and a drain water outlet of a drain water discharge path through which the drain water is discharged is disposed above the water retention molded article. It is preferred that

  In the water-retained molded article of the present invention, it is preferable to have a diffusion layer on the surface.

  An air conditioning outdoor unit cooling method of the present invention that can solve the above-mentioned problem is a method of cooling a heat exchanger by the water retention molded body of the above invention, wherein a drain pipe is connected to an indoor unit of the air conditioner. The drain water discharged from the drain pipe is supplied to the water-retained molded body.

  The method for manufacturing a water-retainable molded article according to the present invention that can solve the above-described problem is a method for manufacturing a water-retainable molded article that cools a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and constitutes a water-retainable molded article. It has a first step of mixing cement and water, and a second step of putting a mixture of cement and water into a mold and applying vibration to the mold.

The water retention molded article of the present invention is a water retention molded article that cools a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The water retention molded article is a cement block, has a water retention rate of 35% by volume or less, and has a permeability. Is 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more, the temperature of the air taken in by the outdoor unit can be efficiently reduced, and the temperature of the heat exchanger can be further reduced. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner can be improved, the amount of power required by the air conditioner can be reduced, and power consumption can be suppressed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which the water-retained molded article according to the embodiment of the present invention is arranged on the air suction side of the outdoor unit. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a water-retained molded article according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another example of the water retention molded article according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a schematic view of a method for measuring the air permeability of a water-retained molded article of the present invention. 1 shows a schematic view of a method for confirming the effect of a water-retained molded article of the present invention. 5 shows a graph of the integrated power consumption of the air conditioner in the room A in which the water retention molded article of the present invention is installed and in the room B in which the water retention molded body is not installed.

  Hereinafter, the water-retained molded article according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated examples, and may be appropriately changed within a range that can conform to the purpose of the preceding and the following. Modifications may be made and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention. It should be noted that dimensions of various members in the drawings are different from actual dimensions because priority is given to understanding features of the present invention.

The water retention molding according to the present invention cools a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The water-retained molded article is a cement block, and has a water retention of 35% by volume or less and an air permeability of 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more.

  The water retention molding is a cement block. Examples of the material forming the water retention molded body include cement such as blast furnace cement, Portland cement, alumina cement, mixed cement, and eco-cement. Above all, the material constituting the water retention molded article preferably contains at least one of blast furnace cement, Portland cement, and alumina cement, and more preferably contains blast furnace cement. Moreover, it is preferable that the water retention molded article is a cement gel obtained by hardening cement including blast furnace cement. Since the water retention molded article is configured as described above, the production of the water retention molded article becomes easy.

  In addition to cement, water-retained compacts include aggregates such as sand, gravel, limestone, granulated blast furnace slag, inorganic short fibers, organic short fibers, calcium silicate, construction surplus soil, Kanuma soil, perlite of perlite, and isolite. And a water-absorbing material such as pumice. It is preferable that the material constituting the water retention molded body contains at least one of calcium silicate and inorganic short fibers such as rock wool. Since the material constituting the water-retainable molded article contains at least one of calcium silicate and inorganic short fibers, the water-retainable molded article can have improved water retention. In addition, the detail of the manufacturing method of a water retention molded object is mentioned later.

  The calcium silicate contained in the material constituting the water-retaining molded product is preferably at least 0.5% by weight, more preferably at least 1% by weight, even more preferably at least 2% by weight. By setting the lower limit of the amount of calcium silicate contained in the material constituting the water retention molded body in this way, the water retention and air permeability of the water retention molded body can be increased. The upper limit of calcium silicate is preferably 30% by weight or less, more preferably 20% by weight or less, and further preferably 10% by weight or less. By setting the upper limit of the amount of calcium silicate contained in the material constituting the water retention molded body in this way, the strength of the water retention molded body can be ensured.

  It is preferable that the material constituting the water retention molded article contains inorganic short fibers, and the inorganic short fibers are rock wool. The amount of rock wool contained in the material constituting the water-retained molded product is preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 2% by weight or more, and even more preferably 3% by weight or more. By setting the lower limit of the rock wool contained in the material constituting the water-retainable molded product in this way, both the water retention and the air permeability of the water-retainable molded product can be improved. Further, the upper limit of the rock wool contained in the material constituting the water-retained molded product is preferably 30% by weight or less, more preferably 23% by weight or less, and even more preferably 15% by weight or less. . By setting the upper limit value of the rock wool contained in the material constituting the water retention molded body in this way, it is possible to prevent the strength of the water retention molded body from decreasing.

  The water retention rate of the water retention molding is 35% by volume or less. When the water retention rate of the water retention molded article is 35% by volume or less, the water retention molded article has, inside the water retention molded article, a void capable of passing air without retaining water, in addition to a void for absorbing and retaining water. it can. In other words, the water-retainable molded article has air permeability while appropriately maintaining water therein. Since the water-retainable molded article has water retention, diffusivity, and air permeability, not only air flowing along the surface of the water-retainable molded article, but also air passing through the water-retainable molded article, Can be cooled by the latent heat of evaporation. As a result, the temperature of the air taken in by the outdoor unit can be effectively reduced, and the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit can be increased.

