JP2023043971A - air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To efficiently execute a humidification operation in an air conditioner.SOLUTION: An air conditioner in one embodiment includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The air conditioner includes: an absorber provided in the outdoor unit and absorbing moisture of outdoor air; a moisture absorbing flow passage that passes through the absorber and in which the outdoor air flows from an outdoor side to an outdoor side; a moisture absorption fan generating a flow of outdoor air in the moisture absorbing flow passage; a motor for rotating and driving the absorber; and a control section for controlling the moisture absorption fan and the motor. The control section acquires outdoor relative humidity information and controls the rotating speed of the motor on the basis of the outdoor relative humidity information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present disclosure relates to air conditioners.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in Patent Literature 1, an air conditioner is known that includes an indoor unit arranged inside a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit arranged outdoors. This air conditioner is configured to supply humidified outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.

JP-A-2001-91000

By the way, there is a need to efficiently execute the humidification operation based on the outdoor relative humidity of the air conditioner.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can efficiently perform a humidification operation based on the outdoor relative humidity.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention,
An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit,
an absorbent provided in the outdoor unit for absorbing moisture in the outdoor air;
a moisture absorption channel through which the outdoor air flows from the outdoor to the outdoor through the absorbent;
a moisture absorption fan for generating a flow of outdoor air in the moisture absorption channel;
a motor that rotationally drives the absorbent;
a control unit that controls the moisture absorption fan and the motor;
with
The air conditioner is provided, wherein the control unit acquires outdoor relative humidity information and controls the rotational speed of the motor based on the outdoor relative humidity information.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can efficiently perform a humidifying operation based on the outdoor relative humidity.

Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure Schematic diagram of the ventilation system Schematic diagram of the ventilator during ventilation operation Schematic diagram of the ventilator during humidification operation Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation Block diagram showing a configuration for controlling an air conditioner Flowchart showing overall operation from ON to OFF of humidification operation Graph showing the relationship between the relative humidity of the outdoor air and the rotational speed of the motor Water vapor adsorption isotherms of polymeric sorbents, silica gels, and zeolites Flowchart of humidification operation control of modification 1 Graph showing magnitude relationship between relative humidity of outdoor air and rotational speed of second fan Flowchart of humidification operation control of modification 2 Graph showing magnitude relationship between relative humidity of outdoor air and rotational speed of first fan Flowchart of humidification operation control of modification 3 Graph showing the magnitude relationship between the relative humidity of the outdoor air and the input voltage of the heater Block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 Plan view showing part of the ventilation system AA sectional view of FIG. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of region R1 in FIG.

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioner that includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an absorbent provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in outdoor air, and an absorbent that passes through the absorbent. a moisture absorption passage through which outdoor air flows from the outside to the outside, a moisture absorption fan that generates the outdoor air flow in the moisture absorption passage, a motor that rotationally drives the absorbent, the moisture absorption fan, the motor, wherein the control unit acquires outdoor relative humidity information and controls the rotational speed of the motor based on the outdoor relative humidity information.

According to such an aspect, it is possible to efficiently perform the humidification operation based on the outdoor relative humidity.

For example, the control unit reduces the rotational speed of the motor when the outdoor relative humidity is higher than a first threshold, and the outdoor relative humidity is lower than a second threshold lower than the first threshold. The rotational speed of the motor may be accelerated at the same time.

For example, the controller may control the rotation speed of the moisture absorption fan based on the outdoor relative humidity information.

For example, the controller accelerates the rotational speed of the moisture absorption fan when the outdoor relative humidity is higher than a third threshold, and the outdoor relative humidity is lower than a fourth threshold lower than the third threshold. In some cases, the rotation speed of the moisture absorption fan may be reduced.

For example, further comprising a regeneration channel through which the outdoor air flows through the absorbent material, and a regeneration fan that sends the outdoor air to the regeneration channel, the control unit, based on the outdoor relative humidity information, The rotation speed of the regeneration fan may be controlled.

For example, the controller accelerates the rotation speed of the regeneration fan when the outdoor relative humidity is higher than a fifth threshold, and the outdoor relative humidity is lower than a sixth threshold, which is lower than the fifth threshold. In some cases, the rotation speed of the regeneration fan may be reduced.

