Heat exchange system and application device comprising a heat exchange system

Abstract

The heat exchange system (2) of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a heat exchanger (3) and a supply component (4). Here, the heat exchanger (3) has a plurality of fins (5) that come into contact with air containing moisture, and the air is cooled by heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air through the fins (5). In addition, the supply component (4) supplies an additive to the moisture that adheres to the fins (5) due to the cooling of the heat exchanger (3), thereby reducing the contact angle of the moisture with respect to the fins (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to heat exchange systems and application equipment including heat exchange systems, and more particularly to techniques for improving the heat exchange efficiency of heat exchange systems. Background Technology

[0002] Heat exchange systems, such as those used in air conditioning units, include heat exchangers with multiple fins. These fins facilitate heat exchange between air and a heat medium flowing within the system. During operation, when the fins are cooled by the heat exchange, air comes into contact with them, causing moisture in the air to condense and adhere to the fins. This moisture adheres to the fins, reducing the heat exchanger's efficiency due to the specific heat, thermal conductivity, latent heat, or sensible heat of the moisture. Furthermore, when moisture adheres to multiple fins, it blocks the gaps between them. This obstructs airflow within the heat exchanger, further reducing heat exchange efficiency.

[0003] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for forming a hydrophilic film containing hydrophilic resin and silicone resin on the surface of heat exchanger fins, which quickly removes moisture adhering to the fins and imparts antifouling properties to the fins.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-29248 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, when using the method in Patent Document 1, the hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic membrane is more easily reduced than the oil resistance of the silicone resin. Furthermore, when using this method, it is difficult to obtain sufficient antifouling properties; stains adhere to the fins, further reducing the hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic membrane. Therefore, when using the method in Patent Document 1, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is reduced.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchange system and an application device that can achieve excellent heat exchange efficiency over a relatively long period from the initial stage of operation, even when moisture adheres to the fins of the heat exchanger during operation.

[0009] One aspect of the heat exchange system of the present invention includes a heat exchanger and a supply component. The heat exchanger has multiple fins that come into contact with air containing moisture, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air via the fins, thereby cooling the air. The supply component supplies an additive to the moisture adhering to the fins due to the cooling of the heat exchanger, reducing its contact angle with the fins.

[0010] In addition, one application device of the present invention includes the heat exchange system described above.

[0011] The heat exchange system and application device of one aspect of the present invention can achieve excellent heat exchange efficiency for a long period of time from the start of the drive, even when moisture adheres to the fins of the heat exchanger during the drive. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the indoor unit of the application device in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It means from Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the supply component supplying moisture additives to the fins.

[0014] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 An enlarged view of the internal structure of the supply component.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the application device in the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5A This is a diagram showing the appearance of moisture adhering to the fins of a heat exchanger in an existing refrigeration unit.

[0017] Figure 5B It is a diagram showing how water dissolves on the fins of a heat exchanger attached to an existing refrigeration unit, and how moisture remains on the fins.

[0018] Figure 5C This is a diagram showing how frost accumulates on the fins of a heat exchanger in an existing refrigeration unit.

[0019] Figure 6A This is a diagram showing the appearance of moisture adhering to the fins of a heat exchanger in the application device of the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6B This is a diagram showing how water slides off the fins of the heat exchanger in the application device of the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6C This is a diagram showing the fins of a defrosted heat exchanger in the application device of the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between the working (operation) cycle time and heating (heating) capacity of each application device in Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 in the test results of Test 5.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of defrost cycles and defrost time for each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 in the test results of Experiment 6.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of defrost cycles and cooling time for each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 in the test results of Experiment 6.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger of Example 5 before defrosting.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a photograph showing the heat exchanger of Example 5 after defrosting.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger in Comparative Example 6 before defrosting.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger of Comparative Example 6 after defrosting.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger in Comparative Example 7 before defrosting.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger in Comparative Example 7 after defrosting.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the relationship between the operating time and freezer temperature of each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Example 6 in Test 6.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of defrost cycles and the freezer temperature for each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 of Test 6. Detailed Implementation

[0033] One aspect of the heat exchange system of the present invention includes a heat exchanger and a supply component. The heat exchanger has multiple fins that come into contact with air containing moisture, and the air is cooled by heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air via the fins. The supply component supplies an additive to the moisture adhering to the fins due to the cooling of the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the contact angle of the moisture with respect to the fins.

[0034] According to the above structure, in a heat exchange system of the present invention, when air is cooled by heat exchange between air and refrigerant, when moisture adheres to the fins of the heat exchanger, the contact angle of the moisture with respect to the fins is reduced due to the additive supplied from the supply component. This improves the wettability (wetting) of the fin surface, allowing the heat exchange system of the present invention to form a thinner water film on the fin surface. Furthermore, due to the reduced surface tension of the moisture, the heat exchange system of the present invention can easily remove moisture from the fin surface. As a result, the heat exchange system of the present invention can prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to moisture adhering to the fins, or a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to moisture adhering to the fin surface obstructing airflow within the heat exchanger. Additionally, by forming a thin water film on the fin surface, even if impurities in the air adhere to the fins, the impurities can be quickly removed along with the water film, allowing the heat exchange system of the present invention to maintain the fins in a clean state.

[0035] Furthermore, these effects are sustained by supplying an additive to the moisture adhering to the fins using a supply component. Additionally, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, since an additive can be supplied to the moisture adhering to the fins using a supply component, the inconvenience of supplying the additive is eliminated. Therefore, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, excellent heat exchange efficiency can be achieved for a relatively long period even when moisture and contaminants adhere to the fins of the heat exchanger during operation.

