JP6835108B2 - air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

There is known a vaporization-cooled air conditioner that sucks in indoor air and uses the heat of vaporization of water to lower the ambient temperature and blows out the cooled air into the room (for example, Patent Document 1). The air conditioner (cold air fan) of Patent Document 1 communicates the air blowing means arranged in the casing with the suction port and the first air outlet, and guides the air flow generated by the air blowing means to the first air outlet. It is arranged in the second flow path and the second flow path that communicate the flow path, the suction port and the second air outlet, and guide the air flow generated by the air blowing means to the second air outlet, and is the second by the heat of vaporization of water. A heat exchanger is provided which includes a vaporizing means for cooling the air flowing through the two flow paths and exchanges heat between the air flow cooled by the vaporizing means of the second flow path and the air flow flowing through the first flow path. Has been done.

In the second flow path provided with the vaporizing means, on the downstream side of the vaporizing means, atomized water (undevaporated sprayed water) sprayed by the vaporizing means and vaporized water (evaporated sprayed water) are used. Air with increased absolute humidity will flow. The air with increased humidity is blown into the room from the second outlet, which is the outlet of the second flow path.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-092338

In the air conditioner (cold air fan) of Patent Document 1, the mist-like water (undevaporated sprayed water) sprayed by the vaporization means is blown out into the room which is the air-conditioned space. There is a problem that the humidity further increases.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that suppresses the discharge of unevaporated sprayed water to the outside of the air conditioner.

The air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a spraying portion for spraying water to be vaporized, a first flow path through which first air cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water sprayed by the spraying portion flows, and an air-conditioned space. The heat exchanger includes a second flow path through which the second air blown out flows, and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first air and the second air and cools the second air. A first path forming at least a part of the first flow path and a second path forming at least a part of the second flow path are included, and the first flow path contains the first air. A branch portion that branches upward and downward on the downstream side of the first path in the flow direction is provided, and a drain pan that communicates with the branch portion is provided below the branch portion, and the drain pan of the drain pan. A water reservoir for storing the sprayed water to be supplied to the spraying portion is provided below, and the drain pan and the water reservoir are in communication with each other. Alternatively, in the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second fan for transporting the second air is provided in the second flow path, and the first fan is provided in the heat exchanger. The first path and the second path are laminated so that the air and the second air are countercurrent. Alternatively, in the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a moisture absorbing member covering the opening of the drain pan is provided between the branch portion and the drain pan.

In this embodiment, since the first flow path is provided with a branch portion that branches upward and downward on the downstream side of the first path in the flow direction of the first air, it does not evaporate in the heat exchanger. The sprayed water can be dropped downward from the branch by gravity. Since the dropped spray water flows into the drain pan that communicates with the branch portion, the unevaporated spray water can be efficiently recovered, and the unevaporated spray water is suppressed from being discharged to the air-conditioned space. It is possible to suppress an increase in the absolute humidity of the air-conditioned space.

In the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first flow path is formed upward before and after the branch portion, and is formed in a U shape.

In this embodiment, the first flow path is formed in a U shape before and after the branch portion, that is, the branch portion is provided in the U-shaped arc portion. Therefore, when air and unevaporated sprayed water flow in the branch portion provided in the U-shaped arc portion, the unevaporated sprayed water having a large specific gravity is efficiently separated to the outer peripheral side by centrifugal force. , Can be dropped downward from the branch.

In the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in the first flow path, the distance from the spraying portion to the branch portion is larger than the distance from the branch portion to the first outlet from which the first air is blown out. Is also short.

In this embodiment, the distance from the spraying portion to the branching portion is made shorter than the distance from the branching portion to the first outlet from which the first air is blown out, thereby suppressing the blow-up of unevaporated sprayed water. However, the amount of unevaporated sprayed water discharged into the room from the outlet of the first path can be reduced, and the increase in absolute humidity in the room can be suppressed.

In the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first flow path is provided with a first fan for conveying the first air, and the first fan is in the vicinity of the first air outlet. It is provided in.

In this embodiment, by providing the first fan in the vicinity of the first outlet, the first fan can be arranged on the downstream side of the branch portion and the distance between the spraying portion and the first fan can be increased. It is possible to reduce short-circuit damage due to sprayed water (water droplets) from the sprayed portion and suppress the blow-up of the sprayed water.

In the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second fan for conveying the second air is provided in the second flow path, and the first air and the first air are provided in the heat exchanger. The first path and the second path are formed so as to be countercurrent with the second air.

In this embodiment, since the first path and the second path are formed in the heat exchanger so that the first air and the second air are countercurrent, the first air and the second air are combined. Sensible heat exchange can be performed efficiently.

In the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a moisture absorbing member covering the opening of the drain pan is provided between the branch portion and the drain pan.

In this embodiment, since a moisture absorbing member covering the opening of the drain pan is provided between the branch portion and the drain pan, the sprayed water dropped downward from the branch portion is absorbed by the moisture absorbing member. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the sprayed water dripping downward from the branch portion from being blown up and discharged into the air-conditioned space.

In the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first filter is provided on the upstream side of the spraying portion in the first flow path, and the pressure loss value of the moisture absorbing member is the pressure of the first filter. Greater than the loss value.

In this embodiment, the moisture absorbing member is provided so as to cover the opening of the drain pan, and the pressure loss value of the moisture absorbing member is larger than the pressure loss value of the first filter. Therefore, even when the water that has passed through the moisture absorbing member and has flowed into the drain pan is vaporized in the drain pan to become water vapor, the water vapor flows back in the moisture absorbing member and enters the first flow path. The return phenomenon can be suppressed efficiently.