For example, a heater that heats outdoor air may be further provided on the upstream side of the absorbent in the regeneration flow path, and the controller may control the input voltage of the heater based on the outdoor relative humidity information. .

For example, the controller increases the input voltage of the heater when the outdoor relative humidity is higher than a seventh threshold, and the outdoor relative humidity is lower than an eighth threshold, which is lower than the seventh threshold. In some cases, the input voltage of the heater may be lowered.

For example, a relative humidity sensor arranged upstream of the absorbent in the moisture absorption channel may be further provided, and the outdoor relative humidity information may be detected by the relative humidity sensor.

For example, a sensor cover covering the relative humidity sensor and having a labyrinth structure may further be provided.

For example, the absorbent may be a polymeric sorbent.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment has an indoor unit 20 arranged in the indoor Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 arranged in the outdoor Rout.

The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and invites the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20, and the indoor air A1 after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22 is introduced into the room. A fan 24 that blows to Rin is provided.

The outdoor unit 30 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with the outdoor air A2, and invites the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30. A fan 34 blowing to Rout is provided. In addition, the outdoor unit 30 is provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 for executing a refrigerating cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

The indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 are connected by refrigerant pipes through which refrigerant flows. In the case of cooling operation and dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 10 is configured such that the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 38, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 in order. Execute the freeze cycle back to 36. In the case of heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 38, the outdoor heat exchanger 32 in order, and then returns to the compressor 36. .

The air conditioner 10 performs an air-conditioning operation of introducing the outdoor air A3 into the room Rin in addition to the air-conditioning operation by the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilator 50 . A ventilation device 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ventilator.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilator 50 comprises an absorbent material 52 through which outdoor air A3, A4 passes.

The absorbent 52 is a member through which air can pass, and is a member that collects moisture from the passing air or provides moisture to the passing air. In the case of this embodiment, the absorber 52 is disc-shaped and rotates around a rotation center line C1 passing through the center thereof. The absorbing material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54 .

Absorbent material 52 is preferably a polymeric sorbent material that sorbs moisture in the air. The polymeric sorbent material is composed of, for example, a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, polymer sorbents can absorb a large amount of water per unit volume, can desorb water at low heating temperatures, and can hold water for a long time. be able to.

Inside the ventilator 50, there are provided a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 respectively pass through the absorbent material 52. As shown in FIG. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions. The first flow path P1 corresponds to the "regeneration flow path" of the present disclosure, and the second flow path P2 corresponds to the "moisture absorption flow path" of the present disclosure.

The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 directed to the inside of the indoor unit 20 flows. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56. As shown in FIG.

In the case of this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P1b on the upstream side with respect to the absorbent 52 . It should be noted that "upstream" and "downstream" are used herein with respect to air flow.

The plurality of tributary channels P1a and P2a join together on the upstream side of the absorbent 52 . First and second heaters 58 and 60 for heating the outdoor air A3 are provided in the plurality of branch passages P1a and P1b, respectively.

The first and second heaters 58, 60 may be heaters with the same heating capacity, or may be heaters with different heating capacities. Moreover, the first and second heaters 58 and 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance when current flows and the temperature rises, that is, can suppress an excessive heating temperature rise. . In the case of a heater using a nichrome wire, carbon fiber, or the like, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current continues to flow, so it is necessary to monitor the temperature. The PTC heater eliminates the need to monitor the heating temperature because the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range.

A first fan 62 that generates a flow of the outdoor air A3 toward the inside of the indoor unit 20 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the case of this embodiment, the first fan 62 is arranged downstream with respect to the absorbent 52 . By operating the first fan 62 , the outdoor air A 3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P 1 and passes through the absorbent 52 . Note that the first fan 62 corresponds to the "reproduction fan" of the present disclosure.

Further, the first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 that distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the indoor Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In this embodiment, the damper device 64 is arranged downstream of the first fan 62 . The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 and is blown out by the fan 24 to the indoor unit Rin.

The second flow path P2 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A4 flows. Unlike the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 does not go to the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 flows out to the outdoor Rout after passing through the absorbent 52 .