[0036] Alternatively, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, the additive can be supplied from the supply component to the moisture adhering to the fins via free fall. Thus, the heat exchange system of the present invention can automatically and efficiently add additive to the fins from the supply component using gravity, and can simplify the structure of the heat exchange system of the present invention.

[0037] Alternatively, the heat exchange system of one embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that the supply component is arranged in contact with the fins. Thus, the heat exchange system of one embodiment of the present invention can easily supply additives to the moisture adhering to the fins from the supply component.

[0038] Alternatively, one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of fins extend in a vertical direction and are arranged in an intersecting direction, and the supply member is an elongated strip in the intersecting direction, arranged to contact the end faces of the plurality of fins. Thus, one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention can supply the additive from the supply member so that the additive can be easily diffused from the moisture adhering to the plurality of fins along the vertically extending surface of each fin.

[0039] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, the supply component can be detachably disposed on the heat exchanger relative to the heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat exchange system of the present invention improves maintainability, allowing for easy replacement of the supply component as needed. Consequently, the heat exchange system of the present invention can maintain stable heat exchange efficiency over a relatively long period.

[0040] Alternatively, the heat exchange system of one aspect of the present invention may be configured such that the supply component includes: a plurality of carriers carrying additives; and a support body that supports the plurality of carriers in such a manner that the additives can be released from the carriers to the outside of the supply component when the plurality of carriers are dispersed.

[0041] Based on the above structure, one aspect of the heat exchange system of the present invention utilizes multiple dispersed carriers to carry the additive, enabling easy supply of the additive to the moisture adhering to the fins over a wide range from each carrier. Furthermore, another aspect of the heat exchange system of the present invention utilizes a support body to support multiple carriers in a manner that allows the additive to be released from multiple carriers to the outside of the supply component, thereby enabling a stable supply of the additive to the fins from the supply component while supporting the carriers.

[0042] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, the carrier can also be a porous granular material. Therefore, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, abundant additives can be maintained within the pores of the carrier, and the additives can be gradually released to the fins from the supply component. Thus, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, additives can be supplied to the moisture adhering to the fins for a relatively long period from the initial operation of the heat exchange system of the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention, the additive can also be a surfactant. Therefore, the heat exchange system of the present invention can easily and effectively reduce the contact angle of moisture adhering to the fins. Additionally, by utilizing, for example, existing surfactants as additives, the design freedom of the heat exchange system of the present invention can be increased.

[0044] Furthermore, in one aspect of the heat exchange system of the present invention, the additive can dissolve, disperse, or diffuse in the moisture adhering to the fins. Thus, one aspect of the heat exchange system of the present invention enables the additive to be rapidly distributed throughout the moisture adhering to the fins from the supply component.

[0045] One embodiment of the present invention includes a heat exchange system comprising any of the above-described embodiments. This embodiment of the present invention provides an application device that achieves excellent heat exchange efficiency over a relatively long period, even when moisture or contaminants adhere to the fins of the heat exchanger during operation.

[0046] Alternatively, the application device of one aspect of the present invention can also be configured as an air conditioning unit including an indoor unit, with the heat exchange system mounted on the indoor unit.

[0047] Alternatively, the application device of one aspect of the present invention can also be configured as an air conditioning unit including an outdoor unit, including a defrosting mechanism for removing frost adhering to the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchange system is mounted on the outdoor unit.

[0048] Alternatively, the application device of one aspect of the present invention can also be configured as a refrigeration device for refrigerating or freezing an object, including a defrosting mechanism for removing frost adhering to a heat exchanger.

[0049] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] (First Implementation)

[0051] [Heat exchange systems and application equipment]

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the indoor unit 10 of the application device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 It means from Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the moisture supply additive attached to the fins 5 by the supply component 4. Figure 1 The application device 1 shown is, as an example, an air conditioning unit including an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit (not shown). In this embodiment, the air conditioning unit functions as a cooling device. Application device 1 includes a heat exchange system 2. This heat exchange system 2 is mounted on the indoor unit 10.

[0053] In application device 1, refrigerant circulates between indoor unit 10 and outdoor unit. Heat exchange system 2 facilitates heat exchange between indoor air and refrigerant. Heat exchange system 2 includes: a heat exchanger (evaporator) 3 having multiple fins 5 in contact with moisture-containing air, through which refrigerant circulates; and multiple supply components 4 supplying additives to moisture adhering to the fins 5 to reduce its contact angle with the fins 5.

[0054] When the air conditioning unit is driven as a refrigeration unit, the heat exchanger 3 cools the indoor air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the indoor air via fins 5. Multiple fins 5 are arranged, for example, extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart in a cross direction (in this case, the horizontal direction) intersecting the vertical direction. The fins 5 are, for example, made of a metal material (such as aluminum) with excellent thermal conductivity, but the material of the fins 5 is not limited to this. Multiple fins 5 are in contact with the flow pipe 6 through which the refrigerant flows in the heat exchanger 3.

[0055] The supply component 4 supplies an additive to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 when the indoor air is cooled, thereby reducing its contact angle with the fins 5. Thus, as described later, the supply component 4 enables a thinner water film to form on the surface of the fins 5. In this embodiment, the supply component 4 is configured to contact the fins 5, and the additive from the supply component 4 is supplied to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 by free fall. The supply component 4 gradually releases the additive to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 in a manner that continuously supplies the additive over a predetermined period (e.g., several years). The supply component 4 releases the additive to the outside while dispersing it in the water through contact with the moisture.