The water retention of the water retention molded article can be obtained as follows. First, the water-retained molded article is dried at 105 ° C. for 24 hours to make it completely dry, and the weight and volume of the water-retained molded article in the completely dried state are measured. Next, the whole water-retained molded article in a completely dried state is immersed in water for 24 hours to absorb the water. Ten minutes after the water-retained molded article is taken out of the water, the weight of the water-retained molded article in a water-absorbing state is measured. Then, the weight of water held by the water-retained molded article is calculated by the following formula.
Weight (g) of water held by the water-retained molded article = weight (g) of water-retained molded article in a water-absorbing state-weight (g) of water-retained molded article in a completely dry state

The specific gravity of water is 999.972kg ^/ m 3 at standard atmospheric pressure (0.999972g / cm ^3), close to 1 g / cm ^3. Therefore, the volume of water per 1 g of the amount of water held by the water retention molding is set to 1 cm ³ .

Using the calculated weight of water held by the water-retainable molded body and the volume of the water-retainable molded body measured before immersing the water-retainable molded body in water, the water retention rate per volume of the water-retainable molded body is calculated by the following formula. calculate.
Water retention (volume%) = volume of water retained by the water-retained molded article (cm ³ ) / volume of water-retained molded article in the absolutely dry state (cm ³ )
= Weight of water held by the water-retained molded article (g) / volume of the water-retained molded article in a completely dry state (cm ³ )

  The water retention rate of the water-retained molded article may be 35% by volume or less, but is preferably 33% by volume or less, more preferably 30% by volume or less, and even more preferably 28% by volume or less. By setting the upper limit of the water retention rate of the water-retainable molded product in this way, it is possible to impart appropriate air permeability to the water-retainable molded product. Further, the water retention rate of the water retention molded article is preferably 10% by volume or more, more preferably 15% by volume or more, and further preferably 20% by volume or more. By setting the lower limit value of the water retention rate of the water retention molded body in this way, it becomes possible for the water retention molded body to retain therein water necessary for cooling air.

The air permeability of the water-retained molded body is 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more. When the air permeability of the water-retainable molded article is 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more, the water-retainable molded article has both water retention and air permeability, and as described above, the surface of the water-retainable molded article The air flowing along the water and the air passing through the water retention molding can be cooled by the latent heat of evaporation of the water, the temperature of the air taken in by the outdoor unit can be reduced, and the heat exchanger can be cooled efficiently.

  The air permeability of the water-retained molded article can be determined by a test procedure based on JIS A2201 using a test device based on JIS A1516. The details of how to determine the air permeability of the water-retained molded article will be described below. Using a device shown in FIG. 4 having an airtight box 50 having an opening dimension D1 of 200 mm × 200 mm, a differential pressure gauge 55, a recorder 56, a micro flowmeter 57, a flow regulating valve 58, and a pressure pump 59, a main body 51 and a lid are used. The water retention molding 1 is arranged in the opening of the airtight box 50 having 52. An iron plate 53 having an opening having the same size as the opening dimension D1 of the airtight box 50 is placed on the upper surface of the water-retainable molded body 1. The sealing process is performed using the sealing material 54 between the main body 51 and the lid 52, between the lid 52 and the water retaining molded body 1, and between the water retaining molded body 1 and the iron plate 53, and the airtight box 50 is sealed. By operating the pressure pump 59 to reduce the pressure inside the airtight box 50, a pressure difference is provided between one side and the other side of the water-retainable molded body 1, and the amount of air passing through the water-retainable molded body 1 (airflow q ) Is measured. The direction of ventilation of the water-retainable molded body 1 is a direction from the outside of the airtight box 50 to the inside of the airtight box 50 as shown by an arrow in FIG. The target area for the measurement of the air flow rate using this apparatus is 200 mm × 200 mm, which is the opening dimension D1 of the airtight box 50.

The air flow rate q at each pressure difference is converted into the air flow rate Q at the standard condition of 20 ° C. and 1 atm by the following formula.
Q = q · {(P ₁ · T ₀ ) / (P ₀ · T ₁ )}
Q: Air flow rate at 20 ° C. and 1 atm air density (m ³ / h)
q: Air permeability at the air density at the time of measurement (m ³ / h)
P ₀ : 1013 (hPa)
P ₁ : Atmospheric pressure at measurement (hPa)
T _0: 293 (K)
T ₁ : Air temperature at the time of measurement (K)

From the following equation, the air permeability a, which is the relationship between the pressure difference ΔP and the air flow rate Q, can be obtained.
Q = a · ΔP
a = Q / ΔP
ΔP: pressure difference (Pa)
a: Air permeability [(m ³ / h) / Pa]

Incidentally, in the calculation of permeability a, in case the addition of the pressure difference ΔP of 300Pa or less 0.000292m ³ / h aeration rate q is the measurement limit, the air permeability a 0 ^(m 3 / h ) / Pa.