A second fan 66 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the case of this embodiment, the second fan 66 is arranged downstream with respect to the absorbent 52 . By operating the second fan 66, the outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout. The second fan 66 corresponds to the "moisture absorption fan" of the present disclosure.

The ventilator 50 selectively uses the absorber 52, the motor 54, the first heater 58, the second heater 60, the first fan 62, the damper device 64, and the second fan 66 for ventilation operation; Humidification operation and dehumidification operation are selectively executed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilator during ventilation operation.

The ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is directly supplied to the indoor unit Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20) through the ventilation conduit 56. As shown in FIG. 3, motor 54 continues to rotate absorbent material 52 during ventilation operation. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor units 20 . The second fan 66 is in an OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

According to such a ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 is distributed to the indoor units 20 by the damper device 64 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24 . Through such a ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin as it is, and the room Rin is ventilated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilator during humidification operation.

The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor unit Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 4, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52 during the humidification operation. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor units 20 . The second fan 66 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

According to such a humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. As shown in FIG. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can deprive the absorbent 52 of a larger amount of moisture than when it is not heated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24 . Through such a humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is humidified.

By turning off either one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, the amount of moisture taken from the absorbent 52 by the outdoor air A3 is reduced. may be performed.

As the heated outdoor air A3 deprives moisture, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, that is, the absorbent 52 dries. When the absorbent 52 dries, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 cannot deprive the absorbent 52 of moisture. As a countermeasure, the absorbent 52 deprives the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 of water. As a result, the amount of water retained in the absorbent material 52 is kept substantially constant, and the humidification operation can be continued.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation.

The dehumidifying operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is dehumidified and the dehumidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 5, in the dehumidifying operation, the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are alternately performed.

The adsorption operation is an operation for causing the absorbent 52 to adsorb moisture carried in the outdoor air A3, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in FIG. 5, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52 during the adsorption operation. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor units 20 . The second fan 66 is in an OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

According to such adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. As shown in FIG. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is absorbed by the absorbent 52 . As a result, the amount of moisture carried by the outdoor air A3 is reduced, that is, the outdoor air A3 is dried. The outdoor air A3 dried by passing through the absorbent 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24 . By such adsorption operation, the dry outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is dehumidified.

As the adsorption operation continues, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 continues to increase, and as a result, the ability of the absorbent 52 to adsorb moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases. A regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent 52 in order to recover its adsorption capacity.

During regeneration operation, motor 54 continues to rotate absorbent material 52 . The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 not to the indoor unit 20 but to the outdoor Rout. The second fan 66 is in an OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

According to such a regeneration operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. As shown in FIG. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 deprives the absorbent 52 of a large amount of moisture. As a result, a large amount of moisture is carried in the outdoor air A3. At the same time, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, ie, the absorbent 52 dries and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that passes through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the outdoor route by the damper device 64 and is discharged to the outdoor route. As a result, during the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

By alternately performing such adsorption operation and regeneration operation, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent 52 is maintained, and the dehumidification operation can be continuously performed.

The air-conditioning operation (cooling operation, dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) by the above-described refrigeration cycle and the air-conditioning operation (ventilation operation, humidification operation, dehumidification operation) by the ventilation device 50 can be performed separately, and at the same time It is also possible to execute For example, if the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidification operation by the ventilation device 50 are simultaneously executed, it is possible to dehumidify the room Rin while maintaining the room temperature constant.

The air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, when a user selects the remote controller 70 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 performs the air conditioning operation corresponding to the operation.

So far, the configuration and operation of air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment have been schematically described. Further features of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment will now be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling an air conditioner.

As shown in FIG. 6, the components of the air conditioner 10 are controlled by a control unit 90. As shown in FIG. The control unit 90 includes, for example, a memory storing a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The functions of the control unit 90 may be configured only by hardware, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 90 reads data and programs stored in the memory and performs various arithmetic processing, thereby realizing a predetermined function. In this embodiment, the controller 90 controls the motor 54 , first heater 58 , second heater 60 , first fan 62 , damper device 64 and second fan 66 .

