Humidifying device

Abstract

Provided is a humidity control device capable of ensuring a stable moisture absorption amount regardless of whether the ambient environment has low humidity or high humidity. The humidification unit (50) has a moisture absorption path (70), a moisture release path (71), and a humidification rotor (52). The moisture absorption path (70) includes a moisture absorption fan (55). The moisture release path (71) includes a moisture release fan (54) and a heater (56). The humidification rotor (52) has a first moisture absorption material (521) and a second moisture absorption material (522). The humidification rotor (52) is disposed in the moisture absorption path (70) and the moisture release path (71). At the first relative humidity (A), the moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorption material (522) is lower than the moisture absorption amount of the first moisture absorption material (511), and at the second relative humidity (B), the moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorption material (522) is higher than the moisture absorption amount of the first moisture absorption material (521), and the second relative humidity (B) is lower than the first relative humidity (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a humidity control device. Background Art

[0002] In the existing humidity control device for adjusting humidity, in the case of dehumidification, the hygroscopic material is made to adsorb moisture contained in the air to dehumidify the air. The hygroscopic material adsorbed with moisture is regenerated by heating and used again for dehumidification. In other words, when the hygroscopic material is heated, moisture is separated from the hygroscopic material and the hygroscopic material is regenerated. On the other hand, in the case of humidification, after the hygroscopic material is made to adsorb moisture from the air containing moisture, the moisture separated from the hygroscopic material is supplied to the air to be humidified. In this case, moisture is also separated from the hygroscopic material by heating the hygroscopic material. As the hygroscopic material, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-171316), a metal organic framework (Metal Organic Framework), a polymer adsorbent, etc., which are known as materials with a high adsorption capacity, are used.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-171316

[0006] Even if metal organic structures, polymer adsorbents, etc. are used as moisture absorbents, the adsorption capacity may be insufficient. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A humidity control device according to a first aspect comprises a moisture absorption path, a moisture release path, and a moisture absorption structure. The moisture absorption path includes a moisture absorption fan. The moisture release path includes a moisture release fan and a heater. The moisture absorption structure includes a first moisture absorption material and a second moisture absorption material. The moisture absorption structure is disposed in the moisture absorption path and the moisture release path. At a first relative humidity, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorption material is lower than that of the first moisture absorption material. At a second relative humidity, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorption material is higher than that of the first moisture absorption material. The second relative humidity is lower than the first relative humidity.

[0008] Here, the humidity control device can ensure a stable amount of moisture absorption regardless of whether the surrounding environment has low or high humidity.

[0009] A humidity control apparatus according to a second aspect is the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the moisture absorbing structure is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture.

[0010] A humidity control device according to a third aspect is the humidity control device according to the second aspect, wherein the rotor is formed of a mixed material of the first moisture absorbing material and the second moisture absorbing material.

[0011] A humidity control device according to a fourth aspect is the humidity control device according to the second aspect, wherein the rotor is formed by alternately stacking a first layer composed of the first moisture absorbing material and a second layer composed of the second moisture absorbing material.

[0012] A humidity control device according to a fifth aspect is the humidity control device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the rotor is formed by laminating a first layer and a second layer in the axial direction of the rotor.

[0013] A humidity control device according to a sixth aspect is the humidity control device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the rotor is formed by stacking a first layer and a second layer in a radial direction of the rotor.

[0014] A humidity control device according to a seventh aspect is the humidity control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a control unit. The control unit controls the output of the heater. The control unit controls the heater output at the first relative humidity to be lower than the heater output at the second relative humidity. The regeneration temperature of the first moisture absorbing material is lower than the regeneration temperature of the second moisture absorbing material.

[0015] A humidity control device according to an eighth aspect is the humidity control device according to the seventh aspect, further comprising a first heater and a second heater. The first heater is disposed upstream of the airflow of the dehumidification fan in the dehumidification path. The second heater is disposed downstream of the airflow of the dehumidification fan in the dehumidification path. The control unit operates the first and second heaters simultaneously to perform humidification operation.

[0016] A humidity control device according to a ninth aspect is the humidity control device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the control unit operates the first heater and the second heater simultaneously at the first relative humidity, and operates only the first heater at the second relative humidity.

[0017] A humidity control device according to a tenth aspect is the humidity control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the heat-resistant temperature of the first moisture absorbing material is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbing material.

[0018] A humidity control apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the humidity control apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the humidity control apparatus is installed outdoors and near the indoor side.

[0019] The humidity control device according to the twelfth aspect comprises a moisture absorption path, a moisture release path, a first moisture absorption structure, and a second moisture absorption structure. The moisture absorption path includes a moisture absorption fan. The moisture release path includes a moisture release fan and a heater. The first moisture absorption structure is disposed in the moisture absorption path and the moisture release path. The first moisture absorption structure is formed of a first moisture absorption material. The second moisture absorption structure is disposed in the moisture absorption path and the moisture release path. The second moisture absorption structure is formed of a second moisture absorption material. At a first relative humidity, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorption material is lower than that of the first moisture absorption material. At a second relative humidity, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorption material is higher than that of the first moisture absorption material. The second relative humidity is lower than the first relative humidity.

[0020] The humidity control device according to the thirteenth aspect further comprises a housing in the humidity control device according to the twelfth aspect. The housing is formed with a first suction port and a second suction port. The moisture absorption path comprises a first moisture absorption path and a second moisture absorption path. The first moisture absorption path is arranged in the order of the first suction port, the first moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan. The second moisture absorption path is arranged in the order of the second suction port, the second moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan.

[0021] The humidity control device according to the fourteenth aspect is the humidity control device according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising a housing. The housing is formed with a first suction port and a second suction port. The moisture release path includes a first moisture release path and a second moisture release path. The first moisture release path is arranged in the order of the first suction port, the first moisture absorbing structure, and the moisture release fan. The second moisture release path is arranged in the order of the second suction port, the second moisture absorbing structure, and the moisture release fan.