In the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a water reservoir for storing the sprayed water to be supplied to the spraying portion is provided below the drain pan, and the drain pan and the water reservoir communicate with each other.

In this embodiment, the recovered spray water can be reused by storing the unevaporated spray water recovered by the drain pan in the water reservoir and supplying the recovered spray water to the spray section.

The air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tank that holds water supplied from the outside, a solenoid valve provided between the tank and the water reservoir, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve. And a sensor that outputs information about the water level in the water reservoir, and the control unit communicates the drain pan and the water reservoir with the water level based on the information about the water level output from the sensor. When it is determined that the water level is lower than the lower end of the communication passage, the solenoid valve is opened until the water level is higher than the lower end.

In this embodiment, when the control unit determines that the water level in the water reservoir is lower than the lower end of the communication passage, the control unit opens the solenoid valve until the water level is higher than the lower end, so that the lower end of the communication passage is opened. The opening and closing control of the solenoid valve is performed so that the part is located in the water. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air in the drain pan from flowing back to the first flow path from the lower end of the communication passage.

It is possible to provide an air conditioner that suppresses the discharge of unevaporated sprayed water to the outside of the air conditioner.

It is a schematic diagram which shows one configuration example (exhaust side L: air supply side U) of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which shows one configuration of a controller. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the control part of a controller. It is a schematic diagram which shows one structure of the manifest heat exchanger which concerns on modification 1 (exhaust side L: air supply side L). It is a schematic diagram which shows one structure of the manifest heat exchanger which concerns on the modification 2 (exhaust side L: air supply side Z). It is a schematic diagram which shows one structure of the sensible heat exchanger which concerns on modification 3 (exhaust side I: air supply side U). It is a schematic diagram which shows one structure of the manifest heat exchanger which concerns on the modification 4 (exhaust side I: air supply side Z). It is a schematic diagram which shows one structure of the sensible heat exchanger which concerns on modification 5 (exhaust side Z: air supply side Z).

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration example (exhaust side L: air supply side U) of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 is provided with a box-shaped housing 15, and is placed on the floor surface of an air-conditioned space such as a factory by means of casters 151 provided at the bottom of the housing 15. The mounted state of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown vertically and horizontally as a normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 is provided with a heat exchanger 2 and a spraying unit 5, and uses the heat of vaporization of the sprayed water sprayed from the spraying unit 5 to lower the atmospheric temperature and cool the air-conditioned space. For example, indirect vaporization. It is a cooling type air conditioner 1.

The air conditioner 1 has a first flow path 3 through which first air that is directly cooled by the heat of vaporization of the spray water sprayed from the spray unit 5 flows, and a sensible heat exchanger 2 in the first flow path 3. A second flow path 4 through which the second air to be cooled flows by exchanging heat with the flowing cooled first air is provided.

The second air flowing through the second flow path 4 is blown out to the air-conditioned space as supply air (SA: service air) and supplied to the air-conditioned space. Therefore, the second flow path 4 functions as an air supply flow path. The first air flowing through the first flow path 3 is blown out into the air-conditioned space as exhaust air (EA) and discharged into the air-conditioned space. Therefore, the first flow path 3 functions as an exhaust flow path.

Although the details will be described later, a branch portion 6 is provided in the first flow path 3 (exhaust flow path), and the spray water from the spray section 5 becomes unevaporated spray water, that is, water vapor without vaporization. At least a part of the water that has not been discharged is collected through the spray water recovery path 61 branched from the branch portion 6. Therefore, the content of mist-like water that is not water vapor in the first air discharged from the first flow path 3 is reduced, and the absolute humidity of the air-conditioned space is increased by the discharged first air. It can be suppressed.

The sensible heat exchanger 2 is provided so as to straddle the first flow path 3 (exhaust flow path) and the second flow path 4 (air supply flow path). The sensible heat exchanger 2 is formed with a first path 21 that forms at least a part of the first flow path 3 and a second path 22 that forms at least a part of the second flow path 4. The sensible heat exchanger 2 is provided with a box-shaped case made of metal or resin such as aluminum, and by providing a heat insulating member on the outer peripheral surface of the case, the first air flowing inside the sensible heat exchanger 2 is provided. Alternatively, the heat exchange between the second air and the ambient air of the sensible heat exchanger 2 may be restricted.

The first path 21 and the second path 22 formed in the sensible heat exchanger 2 are configured by, for example, providing a plurality of metal plates having a hollow structure through which the first air or the second air flows in parallel. .. The metal plate having the hollow structure may be, for example, one composed of a plurality of fins or a flat tube. The plate is made of a metal having good heat transfer properties (for example, aluminum, copper, or an alloy containing these as main components), so that the efficiency of heat exchange can be improved. Each of the first path 21 and the second path 22 is configured as a plurality of exhaust paths and a plurality of air supply paths by the plurality of metal plates having the hollow structure.

The plurality of exhaust paths constituting the first path 21 and the plurality of air supply paths constituting the second path 22 are laminated so as to be alternately parallel to the paper surface (parallel to the air supply / exhaust direction). The air supply and the exhaust air are not mixed in the sensible heat exchanger 2. The air (air supply and exhaust) flows in each of the first path 21 and the second path 22 form countercurrents in opposite directions by the first fan 31 and the second fan 41, which will be described later.