The air permeability of the water-retained molded body may be 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more, but is preferably 0.0003 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more, and is 0.0005 (m ³ / Pa). / H) / Pa or more, more preferably 0.0007 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more. By setting the lower limit of the air permeability of the water-retainable molded body in this way, air can easily pass through the water-retainable molded body, and the air that passes through the inside of the water-retainable molded body can be easily cooled. Further, the air permeability of the water-retained molded article is preferably 0.01 (m ³ / h) / Pa or less, more preferably 0.005 (m ³ / h) / Pa or less, and 0.003 (m ³ / h) / Pa or less. (M ³ / h) / Pa or less is more preferable. By setting the upper limit of the air permeability of the water-retainable molded body in this way, the balance between the voids used for water retention and the air-permeable voids that the water-retainable molded body has becomes appropriate, Water retention and air permeability make it suitable for cooling the heat exchanger.

  The water-retained molded body has a capillary portion and a water passage hole formed therein in addition to the space used for water retention and the space through which air can pass. The capillary portion and the water passage portion extend from the gap used for water retention to the surface of the water retention molded product, and open to the surface of the water retention molded product. When water is supplied to the surface of the water-retained molded body, the water penetrates from the surface into the capillary portion and the water passage hole due to the adhesive force and the gravity to the capillary portion and the water passage hole portion, and causes the capillary portion and the water passage hole portion to pass through. The water passes through the space used for water retention and is held in the space used for water retention. At the time of this water absorption, moisture is absorbed not only by the capillary portion but also by the water passage hole portion which is thicker than the capillary portion, so that the water retention molded product exhibits excellent water absorption. Further, since the above-mentioned water is held in the voids used for water retention, the water-retained molded article exhibits excellent water retention.

  In addition, when sunlight hits the surface, the water on the surface of the water-retained molded body evaporates, and then the water near the surface held by the capillary portion evaporates underneath. And is drawn into the capillary section by diffusion. Then, the moisture propagates through the capillary portion toward the surface, is replenished to the surface, and evaporates. As a result, much of the radiant energy is converted into latent heat of vaporization for evaporating water, so that the temperature of the water-retaining molded body itself decreases, and the surface temperature does not easily rise. As a result, the water-retained molded body exhibits the effect of cooling the surface. Further, since a large amount of water is retained in the voids used for water retention, and this water is sequentially replenished to the surface, the water-retainable molded body can maintain the above-described surface temperature rise suppression effect.

  The surface of the water-retained molded article is preferably a hydrophilic surface. Thereby, when the water held inside the water retention molded body is supplied to the surface from the openings through the capillary portion and the water passage hole portion, the water is wide, thin, and quickly spreads on the surface. As a result, the evaporation area of the water on the surface is increased and the evaporation rate is increased, so that the water-retainable molded body can exhibit excellent evaporation properties and an effect of suppressing a rise in surface temperature. In order to make the surface of the water retention molded article a hydrophilic surface, it is preferable that the water retention molded article has an inorganic cement such as blast furnace cement, Portland cement, and alumina cement.

  The internal structure of the water-retainable molded body can be confirmed by measuring the pF of the water-retainable molded body. The pF is a value obtained by converting the force (capillary potential) of retaining water by the force of the capillary action of the soil into the height of a water column and expressing this in logarithm. The greater the value of pF, the stronger the water is adsorbed on the soil. Soil water adsorbed on soil with a pF of 0 to 1.8 is classified as “gravitational water”, and water taken in coarse pores of soil is removed to the lower layer by gravity. Soil water adsorbed on soil with a pF of 1.8-4.2 is classified as "hanging water" and is water retained in coarse pores of soil by water capillary action. Soil water adsorbed on soil with a pF of 4.2 to 7.0 is classified as "hygroscopic water" and is water strongly adsorbed as a thin water molecule layer on the surface of soil particles.

  In the water-retained molded product, gravity water having a pF of 0 to 1.8 corresponds to water existing in a gap through which air can pass, and suspended water having a pF of 1.8 to 4.2 corresponds to a capillary portion and a water passage hole. The moisture-absorbed water having a pF of 4.2 to 7.0 corresponds to the water adsorbed in the void used for water retention, corresponding to the water retained in the portion. Therefore, by measuring the water retention at each pF of the water retention molded article, the internal configuration of the water retention molded article can be confirmed.

  The water retention rate at each pF of the water-retained molded product can be measured using the “Soil Standard Analysis and Measurement Method” (edited by the Japan Society of Soil Fertilizer Science, Soil Standard Analysis and Measurement Committee, Hakutosha) and the “Soil Physical Property Measurement Method” (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) It can be measured based on the supervision of the Secretariat of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Technology Council, edited by the Soil Physical Properties Measurement Committee, Yokendo.

  The water retention molded product has a water retention rate at pF0 to 1.8 of preferably 3% by volume or more, more preferably 5% by volume or more, and even more preferably 7% by volume or more. By setting the lower limit of the water retention at pF0 to 1.8 of the water-retainable molded product in this way, the water-retainable molded product has a sufficient space through which air can pass, and the surface area that contributes to cooling of the air And the cooling efficiency of the air can be increased. Further, the water passes through the gap through which the air can pass, which makes it easy to spread the water throughout the water-retainable molded body. Further, the water retention at pF0 to 1.8 is preferably 24% by volume or less, more preferably 20% by volume or less, further preferably 15% by volume or less, and more preferably 10% by volume or less. Is particularly preferred. By setting the upper limit of the water retention at pF0 to 1.8 of the water-retainable molded product in this manner, the water-retainable molded product has a capillary portion, a water hole portion, and a void used for water retention, and the air-permeable product has a sufficient ventilation. A water-retainable molded article having both water resistance and water retention can be obtained.