The control unit 90 preferably has a communication unit (not shown) that can be connected to the Internet, for example. The communication unit may be, for example, one capable of performing communication according to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, and LTE. In addition to the Internet, the communication unit communicates via intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual dedicated network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network, etc., infrared rays, and Bluetooth (registered trademark). You may

<Flow of humidification operation>
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the entire operation from ON to OFF of the humidification operation. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 7 is performed by controlling the components of the air conditioner 10 by the control unit 90 . Note that the processing shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the processing shown in FIG.

The processing shown in FIG. 7 is started, for example, when the humidification operation is turned ON by the user's selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S10, the control unit 90 determines whether or not a start condition is satisfied. When the control unit 90 determines that the start condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S20. When the control unit 90 determines that the start condition is not satisfied, the process repeats step S10.

The start condition is a condition for starting humidification operation, and may include, for example, at least one of operation mode, humidity, humidity control, operation frequency, inverter current, temperature, or presence or absence of abnormality.

In step S20, the control unit 90 performs damper "open" control. The damper “open” control means that the damper device 64 is opened and the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is distributed to the indoor units 20 . As a result, the outdoor air A3 flows into the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation conduit 56 .

In step S30, the controller 90 performs humidification operation control. In the humidification operation control, ON of the heater (step S31), acquisition of relative humidity information of the outdoor route (step S32), and control of the rotational speed of the motor 54 (step S33) are executed.

At step S31, the controller 90 turns on the heaters 58 and 60. FIG. During the humidification operation control, depending on the temperature or humidity in the room Rin, the control unit 90 performs a weak humidification operation in which either one of the heaters 58 and 60 is turned on, or a humidification operation in which both the heaters 58 and 60 are turned on. can carry out driving. For example, when the humidity in the room Rin approaches the target value, the control unit 90 turns ON one of the heaters 58 and 60 and turns the other OFF to perform a weak humidification operation, and adjusts the humidity in the room Rin to an appropriate value. adjust to

When the controller 90 turns ON one of the heaters 58 and 60, it is preferable to turn ON the heater arranged downstream with respect to the rotation direction of the absorbent 52 . For example, as shown in later-described FIG. 17, when the absorbent 52 rotates counterclockwise, the heater 60 is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the rotation direction, and the heater 58 is arranged on the downstream side with respect to the rotation direction. good. Therefore, when the absorbent 52 rotates counterclockwise, it is preferable to turn off the heater 60 and turn on the heater 58 .

When the heater on the upstream side is turned on, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the heater on the downstream side is dehumidified by absorbing water from the absorbent material 52 . In this case, the dehumidified outdoor air A3 that has passed through the downstream heater and the humidified air that has passed through the upstream heater are mixed, resulting in a decrease in the amount of humidification. On the other hand, when the heater on the upstream side with respect to the rotation direction is turned off and the heater on the downstream side is turned on, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the heater on the upstream side (turned off) is saturated with moisture in the absorbent 52. pass through. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 can pass through the absorbent material without being deprived of almost all moisture. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced and the humidification operation can be performed efficiently.

Next, in step S32, the controller 90 acquires the relative humidity information of the outdoor Rout flowing through the second flow path P2. For example, the control unit 90 can acquire relative humidity information obtained by a hygrometer placed on the outdoor route via the communication unit as the relative humidity information on the outdoor route. Alternatively, the control unit 90 can acquire relative humidity information of a weather forecast or the like via the Internet as the relative humidity information of the outdoor route. For the relative humidity information of the outdoor route, for example, the relative humidity information obtained by a hygrometer arranged on the outdoor route, the relative humidity information of the weather forecast, or the like can be used.

Based on the relative humidity information of the outdoor Rout acquired in step S32, the controller 90 controls the rotation speed of the motor 54 in step S33. The controller 90 decelerates the rotation speed of the motor 54 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout increases, and accelerates the rotation speed of the motor 54 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout decreases.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the magnitude relationship between the relative humidity of the outdoor air and the rotational speed of the motor. As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, for example, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is higher than a predetermined threshold (first threshold) L1, the controller 90 reduces the rotation speed of the motor 54 to a low speed. keep constant. Further, for example, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is lower than a predetermined threshold value (second threshold value) L2 lower than the first threshold value L1, the control unit 90 keeps the rotational speed of the motor 54 constant at a high speed. Further, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is greater than or equal to the second threshold value L2 and less than or equal to the first threshold value L1, the control unit 90 reduces the rotational speed of the motor 54 in accordance with the increase in the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout. The rotational speed of the motor 54 is accelerated in accordance with the decrease in relative humidity.