[0056] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, as an example, the supply component 4 is elongated in the aforementioned intersecting direction and is arranged to contact the end faces of the plurality of fins 5. The supply component 4 is formed in a rectangular shape and is arranged with its long side along the arrangement direction of the plurality of fins 5. The supply component 4 is detachably mounted relative to the heat exchanger 3. That is, the supply component 4 can be replaced relative to the heat exchanger 3 at a predetermined time.

[0057] The heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment includes a plurality of supply components 4 arranged at intervals between each other. One supply component 4 extends in the thickness direction of a plurality of fins 5 of the heat exchanger 3 and contacts the end face of each fin 5. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger 3, as an example, has multiple components 3a to 3c, which are arranged in a circumferentially bent manner around the cylindrical fan 11 of the indoor unit 10. Multiple supply components 4 are arranged to overlap with each of the components 3a to 3c. Thus, each supply component 4 supplies an additive to the moisture (water) adhering to the multiple fins 5 of each component 3a to 3c. In this embodiment, at least one supply component 4 is disposed between the filter 7 of the indoor unit 10 and the heat exchanger 3.

[0058] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 An enlarged view of the internal structure of the supply component 4. (See diagram below.) Figure 3As shown, the supply component 4 has: a plurality of carriers 40 that carry (support) additives; and a support body 41 that supports the carriers 40 in such a way that the additives can be released from the carriers 40 to the outside of the supply component 4 when the plurality of carriers 40 are dispersed.

[0059] In this embodiment, the carrier 40 is a porous particulate material. The outer diameter of this particulate material can be appropriately set, for example, it can be set to a value of several μm. Furthermore, as an example, the pore volume of this particulate material can be set to a value of several mL / g, the pore diameter to a value of tens of nm, and the specific surface area to a value of hundreds of m². 2 The value of / g. The particle size, specific surface area, and pore diameter of the particulate matter are set, for example, to values ​​suitable for the sustained-release properties of the additive required by the supply component 4. By constructing the carrier 40 from porous particulate matter, it is possible, for example, to allow the interior of the carrier 40 to hold a rich amount of additive. The carrier 40 of this embodiment contains inorganic components. As an example, the carrier 40 is made of porous glass containing amorphous silica or the like. Examples of materials for the carrier 40 include at least one of porous glass, activated carbon, zeolite, and porous concrete.

[0060] The support 41 in this embodiment contains a water-insoluble component. One example of this water-insoluble component is a water-insoluble resin. Examples of such a water-insoluble resin include at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and acrylic-modified polyethylene (e.g., Acrylic, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0061] In the supply component 4, a support 41 fills the gaps between a plurality of carriers 40. Thus, the plurality of carriers 40 are supported by the support 41 in a state of mutual contact or separation. When the supply component 4 comes into contact with water, for example, an additive is supplied from the carriers 40 located on the surface of the supply component 4 and dissolves in the water. This reduces the concentration of the additive in the surface carriers 40. Subsequently, the additive moves from the carriers 40 located inside the supply component 4 to the carriers 40 located on the surface of the supply component 4, and the concentration of the additive in the surface carriers 40 increases. The additive in the surface carriers 40 dissolves in the water. Through this repetition, the additive is supplied from the supply component 4 to the external water.

[0062] The additive can be appropriately selected as long as it reduces the contact angle of moisture adhering to fin 5 relative to fin 5. Examples of additives include surfactants. Surfactants, as referred to here, are compounds having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in their molecular structure. Examples of anionic surfactants include fatty acid salts, N-acylsarcosine salts, N-acylglutamate salts, alkylbenzene sulfonates, malic amides, alkane sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, α-olefin sulfonates, N-acyl-N-methyl taurate, N-sulfonated fatty acid esters, and alkyl phosphoric acids. Examples of cationic surfactants include alkyl trimethylammonium salts, alkylbenzalkonium chloride, fatty acid amide propyl cationic surfactants, fatty acid amide butylguanidine, and dialkyl dimethylammonium salts. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include alkyl dimethyl acetate betaine, fatty acid amide propyl betaine, alkyl dimethyl hydroxy sulfobetaine, amide amino acid salts, alkyl amine oxides, and alkyl imidazoline betaine. In addition, examples of nonionic surfactants include fatty acid glycerides, fatty acid sorbitol esters, fatty acid sucrose esters, alkyl glycosides, polyoxyethylene propylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ether surfactants. Surfactants are not limited to these and can be appropriately selected based on the application and environment.

[0063] As an example, the supply component 4 comprises a support 41 of 20% to 50% by weight, a carrier 40 (a porous particulate material before the additive is carried) of 10% to 30% by weight, and the remainder. This remainder includes the additive. The composition ratio of the supply component 4 is not limited thereto.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, by using a surfactant as an additive, when the additive is supplied to the moisture adhering to the multiple fins 5, the contact angle can be effectively reduced, and the additive can be diffused over a large area of ​​each fin 5. In addition to surfactants, water-soluble organic solvents can also be used as additives. Examples of organic solvents include alcohols, ketones, esters, and ethers. Among these, lower alcohols are preferred, for example. Examples of lower alcohols include ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and butanol.

[0065] The additive in this embodiment can dissolve, disperse, or diffuse the moisture adhering to the fin 5. Thus, for example, the additive can be rapidly distributed from the supply member 4 to the moisture adhering to the fin 5 even in directions intersecting the vertical direction.