[0022] A humidity control device according to a fifteenth aspect is a humidity control device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the heater includes a third heater and a fourth heater. The third heater is provided in the first moisture release path. The fourth heater is provided in the second moisture release path. The output of the third heater is lower than that of the fourth heater.

[0023] A humidity control device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention comprises the humidity control device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the heater comprises a third heater and a fourth heater. The third heater is disposed in the first moisture release path. The fourth heater is disposed in the second moisture release path. At a first relative humidity, the third heater is activated and the fourth heater is deactivated. At a second relative humidity, the third heater is deactivated and the fourth heater is activated.

[0024] A humidity control apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect is the humidity control apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the first moisture absorption path and the second moisture absorption path include a common moisture absorption fan.

[0025] Humidity Control Device According to an Eighteenth Aspect In the humidity control device according to the fourteenth aspect, the first moisture desorption path and the second moisture desorption path include a common moisture desorption fan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circuit included in an air conditioning system.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the humidification unit.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the humidification rotor.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification rotor and heater.

[0030] Figure 5It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of heaters.

[0031] Figure 6 This is the water adsorption isotherm of MOF-303 and zeolite (25°C).

[0032] Figure 7 This is the control block diagram of the control unit.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a humidifying rotor according to a modified example.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying rotor and a heater according to a modified example.

[0035] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of heaters according to a modified example.

[0036] Figure 11 It is a schematic top view of a humidifying rotor according to another modified example.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying rotor and a heater according to another modified example.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of heaters according to another modified example.

[0039] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit included in an air-conditioning apparatus according to a modified example.

[0040] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of the humidifying unit of the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 It is a diagram for explaining the position of the humidifying rotor according to a modified example.

[0042] Label Description

[0043] 50: Humidification unit (an example of a humidity control device)

[0044] 51: Shell

[0045] 51b: First suction port

[0046] 51c: Second suction port

[0047] 52: Humidifying rotor (an example of a moisture absorbing structure)

[0048] 52a: First humidifying rotor (an example of a first moisture absorbing structure)

[0049] 52b: Second humidifying rotor (an example of a second moisture absorbing structure)

[0050] 54: Dehumidification fan

[0051] 55: Dehumidification fan

[0052] 56: Heater

[0053] 60: Control Department

[0054] 70: Moisture absorption path

[0055] 70a: First moisture absorption path

[0056] 70b: Second moisture absorption path

[0057] 71: Wet path

[0058] 71a: First moisture release path

[0059] 71b: Second moisture release path

[0060] 521: First moisture absorbing material

[0061] 522: Second hygroscopic material

[0062] 561: First heater

[0063] 562: Second heater

[0064] 563: Third heater

[0065] 564: Fourth heater

[0066] A: First relative humidity

[0067] B: Second relative humidity

[0068] L1: First layer

[0069] L2: Second layer DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] <First embodiment>

[0071] (1) Overall structure

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 10 is a paired air conditioner consisting of an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12 connected in parallel via refrigerant piping. Furthermore, in addition to cooling, dehumidifying, and heating operations, the air conditioner 10 can also perform, either independently or in conjunction with the heating operation, a humidification operation to humidify the indoor air, an air supply operation to supply outdoor air to the room, and an exhaust operation to exhaust indoor air to the outside. While the air conditioner of this embodiment is a paired air conditioner, this is not limiting. A multi-type air conditioner, in which multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit 11, is also possible.

[0073] The outdoor unit 11 includes an outdoor air conditioning unit 20 and a humidifying unit 50. The outdoor air conditioning unit 20 houses an outdoor heat exchanger 24, an outdoor fan 29, and other components. The indoor unit 12 houses an indoor heat exchanger 13, an indoor fan 14, and other components. Furthermore, an intake and exhaust duct 15 is provided between the humidifying unit 50 and the indoor unit 12, allowing the internal space of the humidifying unit 50 to communicate with the internal space of the indoor unit 12.

[0074] (2) Detailed structure

[0075] (2-1) Structure of indoor unit

[0076] The indoor unit 12 is a wall-mounted indoor unit installed on a wall surface in a room, etc. The indoor unit 12 includes an indoor heat exchanger 13 and an indoor fan 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor fan 14 are housed in an indoor unit casing (not shown).

[0077] The indoor heat exchanger 13 is composed of a heat transfer tube that is folded multiple times at both ends in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of fins inserted through the heat transfer tube, and exchanges heat with the air it contacts.

[0078] The indoor fan 14 is a cross-flow fan that generates an airflow in a direction intersecting the rotation axis by being driven to rotate. The indoor fan 14 draws indoor air into the indoor unit 12 and blows the air, which has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 13, out into the room.

[0079] Furthermore, one end portion of an intake and exhaust duct 15 is disposed within the indoor unit 12 .

[0080] (2-2) Structure of the outdoor unit

[0081] The outdoor unit 11 is composed of a lower outdoor air conditioning unit 20 and an upper humidifying unit 50. Therefore, in the outdoor unit 11, the power supplies of the outdoor air conditioning unit 20 and the humidifying unit 50 can be unified.

[0082] (2-2-1) Structure of outdoor air conditioning unit

[0083] The outdoor air conditioning unit 20 houses a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21, a liquid accumulator 23 connected to the suction side of the compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 24 connected to the four-way switching valve 22, and an outdoor expansion valve 25 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The outdoor expansion valve 25 is connected to a liquid refrigerant pipe via a filter 26 and a liquid shutoff valve 27, and is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 13 via this liquid refrigerant pipe. Furthermore, the four-way switching valve 22 is connected to a gas refrigerant pipe via an indoor gas shutoff valve 28, and is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 13 via this gas refrigerant pipe.

[0084] (2-2-2) Structure of the humidification unit

[0085] The humidifying unit 50 is installed outdoors and near the indoor side.

