JP5811749B2 - Ozone generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ozone generator that generates ozone.

  Conventionally, ozone is used for sterilization of medical equipment and water and sewage. Also, ozone may be used as a deodorizing device. The ozone used in this way is generated by an ozone generator.

  Conventionally, ozone generators are generally installed indoors and used, but in recent years, their fields of use have expanded and may be used in places where temperature and humidity management is difficult, such as outdoors. . For example, the ozone generator used for a motor vehicle is mentioned. Moreover, space saving and energy saving are considered important for the ozone generator used for a motor vehicle (for example, refer patent document 1).

  Some ozone generators generate gas by supplying gas into the reactor to generate discharge, but it is necessary to dehumidify the inside of the reactor. That is, when there is moisture in the reactor, even if a discharge is generated to generate ozone, the amount of ozone generated is significantly reduced compared to when there is no moisture. In addition, if the discharge is continued with moisture remaining, the electrolyte may be deposited in the reactor, which may cause damage to the reactor such as a short circuit between the electrodes.

  In order to prevent harmful effects due to moisture, the ozone generator can keep the reactor dry by supplying the gas dehumidified by the dehumidifying means to the reactor and circulating the dry gas in the reactor. As described above, during the operation of the ozone generator, the dry gas is constantly circulated in the reactor, so that moisture hardly accumulates in the reactor.

  On the other hand, when the ozone generator is stopped, the flow of the dry gas from the dehumidifying means is also stopped, and moisture may flow into the reactor from the outside. The inflowed moisture is difficult to be discharged until dry gas or the like is distributed. In addition, when the dehumidifying means is stopped, it takes time until a sufficient dehumidifying ability is exhibited even if the operation is started. Therefore, in the ozone generator immediately after startup, gas containing moisture that is not sufficiently dehumidified by the dehumidifying means may be supplied to the reactor. In such a case, ozone could not be sufficiently generated in the reactor.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-21592

  As described above, it has been difficult for conventional ozone generators to generate a required amount of ozone promptly after startup.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an ozone generator capable of generating a required amount of ozone immediately after startup.

To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a hollow fiber membrane unit, comprising a first dehumidifying means capable of continuously dehumidifying a gas supplied through a compressor, and a dehumidifying agent containing silica gel, A second dehumidifying means for dehumidifying a predetermined amount of gas supplied via the compressor;
The gas dehumidified by the first dehumidifying means or the second dehumidifying means is supplied, and the dry gas discharged from the first dehumidifying means is supplied for a predetermined period from the activation of the ozone generator and the reactor that generates ozone. The dry gas discharged from the second dehumidifying means without being supplied to the reactor is supplied to the reactor, and the dry gas discharged from the first dehumidifying means is supplied to the reactor after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since startup. And a control means for controlling to stop the supply of gas from the compressor to the second dehumidifying means .
Further, a heating means for heating and regenerating the second dehumidifying means having a reduced dehumidifying capacity is provided.

  According to the present invention, ozone can be generated promptly after startup.

It is a figure explaining the ozone generator which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the hollow fiber membrane unit of the ozone generator of FIG. It is a figure explaining the ozone generator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in the ozone generator of FIG. It is a figure explaining the ozone generator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Below, each embodiment of the ozone generator of this invention is described. In the description of each embodiment below, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. For example, the ozone generator according to the embodiment is an apparatus that generates ozone for removing NOx installed in an automobile. In the case of an ozone generator for NOx removal, the operation of the ozone generator starts in accordance with the start of the operation of the automobile engine.

<First Embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 1, the ozone generator 1a according to the first embodiment is supplied with a gas used for ozone generation to remove dust and the like, and applies pressure to the gas that has passed through the air filter 11. Compressor 12, dehumidifying part 13a for dehumidifying the gas pressurized by compressor 12, reactor 14 for generating ozone using the gas dehumidified by dehumidifying part 13a, air filter 11, compressor 12, dehumidifying The housing (dehumidifying means) 13a and the reactor 14 are provided with a housing 15 disposed therein. The ozone generator 1a includes other drainage means for discharging moisture discharged from the dehumidifying unit 13a, cooling means for cooling the inside, power supply for operating each means, and cable connecting the power supply and each means. Etc., but these are not shown in FIG.

  The ozone generator 1a is supplied with a gas used for generating ozone such as air via a line La1. Since the gas supplied to the ozone generator 1a contains dust and the like, it passes through the air filter 11. The gas from which dust, dust, and the like have been removed by the air filter 11 is supplied to the compressor 12 via the line La2, and after pressure is applied, is supplied to the dehumidifying unit 13a via the line La3.