[0066] Next, a method for manufacturing the supply component 4 will be described. As an example, firstly, the carrier 40 (a porous granular material before the additive is carried), the support 41, and the additive are heated and mixed to form a strand. Then, this strand is cut to a predetermined size, and the desired shape of the supply component 4 can be obtained by injection molding. Manufacturing the supply component 4 by injection molding allows for easy adaptation to the shape of the heat exchanger 3, for example, by setting the shape of the supply component 4 accordingly. Thus, when the supply component 4 is manufactured by heating and mixing materials and then injection molding, the material of the carrier 40 is preferably a material that has strength to withstand mixing and heat resistance in the temperature range during injection molding. Similarly, the materials of the support 41 and the additive are preferably materials that have heat resistance in the aforementioned temperature range during injection molding.

[0067] The shape of the supply component 4 is not limited to a long strip; for example, it can also be a sphere or cuboid. When a single or a small number of supply components 4 are arranged in the indoor unit 10, for example, the supply component 4 is arranged on top of the heat exchanger 3 such that the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical supply component 4 is along the arrangement direction of the plurality of fins 5, thereby enabling the additive to be efficiently diffused over a large area of ​​each fin 5.

[0068] The supply component 4 may also contain other components. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following inorganic substances other than the additives mentioned above: surfactants, esters, salts, defoamers, viscosity modifiers, fragrances, colorants, pH adjusters, antioxidants, talc, and silica. Furthermore, the number of supply components 4 in the heat exchange system 2 is not limited.

[0069] When the application device 1 is driven as a refrigeration unit, a low-temperature refrigerant, for example, supplied from a compressor in the outdoor unit, circulates within the heat exchanger 3 of the indoor unit 10. Indoor air comes into contact with multiple fins 5 of the heat exchanger 3. Thus, the indoor air undergoes heat exchange and is cooled by the refrigerant circulating inside the heat exchanger 3 via the multiple fins 5. This cooled air is then discharged from the indoor unit 10 into the room. Since the indoor air contains moisture, moisture adheres to the fins 5 as they come into contact with the indoor air. The refrigerant used in the heat exchange is then sent from the indoor unit 10 to the outdoor unit. After being condensed by heat exchange with the outside air via a condenser in the outdoor unit, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor and supplied back to the indoor unit 10.

[0070] Here, moisture adhering to the fins of an existing heat exchange system may condense into water droplets. When water droplets adhere to the fins of an existing heat exchange system, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases due to the influence of water's specific heat, thermal conductivity, latent heat, or sensible heat. Furthermore, when water droplets adhere to multiple fins of an existing heat exchange system, the gaps between the fins are blocked, hindering airflow within the heat exchanger and reducing heat exchange efficiency. Additionally, when impurities in the air adhere to the fins of an existing heat exchange system, contaminating them, the heat exchange efficiency also decreases.

[0071] The heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment includes a heat exchanger 3 and a supply component 4. The heat exchanger 3 has multiple fins 5 that come into contact with air containing moisture. Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air through the fins 5, thereby cooling the air. The supply component 4 supplies an additive to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 due to the cooling of the heat exchanger 3, thereby reducing the contact angle between the moisture and the moisture relative to the fins 5.

[0072] With this structure, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, when air is cooled by heat exchange between air and refrigerant, when moisture adheres to the fins 5 of the heat exchanger 3, the contact angle of the moisture with respect to the fins 5 is reduced by the additive supplied from the supply component 4. This improves the wettability of the fin surface 5, allowing a thinner water film to form on the fin surface. Furthermore, since the surface tension of the moisture is reduced (in other words, the surface energy of the moisture is reduced), moisture can be easily discharged from the surface of the fins 5. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system 2 from decreasing due to moisture adhering to the fins 5, or to prevent the airflow within the heat exchanger 3 from being obstructed by moisture adhering to the fins 5, thus preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. Additionally, by forming a thin water film on the fins 5, even if impurities in the air adhere to the fins 5, the impurities will be quickly discharged along with the water film, keeping the fins 5 clean.

[0073] Furthermore, these effects are sustained by supplying an additive to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 via the supply component 4. As described above, the additive is supplied to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 via the supply component 4 for a specified period (e.g., several years). Additionally, the heat exchange system 2 can utilize the supply component 4 to supply the additive to the moisture adhering to the fins 5. Therefore, the heat exchange system 2 eliminates the hassle of supplying the additive. Moreover, as described above, the supply component 4 is replaceable relative to the heat exchanger 3. Therefore, even when moisture and contaminants adhere to the fins 5 of the heat exchanger 3 during operation, the heat exchange system 2 can achieve excellent heat exchange efficiency for a relatively long period (at least several years, and even longer if the supply component 4 is replaced) from the initial operation of the heat exchange system 2.

[0074] Furthermore, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the additive is supplied from the supply member 4 to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 in a free-fall manner. Therefore, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment can automatically and efficiently add the additive to the fins 5 from the supply member 4 using gravity, and the structure of the heat exchange system 2 is simplified.

[0075] Furthermore, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the supply component 4 is arranged in contact with the fins 5. Therefore, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment can easily supply additives from the supply component 4 to the moisture adhering to the fins 5.

[0076] Furthermore, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the plurality of fins 5 are arranged to extend in the vertical direction and to be arranged in an intersecting direction, and the supply member 4 is elongated in the aforementioned intersecting direction and is arranged to contact the end faces of the plurality of fins 5. Thus, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment can easily supply additives from the supply member 4 along the vertically extending surface of each fin 5 in a diffuse manner relative to the moisture adhering to the plurality of fins 5.