[0086] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the humidifying unit 50 includes a housing 51, a moisture absorption path 70, a moisture release path 71, a humidifying rotor 52 (an example of a moisture absorption structure), and a flow path switching device 53. The humidifying unit 50 can discharge air taken in from the room to the outside, or supply outdoor air (hereinafter referred to as outside air) taken in from the outside into the room. Furthermore, it can humidify the outside air and supply it indoors.

[0087] (2-2-2-1) Housing

[0088] The housing 51 accommodates the moisture absorption path 70 , the moisture release path 71 , the humidifying rotor 52 , the heater 56 , the flow path switching device 53 , and the like.

[0089] On the front surface (front face) of the housing 51 , an adsorption air outlet 51 a and a first suction port 51 b each consisting of a plurality of slit-shaped openings are arranged side by side.

[0090] The first air inlet 51b is an opening for passing outside air taken in from the outside to cause the humidifying rotor 52 to adsorb moisture. The adsorption air outlet 51a is an opening for discharging outside the casing 51 the outside air taken in through the first air inlet 51b and the second air inlet 51c described later and having adsorbed moisture by the humidifying rotor 52.

[0091] A second air inlet 51c and an air inlet 51d, each consisting of a plurality of slit-shaped openings, are provided on the back of the housing 51. Like the first air inlet 51b, the second air inlet 51c allows outside air to pass through the humidifying rotor 52 so that the humidifying rotor 52 can absorb moisture.

[0092] The air intake and exhaust port 51 d is different from the first air intake port 51 b and the second air intake port 51 c and is an opening for taking outside air into the casing 51 during the humidification operation or the air supply operation.

[0093] (2-2-2-2) Moisture absorption path 70

[0094] The moisture absorption path 70 is formed in the housing 51. The moisture absorption path 70 has the first suction port 51b and the second suction port 51c as an inlet and the adsorption air outlet 51a as an outlet.

[0095] The moisture absorption path 70 includes a moisture absorption fan 55. The moisture absorption fan 55 includes an adsorption fan motor 55b and an impeller 55a that is rotationally driven by the adsorption fan motor 55b.

[0096] The moisture absorption fan 55 generates airflow that passes through the portion of the humidifying rotor 52 that is not facing the heater 56. Specifically, the moisture absorption fan 55 generates airflow that is sucked in from the first and second suction ports 51b and 51c, flows through the moisture absorption path 70, and is discharged to the outside from the adsorption air outlet 51a.

[0097] (2-2-2-3) Wet release path 71

[0098] The moisture release path 71 and moisture absorption path 70 are formed separately within the housing 51. The moisture release path 71 has the intake and exhaust port 51d as its entrance. The moisture release path 71 is connected to the intake and exhaust duct 15. Therefore, during humidification operation or air supply operation, outside air drawn in through the intake and exhaust port 51d flows through the moisture release path 71 and is supplied to the room through the intake and exhaust duct 15. On the other hand, during exhaust operation, indoor air drawn in from the indoor unit 12 flows through the intake and exhaust duct 15 into the moisture release path 71 and is discharged to the outside through the intake and exhaust port 51d.

[0099] The dehumidification path 71 includes a dehumidification fan 54 and a heater 56. External air taken into the casing 51 through the air intake and exhaust ports 51d passes through the humidification rotor 52, is heated by the heater 56, and then passes through the humidification rotor 52 further and flows toward the dehumidification fan 54.

[0100] The dehumidification fan 54 is disposed to the side of the humidifying rotor 52. The dehumidification fan 54 is a centrifugal fan assembly that generates airflow that is drawn in from the outside and delivered to the indoor unit 12, and airflow that is drawn in from the inside of the room into the indoor unit 12 and delivered to the outside. In this embodiment, the dehumidification fan 54 is a turbofan.

[0101] When delivering outside air to the indoor unit 12, the dehumidification fan 54 generates an airflow such that the outside air flows from the intake and exhaust ports 51d into the dehumidification path 71, passes through the humidifying rotor 52, and then flows toward the indoor unit 12 via the flow path switching device 53 and the intake and exhaust duct 15. At this time, the air flows in the direction A1.

[0102] When exhausting indoor air from the indoor unit 12 to the outside, the dehumidification fan 54 generates airflow from the indoor unit 12 to the outside through the intake and exhaust duct 15 and the dehumidification path 71 from the intake and exhaust port 51d.

[0103] The heater 56 heats the air sent to the humidifying rotor 52 in order to remove moisture from the humidifying rotor 52. The air heated by the heater 56 is sent to the humidifying rotor 52, whereby the humidifying rotor 52 is heated.

[0104] Heater 56 is a variable heater whose heat generation varies depending on the amount of current flowing through it. Heater 56 includes multiple (three in this embodiment) heating wires 56a, 56b, and 56c as heating elements, and a housing 57 that houses heating wires 56a, 56b, and 56c. Housing 57 includes an inlet opening 57a and an outlet opening 57b. Heater 56 is configured so that air entering housing 57 through inlet opening 57a is heated by heating wires 56a, 56b, and 56c and then blown out of housing 57 through outlet opening 57b.

[0105] (2-2-2-4) Humidification rotor

[0106] The humidifying rotor 52 is arranged in the moisture absorption path 70 and the moisture release path 71. The humidifying rotor 52 is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture. The shape of the humidifying rotor 52 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be a sheet or a roll formed by rolling up a sheet-shaped adsorption element. The humidifying rotor 52 has a roughly disk-shaped outer shape. In this embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 is roughly disk-shaped, which enables the humidifying unit 50 to be miniaturized. In addition, the humidifying rotor 52 is configured to be rotatable and is driven to rotate by a rotor drive motor.

[0107] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the humidifying rotor 52 includes a first hygroscopic material 521 and a second hygroscopic material 522. In this embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 is formed from a mixture of the first hygroscopic material 521 and the second hygroscopic material 522. The first hygroscopic material 521 and the second hygroscopic material 522 absorb moisture from the air they come into contact with and release the absorbed moisture by heating it.

[0108] The first moisture absorbing material 521 is a metal organic framework (MOF) or a polymer adsorption material.

