JP2021028050A - Humidity control device and humidity control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with low power consumption.SOLUTION: The humidity control method includes a moisture absorption step of bringing a hygroscopic liquid containing a hygroscopic substance into contact with first air to absorb moisture contained in the first air by the hygroscopic liquid, and a regeneration step of separating moisture from the hygroscopic liquid having absorbed moisture. The regeneration step includes: an atomization step of storing the hygroscopic liquid having absorbed moisture, and irradiating at least a part of the stored hygroscopic liquid with ultrasonic waves to generate atomized droplets from the hygroscopic liquid having absorbed moisture; and a gas-liquid separation step of irradiating the atomized droplets with sound waves to vibrate and aggregate the atomized droplets, separating the aggregated atomized droplets into gas and liquid, and collecting and removing the obtained liquid. The frequency of the sound waves is included in the frequency band determined according to the particle size of the atomized droplets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a humidity control device and a humidity control method.

Conventionally, a humidity control element provided with an adsorbent has been known and is widely used in humidity control devices and the like (see Patent Document 1). The humidity control element is provided with, for example, a honeycomb-shaped or corrugated cardboard-shaped support, and a large number of air flow passages are formed by the support.

Further, on the surface of the support, a powdery adsorbent of an inorganic material such as zeolite, silica gel or activated carbon is held by a binder. Then, when air is passed through the air flow passage of the humidity control element, water vapor or the like in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, so that the air can be dried.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-149737

Since the dehumidifier (humidity control device) described in Patent Document 1 is used repeatedly, it adsorbs (absorbs) moisture from the air to be treated, and then desorbs (separates) the adsorbed moisture to adsorb the moisture. Performance needs to be restored. However, a dehumidifier using a conventional dehumidifier (adsorbent) involves a state change of water from a liquid to a gas when the adsorbed water is desorbed, so it is necessary to add more energy than the latent heat of the adsorbed water. It was. Therefore, the conventional dehumidifier has a problem of consuming a large amount of electric power.

One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with low power consumption. ..

The inventors focused on the separation of water using ultrasonic atomization. The inventors separate water from the hygroscopic liquid by irradiating the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed water with ultrasonic waves to generate atomized droplets from the hygroscopic liquid and removing the atomized droplets. We examined the equipment to be used. In such a device, the state of water does not change from liquid to gas when the water is desorbed. Therefore, the above device can adsorb and desorb moisture with low power consumption.

The inventors have found that the amount of atomized droplets collected can be increased by a humidity control method and a humidity control device having the following aspects, and have completed the present invention.

One aspect of the present invention is a hygroscopic step in which a hygroscopic liquid containing a hygroscopic substance is brought into contact with the first air to absorb the moisture contained in the first air into the hygroscopic liquid, and moisture from the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the moisture. The regenerating step has a regenerating step of separating the hygroscopic liquid, which stores the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed moisture, and irradiates at least a part of the stored hygroscopic liquid with ultrasonic waves to absorb the hygroscopic liquid. The atomization step of generating atomized droplets from the body and the atomized droplets were irradiated with sound waves to vibrate and aggregate the atomized droplets, and the aggregated atomized droplets were separated by gas and liquid. It has a gas-liquid separation step of collecting and removing a liquid, and provides a humidity control method in which the frequency of the sound wave is included in a frequency band determined according to the particle size of the atomized droplets.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the hygroscopic step, a method of bringing the hygroscopic liquid into contact with the first air while cooling the hygroscopic liquid may be used.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the atomization step, a method of irradiating the hygroscopic liquid with ultrasonic waves while heating the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed water may be used.

In one aspect of the present invention, the hygroscopic liquid from which water has been separated in the regeneration step may be reused in the moisture absorption step.

In one aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the mist-like droplets may be discharged into the second air which exists temporally or spatially different from the first air.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the gas-liquid separation step, a method of controlling the frequency of sound waves to 100 Hz or more and 20 kHz or less may be used.

In one aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the collected liquid may be irradiated with ultrasonic waves to generate atomized droplets from the liquid.

In one aspect of the present invention, when coarse droplets having a particle size larger than that of atomized droplets are generated from a hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed moisture in the atomization step, the atomization step and the gas-liquid separation step are used. In between, it may be a method of collecting coarse droplets.

One aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit for storing a hygroscopic liquid containing a hygroscopic substance and a pipeline connected to the storage unit, and the storage unit collects air outside the storage unit inside the storage unit. A means of contacting the air with the hygroscopic liquid to absorb the moisture contained in the air into the hygroscopic liquid, and a first ultrasonic wave that irradiates at least a part of the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the moisture with ultrasonic waves. It has a generating part and a first means for removing atomized droplets generated from a hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed moisture, one end of the pipeline is connected to a storage portion, and the other end of the pipeline is open. The conduit is provided inside the conduit and is provided between the collecting part for collecting the atomized droplets and the storage part and the collecting part, and irradiates the atomized droplets with sound waves. Provided is a humidity control device including a sound wave irradiation unit.

In one aspect of the present invention, the frequency of the sound wave may be included in a frequency band determined according to the particle size of the atomized droplet.

In one aspect of the present invention, the configuration may include a cooling mechanism for cooling the hygroscopic liquid.

In one aspect of the present invention, the configuration may include a heating mechanism for heating a hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed moisture.

In one aspect of the present invention, the collecting unit has a gas-liquid separating means for separating agglomerated atomized droplets into gas and liquid, and the sound wave irradiation unit has a sound wave source for generating sound waves and a sound wave in a conduit. It has a sound wave introducing means to be introduced inside and a connecting member for connecting the sound wave introducing means and the sound wave source, and the length of the connecting member from the sound wave source to the gas-liquid separating means determines the standing wave condition of the sound wave. It may be configured to have an adjusting portion capable of changing the length of the connecting member so as to satisfy the requirements.

In one aspect of the present invention, the sound wave irradiation unit may be arranged in the path of the sound wave introducing means and the connecting member, and may have a sound wave converging unit that converges the sound wave inside the pipeline.

In one aspect of the present invention, the sound wave irradiation unit may have a configuration having an acoustic matching layer arranged between at least one of the sound wave source and the sound wave introducing means in the connecting member.
Z ₃ = (Z ₁ x Z ₂ ) ^0.5 (1)
(In the formula (1), Z ₁ represents the acoustic impedance of air, Z ₂ represents the acoustic impedance of the solid material, and Z ₃ represents the acoustic impedance of the material forming the acoustic matching layer.)

In one aspect of the present invention, the collecting unit removes the second ultrasonic wave generating unit that irradiates at least a part of the liquid obtained from the mist-like droplets with ultrasonic waves, and the mist-like droplets generated from the liquid. The second means may be provided.