The first path 21 and the second path 22 are the first air (exhaust) flowing through the first path 21 (exhaust path) and the second path 22 (exhaust) between the parts that are laminated so as to alternate with each other. The sensible heat is exchanged with the second air (supply air) flowing through the air supply path). As described above, the first air cooled by the heat of vaporization of the sprayed water flows through the first path 21 (exhaust path). The second air flowing through the second path 22 (air supply path) is cooled by exchanging sensible heat with the first air.

The first path 21 has a path configuration in which the upper surface side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the lower right side is the ending point (exit), and is L-shaped in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. Make. The second path 22 has a path configuration in which the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the upper left side is the ending point (exit). In the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. It forms a U shape. In this way, by setting the end point (exit) of the second path 22 to the upper left side surface side, the distance from the spraying portion 5 provided on the upper surface side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 can be separated from the spraying portion 5. It is possible to prevent the sprayed water of the above from entering the second path 22.

The spraying unit 5 includes a spraying nozzle (spraying nozzle) for spraying (spraying) atomized water, and the spraying nozzle communicates with a water reservoir 9 described later by a pipe. The spraying portion 5 is provided in the first flow path 3 (exhaust flow path), and is provided on the upstream side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 in the flow direction of the first air. Therefore, the sprayed water sprayed by the spraying unit 5 and atomized flows into the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. At this time, the more the tip direction of the spray nozzle, which is the spraying direction of the sprayed water, is directed to the downstream direction at an angle closer to parallel to the first flow path 3, the higher the efficiency of the sprayed water flowing into the first path 21.

The first flow path 3 includes a first suction port 33 and a first outlet 34 located on the upper surface side of the air conditioner 1, and has a U-shape starting from the first suction port 33 and ending at the first outlet 34. It is structured like a shape. The lowermost end of the first path 21 of the heat exchanger 2 is located near the apex in the U shape. Therefore, the first flow path 3 is formed so as to be folded upward at the lowermost end of the first path 21 of the heat exchanger 2, that is, at the outlet of the first path 21.

The first suction port 33 is provided with a first filter 32 so as to cover the first suction port 33. The first filter 32 is formed of, for example, polyester or olefin fibers, and collects dust in the air sucked from the first suction port 33.

A first fan 31 is provided in the vicinity of the first outlet 34, and carries the first air (exhaust) flowing through the first flow path 3 (first path 21) to function as an exhaust fan. The first air (exhaust) is blown (exhausted) out of the air conditioner 1 from the first outlet 34. In the first embodiment, the vicinity of the first outlet 34 is a position immediately before the first outlet 34 in the first flow path 3 as shown in FIG. In another example, the vicinity of the first outlet 34 may be at least a position closer to the first outlet 34 than the branch portion 6 described later.

The second flow path 4 includes a second suction port 43 located on the left side surface below the air conditioner 1 and a second outlet 44 located on the upper surface side of the air conditioner 1, starting from the second suction port 43. It is configured in a U-shape (inverted C-shape in which the U-shape is rotated 90 ° to the left in the normal use state of the air conditioner 1) with the second air outlet 44 as the end point. ..

The second suction port 43 is provided with a second filter 42 so as to cover the second suction port 43. The second filter 42 is formed of, for example, polyester or olefin fibers, and collects dust in the air sucked from the second suction port 43.

A second fan 41 is provided in the vicinity of the second outlet 44, transports the second air (supply air) flowing through the second flow path 4 (second path 22), and functions as an air supply fan. To do. The position where the second fan 41 is provided is not limited to the vicinity of the second air outlet 44, but is on the second suction port 43 side, that is, the second filter 42 and the inlet of the second path 22 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. It may be provided between.

The first air (exhaust) conveyed by the first fan 31 flows from above to below in the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. The second air (supply air) conveyed by the second fan 41 flows from the lower side to the upper side in the second path 22 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. Therefore, in the sensible heat exchanger 2, the first air (exhaust) flowing in the first path 21 and the second air (supply air) flowing in the second path 22 form a countercurrent and the first air (exhaust). ) And the heat exchange rate of the manifest heat exchange with the second air (supply air) can be improved.

As described above, the second air is exchanged by sensible heat between the first air (exhaust) flowing in the first path 21 and the second air (supply air) flowing in the second flow path 4. It will be cooled by the first air. In addition, the mist-like sprayed water sprinkled from the spraying portion 5 also flows in the first path 21, and the sprayed water vaporizes in the first path 21, and the heat of vaporization (latent heat) causes the first passage. The 1st air and the 2nd air may be cooled. More specifically, as an example, a physical phenomenon in which the sprayed water adhering to the wall surface of the first path 21 vaporizes and cools the second air by exchanging heat with the second air of the second path 22 can be considered. When the second air is cooled by the sprayed water, the second air is cooled by heat exchange (sensible heat exchange) due to the temperature difference between the sprayed water and the second air as a physical phenomenon other than vaporization heat cooling. Is possible. In this case, the larger the temperature difference between the sprayed water and the second air, the higher the cooling efficiency. Therefore, ice water or relatively low temperature water such as groundwater is applied to the water reservoir 9 or the tank 14 described later as the sprayed water. It is effective to store water. The above-mentioned physical phenomena occur in combination according to the physical state of the components involved in heat exchange inside the air conditioner 1.

The air conditioner 1 further includes a drain pan 8, a water reservoir 9, and a tank 14. The drain pan 8, the water reservoir 9, and the tank 14 are housed in the housing 15, and are below the region (air chamber) where the first path 21, the second path 22, and the heat exchanger 2 are provided. It is provided in.