[0109] Metal-organic structures are porous materials with a very large specific surface area, formed by the reaction of metal ions and organic ligands. Compared to zeolites, metal-organic structures have a larger specific surface area at the same mass ratio, resulting in a higher water saturation capacity.

[0110] It should be noted that the metal organic structure may be hereinafter referred to as a porous metal complex (PCP: Porous Coordination Polymer). In the metal organic structure, organic ligands are linked to metal ions to form a polymer structure having numerous openings inside.

[0111] Among metal-organic structures, some have excellent moisture adsorption properties, and these are preferably used as the hygroscopic material.

[0112] The metal organic structure has a higher water adsorption capacity per unit volume than zeolites such as zeolite 13x. An example of the metal organic structure is MOF-303.

[0113] The polymer adsorbent absorbs moisture in the air and is composed of, for example, a cross-linked sodium polyacrylate.

[0114] The second moisture-absorbing material 522 is a silicate mineral containing silicon. Preferably, the second moisture-absorbing material 522 is one or more selected from the group consisting of kaolinite, montmorillonite, and zeolite. More preferably, the second moisture-absorbing material 522 is zeolite.

[0115] More specifically, the zeolite is, for example, zeolite EMC-2, zeolite 13X or zeolite SSZ-13.

[0116] Zeolite does not completely remove water even at temperatures above 200°C.

[0117] At the first relative humidity A, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorbent material 522 is lower than that of the first moisture absorbent material 521. At the second relative humidity B, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorbent material 522 is higher than that of the first moisture absorbent material 521. The second relative humidity B is lower than the first relative humidity A. The moisture absorption capacity refers to the amount of water (increase in mass) contained in the moisture absorbent material after equilibrium absorption of moisture at 25°C and 90% relative humidity for a predetermined period of time, relative to a completely dry moisture absorbent material. The predetermined period of time is, for example, one day.

[0118] Figure 6 Shows the water adsorption isotherms (25°C) of MOF and zeolite13X. Figure 6 This is a graph obtained by superimposing the water 298K adsorption isotherm of MOF described in Patent Document 2 (curve indicated by ● and 0) and the H2O adsorption isotherm (298K) of zeolite13X described in Patent Document 3 (curve indicated by the dotted line) in a manner such that the axes are adjusted.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, at the first relative humidity A, which is a relatively high humidity region in the adsorption isotherm, the moisture absorption of the zeolite is lower than that of the MOF. Furthermore, at the second relative humidity B, which is a relatively low humidity region in the adsorption isotherm, the moisture absorption of the zeolite is higher than that of the MOF.

[0120] If the humidifying rotor 52 includes the first hygroscopic material 521 and the second hygroscopic material 522, the second hygroscopic material 522 can ensure the required amount of moisture absorption at the second relative humidity B, while the first hygroscopic material 521 can ensure the required amount of moisture absorption at the first relative humidity A. In this way, the humidifying rotor 52 can ensure a stable absorption amount regardless of whether the ambient humidity is low or high.

[0121] The regeneration temperature of the first moisture absorbent is lower than that of the second moisture absorbent. The regeneration temperature refers to the temperature required to remove the water temporarily absorbed by the moisture absorbent. The regeneration temperature of MOF is approximately 100°C. The regeneration temperature of zeolite is approximately 200°C.

[0122] The heat-resistant temperature of the first hygroscopic material 521 is equal to or higher than the dehumidification temperature of the second hygroscopic material 522. The heat-resistant temperature is the temperature at which, during heating, the first hygroscopic material 521 begins to denature, its hygroscopic performance decreases, and its structure breaks down. The dehumidification temperature is the temperature at which, during heating, the second hygroscopic material 522 begins to release moisture.

[0123] The manufacturing method of the humidifying rotor 52 is not particularly limited, and the humidifying rotor 52 can be manufactured by a known method.

[0124] (2-2-2-5) Flow path switching device

[0125] The flow path switching device 53 is arranged between the dehumidification fan 54 and the intake and exhaust duct 15. Furthermore, the flow path switching device 53 can switch the connection state between the dehumidification fan 54 and the intake and exhaust duct 15 to a supply state in which the dehumidification path 71 and the intake and exhaust duct 15 are connected, and a supply stop state in which the connection between the dehumidification path 71 and the intake and exhaust duct 15 is released. In the supply state, air is allowed to flow from the dehumidification path 71 to the intake and exhaust duct 15, or air is allowed to flow from the intake and exhaust duct 15 to the dehumidification path 71. Therefore, in the air supply state, the air flowing in the dehumidification path 71 and blown out from the dehumidification fan 54 flows to the intake and exhaust duct 15, or the air sucked into the dehumidification fan 54 from the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust duct 15 flows to the dehumidification path 71. Therefore, in the air supply state, air flows to Figure 1 The outside air flows in the direction A1 shown in FIG. 1 , and is supplied to the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust duct 15, or the air flows to the indoor unit 12. Figure 1 Air from the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust duct 15 flows in the direction A2 shown in the figure, and is discharged to the outside through the intake and exhaust port 51d. Furthermore, in the supply stop state, the flow of air from the dehumidification path 71 to the intake and exhaust duct 15, or the flow of air from the intake and exhaust duct 15 to the dehumidification path 71, is cut off. Therefore, in the supply stop state, outside air is not supplied to the indoor unit 12, and the air in the indoor unit 12 is not discharged to the outside.

[0126] (2-3) Control Unit

[0127] Air conditioning operation is performed by a computer. The control unit 60 includes a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. The control and arithmetic device can utilize a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control and arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic operations according to the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic device can write computation results to the storage device or read information stored in the storage device according to the program. Figure 7 Indicates various functional blocks implemented by the control arithmetic unit. The storage device can be used as a database.

[0128] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 60 included in the air conditioning apparatus 10 is connected to various devices included in the air conditioning apparatus 10. The control unit 60 controls the operation of various devices to perform indoor air conditioning, thereby executing air conditioning operations such as cooling operation, heating operation, and humidification operation.