In one aspect of the present invention, coarse droplets having a particle size larger than that of atomized droplets are generated from the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed water, and are provided between the storage portion and the sound wave irradiation portion. It may be configured to include means for collecting the water.

In one aspect of the present invention, a housing having an internal space is further provided, the storage portion is arranged in the internal space, the other end of the pipeline is arranged outside the housing, and the means for absorbing the housing is the housing. The configuration may be such that external air is sent to the inside of the storage unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with low power consumption.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1000 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the periphery of the sound wave irradiation unit 180 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the sound wave source 181 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1002 of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1003 of the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1004 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1005 of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a supply method of air A1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sound wave irradiation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the humidity control device and the humidity control method according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, for the purpose of emphasizing the characteristic parts, the characteristic parts may be enlarged for convenience, and the dimensional ratios of the respective components may not be the same as the actual ones. Absent. Further, for the same purpose, a part that is not a feature may be omitted and illustrated. The Y-axis shown in the drawing is the installation direction of the humidity control device in each embodiment of the present invention. Further, the upper part of the humidity control device is in the + Y direction. The X-axis shown in the drawing is the left-right direction of the humidity control device in each embodiment of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
The humidity control method of the first embodiment includes a hygroscopic step of bringing a hygroscopic liquid containing a hygroscopic substance into contact with the first air and absorbing the moisture contained in the first air into the hygroscopic liquid, and the hygroscopicity of absorbing the moisture. It has a regeneration step of separating water from the liquid. The regeneration step is an atomization step in which a hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed moisture is stored, and at least a part of the stored hygroscopic liquid is irradiated with ultrasonic waves to generate atomized droplets from the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed moisture. Then, the atomized droplets are irradiated with sound waves to vibrate and aggregate the atomized droplets, and the aggregated atomized droplets are separated into gas and liquid, and the obtained liquid is collected and removed. It has a process.

As used herein, the term "regeneration" means separating water from a hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed water and restoring the ability of the hygroscopic liquid to absorb water.

[Humidity control device]
Hereinafter, the humidity control device used in the humidity control method of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1000 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidity control device 1000 of the present embodiment includes a housing 1, a storage unit 10, a measurement unit 120, a control unit 300, a pipeline 31, and a pipeline 32.

In the present specification, the pipeline 32 corresponds to the “pipeline” in the claims.

(Case)
The housing 1 of the present embodiment has an internal space 5. The internal space 5 can accommodate at least the storage unit 10.

(Reservoir)
The storage unit 10 is arranged in the internal space 5 and stores the hygroscopic liquid W. The hygroscopic liquid W will be described later. The storage unit 10 includes a first storage unit 11, a second storage unit 12, and a flow path 13.

In the following description, the liquid used for the treatment in the first storage unit 11 is referred to as "hygroscopic liquid W1". Further, the liquid processed by the second storage unit 12 is referred to as "hygroscopic liquid W2". The liquid obtained by combining the hygroscopic liquid W1 and the hygroscopic liquid W2 is referred to as "hygroscopic liquid W".

In the present specification, "hygroscopic liquid W2" corresponds to "hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed moisture" in the claims.

Further, in the following description, the air treated by the first storage unit 11 is referred to as "air A1". Further, the air released from the first storage unit 11 is referred to as "air A3". Further, the air released from the second storage unit 12 is referred to as "air A4".

In the present specification, "air A1" corresponds to "first air" in the claims. In the present specification, "air A2" corresponds to "second air" in the claims.

The air A1 and the air A2 according to the present invention exist differently in time or space. When the air A1 and the air A2 according to the present invention exist differently in time, they exist in the same space. Moreover, when they exist spatially differently, they exist at the same time.

In the following, a case where air A1 and air A2 are present at different times will be described.

(1st storage section)
The first storage unit 11 has a conduit 201, a blower 202, a nozzle unit 133, and a first exhaust port 14.

In the present specification, the configuration in which the conduit 201, the blower 202, and the nozzle portion 133 are combined corresponds to the "means for absorbing" in the claims.

The conduit 201 communicates the inside of the first storage portion 11 with the outside of the housing 1. One end of the conduit 201 is connected to a blower 202 that sends air A1 outside the housing 1. On the other hand, the other end of the conduit 201 is arranged outside the housing 1.

The blower 202 sucks air A1 from the other end of the conduit 201. As a result, the blower 202 sends the air A1 outside the housing 1 to the internal space 5 of the housing 1 via the conduit 201. The air A1 sent by the blower 202 forms an air flow from the blower 202 toward the first exhaust port 14 described later, and comes into contact with the hygroscopic liquid W1. As a result, the humidity control device 1000 of the present embodiment can bring the air A1 into contact with the hygroscopic liquid W1 in the internal space 5 and allow the hygroscopic liquid W1 to absorb the moisture contained in the air A1.

The nozzle unit 133 causes the hygroscopic liquid W1 to fall in a substantially columnar shape in the direction of gravity inside the first storage unit 11. The nozzle portion 133 is housed above the inside of the first storage portion 11. As described above, the blower 202 generates an air flow of air A1 inside the first storage unit 11. The hygroscopic liquid W1 having a substantially columnar shape is brought into contact with the air flow of the air A1, and the hygroscopic liquid W1 absorbs the moisture contained in the air A1. Such an air A1 supply method is generally called a "flow-down method".

The first exhaust port 14 exhausts the air A3 obtained by absorbing the moisture contained in the air A1 into the hygroscopic liquid W1 to the outside of the housing 1.

Since the air A3 is obtained by removing moisture from the air A1, it is drier than the air A1 outside the housing 1.

(Piping)
The pipeline 31 communicates the inside of the first storage unit 11 with the outside of the housing 1. The pipeline 31 is connected to the first exhaust port 14. The air A3 is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 through the pipeline 31.

(2nd storage section)
The second storage unit 12 has a second exhaust port 15, an ultrasonic oscillator 100, and a blower 251.

In the present specification, the ultrasonic oscillator 100 corresponds to the "first ultrasonic generator" in the claims.

In the present specification, the blower 251 corresponds to the "first means" in the claims.

The ultrasonic vibrator 100 irradiates the hygroscopic liquid W2 with ultrasonic waves to generate mist-like droplets W3 containing water from the hygroscopic liquid W2. The ultrasonic oscillator 100 of FIG. 1 is in contact with the second storage portion 12 on the lower surface (the surface on the −Y side) of the second storage portion 12.