  The water retention molded article preferably has a water retention rate at pF of 1.8 to 4.2 of 1% by volume or more, more preferably 1.2% by volume or more, and further preferably 1.5% by volume or more. preferable. By setting the lower limit of the water retention at a pF of 1.8 to 4.2 for the water retention molded body in this way, a water retention molded article having a capillary portion and a water hole portion at an appropriate level is obtained. Even if the water in the void that can pass through evaporates, the water in the capillary portion and the water passage portion moves, and water can be supplied to the surface of the water-retainable molded article and the void through which air can pass. Therefore, water can be efficiently evaporated, and the cooling of air becomes effective. Further, the water retention rate at a pF of 1.8 to 4.2 is preferably 7% by volume or less, more preferably 5% by volume or less, and even more preferably 3% by volume or less. By setting the upper limit of the water retention rate at a pF of 1.8 to 4.2 for the water-retainable molded product in this way, the water-retainable molded product has a good balance between air permeability and water-retentivity, and can increase the cooling efficiency. .

  The water retention molded article preferably has a water retention at pF 4.2 to 7.0 of 10% by volume or more, more preferably 12% by volume or more, and even more preferably 15% by volume or more. By setting the lower limit of the water retention at a pF of 4.2 to 7.0 for the water-retainable molded body in this manner, water can be easily retained inside the water-retainable molded body, and the water retention of the water-retainable molded body can be increased. . Further, the water retention rate at a pF of 4.2 to 7.0 is preferably 30% by volume or less, more preferably 25% by volume or less, even more preferably 20% by volume or less. By setting the upper limit of the water retention rate at a pF of 4.2 to 7.0 for the water-retainable molded article in this way, the water-retainable molded article also has a sufficient air permeability, and the air passing through the water-retainable molded article is also efficient. It becomes possible to cool it.

  What is necessary is just to arrange | position a water retention molded object near the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Specifically, the water retention molded article may be directly attached to the outdoor unit, or the water retention molded article may be installed near the outdoor unit. Further, the water retention molded body may be arranged above or below the outdoor unit, but it is preferable to arrange the water retention molded body 1 on the air suction side 10a of the outdoor unit 10, as shown in FIG. Note that, in FIG. 1, the arrows indicate the general flow of air. By arranging the water retaining molded body 1 at such a position, the air whose temperature has been reduced by the water retaining molded body 1 is easily taken into the outdoor unit 10 by the fan 12, and the heat exchanger 11 of the outdoor unit 10 is easily cooled. Become.

  The number of the water retention moldings 1 may be one or more. When arranging a plurality of water retention moldings 1, a plurality of water retention moldings 1 may be arranged in the up, down, left, and right directions. For example, a plurality of water retention moldings 1 may be arranged both above and below the outdoor unit 10. May be arranged apart from each other. By arranging a plurality of the water retention moldings 1, even the large outdoor unit 10 can efficiently cool the heat exchanger 11.

  When the air conditioner is used for cooling, cooling the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit can increase the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner and reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner. Place the compact. On the other hand, when the air conditioner is used for heating, it is not necessary to cool the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit in order to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner. You may cover the whole water retention molded object using the cover etc. which consist of a gas-permeable material. In addition, since the water retention molded body does not hinder the operation of the air conditioner used as heating, the water retention molded body may be kept near the outdoor unit.

  Examples of the shape of the water retention molded body include a flat plate shape, a flake shape, a tubular shape, and the like. Among them, a flat plate shape as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is preferable. Since the shape of the water-retainable molded body 1 is flat, the manufacture of the water-retainable molded body 1 is easy, and the water-retainable molded body 1 can be easily installed. The size of the water-retained molded body may be a size that facilitates the handling and the size of the outdoor unit, and may be, for example, about 300 mm in length, 300 mm in width, and about 30 mm in thickness.

The density of the water-retained molded article is preferably 0.5 g / cm ³ or more, more preferably 1 g / cm ³ or more, and even more preferably 1.5 g / cm ³ or more. By setting the lower limit of the density of the water-retained molded body in this way, it is possible to obtain a water-retained molded body having sufficient voids used for water retention therein, and to effectively operate the heat exchanger by latent heat of vaporization of water. Can be cooled. The density of the water retention molded body, is preferably 3 g / cm ³ or less, more preferably 2.5 g / cm ³ or less, still more preferably 2 g / cm ³ or less. By setting the upper limit of the density of the water-retainable molded body in this manner, air can easily pass through the water-retainable molded body, and the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger can be increased. Further, since the weight of the water-retainable molded article can be reduced, the installation and removal of the water-retainable molded article become easy.

