Dehumidification and heating device

Abstract

The system continuously discharges high-temperature, low-humidity air into the target area over a long period of time. [Solution] The dehumidifying and heating device comprises a first dehumidifier 10a, a second dehumidifier 10b, a heated air supply system 20, a target air supply system 30, and a high-temperature air discharge system 40. The heated air supply system 20 is configured to switch between a first state in which heated air from a heated air source 29 can be introduced into the first dehumidifier 10a, and a second state in which heated air can be introduced into the second dehumidifier 10b. The target air supply system 30 is configured to switch between a first state in which target air from a target region R can be introduced into the second dehumidifier 10b, and a second state in which target air can be introduced into the first dehumidifier 10a. The high-temperature air discharge system 40 is configured to switch between a first state in which high-temperature, low-humidity air from the second dehumidifier 10b can be introduced into the target region R, and a second state in which high-temperature, low-humidity air from the first dehumidifier 10a can be introduced into the target region R.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifying and heating device.

Background Art

[0002] As a dehumidifying and heating device, for example, there is a device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. This dehumidifying and heating device has a dehumidification tower. This dehumidification tower has an adsorbent and a dehumidification casing that houses this adsorbent. The adsorbent can adsorb moisture in the air and generates heat by adsorbing moisture in the air. The dehumidification casing has a one-sided opening formed on one side with reference to the adsorbent and a the other-sided opening formed on the other side with reference to the adsorbent.

[0003] In this dehumidifying and heating device, for example, when the air in a horticultural facility is highly humid at night in winter or the like, the air in this horticultural facility is sent into the dehumidification tower through the one-sided opening of the dehumidification tower. The adsorbent in the dehumidification tower adsorbs moisture from this air and generates heat. As a result, the air that has passed through the adsorbent becomes high-temperature and low-humidity air. This air is discharged into the horticultural facility through the other opening of the dehumidification tower.

[0004] Also, in this dehumidifying and heating device, for example, during the day in winter or the like, the air inside or outside the horticultural facility is heated and then sent into the dehumidification tower through the one-sided opening of the dehumidification tower. The adsorbent in the dehumidification tower is heated by this air. As a result, the moisture adsorbed on this adsorbent is released. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. As a result, the air that has passed through the adsorbent will contain the moisture adsorbed on the adsorbent. This air is discharged into or outside the horticultural facility through the other opening of the dehumidification tower.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, since there is only one adsorption tower, dehumidification and heat dissipation occur at night, and regeneration occurs during the day. Therefore, even if the desiccant is dried with heated air during the day, it has cooled down by night, and the sensible heat that the adsorbent possessed during the daytime drying cannot be utilized. Furthermore, during the daytime drying of the adsorbent, there may be high humidity both inside and outside the horticultural facility, such as on rainy days. In this case, the adsorbent in the adsorption tower cannot be dried efficiently, and there is a problem in that high-temperature, low-humidity air cannot be supplied for adsorption at night.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying and heating device that can make the most effective use of energy from a heated air source and continuously discharge high-temperature, low-humidity air into the target area over a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The following describes several embodiments of a dehumidifying and heating device for achieving the aforementioned objective.

[0009] (1) The dehumidifying and heating device in the first embodiment is The system comprises a first dehumidifier, a second dehumidifier, a heated air supply system capable of supplying heated air to the first and second dehumidifiers, a target air supply system capable of supplying target air, which is air within a target area, to the first and second dehumidifiers, a high-temperature air discharge system capable of discharging high-temperature, low-humidity air from the first and second dehumidifiers into the target area, and a regeneration air discharge system capable of discharging regeneration air from the first and second dehumidifiers. The first dehumidifier and the second dehumidifier each include an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture from the air and generating heat when adsorbing moisture from the air, and a dehumidifying casing that houses the adsorbent. The adsorbent is arranged inside the dehumidifying casing so as to divide the inside of the dehumidifying casing into an A-side space and a B-side space. The dehumidifying casing has an A-side opening that opens to the outside from the A-side space, and a B-side opening that opens to the outside from the B-side space. The heated air supply system is configured to switch between a first state in which the heated air can be introduced into the first dehumidifier from the A-side opening of the first dehumidifier, and a second state in which the heated air can be introduced into the second dehumidifier from the A-side opening of the second dehumidifier. The target air supply system is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the target air can be introduced into the second dehumidifier from the B-side opening of the second dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the first state, and a second state in which the target air can be introduced into the first dehumidifier from the B-side opening of the first dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the second state. The high-temperature air discharge system is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the high-temperature, low-humidity air can be introduced into the target area from the A-side opening of the second dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the first state, and a second state in which the high-temperature, low-humidity air can be introduced into the target area from the A-side opening of the first dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the second state. The regeneration air discharge system is configured to discharge the regeneration air discharged from the B-side opening of the first dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the first state, and to discharge the regeneration air discharged from the B-side opening of the second dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the second state.

[0010] In this embodiment, in the first state, high-humidity air from the target area flows into the second dehumidifier, where it is dehumidified and heated to become high-temperature, low-humidity air. This high-temperature, low-humidity air is discharged from the second dehumidifier into the target area. Also in this first state, heated air from a heating air source flows into the first dehumidifier, releasing moisture adsorbed on the adsorbent inside the first dehumidifier, and regenerating the adsorbent inside the first dehumidifier. Furthermore, in this first state, if a parameter indicating the temperature of the regenerated air discharged from the first dehumidifier is above a predetermined temperature, the regenerated air is discharged into the target area; if this parameter is below the predetermined temperature, it is discharged outside the target area. In other words, in this first state, dehumidification is performed on the air in the second dehumidifier, and regeneration is performed on the adsorbent in the first dehumidifier. Furthermore, in this first state, a portion of the regenerated air discharged from the first dehumidifier is used to heat the target area.

[0011] In this embodiment, in the second state, high-humidity air from the target area flows into the first dehumidifier, where it is dehumidified and heated to become high-temperature, low-humidity air. This high-temperature, low-humidity air is discharged from the first dehumidifier into the target area. Also in this second state, heated air from a heating air source flows into the second dehumidifier, releasing moisture adsorbed on the adsorbent in the second dehumidifier, and regenerating the adsorbent in the second dehumidifier. Furthermore, in this second state, if the parameter indicating the temperature of the regenerated air discharged from the second dehumidifier is above a predetermined temperature, the regenerated air is discharged into the target area; if this parameter is below the predetermined temperature, it is discharged outside the target area. In other words, in this second state, dehumidification is performed on the air in the first dehumidifier, and regeneration is performed on the adsorbent in the second dehumidifier. Furthermore, in this second state, a portion of the regenerated air discharged from the second dehumidifier is used to heat the target area.