FIG. 9 is a water vapor adsorption isotherm of a polymer sorbent. As shown in FIG. 9, the amount of water adsorbed by the polymer sorbent material increases as the relative humidity increases. When a polymer sorbent material is used as the material of the absorbent 52 as in the present embodiment, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 increases as the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout increases.

Therefore, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is high, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 increases, so the rotational speed of the motor 54 is reduced to rotate the absorbent 52 slowly. In this way, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is high, more moisture can be absorbed by the absorbent material 52 . In this case, when the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 passes through the absorbent 52, the outdoor air A3 can contain more moisture, and the humidification operation can be performed efficiently.

Conversely, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout decreases, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 decreases. For this reason, if the absorbent 52 is rotated slowly, the water adsorbed by the absorbent 52 will be saturated in the second flow path P2. Therefore, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is lower than the second threshold value L2, the rotation speed of the motor 54 is increased to rotate the absorbent 52 faster. By doing so, it is possible to speed up the cycle from adsorption of moisture to the absorbent material 52 in the second flow path P2 to desorption of moisture from the absorbent material 52 in the first flow path P1. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform the humidification operation while appropriately maintaining the water retention amount of the absorbent 52 .

In step S40, the control unit 90 determines whether or not to end the humidification operation control. If the controller 90 determines to end the humidification operation control, the process ends. When the controller 90 determines not to end the humidification operation control, the process repeats step S30.

Next, the humidification operation control of Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of humidification operation control of Modification 1. FIG. The humidification operation control of Modification 1 differs from the humidification operation control of the above-described embodiment in that the controller 90 controls the rotational speed of the second fan 66 .

As shown in FIG. 10, after the controller 90 obtains the relative humidity information of the outdoor Rout in step S32, it controls the rotational speed of the second fan 66 in step S33A. The control unit 90 accelerates the rotational speed of the second fan 66 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout increases, and decelerates the rotational speed of the second fan 66 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout decreases.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing the magnitude relationship between the relative humidity of the outdoor air and the rotational speed of the second fan. As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, for example, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is higher than a predetermined threshold (third threshold) L3, the controller 90 changes the rotation speed of the second fan 66 to is fast and constant. Further, for example, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is lower than a predetermined threshold (fourth threshold) L4 lower than the third threshold L3, the control unit 90 keeps the rotation speed of the second fan 66 constant at a low speed. to Further, when the relative humidity of the outdoor route is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value L4 and equal to or smaller than the third threshold value L3, the control unit 90 accelerates the rotation speed of the second fan 66 according to the increase in the relative humidity of the outdoor route. , the rotation speed of the second fan 66 is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout.

As described above, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is high, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 increases. Therefore, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is high, the control unit 90 accelerates the rotation speed of the second fan 66 to take in more outdoor air A4 into the second flow path P2, thereby absorbing The material 52 can adsorb more moisture. Therefore, in the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A3 can take more moisture from the absorbent 52, and the humidification operation can be performed efficiently.

Also, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is low, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 decreases. Therefore, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is low, even if a large amount of the outdoor air A4 is taken into the second flow path P2, the water content of the absorbent 52 is saturated. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed by lowering the rotation speed of the second fan 66 .

Next, the humidification operation control of Modification 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flow chart of humidification operation control of Modification 2. In FIG. The humidification operation control of Modification 2 differs from the humidification operation control of the above-described embodiment in that the controller 90 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 62 .

As shown in FIG. 12, after the controller 90 obtains the relative humidity information of the outdoor Rout in step S32, it controls the rotational speed of the first fan 62 in step S33B. The control unit 90 accelerates the rotational speed of the first fan 62 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout increases, and decelerates the rotational speed of the first fan 62 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout decreases.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the magnitude relationship between the relative humidity of outdoor air and the rotational speed of the first fan. As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, for example, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is higher than a predetermined threshold value (fifth threshold value) L5, the control unit 90 changes the rotational speed of the first fan 62 to is fast and constant. Further, for example, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is lower than a predetermined threshold value (sixth threshold value) L6 lower than the fifth threshold value L5, the control unit 90 keeps the rotation speed of the first fan 62 constant at a low speed. to Further, when the relative humidity of the outdoor route is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold value L6 and less than or equal to the fifth threshold value L5, the control unit 90 accelerates the rotation speed of the first fan 62 according to the increase in the relative humidity of the outdoor route. , the rotation speed of the first fan 62 is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout.