  In the dehumidifying part (dehumidifying means) 13a, a hollow fiber membrane unit 131 that dehumidifies the gas containing moisture (moisture) supplied via the line La3, and discharges the dehumidified gas via the line La4; And a control means 132 for controlling the opening and closing of the valve Ba1 installed in the line La3 and the valve Ba2 installed in the line La4.

  The hollow fiber membrane unit 131 includes a general hollow fiber membrane. In the hollow fiber membrane unit 131, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the gas supplied from the line La3 is passed between the membranes (hollow fiber membranes) 131a provided in the hollow fiber membrane unit 131. As shown in FIG. 2, the membrane 131a is configured to allow moisture to pass through. The moisture is discharged out of the membrane 131a, and only the gas from which moisture has been removed passes. Therefore, the gas discharged from the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 to the line La4 is a dry gas that does not contain moisture. Here, the gas passing between the membranes 131 a can pass between the membranes 131 a by the pressure applied by the compressor 12.

  When a large amount of moisture is present on the surface of the membrane 131a of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131, the dehumidification efficiency decreases. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is provided with a line L for exhausting moisture, and a dry gas is always supplied to remove accumulated moisture on the surface of the membrane 131a to reduce the moisture in the hollow fiber membrane unit 131. Purge outside via line L. This line L is provided with a valve Ba4. Further, in order to prevent moisture from collecting in the hollow fiber membrane unit 131, the control means 132 closes the valves Ba1, Ba2 and Ba4 when the dehumidifying part 13a is stopped, that is, when the ozone generator 1a is stopped. To. In addition, since the gas needs to pass through the dehumidifying part 13a and be supplied to the reactor 14 while the dehumidifying part 13a is operating, that is, when the ozone generator 1a is operating, the control means 132 is provided with the valve Ba1 and the valve Ba2. Open. Moreover, in order to discharge moisture from the hollow fiber membrane unit 131, the valve Ba4 is also opened.

  Here, the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 has been described as an example of the dehumidifying means provided in the dehumidifying unit 13a. However, instead of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131, other dehumidifying means capable of continuous dehumidification are used. May be. For example, it is conceivable to use a dehumidifying means using an air conditioner, but it is desirable to use a light weight, small size and low energy consumption.

  When the gas dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit 13a is supplied via the line La4, the reactor 14 generates ozone and discharges the gas containing ozone via the line L5a. As shown in FIG. 1, a valve Ba3 is also installed in a line La5 connected to the reactor. The control means 132 of the dehumidifying unit 13a controls the valve Ba3 to be open so that the gas passes while the ozone generator 1a is in operation, but when the ozone generator 1a is stopped, moisture is transferred to the reactor 14 or The valve Ba3 is closed so as not to enter the lines La4 and La5.

  The shape and material of the housing 15 are not limited, but are preferably sealed so that dust, dust, moisture and the like do not enter the inside.

  As described above, in the ozone generator 1a according to the first embodiment, during operation, the valves Ba1, Ba2, and Ba3 installed in the lines La3, La4, and La5 are opened to allow gas to pass, The valve Ba4 installed at L is opened to discharge moisture, but during stoppage, the valves Ba1, Ba2, Ba3, Ba4 are closed to prevent moisture from entering inside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering the dehumidifying section 13a and the reactor 14 and the lines La3, La4 and La5 connecting them while the ozone generator 1a is stopped. Can start.

Second Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 3, the ozone generator 1b according to the second embodiment is different from the ozone generator 1a according to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 1 in place of the dehumidifier 13a. It differs in that it has.

  The dehumidifying part (dehumidifying means) 13b includes a silica gel unit (second dehumidifying means) 133, which is a dehumidifying means different from the hollow fiber membrane unit 131, in addition to the hollow fiber membrane unit (first dehumidifying means) 131 and the control means 132. The heater 134 for heating the silica gel unit 133 is provided.

  The hollow fiber membrane unit 131 can be continuously dehumidified, but it is difficult to exhibit the dehumidifying ability immediately after activation, and it takes time until the dehumidification becomes possible. On the other hand, the silica gel unit 133 includes silica gel as a dehumidifying material, and can absorb the moisture from the gas containing moisture and send out the dried gas by the silica gel.

  While the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 can continuously perform dehumidification, the silica gel unit 133 cannot perform dehumidification unless the silica gel is regenerated after the dehumidification. That is, when the silica gel absorbs a predetermined amount of moisture, it cannot absorb the moisture (moisture) exceeding it, so it is necessary to regenerate the silica gel by heating with the heater 134.