[0129] The control unit 60 controls the output of the heater 56. The output of the heater 56 refers to heat. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls the heater output at the first relative humidity A to be smaller than the heater output at the second relative humidity B.

[0130] Furthermore, when a humidification instruction is given by the user via a remote controller or the like, the control unit 60 executes a humidification operation to supply the outside air, which has been actively humidified in the humidifying unit 50, into the room. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the humidification operation is performed simultaneously with the heating operation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The humidification operation may be performed independently or simultaneously with the cooling operation.

[0131] Upon receiving a humidification instruction from the user, the control unit 60 switches the flow path switching device 53 to the supply state, rotates the humidifying rotor 52, the moisture absorbing fan 55, and the moisture dissipating fan 54, and drives the heater 56. The rotation of the humidifying rotor 52, the moisture absorbing fan 55, and the moisture dissipating fan 54, and the activation of the heater 56, generate air (humidified air) having a higher moisture content than the outside air and supply it to the indoor unit 12 via the intake and exhaust duct 15.

[0132] (3) Control action during humidification operation

[0133] During the humidification operation, the moisture absorption fan 55 is driven in the humidification unit 50, and the air is blown toward the moisture absorption path 70. Figure 1 The air flows in the direction of arrows A11-A13, and the dehumidification fan 54 is driven, and the air flows in the dehumidification path 71 to Figure 1 Flows in the direction of arrows A21-A25.

[0134] Here, for convenience of description, the outside air flowing through the moisture absorption path 70 among the outside air is referred to as adsorption air, and the outside air flowing through the moisture release path 71 among the outside air is referred to as humidification air.

[0135] Adsorption air drawn into the humidifying unit 50 through the first and second intake ports 51b, 51c flows in the direction of arrow A11, passes through the humidifying rotor 52, and then flows in the direction of arrow A12, toward the vicinity of the moisture absorption fan 55. At this point, the adsorption air passes through the area of ​​the humidifying rotor 52 that is not facing the heater 56 (hereinafter referred to as the moisture absorption area). After passing through the moisture absorption area of ​​the humidifying rotor 52, the adsorption air enters the moisture absorption fan 55, where it is conveyed in the direction of arrow A13 and blown out of the humidifying unit 50 through the adsorption air outlet 51a. In other words, the moisture absorption path 70 can be described as a flow path for passing the adsorption air through the moisture absorption area.

[0136] The humidifying air drawn into the humidifying unit 50 through the intake and exhaust ports 51d flows in the direction of arrow A21, passing through the area of ​​the dehumidification path 71 upstream of the heater 56 (hereinafter referred to as the reheat area). The humidifying air then flows in the direction of arrow A22, reaching the heater 56. The humidifying air that has reached the heater 56 then flows in the direction of arrow A23, passing through an area of ​​the humidifying rotor 52 that is separate from the moisture absorption area and the reheat area (hereinafter referred to as the humidification area). The humidifying air that has passed through the humidification area of ​​the humidifying rotor 52 then flows in the direction of arrow A24, reaching the flow switching device 53. The humidifying air that has reached the flow switching device 53 then returns to the flow switching device 53 via the dehumidification fan 54, flows in the direction of arrow A25, and is delivered to the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust ducts 15. In other words, the dehumidification path 71 can be considered a flow path for passing the humidified air through the humidification area.

[0137] Next, the process of generating humidified air in the humidifying unit 50 will be described. The humidified air referred to here refers to the humidifying air containing moisture released from the humidifying rotor 52. For ease of explanation, the humidifying air before passing through the humidifying region is referred to as pre-humidification air, and the humidifying air after passing through the humidifying region is referred to as humidified air.

[0138] When the adsorption air taken in from the first suction port 51 b and the second suction port 51 c passes through the moisture absorption region of the humidification rotor 52 , moisture in the adsorption air is absorbed in the moisture absorption region.

[0139] The pre-humidified air drawn in through the air intake / exhaust port (51d) flows into the reheat region of the humidifying rotor (52). The pre-humidified air flowing into the reheat region is then heated by the heat in the reheat region. After passing through the reheat region, the pre-humidified air is heated by the heater (56) before passing through the humidifying region. The humidifying region is heated by the pre-humidified air heated by the reheat region and the heater (56), causing the moisture adsorbed in the moisture absorption region to be released into the pre-humidified air. As a result, the pre-humidified air becomes humidified air containing the moisture adsorbed in the moisture absorption region.

[0140] (4) Characteristics

[0141] (4-1)

[0142] Zeolite has traditionally been used as a moisture-absorbing material in humidity control devices. However, in high-humidity environments, zeolite's moisture absorption capacity reaches saturation. Metal-organic structures (MOSs) have a higher moisture absorption capacity than zeolite in high-humidity environments. Therefore, MOSs are being used as moisture-absorbing materials in humidity control devices instead of zeolite. However, MOSs sometimes absorb less moisture than zeolite in low-humidity environments.

[0143] Therefore, in this embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 includes a first hygroscopic material 521 and a second hygroscopic material 522. The humidifying rotor 52 is disposed between the hygroscopic path 70 and the hygroscopic path 71. At a first relative humidity A, the second hygroscopic material 522 absorbs less moisture than the first hygroscopic material 521. At a second relative humidity B, the second hygroscopic material 522 absorbs more moisture than the first hygroscopic material 521. The second relative humidity is lower than the first relative humidity. This ensures that the humidifying rotor 52 maintains a stable hygroscopic level regardless of low or high humidity.

[0144] (4-2)

[0145] In this embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture. Thus, the humidifying unit 50 can not only humidify but also adsorb moisture to dehumidify.

[0146] (4-3)

[0147] In this embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 is made of a mixed material of the first hygroscopic material 521 and the second hygroscopic material 522. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotor can be manufactured at one time without separating the first hygroscopic material 521 and the second hygroscopic material 522.