For example, when the heaters 58 and 60 are PTC heaters, the heat generation temperatures of the heaters 58 and 60 change according to the air volume passing through the heaters 58 and 60 . Specifically, when the amount of air passing through the heaters 58, 60 is large, the heat generation temperature of the heaters 58, 60 increases, and when the amount of air passing through the heaters 58, 60 is small, the heat generation of the heaters 58, 60 increases. temperature drops.

Therefore, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is high and the absorbent 52 absorbs more moisture, the rotational speed of the first fan 62 is accelerated to increase the amount of outdoor air through the first flow path P1. is taken in and the heat generation temperature of the heaters 58 and 60 is raised, so that a large amount of moisture can be desorbed by the outdoor air A3. Therefore, the humidification operation can be performed efficiently.

On the other hand, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is low and the amount of moisture adsorbed by the absorbent 52 is small, the rotational speed of the first fan 62 is reduced to reduce the outdoor air A3 taken into the first flow path P1. Reduce quantity. By doing so, the heat generation temperature of the heaters 58 and 60 is lowered, and excessive drying of the absorbent 52 can be prevented. Further, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is low, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 is also small. Water cannot be desorbed. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced by lowering the rotation speed of the first fan 62 and lowering the heat generation temperature of the heaters 58 and 60 .

Next, the humidification operation control of Modification 3 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of humidification operation control according to Modification 3. FIG. The humidification operation control of Modification 3 differs from the humidification operation control of the above-described embodiment in that the controller 90 controls the input voltages of the heaters 58 and 60 .

As shown in FIG. 14, after the controller 90 obtains the relative humidity information of the outdoor Rout in step S32, it controls the input voltages of the heaters 58 and 60 in step S33C. The control unit 90 increases the input voltage of the heaters 58 and 60 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout increases, and decreases the input voltage of the heaters 58 and 60 when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout decreases.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the magnitude relationship between the relative humidity of outdoor air and the input voltage of the heater. As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the controller 90 reduces the input voltage of the heaters 58 and 60 to Keep constant at high input. In addition, for example, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is lower than a predetermined threshold (eighth threshold) L8 lower than the seventh threshold L7, the control unit 90 keeps the input voltage of the heaters 58 and 60 constant at a low input. to Further, when the relative humidity of the outdoor route is equal to or higher than the eighth threshold value L8 and equal to or lower than the seventh threshold value L7, the control unit 90 increases the input voltage of the heaters 58 and 60 according to the increase in the relative humidity of the outdoor route, The input voltages of the heaters 58 and 60 are processed in accordance with the decrease in the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout.

When the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is high, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 increases, so that the outdoor air A3 passing through the absorbent 52 can contain more moisture. Therefore, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is high, the controller 90 increases the input voltages of the heaters 58 and 60 . In this way, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 passing through the heaters 58 and 60 can be raised to make the outdoor air A3 contain more moisture, and the humidification operation can be performed efficiently.

On the other hand, when the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout is low, the adsorption amount of the absorbent 52 decreases. quantity does not decrease. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

Note that the control unit 90 controls the rotation speed of the motor 54, the rotation speed of the second fan 66, the rotation speed of the first fan 62, and the heater 58 based on the relative humidity information of the outdoor route. , control of the input voltage of 60 may be performed in combination.

(Embodiment 2)
An air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In addition, in Embodiment 2, mainly different points from Embodiment 1 will be described. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent configurations as in the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing part of the ventilator.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the air conditioner 10 has a relative humidity sensor 82. FIG.

The relative humidity sensor 82 is arranged upstream of the absorbent 52 in the second flow path P2, as shown in FIG. The relative humidity sensor 82 can detect the relative humidity of the outdoor Rout. The relative humidity sensor 82 may be a temperature/humidity sensor capable of detecting the relative humidity and temperature of the outdoor Route.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the relative humidity information of the outdoor route is detected by the relative humidity sensor 82, and the controller 90 acquires the value detected by the relative humidity sensor 82 as the relative humidity information of the outdoor route.