The tank 14 is a container for storing water supplied from an external water pipe of the air conditioner 1. The tank 14 is provided with, for example, a water supply valve (not shown), and the water supplied from the water pipe is stored by communicating the water supply valve with the water pipe and opening the water supply valve. After storing a certain amount of water, the air conditioner 1 can be moved to an arbitrary place by closing the water supply valve and removing it from the water pipe.

The water reservoir 9 is a container for storing water like the tank 14, and is provided below the tank 14. The water reservoir 9 and the tank 14 are communicated with each other by a solenoid valve 13. By opening the solenoid valve 13, the water in the tank 14 flows into the water reservoir 9, and the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9 rises.

One or more air holes 91 are provided on the upper surface of the water reservoir 9. By providing the air holes 91, it is possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the water reservoir 9 when the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9 rises.

A pipe communicating with the spray nozzle of the spraying portion 5 is inserted inside the water reservoir 9, and the water in the water reservoir 9 is supplied to the spray nozzle of the spraying portion 5 through the pipe. .. A pump 11 is connected to the pipe, and when the pump 11 is driven, water is supplied to the spraying unit 5, and the supplied water is sprayed (sprayed) from a spray nozzle to become mist-like water. Then, it flows into the first path 21 together with the first air sucked from the first suction port 33.

Inside the water reservoir 9, a sensor 10 for detecting the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9 is provided. The sensor 10 is provided at a position at a predetermined water level on the inner peripheral surface of the water reservoir 9, and a water level sensor 10 that outputs a predetermined signal when the terminal of the sensor 10 comes into contact with water, or a float floating on water. The sensor 10 is provided and outputs a predetermined signal based on the height position of the float. The sensor 10 is provided in accordance with the height position of the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 provided in the drain pan 8 described later, and the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9 and the lower end 82 A predetermined signal is output based on the height relationship of. As an example, the sensor 10 is provided so as to detect the water level at a position predetermined amount higher than the height position of the lower end portion 82. As a result, the water level of the water reservoir 9 is controlled to be always higher than the height of the lower end 82 by the control of the control unit 121 described later.

The first flow path 3 is provided with a branch portion 6 that branches up and down on the downstream side of the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2 with reference to the flow direction of the first air (exhaust). As shown in FIG. 1, the branch portion 6 is provided at the outlet of the first path 21 of the heat exchanger 2, and the spray water is branched downward with respect to the first path 21 by the branch portion 6. A recovery path 61 is formed. That is, the spray water recovery path 61 branched from the first flow path 3 by the branch portion 6 is configured downward from the branch portion 6.

The first flow path 3, which is the downstream side of the branch portion 6, that is, the downstream side of the outlet of the first path 21, includes the outer peripheral surface of the case of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 15 of the air conditioner 1. It is formed between the two, and is configured upward with respect to the branch portion 6.

As described above, the first flow path 3 is configured in a U shape, and the lowermost end portion of the first path 21 of the heat exchanger 2 is located near the apex in the U shape. Since the exit of the first path 21 is located at the lowermost end of the first path 21, the branch portion 6 is located near the U-shaped apex (near the lowermost end). That is, in the height direction, the branch portion 6 and the lowermost end portion of the first path 21 are located substantially the same. Therefore, the first flow path 3 is formed in a U shape by folding back upward with the front and rear of the branch portion 6 as the lowermost end portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the branch portion 6 may be provided on the U-shaped apex of the first path 21, that is, on the downstream side of the turning point of the first air.

The first flow path 3 is not limited to the one that is immediately formed upward immediately after the branch portion 6, that is, on the downstream side of the branch portion 6. The first flow path 3 is formed in the lateral direction (on the paper, in the right direction, substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity) at a predetermined distance on the downstream side of the branch portion 6, and is formed in the upward direction thereafter. It may be a thing.

The branch portion 6 is not limited to a part of the first path 21, and may be configured as a branch chamber having a predetermined capacity. That is, in FIG. 1, the space immediately after the exit of the first path 21 is a branch portion 6 (branch chamber), and the first path 21 (U-shaped) formed upward on the downstream side of the branch chamber. (Corresponding to the straight portion on the right side of the above) and the spray water recovery path 61 formed downward.

The branch portion 6 is provided after the outlet of the first path 21, that is, on the downstream side of the sensible heat exchanger 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The branch portion 6 may be provided on the outlet side (downstream side) of the first path 21, that is, in the middle of the first path 21 (inside the sensible heat exchanger 2). For example, the branch portion 6 may be provided on the downstream side of the first path 21 and at a portion of the first path 21 after the actual heat exchange by the countercurrent with the second air.

The spray water recovery path 61 is configured with the branch portion 6 as the starting point, and communicates with the drain pan 8 located below the branch portion 6. The spray water recovery path 61 includes a partition plate 62 provided between the lower part of the outlet of the first path 21 of the heat exchanger 2 and the opening of the drain pan 8, and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 15 of the air conditioner 1. It is formed between and, and is configured downward with respect to the branch portion 6.

The drain pan 8 is, for example, a dish-shaped container having an opening on the upper surface. On the bottom surface of the drain pan 8, a communication passage 81 for communicating with the water reservoir 9 is provided.

The communication passage 81 is provided so as to extend from the bottom surface of the drain pan 8 toward the water reservoir 9 located below, and the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 is located inside the drain pan 8.