  Therefore, the dehumidifying part 13a of the ozone generator 1b sends the gas dehumidified by the silica gel unit 133 to the reactor 14 until the dehumidifying ability of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is exhibited. On the other hand, when the dehumidification by the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 becomes possible, the sending of the gas dehumidified by the silica gel unit 133 to the reactor 14 is finished, and the gas dehumidified by the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is sent to the reactor 14. .

  The heater 134 only needs to be able to heat the silica gel unit 133. In addition to being independently installed as the heater 134 for the silica gel unit 133, the heater 134 is applied by means having a heat generation function in the ozone generator 1b. Also good.

  Specifically, in the ozone generator 1b, the control means 132 controls the valves Bb1, Bb2, Bb4, Bb5, and Bb7 to be opened and the valves Bb3 and Bb6 to be closed for a predetermined period after activation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, the gas supplied from the compressor 12 is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 and the silica gel unit 133, and the moisture in the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 passes through the line L. Is discharged through. The gas dehumidified by the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is exhausted outside the ozone generator 1b for a predetermined period from the start of activation of the ozone generator 1b, and the gas dehumidified by the silica gel unit 133 is sent to the reactor 14. In FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the portion where the gas flows is indicated by a thick arrow.

  The predetermined period after activation is, for example, a period until the dehumidifying capacity of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is exhibited, or a period until the dehumidifying capacity of the silica gel unit 133 is lowered. This predetermined period may be determined in advance. Alternatively, the humidity contained in the gas supplied to the dehumidifying unit 13 is different depending on the place of use of the ozone generator 1b. Therefore, a humidity sensor or the like is provided in the dehumidifying unit 13 and determined according to the humidity measured by the sensor. Good.

  After the elapse of a predetermined period from the start of the activation of the ozone generator 1b, the control means 132 controls the valve Bb3 to open and controls the valves Bb2, Bb4, Bb5 to close. At this time, the valves Bb1 and Bb7 are open, and the valve Bb6 is also closed. 4B, the gas supplied from the compressor 12 is supplied only to the hollow fiber membrane unit 131, and the gas dehumidified by the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is sent to the reactor 14. Further, moisture in the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is also discharged from the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 via the line L.

  When the ozone generator 1b is stopped, the control means 132 controls the valves Bb2 and Bb6 to be opened and the valve Bb3 to be closed during a predetermined period after the stop. At this time, the valves Bb1 and Bb7 are in an open state, and the valves Bb4 and 5 are also kept closed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the gas supplied from the compressor 12 is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 and the silica gel unit 133. When all the operations are completed, the control means 132 also controls the valves Bb1, Bb2, Bb6, and Bb7 to be closed to prevent unnecessary moisture from entering the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 and the silica gel unit 133. To do.

  The gas dehumidified by the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is circulated to the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 to be used for removing moisture accumulated on the surface of the membrane 131a and purging moisture to the outside via the line L. . A required amount of gas is supplied to the silica gel unit 133, and the silica gel unit 133 is heated by the heater 134 to regenerate the silica gel. Thereafter, when the moisture in the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is exhausted and the silica gel in the silica gel unit 133 is regenerated, the control means 132 controls the valves Bb1, Bb2, Bb6, Bb7 to be closed, and the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is closed. In addition, it prevents unnecessary moisture from entering the silica gel unit 133 and waits until the next activation of the ozone generator 1b. Here, the purge timing of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is a predetermined timing such as after the dehumidifying capability of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 can be exhibited or after the dehumidifying capability of the silica gel unit 133 is lowered. Moreover, the timing of heating of the silica gel unit 133 is a predetermined timing such as after the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 exhibits the dehumidifying ability. The purging of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 and the heating of the silica gel unit 133 may be terminated after elapse of a predetermined period. Or you may provide a humidity sensor etc. in the dehumidification part 13, and may determine according to the humidity measured with a sensor. Further, the end of purging of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 and the end of heating of the silica gel unit 133 can be made independent of each other.

  In FIG. 4, the purging of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is performed after the operation of the ozone generator 1b is stopped, but the purging process of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is performed after the activation of the ozone generator 1b. It may be performed after the dehumidifying ability 131 is exhibited.

  In FIG. 4, after the operation of the ozone generator 1b is stopped, the silica gel unit 133 is heated and regenerated by the heater 134. However, the regeneration process of the silica gel unit 133 is performed after a predetermined period from the start of the hollow fiber. It may be performed at the timing when the gas dehumidified by the membrane unit 131 is supplied to the reactor 14.