[0077] Furthermore, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the supply component 4 is detachably disposed on the heat exchanger 3 relative to the heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment improves maintainability, allowing the supply component 4 to be easily replaced as needed. Consequently, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment can maintain stable heat exchange efficiency over a relatively long period.

[0078] In addition, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the supply component 4 includes, for example, a plurality of carriers 40 carrying additives, and a support 41 that supports the plurality of carriers 40 in such a way that the additives can be released from the carriers 40 to the outside of the supply component 4 when the plurality of carriers 40 are dispersed.

[0079] Based on the above structure, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, by utilizing multiple dispersed carriers 40 to carry the additive, can easily supply the additive from each carrier 40 to a wide range of moisture adhering to the fins 5. Furthermore, by using a support 41 to support the multiple carriers 40 in a manner that allows the additive to be released from each carrier 40 to the outside of the supply member 4, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment can stably supply the additive to the fins 5 from the supply member 4 while supporting the carriers 40.

[0080] Furthermore, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the carrier 40 is a porous granular material. Therefore, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment maintains abundant additives within the pores of the carrier 40, and gradually releases the additives from the supply member 4 to the fins 5, enabling the supply of additives to the moisture adhering to the fins 5 for a relatively long period from the initial operation of the heat exchange system 2.

[0081] Furthermore, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the additive is a surfactant. Therefore, the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment can easily and effectively reduce the contact angle of moisture adhering to the fins 5. Additionally, by utilizing existing surfactants as additives, the design flexibility of the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment can be increased.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, the additive flowing on the surface of the fins 5 is caught by the drain trays 8 and 9 of the indoor unit 10. Therefore, in the heat exchange system 2 of this embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent the additive from adhering to unnecessary parts of the application device 1.

[0083] Furthermore, when the application device 1 with heat exchange system 2 is an air conditioning unit, the air conditioning unit can be a heating unit (heating device) or can also function as a heating unit. When the air conditioning unit is driven as a heating unit, heat exchange system 2 can be mounted on the outdoor unit. Additionally, the air conditioning unit is not limited to a structure having an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit; for example, it can be a point-and-shoot air conditioner or an automotive air conditioner. Furthermore, the application device 1 is not limited to an air conditioning unit; for example, it can be a refrigeration unit, a freezing unit, a drying unit, etc. The purpose of heat exchange system 2 is simply to cool the air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 3 and the air through the fins 5 of the heat exchanger 3. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described focusing on its differences from the first embodiment.

[0084] (Second Implementation)

[0085] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the application device 101 in the second embodiment. Figures 5A to 5C This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the heat exchanger fins and their surroundings before and after defrosting in an existing refrigeration unit. Figures 6A to 6C This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the fins 5 and their surroundings of the heat exchanger 3 before and after defrosting in the application device 101 of the second embodiment. Figure 4The application device 101 shown is a refrigeration apparatus for refrigerating or freezing objects. Application device 101 includes a refrigerator compartment 102, a freezer compartment 103, a vegetable compartment 104, a heat exchanger 3, and a defrosting mechanism 105 for removing frost adhering to the heat exchanger 3. The defrosting method of the defrosting mechanism 105 is, as an example, a heater method. The defrosting method of the defrosting mechanism 105 is not limited to this; it can also be any of other known methods such as hot air method, water spray method, off-cycle method, etc.

[0086] like Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the fins of the heat exchanger in the existing refrigeration unit are cooled to below freezing (below zero), undergoing a supercooling state. When the supercooling state is removed, the moisture (condensation) adhering to the fins of the existing refrigeration unit freezes. Thus, frost adheres to the fins of the existing refrigeration unit. Figure 5A When frost repeatedly adheres to the fins of an existing refrigeration unit, frost accumulates. Due to this accumulation, heat exchange efficiency decreases. Therefore, in this state, the frost is removed by activating the defrost mechanism of the existing refrigeration unit to melt the frost adhering to the fins. However, during normal defrost operation of the defrost mechanism in the existing refrigeration unit, complete defrosting is difficult, leaving some moisture (frost or water droplets) on the fins. Figure 5B When the fins of an existing refrigeration unit still contain moisture, during the defrosting cycle and subsequent recooling operation to bring the storage compartment back to the set temperature, the moisture is re-frozen and remains as ice on the surface of the fins. As further frost adheres based on this residual amount, frost accumulates cumulatively within the existing refrigeration unit. Figure 5C As a result, normal heat exchange in the existing refrigeration unit is hindered, and the heat exchange rate of the existing refrigeration unit is reduced.

[0087] like Figures 6A to 6C As shown, in the application device 101 of the second embodiment, the defrosting mechanism 105 melts the frost and generates multiple water droplets on the fins 5 during defrosting operation. Figure 6A In application device 101, the moisture in the water droplets adhering to the fins 5 is modified by the additive supplied from the supply component 4. Multiple adjacent water droplets combine due to their mutual hydrophilicity and slide off the surface of the fins 5 due to their own weight. Thus, in application device 101, frost is removed from the fins 5. Figure 6B As a result, with the application device 101, almost all moisture can be removed from the fins 5. Therefore, with the application device 101, even with repeated defrosting and recooling operations, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of frost on the surface of the fins 5. Figure 6CTherefore, the application device 101 can achieve excellent heat exchange efficiency over a long period of time. Thus, the application device 1 as a whole can improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, since it can prevent the accumulation of frost on the surface of the fins 5, the application device 101 can reduce the amount of frost that needs to be defrosted in a single defrosting operation. Therefore, with the application device 101, defrosting time can be shortened. In addition, by suppressing the heat required for defrosting, the application device 101 can also relatively suppress the rise in the temperature inside the storage room during defrosting operation. Therefore, the application device 101 can also suppress the temperature rise of objects inside the refrigerated or frozen storage room. Furthermore, since the application device 101 can reduce the frequency of defrosting operations, the above-mentioned effects can be further improved.