A moisture absorbing member 7 is provided in the opening provided on the upper surface of the drain pan 8 so as to cover the opening. The moisture absorbing member 7 is made of a hydrophilic material such as PET, polyolefin, olefin, rayon, polyester or modaacrylic, absorbs unevaporated sprayed water, and drops the absorbed sprayed water toward the drain pan 8. By doing so, the unevaporated sprayed water is recovered. By constructing the moisture absorbing member 7 with a hydrophilic material, the sprayed water can be efficiently absorbed and dropped toward the drain pan 8. The moisture absorbing member 7 also functions as a filter, and even when the sprayed water flowing down from the partition plate 62 contains dust, the dust can be collected.

The value of the pressure loss of the moisture absorbing member 7 is larger than the value of the pressure loss of the first filter 32. Since the first fan 31 is provided at the first outlet 34 (outlet of the first flow path 3) of the first flow path 3, the first flow path 3 has a negative pressure environment lower than the atmospheric pressure. .. On the other hand, since the value of the pressure loss of the moisture absorbing member 7 is larger than the value of the pressure loss of the first filter 32, it is possible to prevent the air in the drain pan 8 from flowing back into the first flow path 3. .. The absolute humidity of the air in the drain pan 8 becomes relatively high due to the water stored in the drain pan 8 or the water reservoir 9. On the other hand, by suppressing the backflow of the air in the drain pan 8 to the first flow path 3, the absolute humidity of the first air flowing through the first flow path 3 and being discharged from the first outlet 34 is increased. It is possible to suppress the improvement.

According to the first flow path 3 configured as described above, the mist-like sprayed water sprayed from the spraying portion 5 is mixed with the first air sucked from the first suction port 33, and is around the spraying portion 5. And in the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2, it vaporizes into water vapor. The first air cooled by the heat of vaporization and the mist-like spray water that has not been vaporized and has not evaporated flow downward through the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

A part of the mist-like sprayed water that has not been vaporized and has not evaporated is made into water droplets on the inner wall surface of the first path 21 of the heat exchanger 2, and the water droplets are formed on the inner wall surface and the partition of the first path 21 by gravity. It flows down along the plate 62, is absorbed by the moisture absorbing member 7, and is collected by the drain pan 8. A part of the unevaporated mist-like spray water that does not form water droplets on the inner wall surface of the first path 21 and flows together with the first air absorbs moisture through the spray water recovery path 61 that branches downward from the branch portion 6. It is absorbed by the member 7 and collected by the drain pan 8. By collecting the unevaporated mist-like spray water that has not been vaporized in this way in the drain pan 8 via the spray water recovery path 61, the absolute humidity of the first air discharged from the first outlet 34 increases. Can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 1, it is desirable that the branch portion 6 is provided on the U-shaped apex, that is, on the downstream side of the turning point of the first air. Centrifugal force is generated when the first air is turned back (changes from the downward flow direction to the upward flow direction) at the curved portion in the U shape. Since the unevaporated sprayed water flowing together with the first air has a higher specific gravity than the air, it is separated from the first air (gas-liquid separation) by being biased toward the outer peripheral side of the curved portion by centrifugal force. Therefore, the unevaporated sprayed water can be efficiently recovered through the partition plate 62 located on the outer peripheral side of the curved portion.

The flow path cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 (first path 21) on the upstream side in the U-shaped curved portion is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 on the downstream side in the U-shaped curved portion. , May be small. The first path 21 is composed of a plurality of exhaust paths stacked as described above, and the flow path cross-sectional area of the first path 21 is the total value of the flow path cross-sectional areas of each of the plurality of exhaust paths. Needless to say, it is. By making the flow path cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 on the upstream side of the U-shaped curved portion smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 on the downstream side of the U-shaped curved portion. The flow velocity of the first air in the first flow path 3 on the upstream side can be made faster than the flow velocity of the first air in the first flow path 3 on the downstream side. By increasing the flow velocity of the first air in the first flow path 3 on the upstream side, the centrifugal force generated at the curved portion is increased, and the unevaporated sprayed water flowing with the first air is efficiently discharged to the outer periphery of the curved portion. It can be separated by biasing it to the side, and the recovery efficiency of unevaporated sprayed water can be improved. Further, by lowering the flow velocity of the first air in the first flow path 3 on the downstream side, it is possible to prevent the unevaporated sprayed water that has passed through the branch portion 6 from being blown up and discharged from the first outlet 34. Can be done.

In the first path 21, the distance L1 in the height direction from the spraying portion 5 to the branch portion 6 is shorter than the distance L2 in the height direction from the branch portion 6 to the first outlet 34. By making the distance L1 in the height direction from the spraying portion 5 to the branch portion 6 shorter than the distance L2 in the height direction from the branch portion 6 to the first outlet 34, the unevaporated portion that has passed through the branch portion 6 is not evaporated. It is possible to prevent the sprayed water from blowing up. Since the branch portion 6 is in the vicinity of the lowermost end portion in the first embodiment, the distance from the lowermost end portion to the spraying portion 5 is defined as the distance L1, and the distance from the lowermost end portion to the first outlet 34 is defined as the distance L2. Further, the distance L1 from the spraying portion 5 to the branching portion 6 and the distance L2 from the branching portion 6 to the first outlet 34 are the heights of the lowermost end portion (moisture absorbing member 7) from the spraying portion 5 to the branching portion 6. The distance in the vertical direction may be the distance L1, and the distance in the height direction from the lowermost end portion (moisture absorbing member 7) of the branch portion 6 to the first outlet 34 may be the distance L2.