[0012] As described above, in this embodiment, in the first state, the second dehumidifier performs dehumidification on the air, and the first dehumidifier performs regeneration on the adsorbent. Also, in this embodiment, in the second state, the first dehumidifier performs dehumidification on the air, and the second dehumidifier performs regeneration on the adsorbent. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the dehumidification capacity of the adsorbent in one of the dehumidifiers decreases due to the dehumidification process performed by the first dehumidifier or the second dehumidifier, dehumidification can be performed by the other dehumidifier by switching the state of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air discharge system. For this reason, in this embodiment, high-temperature, low-humidity air can be continuously discharged into the target area over a long period of time.

[0013] When a regeneration process is performed in one of the two dehumidifiers, the temperature of the casing and the adsorbent inside the casing of the first dehumidifier becomes high, close to the temperature of the heated air, as this process nears completion. Immediately after the process in this one dehumidifier switches from regeneration to dehumidification, the temperature of the casing and the adsorbent inside the casing of the first dehumidifier are high, close to the temperature of the heated air. Therefore, immediately after the dehumidification process begins in one of the dehumidifiers, the air that has passed through the adsorbent in this dehumidifier becomes high-temperature, low-humidity air. Thus, in this embodiment, the sensible heat of the casing and adsorbent of the first dehumidifier, which has become high in temperature during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized as a heat source to heat the air discharged into the target area, even in the period immediately after the start of the dehumidification process in one of the dehumidifiers.

[0014] Furthermore, the dehumidifying and heating device in this embodiment has a regeneration air discharge system that includes a region discharge port from which the regeneration air can be discharged into the target region, and an outside region discharge port from which the regeneration air can be discharged outside the target region. The regeneration air discharge system is configured to discharge the regeneration air from the region discharge port into the target region when a parameter indicating the temperature of the regeneration air is above a predetermined temperature, and to discharge the regeneration air from the outside region discharge port outside the target region when the parameter indicates that it is below the predetermined temperature.

[0015] While the regeneration process is being performed in one of the two dehumidifiers, heated air flows into the other dehumidifier, and moisture is released from the adsorbent inside the other dehumidifier. The air that has passed through the adsorbent contains the moisture released from the adsorbent. This air flows into the regeneration air discharge system as regeneration air. As the regeneration process is completed in one of the dehumidifiers and nears completion, the temperature of the casing of the other dehumidifier and the temperature of the adsorbent inside the casing become high, close to the temperature of the heated air. Therefore, the regeneration air, which is the air that has passed through this adsorbent, becomes high temperature. This regeneration air contains some moisture separated from the adsorbent, but the amount of moisture is less than at the beginning of the regeneration process, and because this regeneration air is high temperature, its relative humidity is low. Therefore, in this embodiment, this high-temperature, low-humidity regeneration air is discharged into the target area via the regeneration air discharge system.

[0016] As described above, in this embodiment, the sensible heat of the casing and adsorbent of one of the dehumidifiers, which have become hot during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized as a heat source for heating the air discharged into the target area.

[0017] (2) The dehumidifying and heating device in the second embodiment is In the dehumidifying and heating device according to the first embodiment, the regeneration air discharge system has a thermometer capable of detecting the temperature of the regeneration air, and the parameter indicating the temperature of the regeneration air is the temperature detected by the thermometer.

[0018] (3) The dehumidifying and heating device in the third embodiment is In the dehumidifying and heating apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, a control device is provided to switch the state of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air discharge system between a state in which each of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air discharge system is in the first state and a state in which each of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air discharge system is in the second state.

[0019] (4) The dehumidifying and heating device in the fourth embodiment is In the dehumidifying and heating device according to the third aspect, the control device causes the heating air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air discharge system to switch states according to predetermined switching conditions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the energy from the heating air source can be maximally and effectively utilized, and high-temperature and low-humidity air can be continuously discharged into the target area over a long period.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in the first state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in the second state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a time chart showing the state change of each device and the like constituting the dehumidifying and heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention over time. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in the first state according to the first modification of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in the first state according to the second modification of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the dehumidifying and heating device and a plurality of modifications in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] [[ID=4O]]「Embodiment of the Dehumidifying and Heating Device」 The embodiment of the dehumidifying and heating device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the dehumidifying and heating device in this embodiment comprises a first dehumidifier 10a, a second dehumidifier 10b, a heated air supply system 20, a target air supply system 30, a high-temperature air discharge system 40, a regeneration air discharge system 50, and a control device 59.

[0025] Both the first dehumidifier 10a and the second dehumidifier 10b include an adsorbent 11 and a dehumidifying casing 12 that houses the adsorbent 11.

[0026] The adsorbent 11 is capable of adsorbing moisture from the air and generates heat when it adsorbs moisture from the air. Examples of such adsorbents 11 include silica gel, alumina gel, amorphous aluminum silicate (see Japanese Patent No. 4576616), a composite of amorphous aluminum silicate and low-crystallinity layered clay mineral (see Japanese Patent No. 5212992), amorphous aluminum silicate powder on which a hygroscopic salt is supported (see Japanese Patent No. 6894094), and amorphous aluminum silicate granules on which a hygroscopic salt is supported (see Japanese Patent No. 6761999).

[0027] The adsorbent 11 is placed inside the dehumidifying casing 12 of the first dehumidifier 10a and the second dehumidifier 10b so as to divide the inside of the dehumidifying casing 12 into space A 12A and space B 12B. The dehumidifying casing 12 has an A-side opening that opens outward from space A 12A and a B-side opening that opens outward from space B 12B. In this embodiment, there are two A-side openings: an A-side first opening 13A and an A-side second opening 14A. There are also two B-side openings: a B-side first opening 13B and a B-side second opening 14B.

