WO2007141901A1

WO2007141901A1 - Humidity controller

Info

Publication number: WO2007141901A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/000431
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hideo Inaba; Kensaku Maeda; Ryosuke Nishida
Original assignee: Japan Exlan Company Limited
Priority date: 2006-06-09
Filing date: 2007-04-20
Publication date: 2007-12-13
Also published as: JP2007327712A; JP4816267B2

Abstract

A humidity controller rendering water supply and drainage unnecessary. The humidity controller is characterized by including a desiccant rotor of honeycomb form carrying a desiccant capable of adsorbing moisture of air and desorbing the moisture into the air, the desiccant rotor partitioned into an adsorption zone for moisture adsorption and a regeneration zone for moisture desorption, the air flowing through the adsorption zone and the air flowing through the regeneration zone being in substantially countercurrent relationship; a refrigeration cycle consisting of a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser; a first air channel for causing the air introduced in system to flow to the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle so as to perform cooling and dehumidification and thus recover moisture from the air and subsequently flow to the adsorption zone of the desiccant rotor so as to perform adsorption and dehumidification; and a second air channel for causing the air introduced in system to flow to the condenser of the refrigeration cycle so as to heat the same and subsequently flow to the regeneration zone of the desiccant rotor so as to perform desorption and humidification, the resultant air loaded with the moisture recovered in the first air channel to thereby perform further humidification.

Description

Specification

Humidity control device

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus, and more particularly to a humidity control apparatus capable of switching between humidification and dehumidification.

Background art

[0002] When air conditioning is performed, in the winter when the air is dry, humidifiers are used to add moisture to the treated air (indoor air or outside air) to evaporate and humidify the summer. During heavy snowfall, a dehumidifier is used that cools and dehumidifies the processing air with an evaporator, reheats it with a condenser, and supplies it to the air conditioning space. Each of these usually used separate equipment.

[0003] However, such a humidifier needs to be replenished with water, and when it is installed in many rooms, it takes a lot of work to supply water. In addition, the electric heater was used to evaporate the water, and the energy efficiency was poor. In addition, it was necessary to store in the summer.

[0004] On the other hand, with respect to the dehumidifier, it was necessary to drain the dehumidified water periodically, and it took time and effort to drain the water. In addition, it was necessary to store in winter except in heavy snowy areas. In addition, when the room temperature is low except in summer, frost grows in the evaporator and defrosting is necessary, so continuous operation is impossible.

[0005] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes a humidity control apparatus for both summer and winter. However, in this device, different devices used in summer and winter are installed in the outside air intake route and the indoor air exhaust route, respectively, which is essentially the same as two devices installed. There were few advantages such as cost reduction and no storage required, and water supply was also necessary.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Special Table 2 0 0 3— 5 3 1 3 5 4

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention [0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one object is to provide a humidity control device that does not require water supply. Another object is to provide a humidity control device that does not require drainage. Still another object is to provide a humidity control device that can switch between humidification and dehumidification.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the humidity control apparatus of the present invention is a honeycomb-shaped desiccant rotor carrying a desiccant that adsorbs moisture in the air and that can desorb moisture in the air, It is divided into an adsorption zone that adsorbs moisture and a regeneration zone that desorbs moisture, and a desiccant rotor in which the air flowing through the adsorption zone and the air flowing through the regeneration zone are almost counterflowing, a compressor and an evaporator The refrigeration cycle consisting of a condenser and the air introduced into the system are flowed to the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle to cool and dehumidify to collect moisture from the air, and then flow to the adsorption zone of the desiccant rotor for adsorption and dehumidification The first air path and the air introduced into the system flow to the condenser of the refrigeration cycle to be heated, and then flow to the regeneration zone of the desiccant rotor for desorption and humidification. After, characterized in that a second air path for further humidified by addition of water recovered in the first air path.

[0009] In the present invention, moisture in the air flowing in the first air path is recovered in the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle and used for humidifying the air flowing in the second air path. In each air path, efficient dehumidification and humidification are performed by combining the refrigeration cycle and the desiccant rotor.

In one preferred embodiment of the humidity control apparatus of the present invention, exhaust from the room is guided to the first air path during the humidification operation.

In this embodiment, exhaust from the room is guided to the first air path, and after moisture is collected, it is used for humidifying the air introduced from the second air path. This eliminates the need to replenish water regularly.