In the first path 21, since the first fan 31 is provided in the vicinity of the first outlet 34, the first fan 31 can be arranged above and downstream of the branch portion 6. Further, the distance from the spraying portion 5 provided in the vicinity of the first suction port 33 can be lengthened, and the sprayed water of the spraying portion 5 affects the electric parts such as the motor included in the first fan 31. It can be reduced. It is desirable that the distance in the height direction from the spraying portion 5 to the branch portion 6 is shorter than the distance in the height direction from the branch portion 6 to the first fan 31. It is possible to further suppress the blowing up of the unevaporated sprayed water that has passed through the branch portion 6. Further, in the first embodiment, since the first air and the second air are countercurrents inside the heat exchanger 2, the first flow path 3 takes in air from above and the second flow path 4 takes in air from below. It is configured to take in. Therefore, the air below the air-conditioned space, which has a relatively low temperature in the air-conditioned space, can be further cooled and supplied. As a result, the cooling efficiency is higher than when warm air is sucked from the second suction port 43.

The drain pan 8 and the water reservoir 9 are communicated with each other by a communication passage 81 provided on the bottom surface of the drain pan 8. Therefore, the unevaporated sprayed water collected in the drain pan 8 flows into the water reservoir 9 through the communication passage 81 and is stored in the water reservoir 9. The water stored in the water reservoir 9 is sprinkled by the spraying unit 5, and therefore, the water consumption can be suppressed by reusing the collected unevaporated sprayed water.

Since the opening of the drain pan 8 is provided with a moisture absorbing member 7 that exerts a filter function, even if dust is mixed in the unevaporated sprayed water, the moisture absorbing member 7 collects the dust. be able to. Therefore, the unevaporated spray water from which the dust has been removed can be reused, and the spray nozzle of the spray portion 5 can be prevented from being clogged.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one configuration of the controller 12. The air conditioner 1 includes a controller 12 composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like. The controller 12 includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, and an input / output I / F 123, for example, on / off control or rotation speed control of the first fan 31 and the second fan 41, and sprays water from the spraying unit 5. At this time, the pump 11 that supplies the water of the water reservoir 9 to the spraying unit 5 is driven, stopped, or the capacity is controlled.

The control unit 121 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like, and various control processes and operations are performed by reading and executing a program and data stored in advance in the storage unit 122. It is designed to perform processing and the like.

The storage unit 122 is composed of a volatile memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory element such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or flash memory. The control program and the data to be referred to during processing are stored in advance.

The input / output I / F 123 is an interface group for connecting a first fan 31, a second fan 41, a pump 11, a solenoid valve 13, a serial cable from the sensor 10, and the like, and is via an internal bus in the controller 12. The control unit 121 is communicably connected to the solenoid valve 13 and the like and the sensor 10.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit 121 of the controller 12. The control unit 121 of the controller 12 periodically or periodically executes the following processing during the operation of the air conditioner 1.

The control unit 121 acquires information on the water level of the water reservoir 9 (S10). The control unit 121 acquires information on the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9 from the sensor 10 connected via the input / output I / F 123.

The control unit 121 determines whether or not the water level of the water reservoir 9 is lower than that of the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S11). Based on the signal output from the sensor 10, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the water level of the water reservoir portion 9 is lower than that of the lower end portion 82 of the communication passage 81. For example, the sensor 10 outputs a high signal when the water level of the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82, and outputs a low signal when the water level of the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82. The control unit 121 determines whether or not the water level of the water reservoir 9 is lower than that of the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 based on the signal output by the sensor 10.

When the control unit 121 determines that the water level of the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S11: NO), that is, when the water level is equal to or higher than the height of the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81. , The control unit 121 performs a loop process in order to execute the process of S10 again.

When the control unit 121 determines that the water level of the water reservoir portion 9 is lower than the lower end portion 82 of the communication passage 81 (S11: YES), the control unit 121 outputs a signal for opening the solenoid valve 13 (S12). .. The solenoid valve 13 is provided between the tank 14 and the water reservoir 9, and the tank 14 and the water reservoir 9 communicate with each other via the solenoid valve 13. Based on the signal to be opened from the control unit 121, the solenoid valve 13 is opened, the water in the tank 14 flows into the water reservoir 9 via the solenoid valve 13, and the water level of the water in the water reservoir 9 rises.

The control unit 121 acquires information on the water level of the water reservoir 9 as in the process of S10 (S13).

The control unit 121 determines whether or not the water level of the water reservoir 9 is higher than that of the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S14). Similar to the process of S11, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the water level of the water reservoir portion 9 is higher than that of the lower end portion 82 of the communication passage 81 based on the signal output from the sensor 10. In order to prevent chattering of the solenoid valve 13, the control unit 121 may determine whether or not the water level of the water reservoir portion 9 is higher than the lower end portion 82 by a predetermined value or more.

When the control unit 121 determines that the water level of the water reservoir portion 9 is lower than that of the lower end portion 82 of the communication passage 81 (S14: NO), the control unit 121 performs a loop process in order to execute the S13 process again. That is, the state in which the water in the tank 14 is supplied to the water reservoir 9 via the solenoid valve 13 is continued.

When the control unit 121 determines that the water level of the water reservoir portion 9 is higher than the lower end portion 82 of the communication passage 81 (S14: YES), the control unit 121 outputs a signal for closing the solenoid valve 13 (S15). .. Based on the closing signal from the control unit 121, the solenoid valve 13 is closed, and the water supply from the tank 14 to the water reservoir 9 is stopped.