When the ultrasonic vibrator 100 irradiates the hygroscopic liquid W2 with ultrasonic waves, a liquid column C of the hygroscopic liquid W2 may be formed on the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W2. The above-mentioned mist-like droplets W3 are often generated from the liquid column C of the hygroscopic liquid W2.

The particle size of the mist-like droplet W3 is 0.05 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The particle size of the atomized droplet W3 can be determined by a measurement by a light scattering method, a measurement using an electrostatic particle size measuring device (EAA: electrical aerosol analyzer), or the like.

In the humidity control device 1000 of the present embodiment, the amount and particle size of the mist-like droplets W3 can be controlled by adjusting either or both of the ultrasonic frequency and the input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100. ..

The frequency of the ultrasonic wave depends on the type of the hygroscopic liquid W, but is preferably in the range of 1.0 MHz or more and 5.0 MHz or less, for example. When the frequency of the ultrasonic wave is within this range, the amount of atomized droplet W3 generated can be increased. Further, when the frequency of the ultrasonic wave is in the range of 1.0 MHz or more and 5.0 MHz or less, the particle size of the atomized droplet W3 can be easily controlled to 0.05 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

The input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 depends on the type of the hygroscopic liquid W and the ultrasonic vibrator 100, but is preferably 2 W or more, more preferably 10 W or more, for example. When the input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 is 2 W or more, the amount of atomized droplets W3 generated can be increased. Further, the upper limit of the input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 may be determined in consideration of the mechanical strength of the ultrasonic vibrator 100, the Curie temperature of the material forming the ultrasonic vibrator 100, and the like. When the Curie temperature is very high, the upper limit of the input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 may be determined within a range in which the ultrasonic vibrator 100 is not damaged in consideration of the mechanical strength of the ultrasonic vibrator 100. .. The input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 may be, for example, 15 W or less from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption.

The second exhaust port 15 discharges air A4 containing mist-like droplets W3 from the second storage portion 12. As a result, water can be separated from the hygroscopic liquid W2.

The blower 251 is connected to a conduit (not shown) that is open to the outside of the housing 1. The blower 251 sends air from the outside of the housing 1 to the inside of the second storage unit 12 through this conduit, and from the inside of the second storage unit 12 to the outside of the housing 1 via the second exhaust port 15. Generates a flowing air flow.

(Piping)
The pipeline 32 communicates the inside of the second storage unit 12 with the outside of the housing 1. The pipeline 32 is connected to the second exhaust port 15.

(Flow path)
The flow path 13 connects the first storage unit 11 and the second storage unit 12. The flow path 13 is connected to a pump 110 that circulates the hygroscopic liquid W inside the storage unit 10. The flow path 13 has a flow path 131 and a flow path 132.

The flow path 131 causes the hygroscopic liquid W to flow from the first storage unit 11 to the second storage unit 12. One end of the flow path 131 is connected to the lower part of the first storage unit 11. The connection point at one end of the flow path 131 with respect to the first storage unit 11 is located below the liquid level of the hygroscopic liquid W1 stored in the first storage unit 11. On the other hand, the other end of the flow path 131 is connected to the lower part of the second storage portion 12. The connection point of the other end of the flow path 131 with respect to the second storage unit 12 is located below the liquid level of the hygroscopic liquid W2 stored in the second storage unit 12.

The flow path 132 allows the hygroscopic liquid W to flow from the second storage unit 12 into the first storage unit 11. One end of the flow path 132 is connected to the lower part of the second storage portion 12. The connection point at one end of the flow path 132 with respect to the second storage unit 12 is located below the liquid level of the hygroscopic liquid W2 stored in the second storage unit 12. On the other hand, the other end of the flow path 132 is connected to the upper part of the first storage unit 11. The connection point of the other end of the flow path 132 with respect to the first storage unit 11 is located on the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W1 stored in the first storage unit 11. The other end of the flow path 132 communicates with the nozzle portion 133.

(Hygroscopic liquid)
The hygroscopic liquid W of the present embodiment is a liquid exhibiting hygroscopicity, and a liquid exhibiting hygroscopicity under the conditions of 25 ° C., 50% relative humidity, and the atmosphere is preferable.

The hygroscopic liquid W of the present embodiment contains a hygroscopic substance. Further, the hygroscopic liquid W of the present embodiment may contain a hygroscopic substance and a solvent. Examples of such a solvent include a solvent that dissolves or miscible with a hygroscopic substance, and is, for example, water.

The hygroscopic substance may be an organic material or an inorganic material.

Examples of the organic material used as a hygroscopic substance include alcohols having a divalent value or higher, ketones, organic solvents having an amide group, sugars, known materials used as raw materials for moisturizing cosmetics, and the like.

Among them, as the organic material used as a hygroscopic substance because of its high hydrophilicity, known materials used as raw materials for alcohols having a divalent value or higher, organic solvents having an amide group, sugars, moisturizing cosmetics and the like are preferable.

Examples of the dihydric or higher alcohol include glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentandiol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol.

Examples of the organic solvent having an amide group include formamide and acetamide.

Examples of the saccharide include sucrose, pullulan, glucose, xylene, fructose, mannitol, sorbitol and the like.

Known materials used as raw materials for moisturizing cosmetics include, for example, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), betaine, hyaluronic acid, collagen and the like.

Inorganic materials used as hygroscopic substances include calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, and pyrrolidone carboxylic. Examples include sodium chloride.

When the hygroscopic substance has high hydrophilicity, for example, when these materials are mixed with water, the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface (liquid surface) of the hygroscopic liquid W increases. In the regeneration step described later, atomized droplets W3 are generated from the vicinity of the surface of the hygroscopic liquid W2 to separate water from the hygroscopic liquid W2. Therefore, if the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface of the hygroscopic liquid W is large, water can be separated efficiently.

Further, the proportion of the hygroscopic substance in the vicinity of the surface of the hygroscopic liquid W becomes relatively small. Therefore, the loss of hygroscopic substances in the regeneration process can be suppressed.

Of the hygroscopic liquid W of the present embodiment, the concentration of the hygroscopic substance in the hygroscopic liquid W1 used in the treatment in the first storage unit 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40% by mass or more. When the concentration is 40% by mass or more, the hygroscopic liquid W1 can efficiently absorb water.

The hygroscopic liquid W of the present embodiment preferably has a viscosity of 25 mPa · s or less. As a result, in the regeneration step described later, a liquid column C of the hygroscopic liquid W2 is likely to be generated on the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W2. Therefore, water can be efficiently separated from the hygroscopic liquid W2.

Inside the pipeline 32 described above, air A4 containing mist-like droplets W3 flows. The pipeline 32 has a collecting unit 150 and a sound wave irradiation unit 180.