[0028] The heated air supply system 20 can supply heated air from a heated air source 29 to the first dehumidifier 10a and the second dehumidifier 10b. As shown in Figure 1, the heated air supply system 20 is configured to switch between a first state in which heated air can be introduced into the first dehumidifier 10a from the first opening 13A on side A of the first dehumidifier 10a, and a second state in which heated air can be introduced into the second dehumidifier 10b from the first opening 13A on side A of the second dehumidifier 10b, as shown in Figure 2. The heated air source 29 is, for example, an electric heater, a boiler, etc. If a boiler is available as a heat source, the waste heat from this boiler can also be used as the heated air source 29.

[0029] Specifically, the heated air supply system 20 includes a heated air main line 21, a heated air first line 22a, a heated air second line 22b, a heated air blower 23, a heated air first valve 24a, and a heated air second valve 24b. The heated air main line 21 is connected to the heated air source 29. The heated air first line 22a branches off from the heated air main line 21 and is connected to the A-side first opening 13A of the first dehumidifier 10a. The heated air second line 22b branches off from the heated air main line 21 and is connected to the A-side first opening 13A of the second dehumidifier 10b. The heated air blower 23 is provided on the heated air main line 21 and is capable of sending heated air from the heated air source 29 to the first dehumidifier 10a or the second dehumidifier 10b. The heated air first valve 24a is provided on the heated air first line 22a. The second heated air valve 24b is located in the second heated air line 22b.

[0030] The target air supply system 30 is capable of supplying target air, which is air within the target area R, to the first dehumidifier 10a and the second dehumidifier 10b. This target air supply system 30 is configured to switch between a first state in which, when the heated air supply system 20 is in the first state, target air can be introduced into the second dehumidifier 10b from the first opening 13B on the B side of the second dehumidifier 10b, and a second state in which, when the heated air supply system 20 is in the second state, target air can be introduced into the first dehumidifier 10a from the first opening 13B on the B side of the first dehumidifier 10a. The target area R is, for example, an area within a horticultural facility.

[0031] Specifically, the target air supply system 30 includes a target air main line 31, a target air first line 32a, a target air second line 32b, a target air blower 33, a target air first valve 34a, and a target air second valve 34b. The target air main line 31 extends from the target region R. The target air first line 32a branches off from the target air main line 31 and is connected to the B-side first opening 13B of the first dehumidifier 10a. The target air second line 32b branches off from the target air main line 31 and is connected to the B-side first opening 13B of the second dehumidifier 10b. The target air blower 33 is provided on the target air main line 31 and is capable of sending target air from within the target region R to the first dehumidifier 10a or the second dehumidifier 10b. The target air first valve 34a is provided on the target air first line 32a. The target air second valve 34b is located in the target air second line 32b.

[0032] The high-temperature air discharge system 40 is capable of discharging high-temperature, low-humidity air from the first dehumidifier 10a and the second dehumidifier 10b into the target area R. This high-temperature air discharge system 40 is configured to switch between a first state, in which high-temperature, low-humidity air from the second opening 14A on side A of the second dehumidifier 10b can be introduced into the target area R when the heated air supply system 20 is in the first state, and a second state, in which high-temperature, low-humidity air from the second opening 14A on side A of the first dehumidifier 10a can be introduced into the target area R when the heated air supply system 20 is in the second state.

[0033] Specifically, the high-temperature air discharge system 40 includes a high-temperature air main line 41, a high-temperature air first line 42a, a high-temperature air second line 42b, a high-temperature air first valve 43a, and a high-temperature air second valve 43b. The high-temperature air main line 41 extends from the target region R. The high-temperature air first line 42a branches off from the high-temperature air main line 41 and is connected to the A-side second opening 14A of the first dehumidifier 10a. The high-temperature air second line 42b branches off from the high-temperature air main line 41 and is connected to the A-side second opening 14A of the second dehumidifier 10b. The high-temperature air first valve 43a is provided on the high-temperature air first line 42a. The high-temperature air second valve 43b is provided on the high-temperature air second line 42b.

[0034] The regeneration air discharge system 50 is capable of discharging regeneration air from the first dehumidifier 10a and the second dehumidifier 10b. This regeneration air discharge system 50 is configured to discharge the regeneration air into the target region R when the temperature of the regeneration air is above a predetermined temperature, and to discharge the regeneration air outside the target region R when the state quantity of the regeneration air is below a predetermined temperature.

[0035] Specifically, the regeneration air discharge system 50 includes a main regeneration air line 51, a first regeneration air line 52a, a second regeneration air line 52b, a first regeneration air valve 53a, a second regeneration air valve 53b, an in-region discharge valve 54i, an out-of-region discharge valve 54o, and a thermometer 55. The main regeneration air line 51 extends from the target region R. One end of this main regeneration air line 51 opens outside the target region R. That is, this main regeneration air line 51 has a region discharge port 51i that can discharge regeneration air into the target region R, and an out-of-region discharge port 51o that can discharge regeneration air outside the target region R. The first regeneration air line 52a is connected to the second opening 14B on the B side of the first dehumidifier 10a. The second regeneration air line 52b is connected to the second opening 14B on the B side of the second dehumidifier 10b. The first regeneration air valve 53a is located on the first regeneration air line 52a. The second regeneration air valve 53b is located on the second regeneration air line 52b. The first regeneration air line 52a branches off from the main regeneration air line 51 and is connected to the second opening 14B on side B of the first dehumidifier 10a. The second regeneration air line 52b branches off from the main regeneration air line 51 and is connected to the second opening 14B on side B of the second dehumidifier 10b. The first regeneration air valve 53a is located on the first regeneration air line 52a. The second regeneration air valve 53b is located on the second regeneration air line 52b. The region discharge valve 54i is located in the main regeneration air line 51, on the side of the target region R that is between the point where the first regeneration air line 52a branches off and the point where the second regeneration air line 52b branches off. The out-of-region discharge valve 54o is located outside the target region R in the main regeneration air line 51, between the point where the first regeneration air line 52a branches and the point where the second regeneration air line 52b branches. The thermometer 55 is provided to detect the temperature of the air in the main regeneration air line 51 between the point where the first regeneration air line 52a branches and the point where the second regeneration air line 52b branches. Both the in-region discharge valve 54i and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o open and close according to the temperature detected by the thermometer 55.

[0036] The control device 59 controls the opening and closing of several valves, excluding the in-region discharge valve 54i and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o, from among the multiple valves described above.

[0037] Next, referring to Figure 1, the airflow when the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air exhaust system 40 are in their first state will be described.