[0148] (4-4)

[0149] In this embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the heater output at the first relative humidity A to be lower than the heater output at the second relative humidity B. Since the first moisture absorbing material 521 can be regenerated at a lower temperature than the second moisture absorbing material 522, the heater output can be reduced under high humidity conditions where adsorption by the first moisture absorbing material 521 is dominant, thereby saving electricity.

[0150] (4-5)

[0151] In this embodiment, the heat-resistant temperature of the first moisture absorbing material 521 is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbing material 522. Thus, the humidifying rotor 52 can be heated until the second moisture absorbing material 522 fully releases moisture.

[0152] (5) Modification

[0153] (5-1) Modification 1A

[0154] In the above embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 is formed of a mixed material of the first moisture absorbing material 521 and the second moisture absorbing material 522. However, the structure of the humidifying rotor 52 is not particularly limited thereto.

[0155] The humidifying rotor 52 may be formed by alternately stacking a first layer L1 composed of the first moisture absorbing material 521 and a second layer L2 composed of the second moisture absorbing material 522 .

[0156] For example, Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the humidifying rotor (52) may be formed by laminating the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 in the axial direction of the humidifying rotor (52).

[0157] In this modification, an existing humidifying rotor can also be used.

[0158] (5-2) Modification 1B

[0159] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the humidifying rotor (52) may be formed by stacking the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 in the radial direction of the humidifying rotor (52).

[0160] (5-3) Modification 1C

[0161] In the above embodiment, the humidifying unit 50 includes the heater 56. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0162] like Figure 14As shown, the humidifying unit 50 may also include a first heater 561 and a second heater 562. The second heater 562 may be a variable-heat type heater similar to the first heater 561, but is not particularly limited to this. The first heater 561 is positioned upstream of the airflow of the dehumidifying fan 54 in the dehumidifying path 71. The second heater 562 is positioned downstream of the airflow of the dehumidifying fan 54 in the dehumidifying path 71. The controller 60 operates the first and second heaters 561, 562 simultaneously to perform humidification operation.

[0163] In this modification, condensation can be prevented.

[0164] (5-4) Modification 1D

[0165] In Modification 1C, the control unit 60 performs the humidification operation by operating the first heater 561 and the second heater 562 simultaneously. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

[0166] The control unit 60 may operate the first heater 561 and the second heater 562 simultaneously at the first relative humidity A, and operate only the first heater 561 at the second relative humidity B.

[0167] The risk of condensation is high at the first relative humidity A, which is high humidity. However, in this modification, the first heater 561 and the second heater 562 are operated simultaneously at the first relative humidity A, so the risk of condensation can be reduced.

[0168] (5-5) Modification 1E

[0169] In the above embodiment, the humidifying unit 50 is arranged above the outdoor air conditioning unit 20. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. The humidifying unit 50 may also be arranged outdoors and near the indoor side. The indoor side may be, for example, below the ventilation fan.

[0170] Even if the first moisture absorbing material 521 is regenerated at low temperature in the outdoor unit 11, heating may be required for transporting the moisture from the outdoor unit 11 to the indoor unit 12. According to this modification, humidification can be performed near the room, thereby saving electricity.

[0171] (5-6) Modification 1F

[0172] In the above embodiment, the humidifying unit 50 as an example of the humidity control device performs a humidification operation to humidify the target space. However, the humidity control device may perform a dehumidification operation to dehumidify the target space instead of or in addition to the humidification operation.

[0173] In this case, the indoor air is taken into the dehumidification path 71. Specifically, when the dehumidification fan 54 discharges the indoor air from the indoor unit 12 to the outside, an air flow is generated that flows from the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust duct 15 and the dehumidification path 71 and from the intake and exhaust port 51d to the outside. At this time, the air flows in the direction A2. The indoor air taken into the dehumidification path 71 is heated by the heater 56. The heated indoor air is sent to the separation portion of the humidification rotor 52 and comes into contact with the hygroscopic material. The hygroscopic material of the separation portion is heated by contact with the heated indoor air, and moisture is desorbed from the hygroscopic material. The moisture desorbed from the hygroscopic material is discharged to the outside together with the indoor air that has passed through the humidification rotor 52.

[0174] <Second embodiment>

[0175] The second embodiment has many overlapping structures with the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

[0176] (1) Overall structure

[0177] like Figure 15 As shown, the humidifying unit 50 includes a first moisture absorption path 70a, a second moisture absorption path 70b, a first moisture release path 71a, a second moisture release path 71b, a first humidifying rotor 52a (an example of a first moisture absorption structure), a second humidifying rotor 52b (an example of a second moisture absorption structure), a third heater 563, a fourth heater 564, a moisture absorption fan 55 and a moisture release fan 54.

[0178] The humidifying unit 50 can separate the first moisture absorption path 70a or the second moisture absorption path 70b and the first moisture release path 71a or the second moisture release path 71b using a damper structure.

[0179] (2) Detailed structure

[0180] (2-1) Moisture absorption path

[0181] The moisture absorption path 70 includes a first moisture absorption path 70 a and a second moisture absorption path 70 b .

[0182] The first moisture absorption path 70 a and the second moisture absorption path 70 b include a common moisture absorption fan 55 .

[0183] The first moisture absorption path 70a is formed in the housing 51. The first moisture absorption path 70a has the first suction port 51b as an inlet and the adsorption air outlet 51a as an outlet. The first moisture absorption path 70a includes a moisture absorption fan 55.

[0184] In the first moisture absorption path 70a, the first suction port 51b, the first humidifying rotor 52a, and the moisture absorption fan 55 are arranged in this order.

[0185] The second moisture absorption path 70b is formed in the housing 51. The second moisture absorption path 70b has the second suction port 51c as an inlet and the adsorption air outlet 51a as an outlet. The second moisture absorption path 70b includes a moisture absorption fan 55.

[0186] The second moisture absorption path 70b is provided with the second suction port 51c, the second humidifying rotor 52b, and the moisture absorption fan 55 in this order.