When the control unit 121 determines that the water level in the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81, the control unit 121 opens the solenoid valve 13 until the water level is higher than the lower end 82. The opening / closing control of the solenoid valve 13 is performed so that the lower end portion 82 of the solenoid valve 13 is located in the water. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air in the water reservoir 9 and the drain pan 8 from flowing back to the first flow path 3 from the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 121 has described that the information (output value of the sensor 10) regarding the water level, which is the process of S10 or S13, is acquired periodically or periodically by the loop process, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. The sensor 10 outputs a signal only when the water level becomes lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81, and the control unit 121 outputs a signal for opening the solenoid valve 13 when the signal is acquired. There may be. Then, when the water level becomes higher than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 and the sensor 10 stops the output of the signal, the control unit 121 closes the solenoid valve 13 when the signal is no longer acquired. It may output a signal.

(Modification example 1)
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing one configuration of the heat exchanger 2 according to the modified example 1 (exhaust side L: air supply side L). Similar to the heat exchanger 2 of the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 of the modification 1 is provided with the first path 21 (plurality of exhaust paths) and the second path 22 (plurality of air supply paths). The first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form a countercurrent.

Similar to the first embodiment, the first path 21 has a path configuration in which the upper surface side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the lower right surface side is the ending point (exit). It is L-shaped in cross-sectional view.

The second path 22 has a path configuration in which the lower surface side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the upper left side is the ending point (exit), and the second path 22 has an inverted L shape in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. Make a shape.

By making both the first path 21 and the second path 22 L-shaped, the number of bends (the number of bent portions) in the first path 21 and the second path 22 is reduced, and the flow path resistance (pressure loss) is reduced. Can be reduced. By reducing the flow path resistance, the efficiency of the first fan 31 and the second fan 41 can be improved.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing one configuration of the heat exchanger 2 according to the modified example 2 (exhaust side L: air supply side Z). Similar to the heat exchanger 2 of the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 of the second modification is provided with the first path 21 (plurality of exhaust paths) and the second path 22 (plurality of air supply paths). The first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form a countercurrent.

Similar to the first embodiment, the first path 21 has a path configuration in which the upper surface side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the lower right surface side is the ending point (exit). It is L-shaped in cross-sectional view.

The second path 22 has a path configuration in which the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the upper right side is the ending point (exit). In the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. It forms a Z shape.

The second path 22 is Z-shaped, and the portion near the end point (exit) of the second path 22 and the starting point (inlet) of the first path 21 overlap each other in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. By doing so, the heat exchange rate can be improved. However, the modified example 2 shown in FIG. 5 does not show that the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4 are in communication with each other, and are provided as independent flow paths as in the first embodiment. There is.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing one configuration of the heat exchanger 2 according to the modified example 3 (exhaust side I: air supply side U). Similar to the heat exchanger 2 of the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 of the modification 3 is provided with the first path 21 (plurality of exhaust paths) and the second path 22 (plurality of air supply paths). The first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form a countercurrent.

The first path 21 has a path configuration in which the upper surface side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the lower surface side is the ending point (exit), and is I-shaped in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

Similar to the first embodiment, the second path 22 has a path configuration in which the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the upper left side is the ending point (exit). In the cross-sectional view of the vessel 2, it has a U shape.

By forming the first path 21 into an I shape, the number of bends (the number of bent portions) in the first path 21 can be reduced, and the flow path resistance (pressure loss) can be reduced. By reducing the flow path resistance, the efficiency of the first fan 31 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent unevaporated sprayed water from remaining in the manifest heat exchanger 2 due to gravity. As a result, the growth of various germs caused by the spray water remaining in the first route 21 can be suppressed.

The partition plate 62 is provided so as to cover the outlet of the first path 21 from below, and the end portion of the partition plate 62 on the sensible heat exchanger 2 side is closer to the second path 22 than the outlet of the first path 21. It is provided at a position on the side.

The branch portion 6 is located below the exit of the first path 21. A branch portion 6 is provided after passing between the lower surface of the heat exchanger 2 and the partition plate 62 on the downstream side of the outlet of the first path 21, and is branched from the first path 21 by the branch portion 6. The spray water recovery path 61 is formed.

The partition plate 62 forms a curved portion including a U-shaped apex (a turning point of the first air) of the first path 21. In the curved portion, the unevaporated sprayed water separated on the outer peripheral side of the curved portion by centrifugal force can be efficiently made into water droplets by the partition plate 62. Since the partition plate 62 forms the spray water recovery path 61 by inclining downward from the outlet side of the first path 21 toward the moisture absorbing member 7 side, the water-dropped unevaporated spray water is efficiently discharged. It can be guided to the moisture absorbing member 7 (drain pan 8) and collected.

(Modification example 4)
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing one configuration of the heat exchanger 2 according to the modified example 4 (exhaust side I: air supply side Z). Similar to the heat exchanger 2 of the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 of the modified example 4 is provided with the first path 21 (plurality of exhaust paths) and the second path 22 (plurality of air supply paths). The first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form a countercurrent.

The first path 21 has a path configuration in which the upper surface side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the lower surface side is the ending point (exit) as in the modified example 3, and in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. It has an I-shape and has the same effect as the modified example 3.

The second path 22 has a path configuration in which the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the upper right side is the ending point (exit), as in the modified example 2. In the cross-sectional view of No. 2, it has a Z shape and has the same effect as that of the modified example 2. The modified example 4 shown in FIG. 7 does not indicate that the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4 are in communication with each other, and is provided as independent flow paths as in the modified example 2.