[0038] When the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air discharge system 40 are in the first state, the first heated air valve 24a is open and the second heated air valve 24b is closed. Also, at this time, the first target air valve 34a is closed and the second target air valve 34b is open. Also, at this time, the first high-temperature air valve 43a is closed and the second high-temperature air valve 43b is open. Furthermore, at this time, the first regeneration air valve 53a is open and the second regeneration air valve 53b is closed.

[0039] During winter, especially at night, the air within the target region R becomes cold and humid. This cold, humid air is drawn in from within the target region R by the target air blower 33 and flows into the second dehumidifier 10b through the first opening 13B on side B of the second dehumidifier 10b via the main target air line 31, the second target air line 32b, and the open second target air valve 34b. The adsorbent 11 inside the second dehumidifier 10b adsorbs moisture from this cold, humid air and generates heat. As a result, the air that passes through the adsorbent 11 becomes hot, low-humidity air.

[0040] The high-temperature, low-humidity air inside the second dehumidifier 10b is discharged into the target area R from the second opening 14A on side A of the second dehumidifier 10b via the second high-temperature air line 42b, the open second high-temperature air valve 43b, and the main high-temperature air line 41.

[0041] Furthermore, in the first state, heated air from the heated air source 29 is drawn in from the heated air source 29 by the heated air blower 23 and flows into the first dehumidifier 10a through the first opening 13A on side A of the first dehumidifier 10a via the heated air main line 21, the first heated air line 22a, and the open first heated air valve 24a. The adsorbent 11 inside the first dehumidifier 10a is heated by this heated air. As a result, the moisture adsorbed on the adsorbent 11 is released. In other words, the adsorbent 11 is regenerated. Therefore, the air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 contains the moisture that was adsorbed on the adsorbent 11. This air, as regenerated air, is discharged into or outside the target area R from the second opening 14B on side B of the first dehumidifier 10a via the first regenerated air line 52a, the open first regenerated air valve 53a, and the main regenerated air line 51. Whether the regenerated air is discharged into or outside the target region R will be discussed later.

[0042] As described above, in the first state, low-temperature, high-humidity air from the target region R flows into the second dehumidifier 10b, where it is dehumidified and heated to become high-temperature, low-humidity air. This high-temperature, low-humidity air is then discharged from the second dehumidifier 10b back into the target region R. Also in this first state, heated air from the heated air source 29 flows into the first dehumidifier 10a, releasing moisture adsorbed onto the adsorbent 11 in the first dehumidifier 10a, and regenerating the adsorbent 11. In other words, in this first state, dehumidification is performed on the air in the second dehumidifier 10b, and regeneration is performed on the adsorbent 11 in the first dehumidifier 10a.

[0043] Next, referring to Figure 2, the airflow when the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air exhaust system 40 are in the second state will be explained.

[0044] The control device 59 has a preset switching condition whichever is shorter: the time from when the dehumidification process by the adsorbent 11 starts until the dehumidification capacity of the adsorbent 11 decreases, or the time from when the regeneration process for the adsorbent 11 starts until almost no moisture is removed from the adsorbent 11.

[0045] The control device 59 uses a timer to count the time elapsed since the start of the first state described above. When the time counted by this timer reaches the time required for the switching condition, the control device 59 instructs the first heated air valve 24a, the second heated air valve 24b, the first targeted air valve 34a, the second targeted air valve 34b, the first high-temperature air valve 43a, the second high-temperature air valve 43b, the first regenerating air valve 53a, and the second regenerating air valve 53b to open or close so that the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air discharge system 40 enter the second state.

[0046] Upon instruction from the control device 59, the first heated air valve 24a switches from open to closed, and the second heated air valve 24b switches from closed to open. The first target air valve 34a switches from closed to open, and the second target air valve 34b switches from open to closed. In addition, the first high-temperature air valve 43a switches from closed to open, and the second high-temperature air valve 43b switches from open to closed. Furthermore, the first regeneration air valve 53a switches from open to closed, and the second regeneration air valve 53b switches from closed to open. That is, when the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air discharge system 40 are in the second state, the first heated air valve 24a is closed and the second heated air valve 24b is open. Also, at this time, the first target air valve 34a is open and the second target air valve 34b is closed. Furthermore, at this time, the first high-temperature air valve 43a is open and the second high-temperature air valve 43b is closed. In addition, at this time, the first regeneration air valve 53a is closed and the second regeneration air valve 53b is open.

[0047] In this second state, the low-temperature, high-humidity air within the target region R is drawn out of the target region R by the target air blower 33 and flows into the first dehumidifier 10a through the first opening 13B on side B of the first dehumidifier 10a via the main target air line 31, the first target air line 32a, and the open first target air valve 34a. The adsorbent 11 inside the first dehumidifier 10a adsorbs moisture from this low-temperature, high-humidity air and generates heat. As a result, the air that passes through the adsorbent 11 becomes high-temperature, low-humidity air.

[0048] The high-temperature, low-humidity air inside the first dehumidifier 10a is discharged into the target area R from the second opening 14A on side A of the first dehumidifier 10a via the first high-temperature air line 42a, the open first high-temperature air valve 43a, and the main high-temperature air line 41.

[0049] Furthermore, in the second state, heated air is drawn from the heated air source 29 by the heated air blower 23 and flows into the second dehumidifier 10b through the first opening 13A on side A of the second dehumidifier 10b via the heated air main line 21, the second heated air line 22b, and the open second heated air valve 24b. The adsorbent 11 inside the second dehumidifier 10b is heated by this heated air. As a result, the moisture adsorbed on the adsorbent 11 is released. In other words, the adsorbent 11 is regenerated. Therefore, the air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 contains the moisture that was adsorbed on the adsorbent 11. This air, as regenerated air, is discharged into or outside the target area R from the second opening 14B on side B of the second dehumidifier 10b via the regenerated air second line 52b, the open second regenerated air valve 53b, and the regenerated air main line 51. Whether the regenerated air is discharged into or outside the target region R will be discussed later.

[0050] As described above, in the second state, low-temperature, high-humidity air from the target region R flows into the first dehumidifier 10a, where it is dehumidified and heated to become high-temperature, low-humidity air. This high-temperature, low-humidity air is then discharged from the first dehumidifier 10a back into the target region R. In this second state, heated air from the heated air source 29 flows into the second dehumidifier 10b, releasing moisture adsorbed onto the adsorbent 11 in the second dehumidifier 10b, and regenerating the adsorbent 11. In other words, in this second state, dehumidification is performed on the air in the first dehumidifier 10a, and regeneration is performed on the adsorbent 11 in the second dehumidifier 10b.