(Collection department)
The collecting unit 150 separates the mist-like droplet W3 from the air A4 and collects it. The air A4 becomes the air A5 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "air A5") from which the mist-like droplets W3 have been removed by passing through the collecting portion 150.

In the present specification, the air mixed with "air A5" is referred to as "air A2".

The collecting unit 150 is provided inside the pipeline 32. Here, among the pipelines 32, the pipeline from the second storage unit 12 to the collection unit 150 is referred to as the pipeline 321. One end of the pipeline 321 is connected to the second exhaust port 15. The other end of the pipeline 321 is connected to the collecting portion 150. The air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W3 is discharged from the second storage portion 12 and reaches the collection portion 150 through the pipeline 321.

The collecting unit 150 has a gas-liquid separation means 151, a container 281 and a flow path 286.

The gas-liquid separation means 151 separates the atomized droplet W3 into gas-liquid. Here, among the pipelines 32, the pipeline that communicates the collecting portion 150 with the outside of the housing 1 is referred to as a pipeline 322. The pipeline 322 is connected to the collecting unit 150. The air A5 is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 through the pipeline 322.

Examples of the gas-liquid separation means 151 include a known mist separator or a membrane module having a known gas permeable membrane.

Examples of known mist separators include a cyclone separator, a mesh type mist separator called "demister", a corrugated plate type mist separator called "chevron", and the like.

The gas-liquid separated mist-like droplet W3 becomes a liquid W11 in the flow path 286 and is stored in the container 281.

The flow path 286 connects the gas-liquid separation means 151 and the container 281. The flow path 286 causes the liquid W11 to flow into the container 281.

The container 281 stores the liquid W11 obtained from the mist-like droplet W3.

(Sound wave irradiation part)
The sound wave irradiation unit 180 is provided inside the pipeline 32 and is located between the second storage unit 12 and the collection unit 150. The sound wave irradiation unit 180 irradiates the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W3 with sound waves. By irradiating the air A4 with sound waves, the mist-like droplets W3 vibrate, and collisions between the mist-like droplets W3 are induced. As a result, the mist-like droplets W3 aggregate and the particle size becomes large. When the particle size of the atomized droplet W3 becomes large, it becomes easy to separate the atomized droplet W3 into gas and liquid by using the gas-liquid separating means 151 described above. As a result, the amount of atomized droplet W3 recovered can be increased.

The frequency of the sound wave emitted by the sound wave irradiation unit 180 is included in a frequency band determined according to the particle size of the mist-like droplet W3. As described above, the particle size of the atomized droplet W3 is affected by the frequency of the ultrasonic waves irradiated by the ultrasonic vibrator 100 and the viscosity of the hygroscopic liquid W. Further, as described above, the particle size of the atomized droplet W3 is 0.05 μm or more and 10 μm or less. Normally, when the particle size of the droplet is about several μm, it is difficult to aggregate the droplet using ultrasonic waves exceeding 20 kHz. For this reason, the frequency of the sound wave emitted by the sound wave irradiation unit 180 is preferably 20 Hz or more and 20 kHz or less, for example, 100 Hz or more and 20 kHz or less.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the periphery of the sound wave irradiation unit 180 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the sound wave irradiation unit 180 includes a sound wave source 181, a sound wave introducing means 182, and a connecting member 183.

The sound wave source 181 generates the above sound wave. The sound wave source 181 may be a device that generates sound waves by itself, such as a speaker or a siren, or a device that does not generate sound waves by itself and propagates sound waves from another source. As another source, for example, when the humidity control device 1000 of the present embodiment is applied for in-vehicle use, a muffler, an engine, or the like of a car can be mentioned.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the sound wave source 181. The sound wave source 181 is a so-called siren that generates sound by stacking two discs having small holes at equal intervals on the circumference and forming an intermittent air flow while rotating one of them.

The sound wave source 181 includes a rotating disk 1811, a fixed disk 1812, a motor 1813, and a blower 1814. Inside the connecting member 183, which will be described later, a rotating disk 1811, a fixed disk 1812, and a blower 1814 are arranged in this order.

The radial direction of the rotating disk 1811 and the radial direction of the fixed disk 1812 substantially coincide with the radial direction of the connecting member 183. The diameter of the rotating disk 1811, the diameter of the fixed disk 1812, and the diameter of the connecting member 183 are substantially the same.

The rotary disk 1811 is connected to the motor 1813 and is configured to be rotatable. A plurality of holes 1811a are formed on the circumference of the rotating disk 1811 at equal intervals.

In the fixed disk 1812, the same number of holes 1812a as the plurality of holes 1811a are formed at equal intervals on the circumference. When the rotating disk 1811 rotates, the holes 1811a and the holes 1812a overlap each other to form the holes 1815. A hole 1812b is formed in the fixed disk 1812 for passing the shaft of the motor 1813.

The motor 1813 is connected to the rotating disk 1811 to rotate the rotating disk 1811. The motor 1813 controls the rotation speed of the rotating disk 1811 so as to obtain a target frequency based on the relationship between the rotation speed of the rotating disk 1811 and the frequency of the sound wave.

The blower 1814 forms an air flow from the fixed disk 1812 to the rotating disk 1811 inside the connecting member 183.

The operating principle of the sound wave source 181 will be described. First, the rotating disk 1811 is rotated by the motor 1813. When the hole 1811a of the rotating disk 1811 and the hole 1812a of the fixed disk 1812 overlap and the hole 1815 is formed, air passes through the hole 1815. Due to such an intermittent air flow, the sound wave source 181 generates a sound having a frequency corresponding to the number of holes 1811a and the rotation speed of the rotating disk 1811.

Returning to FIG. 2, the sound wave introducing means 182 introduces the sound wave generated by the sound wave source 181 into the inside of the pipeline 32. The sound wave introducing means 182 has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the sound wave introducing means 182 gradually increases in the flow direction of the air flowing inside the pipeline 321.

The connecting member 183 connects the sound wave source 181 and the sound wave introducing means 182. The connecting member 183 has an adjusting portion 183a whose length can be changed. The adjusting unit 183a can change the length of the connecting member 183 so that the length from the sound wave source 181 to the gas-liquid separating means 151 satisfies the standing wave condition of the sound wave. As a result, the amplitude of the sound wave can be maximized between the sound wave introducing means 182 and the gas-liquid separating means 151, and the mist-like droplets W3 can be more easily aggregated.

The structure of the adjusting portion 183a is not particularly limited as long as the length of the connecting member 183 can be changed, but is, for example, a bellows structure.

As described above, the humidity control device 1000 of this embodiment is a small device. Specifically, the small device is a device in which the diameter of the pipeline 32 is smaller than the wavelength of the sound wave in the air.