Bending strength of the water retention molded body is preferably at 2.0 N / mm ² or more, more preferably 2.5 N / mm ² or more, and still more preferably 3.0 N / mm ² or more. By setting the lower limit value of the bending strength of the water-retainable molded body in this manner, the strength of the water-retainable molded body can be made sufficient. The upper limit of the flexural strength of the water retention molded body is not particularly limited, for example, 10 N / mm ² or less, 7.5 N / mm ² or less, it is possible to 5N / mm ² or less.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water retention molded article 1 preferably has a holder 2 that holds the water retention molded article 1. Since the water retention molded body 1 has the holder 2, the water retention molded body 1 can be easily arranged near the outdoor unit when the air conditioner is used for cooling, and the air conditioner is used for heating. It can be easily removed at the time of use. As described above, even when the water retention molded body 1 is disposed near the outdoor unit when the air conditioner is used for heating, the operation of the air conditioner in which the water retention molded body 1 is used for heating is prevented. Therefore, it is not always necessary to remove the water retention molding 1 when the air conditioner is used for heating.

  The holder 2 may be configured to have a frame that supports at least one of the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the water-retaining molded body 1 and a leg that makes the frame self-supporting near an outdoor unit. It may be configured to have a frame-like material and a connecting device such as a magnet for attaching the frame-like material to the outdoor unit, and attach the bag-like material of a net-like or other air-permeable woven or knitted fabric and the bag-like material to the outdoor unit. A configuration including an attachment such as an S-shaped hook may be employed. Above all, as shown in FIG. 2, the holder 2 includes a frame-shaped object that supports at least one of the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the water-retainable molded body 1, and a leg that makes the frame-shaped object self-supporting near the outdoor unit. It is preferable that it has the structure which has.

  When the holding tool 2 has a configuration having frame-shaped grains and legs, the material forming the holding tool 2 is, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, iron, or aluminum; a resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or polyethylene; And the like. Above all, the material forming the holder 2 is preferably metal, and more preferably stainless steel. Since the holding tool 2 is configured as described above, the holding tool 2 having high durability can be obtained.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable to dispose the water retention molded body 1 having the holder 2 on the air suction side 10 a of the outdoor unit 10. By arranging the water retention molded body 1 having the holder 2 at such a position, the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger 11 can be easily increased.

  It is preferable to provide a predetermined interval between the water retention molded body 1 and the air suction side 10a of the outdoor unit 10. Since there is a distance between the water-retainable molding 1 and the outdoor unit 10, it is difficult to reduce the air volume of the air taken into the interior of the outdoor unit 10, and the air flows along the surface of the water-retention molding 1 to lower the temperature. The heated air easily enters the outdoor unit 10, and the heat exchanger 11 can be effectively cooled. The distance between the water retention molding 1 and the outdoor unit 10 is preferably 1 cm or more, more preferably 3 cm or more, and even more preferably 5 cm or more. By setting the lower limit of the distance between the water-retainable molded body 1 and the outdoor unit 10 in this manner, the amount of air taken into the outdoor unit 10 can be made sufficient. Further, the distance between the water-retained molded article 1 and the outdoor unit 10 is preferably 30 cm or less, more preferably 20 cm or less, and even more preferably 10 cm or less. By setting the upper limit of the distance between the water-retainable molding 1 and the outdoor unit 10 in this manner, the outdoor unit 10 can easily take in the air whose temperature has been lowered by the water-retention molding 1.

  When the amount of water held by the water-retainable molded article decreases, the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases, and it is necessary to replenish the water-retainable molded article with water. For example, the water-retained molded body may be immersed in water, water may be supplied to the water-retained molded body by a method such as applying water to the water-retained molded body, but drain water discharged from the outdoor unit is supplied to the water-retained molded body. It is preferable to replenish the water. By using drain water to replenish water to the water retention molded body, drain water that is drain water in the operation of the air conditioner can be effectively used, and the amount of drain water can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a drain pipe 21 is connected to an indoor unit 20 of an air conditioner, and a drain water discharge port 23 of a drain water discharge path 22 through which the drain water 24 is discharged is formed by water retention. It is preferably arranged above the body 1. By arranging the drain water outlet 23 at such a position, the drain water 24 can be supplied to the water-retainable molded body 1 without requiring power such as electric power.

  Although not shown, the drain pipe 21 may be connected to a gutter or the like for supplying the drainage water 24 to the water-retaining molded body 1. That is, the drain water discharge path 22 may be constituted by the drain pipe 21 or may have a member different from the drain pipe 21 such as the drain pipe 21 and a gutter. Since the drain water discharge path 22 has a member different from the drain pipe 21 such as a gutter, in the supply of the drain water 24 to the water retention molded body 1, it is possible to control an interval of a supply time, a supply amount, and the like. Thus, the water content of the water-retaining molded body 1 can be adjusted.

  In the drain discharge path 22, the drain outlet 23 may be one or plural. In order to provide a plurality of drain outlets 23, for example, a member such as a horizontal pipe is connected to the drain water outlet 23 side of the drain water discharge path 22, and a plurality of drain outlets 23 are provided in the member such as the horizontal pipe. It should be equal. The provision of the plurality of drain outlets 23 makes it easier to supply moisture to the entire water-retainable molded body 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the water retention molded article 1 preferably has a diffusion layer 3 on the surface. Since the water-retainable molded body 1 has the diffusion layer 3, the water supplied to the water-retainable molded body 1 spreads over the whole of the water-retainable molded body 1, and the water is easily supplied to the whole of the water-retainable molded body 1.