[0187] (2-2) Wet release path

[0188] The moisture release path 71 includes a first moisture release path 71 a and a second moisture release path 71 b .

[0189] The first dehumidification path 71a includes a dehumidification fan 54 and a third heater 563. External air taken into the housing 51 through the air intake and exhaust ports 51d passes through the first humidification rotor 52a, is heated by the third heater 563, and then passes through the first humidification rotor 52a to flow toward the dehumidification fan 54.

[0190] The third heater 563 heats the air being fed to the first humidifying rotor 52a to remove moisture from the first humidifying rotor 52a. The air heated by the third heater 563 is fed to the first humidifying rotor 52a, thereby heating the first humidifying rotor 52a. The third heater 563 can be a variable heater that changes heat output, but is not particularly limited to this. The output of the third heater 563 is lower than that of the fourth heater 564.

[0191] The first moisture dehumidification path 71 a includes the first suction port 51 b , the first humidifying rotor 52 a , and the moisture dehumidification fan 54 , which are arranged in this order.

[0192] The second dehumidification path 71b includes a dehumidification fan 54 and a fourth heater 564. External air taken into the housing 51 through the air intake and exhaust port 51d passes through the second humidification rotor 52b, is heated by the fourth heater 564, and then passes through the second humidification rotor 52b to flow toward the dehumidification fan 54.

[0193] The fourth heater 564 heats the air being fed to the second humidifying rotor 52b to remove moisture from the second humidifying rotor 52b. The air heated by the fourth heater 564 is fed to the second humidifying rotor 52b, thereby heating the second humidifying rotor 52b. The fourth heater 564 can be a variable heater whose heat capacity varies, but is not particularly limited to this.

[0194] The second moisture dehumidification path 71 b is provided with the second suction port 51 c , the second humidifying rotor 52 b , and the moisture dehumidification fan 54 in this order.

[0195] The first moisture desorption path 71 a and the second moisture desorption path 71 b include a common moisture desorption fan 54 .

[0196] At the first relative humidity A, the third heater 563 is on and the fourth heater 564 is off. At the second relative humidity B, the third heater 563 is off and the fourth heater 564 is on.

[0197] (2-3) Humidification rotor

[0198] The first humidifying rotor 52a (an example of a first moisture absorbing structure) is disposed in the first moisture absorbing path 70a and the first moisture releasing path 71a. The first humidifying rotor 52a is composed of a first moisture absorbing material 521.

[0199] The second humidifying rotor 52b (an example of a second moisture absorbing structure) is disposed in the second moisture absorbing path 70b and the second moisture releasing path 71b. The second humidifying rotor 52b is composed of a second moisture absorbing material 522.

[0200] At the first relative humidity A, the second hygroscopic material 522 absorbs less moisture than the first hygroscopic material 521. At the second relative humidity B, the second hygroscopic material 522 absorbs more moisture than the first hygroscopic material 521. The second relative humidity B is lower than the first relative humidity A.

[0201] The heat-resistant temperature of the first moisture absorbing material 521 is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbing material 522 .

[0202] (3) Characteristics

[0203] (3-1)

[0204] In this embodiment, the first humidifying rotor 52a, which is composed of a first hygroscopic material 521, and the second humidifying rotor 52b, which is composed of a second hygroscopic material 522, are arranged in the hygroscopic path 70 and the hygroscopic path 71, respectively. At a first relative humidity A, the second hygroscopic material 522 absorbs less moisture than the first hygroscopic material 521. At a second relative humidity B, the second hygroscopic material 522 absorbs more moisture than the first hygroscopic material 521.

[0205] This configuration allows for the use of a system that is appropriate to the external humidity. Specifically, under low humidity conditions, the system including the second humidifying rotor 52b made of the second moisture-absorbing material 522 is used. Under high humidity conditions, the system including the first humidifying rotor 52a made of the first moisture-absorbing material 521 is used. This improves the performance of the air conditioner 10 and achieves energy savings.

[0206] (3-2)

[0207] In this embodiment, the first moisture absorption path 70a is arranged in the order of the first suction port 51b, the first humidifying rotor 52a, and the moisture absorption fan 55. The second moisture absorption path 70b is arranged in the order of the second suction port 51c, the second humidifying rotor 52b, and the moisture absorption fan 55.

[0208] According to this configuration, the first humidifying rotor (52a) and the second humidifying rotor (52b) can be arranged in different moisture absorption paths (70).

[0209] (3-3)

[0210] In this embodiment, the first dehumidification path 71a is arranged in the order of the first suction port 51b, the first humidification rotor 52a, and the dehumidification fan 54. The second dehumidification path 71b is arranged in the order of the second suction port 51c, the second humidification rotor 52b, and the dehumidification fan 54.

[0211] According to this configuration, the first humidifying rotor (52a) and the second humidifying rotor (52b) can be arranged on different moisture release paths (71).

[0212] (3-4)

[0213] In this embodiment, the third heater 563 is provided in the first moisture desorption path 71a. The fourth heater 564 is provided in the second moisture desorption path 71b. The output of the third heater 563 is lower than that of the fourth heater 564. This configuration allows the first moisture absorbing material 521 to be regenerated at a lower temperature than the second moisture absorbing material 522. Therefore, under high humidity conditions where the adsorption of the first moisture absorbing material 521 is dominant, the output of the third heater 563 can be reduced, thereby saving electricity.

[0214] (3-5)

[0215] In this embodiment, the third heater 563 is provided in the first moisture release path 71a. The fourth heater 564 is provided in the second moisture release path 71b. At a first relative humidity A, the third heater 563 is activated, and the fourth heater 564 is deactivated. At a second relative humidity B, the third heater 563 is deactivated, and the fourth heater 564 is activated.

[0216] With this configuration, under high humidity conditions where adsorption by the first moisture absorber 521 is dominant, the fourth heater 564 can be stopped by using the first moisture release path 71a, thereby saving power. Furthermore, under low humidity conditions where adsorption by the second moisture absorber 522 is dominant, the third heater 563 can be stopped by using the second moisture release path 71b, thereby saving power.