(Measurement unit)
The measuring unit 120 measures the concentration of the hygroscopic substance in the hygroscopic liquid W1. The measuring unit 120 is located below the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W inside the first storage unit 11. The measuring unit 120 has a device capable of measuring the concentration of the hygroscopic substance in the hygroscopic liquid W1. The measurement result of the measuring unit 120 is output to the control unit 300 described later.

(Control unit)
Based on the measurement results obtained by the measuring unit 120, the control unit 300 controls the concentration of the hygroscopic substance with respect to the total mass of the hygroscopic liquid W1 so as to be within a desired concentration range, and the atomized droplet W3 is formed. The particle size is controlled to be desired. Here, the "desired concentration" means a concentration range suitable for the hygroscopic liquid to absorb water, for example, 40% by mass or more.

The control unit 300 controls at least one selected from the group consisting of the ultrasonic vibrator 100, the pump 110, the blower 202, and the blower 251 so that the concentration of the hygroscopic substance with respect to the total mass of the hygroscopic liquid W1 is desired. Control to the concentration.

The control unit 300 controls the sound wave irradiation unit 180 so that the atomized droplet W3 has a desired particle size.

[Humidity control method]
Hereinafter, a humidity control method using the above-mentioned humidity control device 1000 will be described. In the humidity control device 1000 shown in FIG. 1, the pump 110 is driven to circulate the hygroscopic liquid W in the storage unit 10.

In the moisture absorption step of the present embodiment, the blower 202 of the first storage unit 11 is driven, and the air A1 outside the housing 1 is sent to the internal space 5 of the housing 1 via the conduit 201. As a result, the hygroscopic liquid W1 of the first storage unit 11 is brought into contact with the air A1, and the moisture contained in the air A1 is absorbed by the hygroscopic liquid W1.

In the moisture absorption step of the present embodiment, the moisture contained in the air A1 is removed to obtain the air A3. The obtained air A3 is exhausted from the first exhaust port 14 of the first storage unit 11.

In the regeneration step of the present embodiment, an atomization step is performed. In the atomization step of the present embodiment, first, the hygroscopic liquid W2 is stored in the second storage unit 12. Next, the ultrasonic vibrator 100 is driven to irradiate at least a part of the hygroscopic liquid W2 with ultrasonic waves to generate mist-like droplets W3 containing water from the hygroscopic liquid W2. On the other hand, the blower 251 of the second storage unit 12 is driven to generate an air flow inside the second storage unit 12. By this air flow, the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W3 is carried from the second exhaust port 15 to the pipeline 32.

In the regeneration step of the present embodiment, a gas-liquid separation step is performed after the atomization step. In the gas-liquid separation step of the present embodiment, the sound wave irradiation unit 180 is driven to irradiate the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W3 with sound waves. By irradiating the air A4 with sound waves, the mist-like droplets W3 vibrate, and collisions between the mist-like droplets W3 are induced. As a result, the mist-like droplets W3 aggregate and the particle size becomes large. The agglomerated atomized droplet W3 is gas-liquid separated by the gas-liquid separation means 151. The liquid W11 obtained from the mist-like droplet W3 is collected and removed. The air A5 from which the mist-like droplets W3 have been removed is discharged to the air A2 outside the housing 1.

In the atomization step of the present embodiment, various methods can be used to control the amount or particle size of the atomized droplets W3.

First, in the atomization step of the present embodiment, the amount or particle size of the atomized droplet W3 is controlled by adjusting either or both of the ultrasonic frequency and the input power in the ultrasonic vibrator 100. it can.

In the atomization step of the present embodiment, the frequency of the ultrasonic wave is preferably in the range of 1.0 MHz or more and 5.0 MHz or less, although it depends on the type of the hygroscopic liquid W. When the frequency of the ultrasonic wave is within this range, the amount of atomized droplet W3 generated can be increased. Further, when the frequency of the ultrasonic wave is within this range, it is easy to control the particle size of the atomized droplet W3 within a desired range.

In the atomization step of the present embodiment, the input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 depends on the type of the hygroscopic liquid W and the ultrasonic vibrator 100, but is preferably 2 W or more, more preferably 10 W or more, for example. When the input power of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 is 2 W or more, the amount of atomized droplets W3 generated can be increased.

In the atomization step of the present embodiment, the amount of atomized droplets W3 generated can also be controlled by adjusting the depth from the surface of the ultrasonic vibrator 100 to the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W. That is, in the atomization step of the present embodiment, the atomizing droplet W3 is generated by adjusting the depth from the lower surface (−Y side surface) of the second storage portion 12 to the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W. You can control the amount.

In the atomization step of the present embodiment, the depth from the lower surface of the second storage portion 12 to the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W is preferably in the range of 1 cm or more and 6 cm or less. When the depth is 1 cm or more, the risk of empty heating is low, and the amount of atomized droplets W3 generated can be sufficiently increased. Further, when the depth is 6 cm or less, a liquid column C of the hygroscopic liquid W2 can be generated. As a result, the mist-like droplet W3 can be efficiently generated.

In the atomization step of the present embodiment, water is separated from the hygroscopic liquid W2 to regenerate the hygroscopic liquid W2.

In the gas-liquid separation step of the present embodiment, various methods can be used to control the sound wave irradiation method.

In the gas-liquid separation step of the present embodiment, the frequency of the sound wave may be set so as to be included in the frequency band determined according to the particle size of the atomized droplet W3. The particle size of the atomized droplet W3 is affected by the frequency of ultrasonic waves and the viscosity of the hygroscopic liquid W. The frequency is 100 Hz or more and 20 kHz or less.

In the gas-liquid separation step of the present embodiment, the length of the connecting member 183 is changed by using the adjusting unit 183a so that the length from the sound wave source 181 to the gas-liquid separation means 151 satisfies the standing wave condition of the sound wave. Good. As a result, the amplitude of the sound wave can be maximized between the sound wave introducing means 182 and the gas-liquid separating means 151, and the mist-like droplets W3 can be easily aggregated. As a result, the amount of atomized droplet W3 recovered can be increased.

In the humidity control method of the present embodiment, the hygroscopic liquid W1 obtained in the regeneration step is returned to the first storage portion via the flow path 13 and reused in the above-mentioned moisture absorption step. In this way, the humidity control method of the present embodiment is performed.