  The silica gel unit 133 may include an air tank or the like for storing a predetermined amount of dehumidified gas in addition to a dehumidifying means using silica gel or the like. In the above example, the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 and the silica gel unit 133 are used. However, the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 only needs to be configured to be continuously dehumidified, and the silica gel unit 133 is immediately after activation. What is necessary is just a structure which can dehumidify. For example, it is conceivable to use a dehumidifying means using an air conditioner instead of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131. Further, it is conceivable to use a dehumidifying means using calcium carbide instead of the silica gel unit 133.

  As described above, in the ozone generator 1b according to the second embodiment, gas dehumidified using the silica gel unit 133 is supplied to the reactor 14 until the dehumidifying ability of the hollow fiber membrane unit 131 is exhibited. Is done. Therefore, generation of ozone can be started immediately after the start of the ozone generator 1b. In addition, while the ozone generator 1b is stopped, the valves Bb1, Bb2, Bb3, Bb4, Bb5, Bb6, and Bb7 are closed to prevent moisture from entering, so that ozone generation starts immediately after the operation starts. can do.

<Third Embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 5, the ozone generator 1c according to the third embodiment has a plurality of dehumidifiers instead of the dehumidifier 13a as compared with the ozone generator 1a according to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. It differs in the point provided with the part (dehumidification means, 1st dehumidification part, 2nd dehumidification part) 16 and 18 and the air tank 17. FIG.

  The 1st dehumidification part 16 and the 2nd dehumidification part 18 are apparatuses which dehumidify the gas supplied, such as a hollow fiber membrane unit. The air tank 17 is a device capable of storing a certain amount of supplied gas, and the stored gas is discharged from the inside when a new gas is supplied.

  In the ozone generator 1c, after the gas dehumidified by the first dehumidifying unit 16 is temporarily stored in the air tank 17, it is dehumidified again by the second dehumidifying unit 18. That is, since the gas supplied to the second dehumidifying unit 18 is a gas dehumidified by the first dehumidifying unit 16, the gas is usually not included in the reactor 14 or the like even if moisture is included. It contains only a small amount of moisture that does not affect it. In addition, a part of the gas dehumidified by the second dehumidifying unit 18 is circulated to the air tank 17 without being supplied to the reactor 14.

  On the other hand, immediately after the activation of the ozone generator 1c, the dehumidifying ability of the first dehumidifying unit 16 is not sufficiently exhibited. Immediately after the activation, the gas supplied to the second dehumidifying unit 18 is the gas dehumidified by the first dehumidifying unit 16 in the past stored in the air tank 17. Therefore, even if the dehumidifying capacity of the second dehumidifying unit 18 is not sufficiently exhibited immediately after starting, no problem arises even if it is supplied to the reactor 14 because the supplied gas does not contain moisture.

  As described above, in the ozone generator 1c according to the third embodiment, the gas once dehumidified by the first dehumidifying unit 16 is stored in the air tank 17 and dehumidified by the second dehumidifying unit 18 again. Therefore, ozone can be generated by the gas dehumidified in the past until the dehumidifying ability of the dehumidifying units 16 and 18 is exhibited.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using each embodiment, this invention is not limited to embodiment described in this specification. The scope of the present invention is determined by the description of the claims and the scope equivalent to the description of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a, 1b, 1c ... Ozone generator 11 ... Air filter 12 ... Compressor 13a, 13b ... Dehumidification part (dehumidification means)
131: Hollow fiber membrane unit (first dehumidifying means)
131a ... membrane 132 ... control means 133 ... silica gel unit (second dehumidifying means)
134 ... Heater 14 ... Reactor 15 ... Housing 16 ... First dehumidifying part 17 ... Air tank 18 ... Second dehumidifying part

Claims (2)

A first dehumidifying means comprising a hollow fiber membrane unit and capable of continuously dehumidifying the gas supplied via the compressor;
A second dehumidifying means comprising a dehumidifying agent containing silica gel and dehumidifying a predetermined amount of gas supplied via the compressor;
A reactor that is supplied with the gas dehumidified by the first dehumidifying means or the second dehumidifying means and generates ozone;
In a predetermined period from the start of the ozone generator, the dry gas discharged from the second dehumidifying means is supplied to the reactor without supplying the dry gas discharged from the first dehumidifying means to the reactor and started Control means for controlling the supply of the dry gas discharged from the first dehumidifying means to the reactor and stopping the supply of gas from the compressor to the second dehumidifying means after a predetermined period of time elapses from
An ozone generator characterized by comprising: The ozone generator according to claim 1, further comprising a heating means for heating and regenerating the second dehumidifying means having a reduced dehumidifying capacity .

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