In another preferred embodiment of the humidity control apparatus of the present invention, exhaust from the room is guided to the second air path during the dehumidifying operation.

In this embodiment, the air introduced from the first air path is dehumidified, The exhaust from the room is guided to the second air path, and the water removed is evaporated and discharged. This eliminates the need for regular drainage of dew condensation water and installation of drainage pipes to the drainage channel. In addition, since desiccant adsorption dehumidification is performed after cooling dehumidification, the cooling temperature in the evaporator is higher than in the past, and frost does not grow in the evaporator, so that continuous dehumidification can be achieved even at low temperatures.

In another preferred embodiment of the humidity control apparatus of the present invention, the first air path and the second air path are switched by switching the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigeration cycle. In this embodiment, since the first air path and the second air path are switched by switching the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigeration cycle, the air path is changed without using mechanical / structural change means. be able to.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the humidity control apparatus of the present invention, heat that causes heat exchange between the air immediately before the inflow of the evaporator in the first air path and the air immediately before the inflow of the condenser in the second air path. Install an exchanger.

In this embodiment, the recovered heat is effectively used by heat exchange between the air immediately before the inflow of the evaporator in the first air path and the air immediately before the inflow of the condenser in the second air path by the heat exchanger. The effect of the invention that can improve the energy efficiency

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidifier that does not require water supply or a dehumidifier that does not require drainage, and can provide a humidity control device that reduces labor during operation. Further, it is possible to provide a humidity control device that can switch between humidification and dehumidification by switching between the first air path and the second air path.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main body portion of a humidity control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a duct connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one operation mode of the humidity control apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a wet air diagram illustrating the operation of the humidity control apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another operation mode of the humidity control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a wet air diagram illustrating the operation of the humidity control apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a humidity control apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a moist air diagram illustrating the operation of the humidity control apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a humidity control apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another operation mode of the humidity control apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a humidity control apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another operation mode of the humidity control apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a humidity control apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

1 0 Main unit

1 2 Duc

1 4 frames

1 6 First air path

1 8 Second air path

1 6, 1 8 Air path

1 6 a, 1 8 a λ Ρ

1 6 b, 1 8 b Exit

2 0 Fan (Blower)

2 2 Desiccant rotor

2 2 a Adsorption zone

2 2 b Playback zone

2 4 Refrigeration cycle equipment

2 6 Vaporizing humidifier

2 8 Partition wall

3 0 Compressor 3 2 Condenser

3 4 Expansion valve

3 6 Evaporator

3 8 Refrigerant flow path

4 0 Water storage container

4 1 Water supply pipe

4 2 Flowing material

4 4 Water storage container

4 6 Wall

4 8, 5 0 Vent

5 2 Vent

5 4 Additional air path

5 6 Heat exchanger

5 8 Switching valve

6 0 Filtration 'Sterilizer

6 2 Water piping

6 4 Pump

6 6 Water cycle

6 8 Water tank

7 0 a Normal water supply piping

7 0 b Start water supply piping

7 2 On-off valve

7 4 Hot gas bypass route

7 6 Hot gas bypass valve

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a humidity control apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is adopted as a ventilated system that air-conditions fresh outside air and introduces it into the room. The main body 10 of the humidity controller and a duct 12 that communicates the air path with the indoor space or the outdoor space in a switchable manner.

[0018] The main body section 10 shown in detail in FIG. 1 is removed from the air in the first air path 16 and the first air path 16 that cools and dehumidifies the introduced air to be treated in the frame 14 A second air path 18 is constructed to humidify the air to be treated using the moisture. These air paths 1 6 and 1 8 are at least partially adjacent and arranged in parallel, and fans (blowers) 2 0 are provided at predetermined locations in the air paths 1 6 and 1 8 so that the air flows oppositely. Is provided. Between the first air path 16 and the second air path 18, a desiccant rotor 2 2 as a first means for moving moisture, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus 2 4 as a second means. And a vaporizing humidifier 2 6. In this embodiment, the first air path 16 is installed above the second air path 18. These air paths 16 and 18 are provided with filters (not shown) as necessary.

[0019] The accommodating portion of the desiccant rotor 2 2 includes the first air path 16 and the second air path.