[0088] Next, a variation of this embodiment will be described. The application device in this variation is an air conditioning unit including an outdoor unit. This application device is driven as a heating device. Examples of application devices driven by this heating device include heat pump water heaters, heat pump hot water heating devices, hot water supply-based hot water heating devices, and heat pump heating devices specifically for electric vehicles (EVs), but are not limited to these. The application device in this variation includes, for example, a defrosting mechanism 105 for removing frost adhering to the heat exchanger 3. The heat exchange system 2 of the application device in this variation, having the heat exchanger 3, is mounted on the outdoor unit. The application device of this variation with such a structure can also achieve the same effect as application device 101. Furthermore, the frost adhering to the heat exchanger 3 in the outdoor unit can also originate from snow.

[0089] (Confirmation Test)

[0090] [Experiment 1]

[0091] Test 1 was conducted using the application device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention and the application device of Comparative Example 1. The application device of Embodiment 1 has essentially the same structure as the application device 1 as an air conditioning unit in the first embodiment, including a commercially available dehumidifier ("AR-30HC" manufactured by SUGGEST Co., Ltd.) and a supply component 4. The dehumidification mechanism of this commercially available product is such that a heat exchange system 2 and a condenser are arranged in the same housing, and the air that has passed through the heat exchanger 3 (evaporator) is further discharged to the outside of the housing through the condenser.

[0092] In the application device of this embodiment 1, three rectangular supply members 4, whose long sides extend in the horizontal direction, are arranged at intervals above a plurality of fins 5 arranged in a manner that extends in the vertical direction and is arranged in a cross direction intersecting the vertical direction, in contact with the end face of each fin 5. Furthermore, in the application device of embodiment 1, dumbbell-shaped supply members 4 are used, whose width at both ends is larger than the width at the center in the long side direction (length direction) when viewed from above.

[0093] Furthermore, the application device of Comparative Example 1, except that a dummy plate was used instead of the supply component 4, has the same structure as the application device of Example 1. In Test 1, under the conditions of room temperature 27°C and relative humidity (RH) 45%, the application devices of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were driven, and the performance difference between the application devices of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was confirmed 100 minutes after the start of driving.

[0094] As a result, it was confirmed that in the application device of Example 1, compared with the application device of Comparative Example 1, the temperature difference between the air near the air inlet of the heat exchanger 3 and the air temperature T2 immediately after passing through the heat exchanger 3 was larger. That is, it was confirmed that in the application device of Example 1, the air underwent appropriate heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant through the heat exchanger 3.

[0095] [Experiment 2]

[0096] Test 2 was conducted using the application device of Embodiment 2 and the application device of Comparative Example 2. The application device of Embodiment 2 has essentially the same structure as the application device 1, which is the air conditioning unit of the first embodiment, including a commercially available point-of-use air conditioner ("JA-SPH25J" manufactured by Haier Group) and supply components 4. This commercially available point-of-use air conditioner is configured such that a heat exchange system 2 and a condenser are arranged in the same housing, and air passing through the heat exchanger (evaporator) 3 and air passing through the condenser are respectively discharged. In the application device of Embodiment 2, four cylindrical supply components 4 with their long sides extending horizontally are arranged at intervals at the air inlet located on the side of the device that introduces air into the heat exchanger 3. The application device of Comparative Example 2 has the same structure as the application device of Embodiment 2, except that it does not use the supply components 4. In Test 2, the application device of Embodiment 2 and the application device of Comparative Example 2 were driven, and the performance difference between the application device of Embodiment 2 and the application device of Comparative Example 2 was confirmed.

[0097] The results showed that, with the application device of Example 2, and with the intake air velocity set to 1 m / s, the higher the humidity within the temperature range of 10°C to 35°C, the lower the power consumption. Furthermore, with the application device of Example 2, it was confirmed that, within the range of intake air velocity below 4 m / s, the lower the intake air velocity, the lower the power consumption. Additionally, with the application device of Example 2, it was confirmed that, at an ambient absolute humidity of 30.0 g / m³, the power consumption was lower. 3Within the following range, the higher the absolute humidity of the environment, the greater the dehumidification capacity compared to the application device in Comparative Example 2. Furthermore, it was confirmed that in an environment with an air temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 70%, the application device in Example 2 had a lower relative humidity value at the air outlet and a lower temperature of the air discharged from the outlet compared to the application device in Comparative Example 2. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application device in Example 2 exhibits stable dehumidification performance and cooling function within the scope of this test.

[0098] [Experiment 3]

[0099] Test 3 was conducted using a mixture of additives supplied from supply component 4 and water (Examples 3A and 3B), and water (Comparative Example 3). Example 3A contained additives at a concentration of 100 ppm, and Example 3B contained additives at a concentration of 1000 ppm. The mixtures of additives and water from Examples 3A and 3B, and the water from Comparative Example 3, were respectively spread on the surface of the drain pan of the air conditioning unit, and the amount of residual water on the surface of the drain pan after a certain period of time was confirmed.