18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 17. FIG. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of region R1 in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , in the present embodiment, air conditioner 10 includes sensor cover 84 that covers relative humidity sensor 82 . The sensor cover 84 is arranged on the bottom of the housing 51 of the ventilator 50 . 19, the sensor cover 84 is provided with an outer wall 84a and an inner wall 84b extending toward the bottom of the housing 51. As shown in FIG. The outer wall 84a and the inner wall 84b of the sensor cover 84 combine with the wall 51a extending from the bottom of the housing 51 to form a labyrinth structure. Specifically, the wall 51 a of the housing 51 is arranged between the outer wall 84 a and the inner wall 84 b of the sensor cover 84 . Further, a gap is formed between the wall 51a of the housing 51 and the outer wall 84a and the inner wall 84b of the sensor cover 84. As shown in FIG. Therefore, a meandering flow path (labyrinth structure) is formed inside the sensor cover 84 . Outdoor air A4 can pass through this labyrinth structure. Such a structure allows outdoor air A4 to pass through the labyrinth structure as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 19, while preventing water from entering the sensor cover 84.

That is, it is possible to prevent rainwater from entering while the outdoor air A4 is taken into the sensor cover 84, so that the relative humidity sensor 82 can accurately detect the relative humidity.

In this specification, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for explanation, and express or imply the relative importance or order of technical features. should not be understood. A feature that is qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or implicitly includes one or more of such features.

The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 air conditioner 20 indoor unit 30 outdoor unit 40 four-way valve 50 ventilator 52 absorbent 54 motor 56 ventilation conduit 58 first heater 60 second heater 62 first fan (regenerative fan)
64 damper device 66 second fan (moisture absorption fan)
70 remote controller 82 relative humidity sensor 90 controller P1 first channel (moisture absorption channel)
P2 second channel (regeneration channel)

Claims (11)

An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit,
an absorbent provided in the outdoor unit for absorbing moisture in the outdoor air;
a moisture absorption channel through which the outdoor air flows from the outdoor to the outdoor through the absorbent;
a moisture absorption fan for generating a flow of outdoor air in the moisture absorption channel;
a motor that rotationally drives the absorbent;
a control unit that controls the moisture absorption fan and the motor;
with
The control unit acquires outdoor relative humidity information, and controls the rotational speed of the motor based on the outdoor relative humidity information.
Air conditioner. The control unit decelerates the rotation speed of the motor when the outdoor relative humidity increases, and accelerates the rotation speed of the motor when the outdoor relative humidity decreases.
The air conditioner according to claim 1. The control unit controls the rotation speed of the moisture absorption fan based on the outdoor relative humidity information.
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit accelerates the rotation speed of the moisture absorption fan when the outdoor relative humidity increases, and decelerates the rotation speed of the moisture absorption fan when the outdoor relative humidity decreases.
The air conditioner according to claim 3. further comprising a regeneration channel through which the outdoor air flows through the absorbent, and a regeneration fan that sends the outdoor air to the regeneration channel;
The control unit controls the rotation speed of the regeneration fan based on the outdoor relative humidity information.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control unit accelerates the rotation speed of the regeneration fan when the outdoor relative humidity increases, and decelerates the rotation speed of the regeneration fan when the outdoor relative humidity decreases.
The air conditioner according to claim 5. further comprising a heater that heats outdoor air on the upstream side of the absorbent in the regeneration channel;
The control unit controls the input voltage of the heater based on the outdoor relative humidity information.
The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6. The control unit increases the input voltage of the heater when the outdoor relative humidity increases, and decreases the input voltage of the heater when the outdoor relative humidity decreases.
The air conditioner according to claim 7. further comprising a relative humidity sensor located upstream of the absorbent material in the moisture absorption channel;
The outdoor relative humidity information is detected by the relative humidity sensor,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8. further comprising a sensor cover covering the relative humidity sensor and having a labyrinth structure;
The air conditioner according to claim 9. The absorbent is a polymeric sorbent,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images