Each of the eighteen cross-sections is semicircular and adjacent to each other, and is generally circular. The partition wall 28 between them is cut out in a size corresponding to the cross section of the desiccant rotor 2 2, and the desiccant rotor 2 2 is disposed so as to block the two air paths 1 6 and 1 8. ing. The desiccant rotor 22 is a honeycomb-like rotor carrying a desiccant capable of adsorbing moisture in the air and desorbing moisture in the air, and each part has two air paths 16, by a rotary drive mechanism (not shown). 1 8 Rotated around axis X at a predetermined speed so as to move alternately. The desiccant rotor 2 2 in the first air path 1 6 forms an adsorption zone 2 2 a that adsorbs moisture from the air, and the desiccant port 2 2 in the second air path 1 8 is the desiccant. A regeneration zone 2 2 b for desorbing moisture from the rotor 2 2 is formed.

In this example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 24 is a vapor compression refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor 30, a condenser 3 2, an expansion valve 3 4, an evaporator 3 6, and a refrigerant flow path 3 8 connecting them. is there. Evaporator as air cooler 3 6 and condenser as heater 3 2 Are arranged upstream of the desiccant port 2 2 of the first air path 16 and the second air path 18, respectively. A water storage container 40 is provided below the evaporator 36 to receive moisture condensed from the cooled air.

The vaporizing humidifier 26 is disposed on the downstream side of the desiccant rotor 2 2 in the second air path 18, and is located substantially below the evaporator 36. Vaporizing humidifier 26 is a device that guides the water stored in water storage container 40 of evaporator 36 to water-flowing member 42 installed in second air path 18 via water supply pipe 41. It evaporates the water and humidifies it. In the flowing water member 42, in order to flow water in a state where the specific surface area is large, linear members are aggregated in a flat plate shape or a bulk shape, or a porous material is used. A water storage container 4 4 that receives un-evaporated water is also provided below the flowing water member 4 2 .For example, a water sensor is installed in this container, and the amount of water supplied to it is adjusted by an alarm. can do. Further, the flowing water member 42 may be brought into contact with the bottom of the water storage container 40 so as to continuously maintain the humidifying action while water is stored in the water storage container 40 by capillary action.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2 (b), the room wall 46 constituting the air-conditioned space is provided with two vents 48, 50, one of which is an air intake and the other is an exhaust. Mouth. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the main body 10 is arranged so that the two air paths 16 and 18 are parallel to the wall, and the air paths 16 and 18 are provided. The entrances and exits 16a, 16b, 18a and 18b are open to the side. The two vents 48, 52, which serve as air intakes or exhausts, are connected to the inlet 16a, the outlet 18b and the duct 卜 12. Ducks should be flexible so that connections can be changed between summer and winter. Instead of the method of changing the connection of the duct 12, a damper may be provided in the fixed duct 12 and the path connection may be switched by opening and closing the damper.

[0023] The operation of the humidity control apparatus configured as described above will be described. Fig. 3 shows the state where the duct 卜 12 is connected to perform indoor humidification operation mainly during winter heating, and is the same as the case shown in Fig. 2. That is, the inlet 16a of the first air passage 16 opens into the room, and the outlet 16b passes through the duct 1 2 and the room It opens to the outside through the mouth 48. On the other hand, the inlet 18 a of the second air path 18 opens to the outside through the duct 12 and the other vent 50 in the room, and the outlet 18 b opens to the room.

[0024] The operation of the humidity control apparatus connected for indoor humidification operation will be described with reference to the humid air diagram of FIG. In Fig. 4, the indoor air is heated and humidified, and is in a state A of relatively high temperature and high humidity. This is introduced into the first air path 1 6, cooled at the sensible heat ratio (SHF) in the evaporator 3 6 of the refrigeration cycle device 2 4, and releases water during the state B, which is Recovered in storage container 40 under 6. This air is further adsorbed by the desiccant in the adsorption zone 22a of the desiccant rotor 22 and dehumidified until it reaches the state C substantially along the isenthalpy line. The dehumidified air is exhausted to the outdoor space through the duct 1 2 and the vent 4 8. Since the absolute humidity is lower than the outside air in this state, the situation where moisture in the air (humidity) is discharged from the room to the outdoor space is avoided.