[0100] As a result, it was confirmed that the residual water volume in either Example 3A or 3B was reduced to less than half compared to Comparative Example 3. Furthermore, it was confirmed that Example 3B had less residual water volume compared to Example 3A. Therefore, it can be seen that when the supply component 4 is used, a thinner water film can be formed by contacting the additive with water, and water can be removed from its adhesion surface more quickly. Thus, when the supply component 4 is applied to the heat exchanger 3, water residue on the fins 5 can be prevented, and the growth of mold and other microorganisms on the surface of the fins 5 can be suppressed.

[0101] [Experiment 4]

[0102] Next, Experiment 4 was conducted using the application equipment of Example 8 of the present invention. The application equipment of Example 8 is a large air conditioning unit, including a heat exchange system 2 of the indoor unit of the large air conditioning unit. From the heat exchanger 3 of the heat exchange system 2 of Example 8, which has multiple fins 5, a roughly rectangular slice (containing multiple fins 5 and a flow tube 6) of a specified size (17.5 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width, and 9 mm in thickness) was cut. The initial weight of the slice was measured by weighing the slice while it was suspended. Then, a mixture of an additive of a specified concentration mixed with water was supplied to the slice using a dropper (pipette). As the additive, "Emargen LS-106" manufactured by Kao Corporation, a nonionic surfactant containing polyoxyalkylene ethers, was used.

[0103] After the mixture was first dripped onto the slice and supplied until the slice was saturated, the slice was left for another 3 minutes. The weight of the slice was then measured, and the water retention was measured based on the difference between this measured weight and the initial weight. Table 1 shows the experimental results. Table 1 shows the measured water retention of the slices obtained by measuring the mixture twice for each additive concentration, the average of the two measurements (i.e., the average water retention), and the water retention ratio B / A of the average water retention B at each additive concentration relative to the average water retention A at an additive concentration of 0.

[0104] [Table 1]

[0105]

[0106] As shown in Table 1, it was confirmed that within the scope of this test, even if the additive concentration of the water (the above mixture) supplied with the additive was tens of ppm, the water retention of fin 5 could be reduced to about 60% or less.

[0107] [Experiment 5]

[0108] Test 5 was conducted using the application device of Embodiment 4 of the present invention and the application device of Comparative Example 4. The application device of Embodiment 4 has the same structure as the application device driven as a heating device in the modified example of the second embodiment. The outdoor unit of the application device of Embodiment 4 has a plurality of heat exchangers 3 arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions in the installed state. In the application device of Embodiment 4, for the heat exchanger 3 located outside the outdoor unit among the plurality of heat exchangers 3 arranged in the horizontal direction, a plurality of elongated supply members 4 are arranged with their long sides horizontal, so as to surround a portion of the side of the heat exchanger 3. In addition, the application device of Comparative Example 4 has the same structure as the application device of Embodiment 4, except that it does not have the supply members 4.

[0109] In Experiment 5, the relationship between the low-temperature heating capacity (kW) and the operating cycle time according to JIS C 9612:2013 was investigated for each application device of Example 4 and Comparative Example 4. The operating cycle time is the combination of the time required for the temperature to rise to the target indoor temperature (20°C) (heating time) and the time required for defrosting (defrosting time). During the experiment, the outdoor dry-bulb temperature was 2°C, the outdoor wet-bulb temperature was 1°C, the indoor dry-bulb temperature was 20°C, and the indoor wet-bulb temperature was 14.5°C. Each application device of Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 was configured to operate its defrosting mechanism when the piping temperature of each heat exchanger in Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 was below the reference temperature.

[0110] Figure 7This is a graph showing the relationship between the operating cycle time and heating capacity of each application device in Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 in Test 5. (Example) Figure 7 As shown, the heating capacity of the application device of Example 4 is improved by approximately 1% compared to that of Comparative Example 4. Furthermore, the application device of Example 4 has a shorter time from the start of heating operation until frost adheres to the fins 5 of the heat exchanger 3 compared to Comparative Example 4, and the rate of capacity reduction after the peak heating capacity is larger. However, the defrosting time of the application device of Example 4 is shorter than that of Comparative Example 4. Therefore, it is confirmed that the overall operating efficiency of the application device of Example 4 is higher than that of Comparative Example 4. Specifically, in this experiment, it was confirmed that the operating efficiency of the application device of Example 4 is improved by approximately 3% or more compared to that of Comparative Example 4. Additionally, it was confirmed that the heating operation stop time during defrosting is reduced by 25% compared to that of Comparative Example 4. Therefore, it can be seen that the application device of Example 4 can reduce the time spent feeling cold due to heating stoppage during defrosting operation.

[0111] [Experiment 6]

[0112] Test 6 was conducted using the application device of Example 5 of the present invention and the application devices of Comparative Examples 6 and 7. The application device of Example 5 has the same structure as the application device 101 of the refrigeration apparatus as the second embodiment. In the application device of Example 5, a plurality of cylindrical supply members 4 with their long sides extending in the horizontal direction are arranged. In addition, the application device of Comparative Example 6 is the same as the application device of Example 5 except that it does not have supply members 4. In addition, the application device of Comparative Example 7 is the same as Comparative Example 6 except that a hydrophilic membrane is arranged on the fins of the heat exchanger of Comparative Example 7. As the basic structure for the application devices of Examples 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7, a cold storage "NR-F606WPX" manufactured by Panasonic Corporation was used. The application devices of Examples 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 were placed in a test chamber with the air conditioning temperature set at 25°C and no humidity control (approximately 20% RH).