[0217] (3-6)

[0218] In this embodiment, the first moisture absorption path 70a and the second moisture absorption path 70b include a common moisture absorption fan 55. According to this structure, an additional moisture absorption fan is not required.

[0219] (3-7)

[0220] In this embodiment, the first moisture desorption path 71a and the second moisture desorption path 71b include a common moisture desorption fan 54. According to this structure, an additional moisture desorption fan is not required.

[0221] (4) Modification

[0222] (4-1) Modification 1A

[0223] In the above embodiment, the first humidifying rotor 52a and the second humidifying rotor 52b are arranged in the humidifying unit 50. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0224] like Figure 16 As shown, the first humidifying rotor 52 a may be arranged in the indoor unit 12 , and the second humidifying rotor 52 b may be arranged in the outdoor unit 11 .

[0225] Even when the first moisture absorbing material 521 is regenerated at low temperature on the outdoor unit 11 side, heating may still be required for transporting the moisture from the outdoor unit 11 to the indoor unit 12. According to this variation, additional humidification can be achieved on the indoor unit 12 side, thereby saving electricity. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 can also have functions that utilize other properties of the first moisture absorbing material 521 (such as deodorization).

[0226] (4-2) Modification 1B

[0227] In the above-described embodiment, the humidifying unit 50 includes two heaters, namely the third heater 563 and the fourth heater 564. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0228] The humidifying unit 50 may include one heater, and the heater may be provided so as to straddle the first humidifying rotor 52a and the second humidifying rotor 52b.

[0229] (Note)

[0230] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A humidity control device comprising: a moisture absorption path (70) comprising a moisture absorption fan (55); a dehumidification path (71) comprising a dehumidification fan (54) and a heater (56); and The moisture absorbing structure (52) comprises a first moisture absorbing material (521) and a second moisture absorbing material (522), and is arranged in the moisture absorbing path and the moisture releasing path. At a first relative humidity (A), the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorbent material is lower than that of the first moisture absorbent material. At a second relative humidity (B) lower than the first relative humidity, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorbent material is higher than that of the first moisture absorbent material.

2. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein The moisture absorbing structure is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture.

3. The humidity control device according to claim 2, wherein: The rotor is formed of a mixed material of the first moisture absorbing material and the second moisture absorbing material.

4. The humidity control device according to claim 2, wherein: The rotor is formed by alternately laminating a first layer (L1) composed of the first moisture absorbing material and a second layer (L2) composed of the second moisture absorbing material.

5. The humidity control device according to claim 4, wherein The rotor is formed by laminating the first layer and the second layer in the axial direction of the rotor. The humidity control device according to claim 4, wherein: The rotor is formed by stacking the first layer and the second layer in a radial direction of the rotor.

7. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The humidity control device further includes a control unit (60) for controlling the output of the heater. The regeneration temperature of the first moisture absorbing material is lower than the regeneration temperature of the second moisture absorbing material. The control unit controls the heater output at the first relative humidity to be smaller than the heater output at the second relative humidity.

8. The humidity control device according to claim 7, wherein: The heater comprises: a first heater (561) arranged in the dehumidification path at a position on the upstream side of the air flow of the dehumidification fan; and a second heater (562) arranged in the dehumidification path at a position on the downstream side of the air flow of the dehumidification fan. The control unit operates the first heater and the second heater simultaneously to perform a humidification operation.

9. The humidity control device according to claim 8, wherein The control unit operates the first heater and the second heater simultaneously at the first relative humidity, and operates only the first heater at the second relative humidity.

10. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein The heat-resistant temperature of the first moisture absorbing material is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbing material.

11. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein The humidity control device is installed outdoors and near the indoor side.

12. A humidity control device comprising: a moisture absorption path (70) comprising a moisture absorption fan (55); a dehumidification path (71), which includes a dehumidification fan (54) and a heater (56); a first moisture absorbing structure (52a), which is arranged in the moisture absorbing path and the moisture releasing path and is composed of a first moisture absorbing material (521); and The second moisture absorbing structure (52b) is arranged in the moisture absorbing path and the moisture releasing path and is composed of a second moisture absorbing material (522). At a first relative humidity (A), the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorbent material is lower than that of the first moisture absorbent material. At a second relative humidity (B) lower than the first relative humidity, the moisture absorption capacity of the second moisture absorbent material is higher than that of the first moisture absorbent material.

13. The humidity control device according to claim 12, wherein: The humidity control device further includes a housing (51), wherein the housing (51) is formed with a first suction port (51b) and a second suction port (51c). The moisture absorption path has: a first moisture absorption path (70a) arranged in the order of the first suction port, the first moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan; as well as The second moisture absorption path (70b) is arranged in the order of the second suction port, the second moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan.

14. The humidity control device according to claim 12, wherein The humidity control device further includes a housing having a first suction port and a second suction port formed therein. The moisture release path has: a first moisture release path (71a) arranged in the order of the first suction port, the first moisture absorbing structure, and the moisture release fan; and The second moisture release path (71b) is arranged in the order of the second suction port, the second moisture absorbing structure, and the moisture release fan.

15. The humidity control device according to claim 14, wherein The heater has: a third heater (563), which is arranged in the first moisture release path; as well as a fourth heater (564), which is provided in the second moisture release path, The output of the third heater is lower than the output of the fourth heater.

16. The humidity control device according to claim 14, wherein The heater has: a third heater, which is disposed in the first moisture release path; as well as a fourth heater, which is provided in the second moisture release path, At the first relative humidity, the third heater is operated and the fourth heater is stopped. At the second relative humidity, the third heater is stopped and the fourth heater is operated.

17. The humidity control device according to claim 13, wherein The first moisture absorption path and the second moisture absorption path include the common moisture absorption fan.

18. The humidity control device according to claim 14, wherein The first moisture desorption path and the second moisture desorption path include the common moisture desorption fan.

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