[0025] On the other hand, the outdoor air introduced into the second air path 18 via the vent 50 and duct 12 is in the low temperature and low humidity state D, and the condenser 3 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 2 4 Is heated to high temperature and low humidity regenerated air (state E) and introduced into the desiccant regeneration zone 2 2 b, almost dehumidifying the desiccant until it reaches the state “ The air in state F is further introduced into the vaporizing humidifier 26 and becomes air in the state G, which is humidified using the water collected in the evaporator 36, and is supplied to the indoor space. As described above, in the humidity control apparatus of this embodiment, water collected from the exhausted indoor air is used for humidification of the introduced processing air, so that it is not necessary to supply water for humidification. Maintenance work can be saved.

Next, the operation in the dehumidifying operation performed mainly during the summer cooling will be described with reference to FIG. The duct 1 2 connection in this figure is the reverse of Figure 2 (a), and the inlet 16 of the first air path 16 is opened to the outside through the duct 2 1 2 and the air vent 48 of the room. The outlet 1 6 b is opened indoors and the second air path 1 The eight inlets 18 a are opened to the room, and the outlet 18 b is opened to the outside through the duct 12 and the other vent 50 in the room.

[0027] The operation of the humidity control apparatus thus connected for indoor dehumidification operation will be described with reference to FIG. Hot and humid external air (state A) is introduced into the first air path 16 and cooled in the evaporator 36 of the refrigeration cycle device 24, releasing moisture (state B). The water is collected in a storage container 40 below the evaporator 36. The air in state B is further adsorbed by the desiccant in the adsorption zone 2 2a of the desiccant rotor 2 2 and becomes air of low temperature and low humidity almost along the isenthalpy line (state C), via the outlet 16b. Supplied to the indoor space.

[0028] On the other hand, the indoor air introduced through the second air path 1 8a is in a low-temperature and low-humidity state D, and is heated in the condenser 3 2 of the refrigeration cycle device 2 4 to be high-temperature and low-humidity. Regenerated air (state E) is introduced into the desiccant regeneration zone 2 2 b and dehumidifies the desiccant until it reaches state F almost along the isenthalpy line. The air in state F is further introduced into the vaporizing humidifier 26, where the water collected in the evaporator 36 is evaporated and the humidity rises to become air in state G, which is exhausted to the outdoor space. As described above, in the humidity control apparatus of this embodiment, the water collected by dehumidifying the supplied processing air is absorbed by the indoor air to be exhausted and discharged to the outside, so that it is time and effort to drain the dehumidified water. Can be omitted. In addition, since the air in the first air path is adsorbed and dehumidified by the desiccant from the state B after cooling and dehumidification, the device dew point temperature required for the state B can be high. In other words, the cooling temperature in the evaporator is higher than in the past, and frost does not grow in the evaporator, so continuous dehumidification can be achieved even at low temperatures.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a humidity control apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The evaporator 3 in the first air path 16 and the air just before the inflow 6 and the air in the second air path 18 Condenser 3 2 An additional air path 5 4 for heat exchange with the air immediately before inflow and a heat exchanger 5 6 are provided. With this configuration, as shown in the wet air line diagram of FIG. 8, the amount of cooling heat generated by the refrigeration cycle device 24 can be reduced, so the compressor 30 can be reduced in size and power consumption can be reduced. Equipment cost, luck The rolling cost can be reduced. The configuration of the heat exchanger 5 6 may be a stationary type using a cross flow heat exchange element in addition to the type in which the heat storage material rotates as shown in the figure.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a humidity control apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference of the apparatus of this embodiment from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 is as follows.

(1) The evaporator 3 6 and the condenser 3 2 constituting the refrigeration cycle apparatus 2 4 are of the same type (evaporation Z condenser). A four-way switching valve 58 is provided for selecting to which refrigerant the compressor 30 is supplied. That is, the evaporation Z condenser to which the refrigerant from the compressor 30 is supplied becomes the condenser 32, and the air path in which it is the second air path 18 is the refrigerant from the compressor 30. Vaporization is not supplied. The Z condenser is the evaporator 36, and the air path it is in is the first air path 16. In addition, two vaporizing humidifiers 26 are provided on the downstream side of the desiccant rotor 22 in each of the air paths 16 and 18, and only the one in the second air path 18 is used. Will pause. Therefore, the humidification operation in winter and the dehumidification operation in summer can be switched by operating the four-way switching valve 58 provided in the refrigerant flow path 38, and the connection change of the duct 12 is not necessary.