  Examples of the material of the diffusion layer 3 include a nonwoven fabric and a foamed resin. Especially, the material of the diffusion layer 3 is preferably a nonwoven fabric. Since the diffusion layer 3 is a nonwoven fabric, the water supplied to the diffusion layer 3 can easily permeate the entire diffusion layer 3, and the water can be distributed throughout the water-retaining molded body 1.

  The diffusion layer 3 is preferably provided on the surface of the water-retainable molded body 1, but is more preferably provided on the upper surface of the water-retainable molded body 1. Since the diffusion layer 3 is provided in the water-retainable molded body 1 as described above, the water supplied to the diffusion layer 3 penetrates from the upper part to the lower part of the water-retainable molded body 1, and the moisture is formed in the whole of the water-retainable molded body 1. Can be easily supplied.

  As a method for joining the water retention molded body 1 and the diffusion layer 3, for example, a method of stacking the water retention molded body 1 and the diffusion layer 3 and covering the lid member having a hole through which water can pass can be used. Above all, it is preferable that the water retention molded article 1 and the diffusion layer 3 are overlapped, and the water retention molded article 1 and the diffusion layer 3 are fixed to the holder 2 to join the water retention molded article 1 and the diffusion layer 3. By joining the water retention molded article 1 and the diffusion layer 3 in this manner, the water retention molded article 1 and the diffusion layer 3 can be easily and firmly fixed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a method for cooling an air-conditioning outdoor unit according to the present invention is a method for cooling a heat exchanger 11 by a water-retaining molded body 1 of the present invention, wherein a drain pipe 21 is connected to an indoor unit 20 of an air conditioner. The drain water 24 discharged from the drain pipe 21 is supplied to the water-retained molded body 1. By cooling the heat exchanger 11 of the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner in this way, the drain water 24 that is drainage in the operation of the air conditioner is effectively used, and the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger 11 by the water-retaining molded body 1 is improved. Can be increased.

  The method for producing a water-retained molded article according to the present invention is a method for producing a water-retained molded article that cools a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. And a second step of placing a mixture of cement and water in a mold and applying vibration to the mold.

  In the first step, water, which is a material constituting the water retention molded article, is mixed with cement. At this time, materials constituting the water retention molded body other than the cement and the water may be mixed together with the cement and the water. Materials constituting the water retention molded body other than cement and water include the above-mentioned aggregates such as sand, gravel, limestone, granulated blast furnace slag, inorganic short fibers, organic short fibers, calcium silicate, construction residual soil, and Kanuma soil. And water-absorbing materials such as perlite, perlite, isolite and pumice.

  When the water-retained molded body has other materials other than cement and water, the other materials may be mixed with cement and water in the first step, or may be mixed after the first step. Further, before the first step, one of the cement and the water may be mixed with the other material, and the other of the cement and the water and the mixture may be mixed in the first step.

  For example, when the material constituting the water retention molded body other than cement and water is calcium silicate, it is preferable to mix cement, water, and calcium silicate in the first step. By performing the first step in this manner, the strength of the water-retained molded article is easily increased. In addition, when the materials constituting the water retention molded body other than cement and water are aggregates and short fibers, the aggregates and short fibers are mixed before the first step, and then, in the first step, the mixture is mixed with cement. And water. By performing the first step in this manner, the respective materials are easily mixed uniformly, and the water retention and air permeability are likely to be constant in the entire water-retainable molded article.

  In the second step, a mixture of cement and water is put into a mold, and the mold is vibrated. By applying vibration to the mold, the mixture in the mold solidifies and hardens, and a water-retainable molded article can be formed. In addition, compression may be performed in addition to applying vibration to the mold. By performing compression on the mold, the mixture of cement and water spreads sufficiently in the mold and can be formed into a shape along the mold. That is, in the second step, it is preferable to apply both vibration and compression to the mold.

  After the second step, a forming step of cutting the formed water-retained molded body into a desired size and shape may be performed. Further, it is preferable to cure the formed water-retained molded body. By curing the water retention molded article, physical properties such as strength of the water retention molded article can be enhanced.

  Before installing the water-retainable molded body, it is preferable to perform a step of immersing the water-retainable molded body in water, spraying water, or the like to absorb water. By performing the water absorption step in this manner before installing the water retention molded body, a sufficient amount of moisture can be held inside the water retention molded body, and the effect of cooling the heat exchanger can be enhanced.

  Hereinafter, the working effects of the present invention will be more specifically described with reference to examples. The following embodiments are not of the nature limiting the present invention, and any design changes in accordance with the above and subsequent gist are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

(Example 1)
First, 50% by weight of dried limestone and granulated blast furnace slag as aggregates and 10% by weight of rock wool as inorganic short fibers were put into a vertical axis forced stirring mixer and kneaded for 180 seconds. . Next, 2% by weight of calcium silicate, water and 38% by weight of cement were charged into a mixer and kneaded for 120 seconds. Then, water was charged into the mixer, and the main kneading was performed for 180 seconds. The mixed material was put into a metal mold, and the mold was vibrated and compressed to cure, and a water-retained molded body was formed. The dimensions of the water retention molded article were 298 mm × 298 mm × thickness 26 mm.

(Comparative Example 1)
As Comparative Example 1, a commercially available water retention panel (product number: NIS-W, dimensions: 300 mm × 300 mm × thickness 22 mm) manufactured by Toyobo STC Co., Ltd. was used.