As described above, in the humidity control method of the present embodiment, the regeneration step of the hygroscopic liquid W2 is performed using ultrasonic waves. In the regeneration step of the present embodiment, the water content of the hygroscopic liquid W2 becomes mist-like droplets W3 and is separated from the hygroscopic liquid W2. Therefore, it is considered that the regeneration step of the present embodiment is hardly accompanied by the change of state of water from liquid to gas, which is performed in the regeneration step of the conventional humidity control method. Therefore, the humidity control method of the present embodiment can be regenerated with low energy.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with low power consumption. Further, in the humidity control method of the present embodiment, the mist-like droplets W3 are likely to be aggregated. As a result, the amount of atomized droplet W3 recovered can be increased.

<Second Embodiment>
[Humidity control device]
The humidity control device 1002 of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the humidity control device 1000 of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the pipeline 32A is different. Therefore, the components common to the first embodiment in the present embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The humidity control device of this embodiment is a large device unlike the above-described embodiment. The large-sized device is a device in which the diameter of the pipeline is larger than the wavelength of sound waves in the air, and examples thereof include ducts used in commercial air conditioning such as building air conditioning.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1002 of the second embodiment, and shows the periphery of the pipeline 32A. The pipeline 32A has a collecting unit 150 and a sound wave irradiation unit 180B.

(Sound wave irradiation part)
As shown in FIG. 4, the sound wave irradiation unit 180B includes a sound wave source 181, a sound wave introducing means 182, a connecting member 183, and a sound wave converging unit 185.

The sound wave converging unit 185 is arranged in the path of the sound wave introducing means 182 and the connecting member 183. The sound wave converging unit 185 converges the sound wave between the sound wave introducing means 182 and the gas-liquid separating means 151 inside the pipe line 32A. As a result, the sound waves generated by the sound wave source 181 can be efficiently irradiated to the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W3. Therefore, when irradiating sound waves of the same frequency, the mist-like droplets W3 are more likely to be aggregated as compared with a device not provided with the sound wave converging unit 185. As a result, the amount of atomized droplet W3 recovered can be increased.

The sound wave converging unit 185 has a balloon containing a gas such as carbon dioxide, which is called a balloon lens, for example.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with low power consumption. Further, according to the humidity control device and the humidity control method of the present embodiment, the sound waves generated by the sound wave source 181 can be efficiently irradiated to the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W3. As a result, the amount of atomized droplet W3 recovered can be increased.

<Third Embodiment>
[Humidity control device]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1003 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the humidity control device 1003 of the third embodiment includes a housing 1, a storage unit 10, a measurement unit 120, a means for collecting 190, a control unit 300, a pipeline 31, and a pipe. A road 32 is provided. Therefore, the components common to the first embodiment in the present embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Means to collect 190)
According to the studies by the inventors, it was found that the hygroscopic liquid W2 generates coarse droplets having a particle size larger than that of the mist-like droplets W3. Further, it was found that the coarse droplet W4 contained a part of the hygroscopic substance dissolved in the hygroscopic liquid W.

In the humidity control device 1003 of the present embodiment, the coarse droplet W4 is collected by the collecting means 190. As a result, the humidity control device 1003 of the present embodiment can suppress the loss of the hygroscopic substance of the hygroscopic liquid W.

The collecting means 190 includes, for example, the above-mentioned known mist separator or known membrane module. Since the particle size of the coarse droplet W4 is larger than the particle size of the atomized droplet W3, the coarse droplet W4 can be recovered by passing it through a known mist separator or a known membrane module.

[Humidity control method]
Hereinafter, a humidity control method using the above-mentioned humidity control device 1003 will be described. In the humidity control method of the third embodiment, between the atomization step and the gas-liquid separation step, the coarse droplet W4 having a particle size larger than that of the atomized droplet W3 is recovered by the means 190. The collected coarse droplet W4 is sent to at least one of the first storage unit 11 and the second storage unit 12, or is stored in another container.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with low power consumption. Further, by using the collecting means 190 together, the loss of the hygroscopic substance contained in the hygroscopic liquid W can be further suppressed. Therefore, the humidity control method of the present embodiment can maintain the moisture absorption efficiency even if it is repeated.

<Fourth Embodiment>
[Humidity control device]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1004 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the humidity control device 1004 of the fourth embodiment includes a housing 1, a storage unit 10, a measurement unit 120, a control unit 300, a pipeline 31, and a pipeline 32B. .. Therefore, the components common to the fourth embodiment in the present embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The pipeline 32B has a collecting unit 150A and a sound wave irradiation unit 180.

The collecting unit 150A has a gas-liquid separation means 151, a container 281A, and a flow path 286.

The container 281A stores the liquid W11 obtained from the mist-like droplet W3.

The container 281A has an ultrasonic oscillator 140, an opening 285, and a blower 282.

In the present specification, the ultrasonic oscillator 140 corresponds to the "second ultrasonic generator" in the claims.

In the present specification, the blower 282 corresponds to the "second means" in the claims.

The ultrasonic vibrator 140 irradiates the liquid W11 with ultrasonic waves to generate atomized droplets W3 from the liquid W11. The ultrasonic oscillator 140 of FIG. 6 is in contact with the container 281A below the container 281A (in the −Y direction).

When the ultrasonic vibrator 140 irradiates the liquid W11 with ultrasonic waves, a liquid column C1 of the liquid W11 may be generated on the liquid surface of the liquid W11. A large amount of atomized droplets W3 are generated from the liquid column C1 of the liquid W11.

The opening 285 discharges the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W3 to the air A2 outside the housing 1 and removes the air A4. A conduit 284 for guiding the air A4 containing the mist-like droplet W3 to the outside of the housing 1 is connected to the opening 285 of FIG. The conduit 284 communicates the container 281A with the outside of the housing 1. The opening 285 overlaps the ultrasonic oscillator 140 in a plane.

The blower 282 sends air from the outside of the housing 1 into the inside of the container 281A, and generates an air flow flowing from the inside of the container 281A to the outside of the housing 1 through the opening 285.

[Humidity control method]
Hereinafter, a humidity control method using the above-mentioned humidity control device 1004 will be described. In the humidity control method of the fourth embodiment, the moisture absorption step and the regeneration step are performed in the same manner as the humidity control method of the first embodiment. In the humidity control method of the present embodiment, the liquid W11 obtained from the atomized droplets W3 obtained in the atomization step is stored in the container 281.

In the humidity control method of the present embodiment, the liquid W11 can be stored in the container 281A. For example, when it is desired to rapidly humidify the air A2 outside the housing 1, the ultrasonic vibrator 140 is driven to irradiate a part of the liquid W11 with ultrasonic waves to generate atomized droplets W3 from the liquid W11. be able to.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with low power consumption. Further, according to the humidity control device and the humidity control method of the present embodiment, it is easy to increase the amount of atomized droplets W3 generated according to the operating condition of the humidity control device 1004.