The partition plate 62 is provided so as to cover the outlet of the first path 21 from below as in the modified example 3, and the end portion of the partition plate 62 on the sensible heat exchanger 2 side is from the outlet of the first path 21. Is also provided at a position on the side of the second path 22, and has the same effect as that of the third modification.

(Modification 5)
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing one configuration of the heat exchanger 2 according to the modified example 5 (exhaust side Z: air supply side Z). Similar to the heat exchanger 2 of the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 of the modified example 5 is provided with the first path 21 (plurality of exhaust paths) and the second path 22 (plurality of air supply paths). The first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form a countercurrent.

The sensible heat exchanger 2 has a hexagonal shape in cross-sectional view.

The first path 21 has a path configuration in which the upper left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the lower right side is the ending point (exit). In the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. It forms a Z shape.

The second path 22 has a path configuration in which the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is the starting point (inlet) and the upper right side is the ending point (exit). In the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. It forms a Z shape.

Both the first path 21 and the second path 22 are Z-shaped, and in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2, the first path 21 and the second path 22 are overlapped at the central portion of the sensible heat exchanger 2. By doing so, the heat exchange rate can be improved. Further, it is possible to prevent the unevaporated sprayed water from remaining in the sensible heat exchanger 2 due to gravity. As a result, the growth of germs caused by the spray water remaining in the first route 21 can be suppressed. In FIG. 8 corresponding to the modified example 5, the first path 21 is formed from the upper left to the lower right, and the second path 22 is formed from the lower left to the upper right. However, in the modified example 5, the same effect is obtained when the first path 21 (not shown) is formed from the upper right to the lower right and the second path 22 is formed from the lower left to the upper left. included.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, not the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 Air conditioner 2 Magnifying heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
21 1st path 22 2nd path 3 1st flow path (exhaust flow path)
31 1st fan (exhaust fan)
32 1st filter 33 1st suction port 34 1st air outlet 4 2nd flow path (air supply flow path)
41 2nd fan (air supply fan)
42 2nd filter 43 2nd suction port 44 2nd outlet 5 Spraying part 6 Branching part 61 Spraying water recovery path 62 Partition plate 7 Moisture absorbing member 8 Drain pan 81 Continuous passage 82 Lower end 9 Water reservoir 91 Air hole 10 Sensor 11 Pump 12 Controller 121 Control unit 122 Storage unit 123 Input / output I / F
13 Solenoid valve 14 Tank 15 Housing 151 Caster

Claims (8)

The spraying part that sprays the water to be vaporized,
A first flow path through which the first air cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water sprayed by the spraying portion flows, and
A second flow path through which the second air blown into the air-conditioned space flows,
A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first air and the second air and cooling the second air is provided.
The heat exchanger includes a first path forming at least a part of the first flow path and a second path forming at least a part of the second flow path.
The first flow path is provided with a branch portion that branches vertically on the downstream side of the first path in the flow direction of the first air.
A drain pan that communicates with the branch portion is provided below the branch portion.
Below the drain pan, a water reservoir for storing the sprayed water to be supplied to the spraying portion is provided.
An air conditioner characterized in that the drain pan and the water reservoir are communicated with each other. A tank that holds water supplied from the outside and
A solenoid valve provided between the tank and the water reservoir,
A control unit that controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve,
It is equipped with a sensor that outputs information about the water level in the water reservoir.
When the control unit determines that the water level is lower than the lower end of the communication passage connecting the drain pan and the water reservoir based on the information about the water level output from the sensor, the water level is said to be lower than the lower end of the communication passage. Open the solenoid valve until it is higher than the lower end
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is characterized by the above . The spraying part that sprays the water to be vaporized,
A first flow path through which the first air cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water sprayed by the spraying portion flows, and
A second flow path through which the second air blown into the air-conditioned space flows,
A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first air and the second air and cooling the second air is provided.
The heat exchanger includes a first path forming at least a part of the first flow path and a second path forming at least a part of the second flow path.
The first flow path is provided with a branch portion that branches vertically on the downstream side of the first path in the flow direction of the first air.
A drain pan that communicates with the branch portion is provided below the branch portion.
A second fan for transporting the second air is provided in the second flow path.
In the heat exchanger, the first path and the second path are laminated so that the first air and the second air are countercurrent.
An air conditioner characterized by that. The spraying part that sprays the water to be vaporized,
A first flow path through which the first air cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water sprayed by the spraying portion flows, and
A second flow path through which the second air blown into the air-conditioned space flows,
A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first air and the second air and cooling the second air is provided.
The heat exchanger includes a first path forming at least a part of the first flow path and a second path forming at least a part of the second flow path.
The first flow path is provided with a branch portion that branches vertically on the downstream side of the first path in the flow direction of the first air.
A drain pan that communicates with the branch portion is provided below the branch portion.
A hygroscopic member covering the opening of the drain pan is provided between the branch portion and the drain pan.
An air conditioner characterized by that. In the first flow path, a first filter is provided on the upstream side of the spraying portion.
The air conditioner according to claim 4 , wherein the pressure loss value of the moisture absorbing member is larger than the pressure loss value of the first filter. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first flow path is formed upward before and after the branch portion and is formed in a U shape. .. In the first flow path, the distance from the spraying portion to the branch portion, claim 1, wherein the shorter than the distance from the branch portion to the first air outlet first air is blown The air conditioner according to any one of claims 6. A first fan for transporting the first air is provided in the first flow path.
The air conditioner according to claim 7 , wherein the first fan is provided in the vicinity of the first air outlet.

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