[0051] The control device 59 uses a timer to count the time since the start of the second state described above. When the time counted by this timer reaches a predetermined time as a switching condition, the control device 59 instructs the first heated air valve 24a, the second heated air valve 24b, the first targeted air valve 34a, the second targeted air valve 34b, the first high-temperature air valve 43a, the second high-temperature air valve 43b, the first regenerating air valve 53a, and the second regenerating air valve 53b to open or close so that the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air discharge system 40 return to the first state described above.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, in the first state, dehumidification is performed on the air by the second dehumidifier 10b, and regeneration is performed on the adsorbent 11 by the first dehumidifier 10a. Also, in this embodiment, in the second state, dehumidification is performed on the air by the first dehumidifier 10a, and regeneration is performed on the adsorbent 11 by the second dehumidifier 10b. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the dehumidification capacity of the adsorbent 11 in one of the dehumidifiers decreases due to the dehumidification process by the first dehumidifier 10a and the second dehumidifier 10b, dehumidification can be performed by the other dehumidifier by switching the state of the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air discharge system 40. For this reason, in this embodiment, high-temperature, low-humidity air can be continuously discharged into the target region R over a long period of time.

[0053] For example, when a regeneration process is performed in the first dehumidifier 10a and this regeneration process is nearing completion, the temperature of the dehumidifying casing 12 of the first dehumidifier 10a and the temperature of the adsorbent 11 inside the dehumidifying casing 12 become high, close to the temperature of the heated air, and the air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 inside the first dehumidifier 10a also becomes high. Therefore, in this embodiment, the high-temperature air during regeneration, which is the air nearing completion of the regeneration process, is sent into the target region R via the main regeneration air line 51.

[0054] While the regeneration process is being performed in the first dehumidifier 10a, heated air flows into the first dehumidifier 10a, as described above using Figure 1, and moisture is released from the adsorbent 11 inside the first dehumidifier 10a. The air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 contains the moisture released from the adsorbent 11. This air flows into the main regeneration air line 51 via the first regeneration air line 52a as regeneration air. As described above, when the regeneration process is performed in the first dehumidifier 10a and nears completion, the regeneration air, which is the air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 inside the first dehumidifier 10a, becomes hot. Although this regeneration air contains moisture separated from the adsorbent 11, its relative humidity is low because it is hot. Therefore, in this embodiment, this hot and low-humidity regeneration air is discharged into the target region R via the main regeneration air line 51 and the open region discharge valve 54i.

[0055] In other words, in this embodiment, as a heat source for heating the air discharged into the target region R, the sensible heat of the dehumidifying casing 12 and adsorbent 11 of the first dehumidifier 10a, which have become hot during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized near the time when the regeneration process is nearing completion in the first dehumidifier 10a.

[0056] In this embodiment, the temperature of the regenerated air in the main regenerated air line 51 is detected by a thermometer 55. When the temperature detected by this thermometer 55 is above a predetermined temperature, in other words, when the regeneration process in the first dehumidifier 10a is nearing completion, as described above, the in-region discharge valve 54i is open and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o is closed, and the regenerated air is discharged into the target region R. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by this thermometer 55 is below a predetermined temperature, the in-region discharge valve 54i is closed and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o is open, and the regenerated air is discharged outside the target region R. This regenerated air discharged outside the target region R is low temperature and high humidity. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature is, for example, 50°C.

[0057] Even immediately after the dehumidification process begins in the first dehumidifier 10a, the temperature of the dehumidifying casing 12 of the first dehumidifier 10a and the temperature of the adsorbent 11 inside the dehumidifying casing 12 are high, close to the temperature of the heated air. Therefore, immediately after the dehumidification process begins in the first dehumidifier 10a, the air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 of the first dehumidifier 10a becomes high-temperature, low-humidity air. Thus, in this embodiment, the sensible heat of the dehumidifying casing 12 and adsorbent 11 of the first dehumidifier 10a, which have become high in temperature during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized as a heat source for heating the air discharged into the target region R, even in the time immediately after the dehumidification process begins in the first dehumidifier 10a.

[0058] While the regeneration process is being performed in the second dehumidifier 10b, heated air flows into the second dehumidifier 10b as described above using Figure 2, and moisture is released from the adsorbent 11 inside the second dehumidifier 10b. The air that has passed through the adsorbent 11, containing the moisture released from the adsorbent 11, flows into the main regeneration air line 51 via the second regeneration air line 52b as regeneration air. As the regeneration process in the second dehumidifier 10b nears completion, the temperature of the dehumidifying casing 12 of the second dehumidifier 10b and the temperature of the adsorbent 11 inside the dehumidifying casing 12 become high, close to the temperature of the heated air, and the air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 inside the second dehumidifier 10b also becomes high. At this time, the in-region discharge valve 54i is open and the out-region discharge valve 54o is closed, and this high-temperature, low-humidity regeneration air is discharged into the target region R via the main regeneration air line 51 and the open in-region discharge valve 54i. Therefore, in this embodiment, as a heat source for heating the air discharged into the target region R, the sensible heat of the dehumidifying casing 12 and adsorbent 11 of the second dehumidifier 10b, which have become hot during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized near the time when the regeneration process in the second dehumidifier 10b is nearing completion. When the temperature of the regenerated air detected by the thermometer 55 falls below a predetermined value, the in-region discharge valve 54i closes and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o opens, and the regenerated air is discharged outside the target region R.

[0059] Even immediately after the dehumidification process begins in the second dehumidifier 10b, the temperature of the dehumidifying casing 12 of the second dehumidifier 10b, and the temperature of the adsorbent 11 inside the dehumidifying casing 12, are high, close to the temperature of the heated air. Therefore, immediately after the dehumidification process begins in the second dehumidifier 10b, the air that has passed through the adsorbent 11 of the second dehumidifier 10b becomes high-temperature, low-humidity air. Thus, in this embodiment, the sensible heat of the dehumidifying casing 12 and adsorbent 11 of the second dehumidifier 10b, which have become high in temperature during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized as a heat source for heating the air discharged into the target region R, even in the time immediately after the dehumidification process begins in the second dehumidifier 10b.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, the sensible heat of the dehumidifying casing 12 and adsorbent 11, which have become hot during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized as a heat source for heating the air discharged into the target region R.