(Comparative Example 2)
As Comparative Example 2, a persistent water-cooled panel (article number: AK450300BL, dimensions: 250 mm × 395 mm × thickness 20 mm) used for a pet sheet “Hyale” sold by iCreate Co., Ltd. was used.

The water retention of the water-retained molded article was determined as follows. The water-retained molded articles of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were dried at 105 ° C. for 24 hours to make them completely dry, and the weight and volume of the water-retained molded articles in the absolutely dry state were measured. The water-retained molded article in the completely dried state was immersed in water for 24 hours to absorb water, and the water-retained molded article in the water-absorbed state was taken out of the water, and after 10 minutes, the weight of the water-retained molded article in the water-absorbed state was measured. Then, the water retention was calculated by the following formula.
Water retention = (weight of water-retained molded article in water-absorbed state-weight of water-retained molded article in absolutely-dried state) / volume of water-retained molded article in absolutely-dried state

  The air permeability of the water-retained molded product was determined as follows. An apparatus having an airtight box 50 having an opening dimension D1 of 200 mm × 200 mm, a differential pressure gauge 55, a recorder 56, a micro flow meter 57, a flow control valve 58, and a pressure pump 59 shown in FIG. 4 was used. The water-retained molded body 1 was arranged at an opening of an airtight box 50 having a main body 51 and a lid 52. An iron plate 53 having an opening having the same size as the opening dimension D1 of the airtight box 50 was placed on the upper surface of the water-retained molded body 1. Sealing was performed using the sealing material 54 between the main body 51 and the lid 52, between the lid 52 and the water retention molded article 1, and between the water retention molded article 1 and the iron plate 53, and the airtight box 50 was sealed. By operating the pressure pump 59 to depressurize the inside of the airtight box 50, a pressure difference (ΔP) is provided between one side and the other side of the water-retainable molded article 1, and the amount of air passing through the water-retainable molded article 1 (vent The quantity q) was measured. The direction of ventilation of the water-retainable molded body 1 is a direction from the outside of the airtight box 50 to the inside of the airtight box 50 as shown by an arrow in FIG. The target area for the measurement of the air flow rate using this apparatus is 200 mm × 200 mm, which is the opening dimension D1 of the airtight box 50.

The air flow rate q at each pressure difference ΔP was converted into the air flow rate Q under the standard condition of 20 ° C. and 1 atm by the following formula.
Q = q · {(P ₁ · T ₀ ) / (P ₀ · T ₁ )}
Q: Air flow rate at 20 ° C. and 1 atm air density (m ³ / h)
q: Air permeability at the air density at the time of measurement (m ³ / h)
P ₀ : 1013 (hPa)
P ₁ : Atmospheric pressure at measurement (hPa)
T _0: 293 (K)
T ₁ : Air temperature at the time of measurement (K)

The air permeability a, which is the relationship between the pressure difference ΔP and the air flow rate Q, was determined by the following equation.
Q = a · ΔP
a = Q / ΔP
ΔP: pressure difference (Pa)
a: Air permeability [(m ³ / h) / Pa]

Incidentally, in the calculation of permeability a, in case the addition of the pressure difference ΔP of 300Pa or less 0.000292m ³ / h aeration rate q is the measurement limit, the air permeability a 0 ^(m 3 / h ) / Pa.

  Table 1 shows the water retention and air permeability of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The water retention molded article of Example 1 has both water retention and air permeability, and cools air flowing along the surface of the water retention molded article and air passing through the water retention molded article by latent heat of vaporization of water. Therefore, the temperature of the air taken in by the outdoor unit can be more easily lowered, and the heat exchanger can be cooled efficiently.

  Further, for the water-retained molded articles of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the water retention at each pF was measured based on the aforementioned “soil standard analysis and measurement method” and “soil physical property measurement method”. The water retention rate (maximum water capacity) at pF0 was determined by the vacuum saturation method, the water retention rate at pF1.8 was determined by the pressurized plate method, and the water retention rate at each of pF2.7, pF3.0, pF4.0, and pF4.2 was determined by centrifugation. , PF7.0 (furnace dried state) was measured by a heating loss method.

  The water retention at pF1.8 was subtracted from the water retention at pF0 to calculate the water retention at pF0-1.8. Similarly, the water retention at pF 1.8 to 4.2 and the water retention at pF 4.2 to 7.0 were calculated.

  Table 2 shows the water retention at pF of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The water-retainable molded body of Example 1 has a well-balanced air-permeable void, a capillary portion, a water-permeable hole portion, and a void used for water retention, and has a configuration suitable for cooling air. It can be said that there is.

  The effect of installing the water-retained molded article of the example was confirmed as follows. As shown in FIG. 5, a room 100 of 3.0 mx 5.4 m is divided into two by a partition member 103, a room A (100A) of 3.0 mx 2.7 m and a room of 3.0 mx 2.7 m. B (100B). As the partition member 103, a vinyl chloride sheet was used. An indoor unit A (102A) of an air conditioner for 6 tatami mats having a cooling capacity of 2.2 kW is installed in the room A (100A), and the outdoor unit A (101A) of the air conditioner is installed outside the room A (100A). installed. An indoor unit B (102B) of another air conditioner which is the same as the air conditioner installed in the room A (100A) is also installed in the room B (100B), and this air conditioner is installed outside the room B (100B). The outdoor unit B (101B) was installed. The installation directions of the outdoor unit A (101A) and the outdoor unit B (101B) were set such that the air suction side of the outdoor unit A (101A) and the outdoor unit B (101B) was on the room 100 side. And the water retention molded object 1 was arrange | positioned between the outdoor unit A (101A) and the room A (100A).