[0031] (2) During humidification operation, the condensed water collected by the evaporator 36 is filtered, filtered for sterilizing, the sterilizing device 60, and the water pipe 6 2 and pump for guiding the condensed water to this A water circulation path 6 6 having 6 4 is provided. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 9, this is used in the humidifying operation state, and the condensed water collected by the evaporator 36 is filtered and sterilized by the filtration sterilizer 60, and the water circulation is performed. Water is supplied to the vaporizing humidifier 26 through the ring path 66. Further, in the dehumidifying operation, as shown in FIG. 10, neither the filtration / sterilization device 60 nor the water circulation path 6 6 is used, and the vaporizing humidifier 26 is connected to the condensed water from the evaporator 36 located above. Is fed by gravity.

[0032] It should be noted that the air intake port 1 8a of the second air path 18 during humidification operation During the dehumidifying operation, the air intake 16 6a of the first air path 16 may be opened indoors instead of outdoors. In this case, in the humidification operation, an amount of dry outside air corresponding to the amount exhausted from the first air path 16 a flows into the room from the ventilation port (not shown), but the inlet of the second air path 18 Since the air humidity of 1 8 a is high, the absolute humidity of the supply air is also high, and humidification is performed in the room in a form that enhances the humidification effect, thus supplementing the drying action due to the draft. During dehumidifying operation, the air humidity at the inlet 16a of the first air path 16 is low, so the absolute humidity of the air supply is low, and the room is dehumidified with a high dehumidifying effect. It compensates for the inflow of moisture by the draft. This method requires only one vent and is economical and convenient.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show a humidity control apparatus according to a modification of FIG. 9 and FIG. In the apparatus of this embodiment, the water circulation path 6 6 is provided with a water tank 6 8 for storing the collected condensed water. The water tank 68 is provided with a normal water supply pipe 70 a for supplying water overflowed from the top and a start water supply pipe 70 b for supplying water from the bottom via the on-off valve 72. Yes.

[0034] As shown in the figure, this water tank 6 8 is used during heating and humidifying operation in winter. At the start, the water stored by opening the on-off valve 72 is supplied to the humidifier 26 from the bottom of the tank. To do. On the other hand, during normal operation, the water overflowed from the water tank 68 is supplied to the humidifier 26. As a result, even when the room temperature and humidity are low at the time of start-up, the humidification water source is secured and the humidity adjustment is achieved early.

FIG. 13 shows a humidity control apparatus according to a modification of FIG. 9 and FIG.

The apparatus of this embodiment includes hot gas for guiding refrigerant gas from the outlet of the refrigerant flow path 3 8 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 2 4 to the path connecting the expansion valve 3 4 and the evaporator 3 6 from the compressor 3 0 outlet. A bypass path 74 and a hot gas bypass valve 76 are provided. And in the heating and humidification operation in winter, opening the hot gas bypass valve 76 at the start when the room temperature and humidity are low can alleviate the temperature drop of the evaporator 36 and prevent freezing and condensation. Can maintain the heat dissipation by the desiccant and maintain the humidifying effect of the desiccant.

UtOOO / LOOZdT / lJd Zl 106 dynamic 0 OAV

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A honeycomb-shaped desiccant rotor carrying a desiccant that adsorbs moisture in the air and can desorb moisture in the air, and is divided into an adsorption zone that adsorbs moisture and a regeneration zone that desorbs moisture. A desiccant rotor in which the air flowing through the adsorption zone and the air flowing through the regeneration zone form a counterflow, a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser,

The air introduced into the system flows into the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle, is cooled and dehumidified to collect moisture from the air, and then flows into the adsorption zone of the desiccant rotor to be adsorbed and dehumidified,

The air introduced into the system flows through the condenser of the refrigeration cycle, heats it, then flows into the regeneration zone of the desiccant rotor, dehumidifies and humidifies, and then adds moisture recovered in the first air path to further humidify With a second air path to

A humidity control device comprising:

[2] The humidity control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein exhaust from the room is guided to the first air path during the humidification operation.

[3] The humidity control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein exhaust from the room is guided to the second air path during the dehumidifying operation.

[4] The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first air path and the second air path are switched by switching the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigeration cycle.

[5] The heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air immediately before the inflow of the evaporator in the first air path and the air immediately before the inflow of the condenser in the second air path is provided. Item 5. The humidity control device according to any one of Items 4 to 6.