[0061] By the way, the above explanation assumes that the heated air source 29 continuously generates heated air. However, the heated air source 29 may also generate heated air intermittently.

[0062] Therefore, the following explanation will describe the case where the heated air source 29 intermittently generates heated air, following the time chart shown in Figure 3.

[0063] The heated air source 29 is switched ON and OFF at predetermined time intervals based on instructions from the control device 59. That is, the heated air source 29 alternates between generating heated air and not generating heated air at predetermined time intervals. Note that the ON and OFF timing of the heated air source 29 may be controlled not by predetermined time intervals, but by the temperature within the target region R. For example, it may be controlled to turn OFF when the temperature within the target region R is 15°C and ON when it is 10°C.

[0064] When the control device 59 receives an ON signal from the heated air source 29, it instructs the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air exhaust system 40 to enter the first state. As a result, the first dehumidifier 10a becomes ready for regeneration, and the second dehumidifier 10b becomes ready for dehumidification. Furthermore, when the control device 59 receives an ON signal from the heated air source 29, it instructs the heated air blower 23 and the target air blower 33 to operate. As a result, the heated air blower 23 turns ON, heated air from the heated air source 29 flows into the first dehumidifier 10a, and regeneration is performed in the first dehumidifier 10a. Also, the target air blower 33 turns ON, low-temperature, high-humidity air in the target region R flows into the second dehumidifier 10b, and dehumidification is performed in the second dehumidifier 10b.

[0065] The control device 59 turns off the heated air source 29 after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was turned on. In other words, the control device 59 puts the heated air source 29 into a state where no heated air is generated.

[0066] When the control device 59 receives an OFF signal from the heated air source 29, it instructs the heated air blower 23 to stop. As a result, the heated air blower 23 turns OFF, and heated air from the heated air source 29 no longer flows into the first dehumidifier 10a. Therefore, although the first dehumidifier 10a is in a state where regeneration processing is possible, regeneration processing is not performed in the first dehumidifier 10a. On the other hand, the target air blower 33 remains ON, and low-temperature, high-humidity air in the target region R continues to flow into the second dehumidifier 10b, and dehumidification processing continues in the second dehumidifier 10b.

[0067] The control device 59 turns on the heated air source 29 after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was turned off. In other words, the control device 59 puts the heated air source 29 into a state where heated air is generated.

[0068] When the control device 59 receives an ON signal from the heated air source 29, it instructs the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air exhaust system 40 to enter the second state. As a result, the first dehumidifier 10a becomes ready for dehumidification, and the second dehumidifier 10b becomes ready for regeneration. Furthermore, when the control device 59 receives an ON signal from the heated air source 29, it instructs the heated air blower 23 to operate. As a result, the heated air blower 23 turns ON, heated air from the heated air source 29 flows into the second dehumidifier 10b, and regeneration is performed in the second dehumidifier 10b. Meanwhile, the target air blower 33 remains ON, low-temperature, high-humidity air within the target region R flows into the first dehumidifier 10a, and dehumidification is performed in the first dehumidifier 10a.

[0069] The control device 59 turns off the heated air source 29 after a predetermined time has elapsed since turning it ON.

[0070] When the control device 59 receives an OFF signal from the heated air source 29, it instructs the heated air blower 23 to stop. As a result, the heated air blower 23 turns OFF, and heated air from the heated air source 29 no longer flows into the second dehumidifier 10b. Therefore, although the second dehumidifier 10b is in a state where regeneration processing is possible, regeneration processing is not performed in the second dehumidifier 10b. On the other hand, the target air blower 33 remains ON, and low-temperature, high-humidity air in the target region R continues to flow into the first dehumidifier 10a, and dehumidification processing continues in the first dehumidifier 10a.

[0071] The control device 59 turns on the heated air source 29 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heated air source 29 was turned off.

[0072] When the control device 59 receives an ON signal from the heated air source 29, it instructs the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air exhaust system 40 to enter the first state, as described above. Furthermore, the control device 59 instructs the heated air blower 23 and the target air blower 33 to operate.

[0073] The above operations are repeatedly performed while the dehumidifying and heating device is in operation. Here, the conditions for switching from the first state to the second state, and from the second state to the first state, are receiving an ON signal from the heating air source 29. However, the ON state of the heating air source 29 is controlled by the control device 59. Therefore, even when the heating air source 29 is operated intermittently, the conditions for switching from the first state to the second state, and from the second state to the first state, are essentially based on time.

[0074] As described above, even when the heated air source 29 is operated intermittently, just as when the heated air source 29 is operated continuously, if the dehumidification capacity of the adsorbent 11 in one dehumidifier decreases due to the dehumidification process by that one dehumidifier, the dehumidification process can be carried out by the other dehumidifier by switching the state of the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, and the high-temperature air discharge system 40. For this reason, even when the heated air source 29 is operated intermittently, high-temperature, low-humidity air can be continuously discharged into the target region R over a long period of time.

[0075] Furthermore, even when the heated air source 29 is operated intermittently, when the temperature detected by the thermometer 55 is above a predetermined temperature, the in-region discharge valve 54i opens and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o closes. Also, when the temperature detected by the thermometer 55 is below a predetermined temperature, the in-region discharge valve 54i closes and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o opens. Therefore, even when the heated air source 29 is operated intermittently, the sensible heat of the dehumidifying casing 12 and adsorbent 11, which have become hot during the regeneration process, can be effectively utilized as a heat source to heat the air discharged into the target region R.

[0076] "First Modified Example of a Dehumidifying and Heating Device" A first modified example of the dehumidifying and heating device will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in its first configuration.

[0077] In this modified example, the dehumidifying and heating device differs from the dehumidifying and heating device in the above embodiment only in the configuration of the regeneration air discharge system 50; all other configurations are the same.