The air conditioner installed in the room A (100A) and the air conditioner installed in the room B (100B) are operated, and the temperatures of the outdoor units A (101A) and B (101B) and the air conditioning of the room A (100A) are operated. The integrated power consumption of the air conditioner and the air conditioner in room B (100B) was confirmed. The experimental conditions are as follows.
Location: Yawata-shi, Kyoto Date: 9: 30-20: 00 on August 29, 2017 Weather: Sunny, temperature 30-34 degrees Air conditioner setting temperature: 28 degrees

  When the temperature of the outdoor unit B (101B) in the room B (100B) in which the water-retainable molded body 1 is not installed is 40.3 degrees, the outdoor unit A (101A) in the room A (100A) in which the water-retainable molded body 1 is installed. Is 38.7 degrees, and the temperature of the outdoor unit A (101A) having the water-retained molded body 1 is 1.6 degrees higher than that of the outdoor unit B (101B) not having the water-retained molded body 1 installed. Was lower.

  FIG. 6 shows a graph of the integrated power consumption of the air conditioner in room A (100A) and the air conditioner in room B (100B). According to the graph of FIG. 6, at 20:00, the integrated power consumption of the air conditioner of the room A (100A) in which the water-retainable molded body 1 is installed is equal to the air-conditioning of the room B (100B) in which the water-retainable molded body 1 is not installed. It was about 50,000W lower than the integrated power consumption of the machine. This means that, when converted into the integrated amount of the electric power value per one minute of the operation time of the air conditioner, the air conditioner provided with the water retention molded body 1 has a lower power consumption than the air conditioner not provided with the water retention molded body. It has been reduced by about 32%.

  From these results, it can be said that by using the water-retained molded body, it is possible to cool the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, increase the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner, and reduce the power consumption. The mechanism for cooling the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit is considered as follows. The water held by the water-retained molded body gradually evaporates on the surface of the water-retained molded body, and the air whose temperature has been lowered by the evaporation is taken into the interior of the outdoor unit, and the temperature of the heat exchanger is lowered. Guessed. Further, it is considered that the water retention molded body itself was also cooled by the latent heat of evaporation of water, and the heat exchanger was cooled also by the effect of radiant cooling for removing heat from the heat exchanger.

As described above, the water retention molded article of the present invention is a water retention molded article that cools a heat exchanger included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, is a cement block, has a water retention rate of 35% by volume or less, and has a gas permeability. Is 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more, the temperature of the air taken in by the outdoor unit can be efficiently reduced, and the temperature of the heat exchanger can be further reduced. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner can be improved, the amount of power required by the air conditioner can be reduced, and power consumption can be suppressed.

1: Water retention molded article 2: Holder 3: Diffusion layer 10: Outdoor unit 10a: Air intake side 11: Heat exchanger 12: Fan 20: Indoor unit 21: Drain pipe 22: Drain water discharge path 23: Drain water discharge port 24: Drain water 50: Airtight box 51: Main body 52: Lid 53: Iron plate 54: Seal material 55: Differential pressure gauge 56: Recorder 57: Micro flowmeter 58: Flow control valve 59: Pressure pump 100: Room 100A: Room A
100B: Room B
101A: Outdoor unit A
101B: Outdoor unit B
102A: Indoor unit A
102B: Indoor unit B
103: Partition member D1: Opening size of airtight box

Claims (8)

A water retention molded body that cools a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner,
The water retention molded article is a cement block, wherein the water retention rate is 35% by volume or less and the air permeability is 0.0001 (m ³ / h) / Pa or more. The density of the water retention moldings, water retention molded article according to claim 1 is 0.5 g / cm ³ or more. The water-retained molded body has a water retention ratio of 3 vol% or more and 24 vol% or less at pF0 to 1.8,
The water retention rate at pF 1.8 to 4.2 is 1% by volume or more and 7% by volume or less,
The water retention molded product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a water retention rate at a pF of 4.2 to 7.0 is 10% by volume or more and 30% by volume or less.   The water retention molding according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a holder that holds the water retention molding and arranges the water retention molding on an air suction side of the outdoor unit. A drain pipe is connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioner,
The water retention molded product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a drain water discharge port of a drain water discharge path through which the drain water is discharged through the drain pipe is disposed above the water retention molded product.   The water retention molding according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which has a diffusion layer on a surface. It is a method of cooling the heat exchanger by the water retention molded body according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A drain pipe is connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioner,
A method for cooling an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning room, wherein drain water discharged from the drain pipe is supplied to the water retention molded body. A method for producing a water retention molded body for cooling a heat exchanger having an outdoor unit of an air conditioner,
A first step of mixing the cement and water constituting the water-retaining molded body,
A second step of placing the mixture of the cement and the water in a mold and applying vibration to the mold, the method comprising the steps of:

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