<Fifth Embodiment>
[Humidity control device]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidity control device 1005 of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the humidity control device 1005 of the fifth embodiment includes a housing 1, a storage unit 10, a measurement unit 120, a cooling mechanism 160, a heating mechanism 170, a control unit 300, and a pipeline. A 31 and a pipeline 32 are provided. Therefore, the components common to the first embodiment in the present embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The cooling mechanism 160 cools the hygroscopic liquid W1 of the first storage unit 11. The cooling mechanism 160 of FIG. 7 is provided in contact with the wall surface of the first storage unit 11.

The cooling mechanism 160 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device capable of cooling the hygroscopic liquid W1 of the first storage unit 11. For example, the cooling mechanism 160 includes a Peltier element.

The heating mechanism 170 cools the hygroscopic liquid W2 in the second storage unit 12. The heating mechanism 170 of FIG. 7 is provided in contact with the wall surface of the second storage unit 12.

The heating mechanism 170 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device capable of heating the hygroscopic liquid W2 of the second storage unit 12. For example, the heating mechanism 170 includes a heater.

Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the combination of the cooling mechanism 160 and the heating mechanism 170 described above, the heat radiating portion of the Peltier element used as the cooling mechanism 160 may be used as the heating mechanism 170.

[Humidity control method]
Hereinafter, a humidity control method using the above-mentioned humidity control device 1005 will be described. In the humidity control method of the fifth embodiment, the hygroscopic step is performed while cooling the hygroscopic liquid W1 with the cooling mechanism 160. Further, in the humidity control method of the fifth embodiment, the atomization step is performed while heating the hygroscopic liquid W2 by the heating mechanism 170.

In the hygroscopic step of the present embodiment, by cooling the hygroscopic liquid W1, the amount of water absorbed in the same operation time can be increased.

Further, in the atomization step of the present embodiment, by heating the hygroscopic liquid W2, the amount of atomized droplets W3 generated in the same operation time can be increased. Therefore, the fifth embodiment provides a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with lower power consumption as compared with the first embodiment.

Although the humidity control device 1005 of the present embodiment has shown an example in which both the cooling mechanism 160 and the heating mechanism 170 are provided, the humidity control device of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the humidity control device of the present invention may have either a cooling mechanism 160 or a heating mechanism 170. Even in this case, the effect of the present embodiment can be obtained.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of adsorbing and desorbing water with lower power consumption.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the present embodiment are examples, and the configurations are added, omitted, replaced, and others within the range not deviating from the gist of the present invention. It can be changed. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, the “flow-down method” using the conduit 201 and the blower 202 is shown as the air A1 supply method, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a supply method of air A1.

The air A1 supply method may be a method in which the hygroscopic liquid W1 is allowed to stand in the air flow of the air A1 generated by the blower 202 as shown in FIG. 8A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, a “spray method” may be used in which a mist-like hygroscopic liquid W is sprayed in the air flow of the air A1 generated by the blower 202. In the humidity control device adopting this method, for example, a pump 203 that sends the hygroscopic liquid W1 stored in the first storage unit 11 and a pipe 204 through which the hygroscopic liquid W1 sent by the pump 203 flows. , And a spray nozzle 205 provided at one end of the pipe 204. The spray nozzle 205 is located on the liquid surface of the hygroscopic liquid W1 stored in the first storage unit 11.

In the humidity control device having such a configuration, by atomizing the hygroscopic liquid W, the surface area of the hygroscopic liquid W can be expanded and the moisture contained in the air A1 can be efficiently absorbed by the hygroscopic liquid W. it can.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, a “bubbling method” may be used in which air bubbles of air A1 are generated in the hygroscopic liquid W1 by the air pump 207. In the humidity control device adopting this method, for example, the first storage unit 11 has a conduit 206 and an air pump 207.

The conduit 206 communicates the internal space 5 of the housing 1 (see FIG. 1) with the outside of the housing 1. One end of the conduit 206 is housed in the internal space 5 and is immersed in the hygroscopic liquid W1 in the internal space 5.

The conduit 206 is connected to an air pump 207 that sends air A1 outside the housing 1.

The air pump 207 sends air A1 outside the housing 1 to the internal space 5 of the housing 1 via the conduit 206. The air A1 sent by the air pump 207 becomes bubbles from one end of the conduit 206 and comes into contact with the hygroscopic liquid W1.

In the humidity control device having such a configuration, the contact area between the air A1 and the hygroscopic liquid W1 is widened by bringing the foamy air A1 into contact with the hygroscopic liquid W1 in the internal space 5, and the air A1 is included. Moisture can be efficiently absorbed by the hygroscopic liquid W1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8D, a “column method” may be used in which the hygroscopic liquid W is impregnated into the column in the air flow of the air A1 generated by the air pump 210. In the humidity control device adopting this method, for example, the first storage unit 11 includes a plurality of fillers 208, a support plate 209 for supporting the filler 208, an air pump 210 for supplying external air A1, and a nozzle. It has a part 133 and.

As the filler 208, for example, a material such as glass beads that is not deteriorated by the hygroscopic liquid W can be adopted.

The support plate 209 has a plurality of holes sized so that the filler 208 does not pass through, and is located below the first storage portion 11. The filler 208 is filled on the support plate 209 in the first storage portion 11.

The air pump 210 sends the air A1 below the first storage portion 11 and below the support plate 209, and forms an air flow of the air A1 from the lower side to the upper side of the filled filler 208.

In the humidity control device having such a configuration, when the hygroscopic liquid W is allowed to flow down from the nozzle portion 133, the hygroscopic liquid W spreads along the filler 208 and flows downward of the first storage portion 11. When an air flow of air A1 is formed by the air pump 210 in this state, the air A1 and the hygroscopic liquid W come into contact with each other on the surface of the filler 208.

In the humidity control device having such a configuration, by spreading the hygroscopic liquid W on the surface of the filler 208, the contact area between the air A1 and the hygroscopic liquid W is widened, and the moisture contained in the air A1 is efficiently absorbed. It can be absorbed by the sex liquid W.

The location of the sound wave irradiation unit according to one aspect of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the air A4 containing the atomized droplets W3 can be irradiated with sound waves between the second storage unit 12 and the collection unit 150. Another embodiment of the sound wave irradiation unit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sound wave irradiation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sound wave irradiation unit 180A may be provided on the outside of the pipeline 321. The sound wave irradiation unit 180A includes a hollow member 186. A part of the pipeline 321 is connected to the hollow member 186, and the internal space of the hollow member 186 and the internal space of the pipeline 321 communicate with each other. The sound wave introducing means 182 is in contact with one end 186a of the hollow member 186.