[0078] The regeneration air discharge system 50 in this modified example, like the regeneration air discharge system 50 in the above embodiment, includes a main regeneration air line 51, a first regeneration air line 52a, a second regeneration air line 52b, a first regeneration air valve 53a, a second regeneration air valve 53b, an in-region discharge valve 54i, an out-of-region discharge valve 54o, and a thermometer 55. Furthermore, the regeneration air discharge system 50 in this modified example has a shared discharge line 56. One end of this shared discharge line 56 is connected to the first regeneration air line 52a and the second regeneration air line 52b, and the other end of this shared discharge line 56 is connected in the middle of the main regeneration air line 51. Therefore, air from the first regeneration air line 52a and air from the second regeneration air line 52b can flow into the shared discharge line 56. Furthermore, this discharge sharing line 56 is capable of discharging air from the first regenerating air line 52a and the second regenerating air line 52b into the main regenerating air line 51. A thermometer 55 is provided in this discharge sharing line 56 to detect the temperature of the air flowing through it.

[0079] In this modified configuration, air from the first regenerating air line 52a can be reliably supplied to the shared discharge line 56. Furthermore, air from the second regenerating air line 52b can also be reliably supplied to the shared discharge line 56. Therefore, in this modified configuration, the temperature of the air from the first regenerating air line 52a and the temperature of the air from the second regenerating air line 52b can be reliably detected by the thermometer 55.

[0080] In this modified example, the operation of the control device 59 and the operation of each valve are the same as in the above embodiment. Therefore, as mentioned above, Figure 4, which shows this modified example, shows the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in its first state, but the open and closed states of each valve in the second state of the dehumidifying and heating device in this modified example are the same as the open and closed states of each valve in the second state of the dehumidifying and heating device (shown in Figure 2) in the above embodiment.

[0081] "Second variation of the dehumidifying and heating device" A first modified example of the dehumidifying and heating device will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in its first configuration.

[0082] The dehumidifying and heating device in this modified example is a modified version of the dehumidifying and heating device in the first modified example described above. The dehumidifying casing 12 in the above embodiment and the first modified example has two openings on the A side, namely the first A-side opening 13A and the second A-side opening 14A, and two openings on the B side, namely the first B-side opening 13B and the second B-side opening 14B. However, the dehumidifying casing 12 may have only one opening on the A side, namely the A-side opening 15A, and only one opening on the B side, namely the B-side opening 15B, as in this modified example.

[0083] In this respect, the configuration of the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, the high-temperature air exhaust system 40, and the regeneration air exhaust system 50 in this modified example differs from the configuration of the heated air supply system 20, the target air supply system 30, the high-temperature air exhaust system 40, and the regeneration air exhaust system 50 in the above embodiment and the first modified example.

[0084] The heated air supply system 20 in this modified example, like the heated air supply system 20 in the above embodiment and the first modified example, includes a heated air main line 21, a heated air first line 22a, a heated air second line 22b, a heated air blower 23, a heated air first valve 24a, and a heated air second valve 24b. The heated air supply system 20 in this modified example further includes a first shared line 27a and a second shared line 27b on the A side.

[0085] The high-temperature air exhaust system 40 in this modified example, like the high-temperature air exhaust system 40 in the above embodiment and the first modified example, includes a high-temperature air main line 41, a high-temperature air first line 42a, a high-temperature air second line 42b, a high-temperature air first valve 43a, and a high-temperature air second valve 43b. The high-temperature air exhaust system 40 in this modified example further includes an A-side shared first line 27a and an A-side shared second line 27b. That is, both the A-side shared first line 27a and the A-side shared second line 27b are part of the heated air supply system 20 in this modified example, and are also part of the high-temperature air exhaust system 40 in this modified example.

[0086] One end of the A-side shared first line 27a is connected to the A-side opening 15A of the first dehumidifier 10a, and the other end of the A-side shared first line 27a is connected to the heated air first line 22a and the high-temperature air first line 42a. In addition, one end of the A-side shared second line 27b is connected to the A-side opening 15A of the second dehumidifier 10b, and the other end of the A-side shared second line 27b is connected to the heated air second line 22b and the high-temperature air second line 42b.

[0087] The target air supply system 30 in this modified example includes, similar to the target air supply system 30 in the above embodiment and the first modified example, a target air main line 31, a target air first line 32a, a target air second line 32b, a target air blower 33, a target air first valve 34a, and a target air second valve 34b. The target air supply system 30 in this modified example further includes a B-side shared first line 37a and a B-side shared second line 37b.

[0088] The regeneration air discharge system 50 in this modified example, like the regeneration air discharge system 50 in the above embodiment and the first modified example, includes a regeneration air main line 51, a regeneration air first line 52a, a regeneration air second line 52b, a regeneration air first valve 53a, a regeneration air second valve 53b, an in-region discharge valve 54i, an out-of-region discharge valve 54o, and a thermometer 55. The regeneration air discharge system 50 in this modified example further includes a B-side shared first line 37a and a B-side shared second line 37b. That is, both the B-side shared first line 37a and the B-side shared second line 37b are part of the target air supply system 30 in this modified example, and are also part of the regeneration air discharge system 50 in this modified example.

[0089] One end of the first shared line 37a on the B side is connected to the opening 15B on the B side of the first dehumidifier 10a, and the other end of the first shared line 37a on the B side is connected to the first target air line 32a and the first regenerated air line 52a. In addition, one end of the second shared line 37b on the B side is connected to the opening 15B on the B side of the second dehumidifier 10b, and the other end of the second shared line 37b on the B side is connected to the second target air line 32b and the second regenerated air line 52b.

[0090] As described above, the dehumidifying casing 12 in this modified example has only one opening on the A side, the A-side opening 15A, and only one opening on the B side, the B-side opening 15B. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the dehumidifying casing 12 can be reduced in this modified example.

[0091] In this modified example, the operation of the control device 59 and the operation of each valve are the same as in the above embodiment. Therefore, as mentioned above, Figure 5, which shows this modified example, shows the state of the dehumidifying and heating device in its first state, but the open and closed states of each valve in the second state of the dehumidifying and heating device in this modified example are the same as the open and closed states of each valve in the second state of the dehumidifying and heating device (shown in Figure 2) in the above embodiment.

[0092] Furthermore, although this modified example is a modified version of the dehumidifying and heating device in the first modified example described above, it may be similarly modified to the dehumidifying and heating device in the above embodiment.

[0093] "Other variations" In the above embodiment and modified example, the in-region discharge valve 54i and the out-region discharge valve 54o receive the temperature detected by the thermometer 55 and open or close based on this temperature. However, the temperature detected by the thermometer 55 may be received by the control device 59. In this case, the control device 59 instructs the in-region discharge valve 54i and the out-region discharge valve 54o to open or close based on this temperature.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and its modified form, the in-region discharge valve 54i and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o are opened and closed according to the temperature of the regenerated air detected by the thermometer 55. That is, in the above embodiment and its modified form, the temperature of the regenerated air detected by the thermometer 55 is used as a parameter indicating the temperature of the regenerated air. However, the humidity of the regenerated air detected by the hygrometer may also be used as a parameter indicating the temperature of the regenerated air. There is a correlation between the temperature and humidity of the regenerated air. Specifically, as the temperature of the regenerated air increases, the humidity of the regenerated air decreases. Conversely, as the temperature of the regenerated air decreases, the humidity of the regenerated air increases. For this reason, in this case, when the humidity of the regenerated air is below a predetermined humidity, the temperature of the regenerated air is assumed to be above a predetermined temperature, and the in-region discharge valve 54i is opened and the out-of-region discharge valve 54o is closed. Furthermore, if the humidity of the regenerated air is higher than a predetermined humidity, the temperature of the regenerated air is assumed to be below a predetermined temperature, and the in-region discharge valve 54i is closed and the out-region discharge valve 54o is opened. Alternatively, the time elapsed since one of the two dehumidifiers started the regeneration process may be used as a parameter indicating the temperature of the regenerated air. In this case, the in-region discharge valve 54i and the out-region discharge valve 54o are opened and closed depending on whether the time elapsed since one of the dehumidifiers started the regeneration process is greater than or equal to a predetermined time.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the switching condition from the first state to the second state, and the switching condition from the second state to the first state, is time. However, this switching condition may be the temperature or humidity of the high-temperature, low-humidity air flowing through the high-temperature, low-humidity air main line. Alternatively, this switching condition may be the temperature or humidity of the regenerated air flowing through the regenerated air main line 51. Moreover, this switching condition may be the operation or shutdown of the heated air source 29 by environmental control within the horticultural facility.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, substitutions, and partial deletions are possible, provided that they do not depart from the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention derived from the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 10a: First dehumidifier 10b:Second dehumidifier 11: Adsorbent 12: Dehumidifying casing 12A: Space on side A 12B: Space on side B 13A: A side first opening 14A:A side second opening 13B:B side first opening 14B:B side second opening 15A:A side opening 15B: B side opening 20: Heated air supply system 21: Main line of heated air 22a: First line of heated air 22b: Second line of heated air 23: Heated air blower 24a: First valve for heated air 24b: Second heated air valve 27a: A side shared first line 27b: A-side shared second line 29: Heating air source 30: Target air supply system 31: Target air main line 32a: Target air first line 32b: Target air second line 33: Target air blower 34a: Target air valve No. 1 34b: Target air valve number two 37a: B side shared first line 37b: B side shared second line 40: High-temperature air exhaust system 41: High-temperature air main line 42a: High-temperature air first line 42b: High-temperature air second line 43a: High-temperature air valve number one 43b: High-temperature air second valve 50: Air discharge system during regeneration 51: Main air line during regeneration 51i:Area outlet 51o:Outside area outlet 52a: First air line during regeneration 52b: Second air line during regeneration 53a: First air valve during regeneration 53b: Second air valve during regeneration 54i: Intra-region discharge valve 54o: Out-of-bounds discharge valve 55: Thermometer 56: Discharge sharing line 59: Control device R: Target area

Claims

1. First dehumidifier and Second dehumidifier and A heated air supply system capable of supplying heated air to the first dehumidifier and the second dehumidifier, A target air supply system capable of supplying target air, which is air within the target area, to the first dehumidifier and the second dehumidifier, A high-temperature air discharge system capable of discharging high-temperature, low-humidity air from the first dehumidifier and the second dehumidifier into the target area, A regeneration air discharge system capable of discharging regeneration air from the first dehumidifier and the second dehumidifier, Equipped with, Both the first dehumidifier and the second dehumidifier each have an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture from the air and generating heat when adsorbing moisture from the air, and a dehumidifying casing that houses the adsorbent. The adsorbent is placed inside the dehumidifying casing so as to divide the inside of the dehumidifying casing into space A and space B. The dehumidifying casing has an A-side opening that opens outward from the space on the A-side, and a B-side opening that opens outward from the space on the B-side, The heated air supply system is configured to switch between a first state in which the heated air can be introduced into the first dehumidifier from the A-side opening of the first dehumidifier, and a second state in which the heated air can be introduced into the second dehumidifier from the A-side opening of the second dehumidifier. The target air supply system is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the target air can be introduced into the second dehumidifier from the B-side opening of the second dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the first state, and a second state in which the target air can be introduced into the first dehumidifier from the B-side opening of the first dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the second state. The high-temperature air discharge system is configured to switch between a first state, in which the high-temperature, low-humidity air from the A-side opening of the second dehumidifier can be introduced into the target area when the heated air supply system is in the first state, and a second state, in which the high-temperature, low-humidity air from the A-side opening of the first dehumidifier can be introduced into the target area when the heated air supply system is in the second state. The regeneration air discharge system is configured to discharge the regeneration air discharged from the B-side opening of the first dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the first state, and is configured to discharge the regeneration air discharged from the B-side opening of the second dehumidifier when the heated air supply system is in the second state. The regeneration air discharge system has a region discharge port from which the regeneration air can be discharged into the target region, and an outside region discharge port from which the regeneration air can be discharged outside the target region. The regeneration air discharge system is configured to discharge the regeneration air into the target area from the area discharge port when a parameter indicating the temperature of the regeneration air is above a predetermined temperature, and to discharge the regeneration air outside the target area from the area-external discharge port when the parameter indicates that the temperature is below the predetermined temperature. Dehumidification and heating equipment.

2. In the dehumidifying and heating device according to claim 1, The regeneration air discharge system has a thermometer capable of detecting the temperature of the regeneration air, and the parameter indicating the temperature of the regeneration air is the temperature detected by the thermometer. Dehumidification and heating equipment.

3. In the dehumidifying and heating device according to claim 1 or 2, The system includes a control device that switches the state of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air exhaust system between a state in which each of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air exhaust system is in the first state and a state in which each of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air exhaust system is in the second state. Dehumidification and heating equipment.

4. In the dehumidifying and heating device according to claim 3, The control device switches the state of the heated air supply system, the target air supply system, and the high-temperature air exhaust system according to predetermined switching conditions. Dehumidification and heating equipment.

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