Since the sound wave irradiation unit 180A includes the hollow member 186, it is easy to change the design of the other end 186b of the hollow member 186 in order to switch the type of sound wave between the standing wave and the traveling wave. For example, by providing a reflector at the other end 186b of the hollow member 186, the type of sound wave can be a standing wave. On the other hand, by providing a sound absorbing member at the other end 186b of the hollow member 186, the type of sound wave can be a traveling wave.

In addition, the pipeline of one embodiment of the present invention may have a bent portion having both ends. In this case, the sound wave introducing means is in contact with one end of the bent portion.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, an example in which one ultrasonic vibrator 100 is provided is shown, but the number of ultrasonic vibrators 100 is not limited to this, and may be two or more. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the interval between the adjacent ultrasonic vibrators 100 so that the liquid columns C generated by the ultrasonic vibrators 100 do not collide with each other. The same applies to the ultrasonic vibrator 100 and the ultrasonic vibrator 140.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the first exhaust port 14 is on the upper surface (+ Y side surface) of the first storage unit 11, and the second exhaust port 15 is on the right side surface (+ X side surface) of the second storage unit 12. Although an example of providing is shown, the positions of the first exhaust port 14 and the second exhaust port 15 are not limited to this.

For example, the sound wave irradiation unit 180 of the above embodiment may have a sound wave matching layer arranged between the sound wave source 181 and the connecting member 183 and between the sound wave introducing means 182 and the connecting member 183. The thickness of the acoustic matching layer is determined according to the wavelength of the sound wave propagating in the acoustic matching layer.

1 ... Housing, 5 ... Internal space, 10 ... Storage section, 31, 32, 32A, 32B ... Pipe line, 150, 150A ... Collection section, 151 ... Gas-liquid separation means, 160 ... Cooling mechanism, 170 ... Heating mechanism , 180, 180A, 180B ... Sound wave irradiation unit, 181 ... Sound wave source, 182 ... Sound wave introduction means, 183, 183A ... Connection member, 183a ... Adjustment unit, 184 ... Acoustic matching layer, 185 ... Sound wave convergence unit, 190 ... Recovery Means, 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005 ... Humidity control device, A1, A2, A3, A4 ... Air, W, W1, W2 ... Moisture absorbing liquid, W3 ... Mist-like droplets, W4 ... Coarse droplets , W11 ... Liquid

Claims (18)

A hygroscopic step in which a hygroscopic liquid containing a hygroscopic substance is brought into contact with the first air and the moisture contained in the first air is absorbed by the hygroscopic liquid.
It has a regeneration step of separating the water from the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the water.
In the regeneration step, the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the water is stored, and at least a part of the stored hygroscopic liquid is irradiated with ultrasonic waves to atomize droplets from the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the water. And the atomization process to generate
The mist-like droplets are irradiated with sound waves to vibrate and agglomerate the mist-like droplets, and the agglomerated mist-like droplets are gas-liquid separated to collect and remove the obtained liquid. Has a separation process,
A humidity control method in which the frequency of the sound wave is included in a frequency band determined according to the particle size of the atomized droplets. The humidity control method according to claim 1, wherein in the hygroscopic step, the hygroscopic liquid is brought into contact with the first air while cooling the hygroscopic liquid. The humidity control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the atomization step, ultrasonic waves are applied to the hygroscopic liquid while heating the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the water. The humidity control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hygroscopic liquid from which the moisture is separated in the regeneration step is reused in the moisture absorption step. The humidity control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a part of the mist-like droplets is discharged into the second air which exists temporally or spatially different from the first air. The humidity control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the gas-liquid separation step, the frequency of the sound wave is controlled to 100 Hz or more and 20 kHz or less. The humidity control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a part of the collected liquid is irradiated with ultrasonic waves to generate the mist-like droplets from the liquid. When, in the atomization step, coarse droplets having a particle size larger than that of the atomized droplets are generated from the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the moisture.
The humidity control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coarse droplets are collected between the atomization step and the gas-liquid separation step. A storage unit that stores hygroscopic liquids containing hygroscopic substances,
With a pipeline connected to the storage section,
The storage unit is a means for sending air outside the storage unit into the storage unit, bringing the air into contact with the hygroscopic liquid, and absorbing the moisture contained in the air into the hygroscopic liquid.
A first ultrasonic wave generating unit that irradiates at least a part of the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the water with ultrasonic waves,
It has a first means for removing atomized droplets generated from the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the water.
One end of the pipeline is connected to the reservoir, and the other end of the pipeline is open.
The pipeline is provided inside the pipeline, and has a collecting portion for collecting the mist-like droplets and a collecting portion.
A humidity control device having a sound wave irradiation unit provided between the storage unit and the collection unit and irradiating the mist-like droplets with sound waves. The humidity control device according to claim 9, wherein the frequency of the sound wave is included in a frequency band determined according to the particle size of the atomized droplets. The humidity control device according to claim 10, further comprising a cooling mechanism for cooling the hygroscopic liquid. The humidity control device according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a heating mechanism for heating the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the moisture. The collecting part is
It has a gas-liquid separation means for gas-liquid separation of the agglomerated atomized droplets.
The sound wave irradiation unit includes a sound wave source that generates the sound wave and a sound wave source.
A sound wave introducing means for introducing the sound wave into the inside of the pipeline, and
It has a connecting member that connects the sound wave introducing means and the sound wave source.
Claims 10 to 12 include an adjusting portion capable of changing the length of the connecting member so that the length from the sound wave source to the gas-liquid separating means satisfies the standing wave condition of the sound wave. The humidity control device according to any one of the above items. The humidity control device according to claim 13, wherein the sound wave irradiation unit is arranged in the path of the sound wave introducing means and the connecting member, and has a sound wave converging unit that converges the sound wave inside the pipeline. The humidity control device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sound wave irradiation unit has an acoustic matching layer arranged between at least one of the sound wave source and the sound wave introducing means in the connecting member. The collecting unit includes a second ultrasonic wave generating unit that irradiates at least a part of the liquid obtained from the atomized droplets with ultrasonic waves.
The humidity control device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising a second means for removing the mist-like droplets generated from the liquid. From the hygroscopic liquid that has absorbed the water, coarse droplets having a particle size larger than that of the mist-like droplets are generated.
The humidity control device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, which is provided between the storage unit and the sound wave irradiation unit and includes means for collecting the coarse droplets. Further equipped with a housing having an internal space,
The storage unit is arranged in the internal space and
The other end of the pipeline is arranged outside the housing.
The humidity control device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the means for absorbing the air is sent from the outside of the housing to the inside of the storage unit.

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