[0113] Multiple sets of test materials were prepared, each containing one tissue (a "kimtaol" manufactured by NIPPON PAPER CRECIA CO.,LTD.) and 200 mL of pure water, placed in a metal tray. Using these test materials, the pure water in the metal tray was used to apply a moisture load to the application equipment of Examples 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7, causing frost to adhere to the heat exchangers of Examples 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7. Furthermore, the application equipment of Examples 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 was set to begin defrosting operation every 13 hours, and the defrosting operation ended when the ambient temperature at a designated location on each heat exchanger of Examples 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 reached 10°C.

[0114] Furthermore, the application devices of Examples 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 were each driven by applying different load levels ("low level", "medium level one", "high level", and "medium level two") in the same order for a certain period of time. Table 2 is a table showing the settings for each load level. Table 2 lists the opening and closing load indicating the degree of door opening and closing, and the internal load indicating the number of test items configured, as load types. Specifically, as shown in Table 2, a total of 3 sets of test items were used in the "low level" setting, of which 2 sets of test items were configured in the refrigerator compartment (the same refrigerator compartment as refrigerator compartment 102), and 1 set of test items was configured in the vegetable compartment (the same vegetable compartment as vegetable compartment 104). In addition, a total of 5 sets of test items were used in the "medium level one", "high level", and "medium level two" setting, of which 4 sets of test items were configured in the refrigerator compartment, and 1 set of test items was configured in the vegetable compartment. As shown in Table 2, "Medium Level II" has a larger number of test items compared to "Low Level", and thus a larger load. Furthermore, "Medium Level II" does not have the load of opening and closing doors, and thus a smaller load compared to "Medium Level I".

[0115] [Table 2]

[0116] Load level On / off load Internal load Low none 3 sets of experimental items One of the moderate levels Door opening and closing 1 minute x 4 times / day 5 sets of experimental items high Vegetable room door opening width 8mm 5 sets of experimental items Moderate level 2 none 5 sets of experimental items

[0117] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of defrost cycles and defrost time for each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 in the test results of Experiment 6. Figure 9 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of defrost cycles and cooling time for each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 of Experiment 6. In the graph, "Medium One" indicates "Medium Level One," and "Medium Two" indicates "Medium Level Two." Figure 8As shown, it was confirmed that the defrosting time of the application device in Example 5 was shorter across all load levels compared to the application devices in Comparative Examples 6 and 7. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the defrosting time increased sequentially with respect to the application device in Example 5, the application device in Comparative Example 7, and the application device in Comparative Example 6. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, the application device in Example 5 can maintain the recooling time after defrosting approximately at the initial value under any of the load levels of "low," "medium level one," and "medium level two." Figure 8 and 9 As shown, with the increase in the number of defrosting cycles (the elapsed operating time of each application device in Comparative Examples 6 and 7), the amount of frost accumulated on and remaining in each heat exchanger of Comparative Examples 6 and 7 increased. Therefore, as a result, compared to the application device of Example 5, both the defrosting time and the recooling time after defrosting increased in each application device of Comparative Examples 6 and 7.

[0118] Furthermore, based on other tests, it was confirmed that under "low" load conditions, the application device of Example 5 could reduce power consumption during defrosting time by 38.1% compared to the application device of Comparative Example 6. Additionally, it was confirmed that under these conditions, the application device of Example 5 could reduce overall power consumption (total power consumption during startup, stabilization, before defrosting operation, during defrosting operation, and during recooling after defrosting) by 12% compared to the application device of Comparative Example 6.

[0119] Here, Figure 10 This is a photograph of heat exchanger 3 in Example 5 before defrosting. Figure 11 This is a photograph of heat exchanger 3 in Example 5 after defrosting. Figure 12 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger in Comparative Example 6 before defrosting. Figure 13 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger of Comparative Example 6 after defrosting. Figure 14 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger in Comparative Example 7 before defrosting. Figure 15 This is a photograph of the heat exchanger in Comparative Example 7 after defrosting. Figure 11 , 13 15 represents the appearance of each heat exchanger in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 after the 17th defrost operation following the start of operation of each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7.

[0120] like Figure 10 and 11As shown, it was confirmed that the application device of Embodiment 5 was able to remove almost all the frost that had adhered to the heat exchanger 3 due to defrosting operation, even when the load level was any of "low level," "one of medium levels," or "two of medium levels." Furthermore, in the application device of Embodiment 5, even when the load level was any of the aforementioned conditions, no frost bridges formed by connecting adjacent fins 5 to each other were observed. In contrast, as... Figure 12 and 13 As shown, in the application device of Comparative Example 6, a considerable amount of water droplet-shaped frost remained on the fins of Comparative Example 6 after defrosting operation, and the frost accumulated. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the aforementioned bridge was formed on the underside of the heat exchanger of Comparative Example 6 in the application device of Comparative Example 6. Additionally, as... Figure 14 and 15 As shown, it was confirmed that in the application device of Comparative Example 7, a certain amount of frost was defrosted by defrosting operation. However, in the application device of Comparative Example 7, it was confirmed that water droplet-shaped frost clumps remained locally on the ends and end faces of the fins of the heat exchanger of Comparative Example 7, which was not equipped with a hydrophilic membrane, and on the surface of the flow tube of Comparative Example 7.

[0121] Thus, the reason for the higher defrosting effect of the application device in Example 5 is believed to be that the additive supplied from the supply component 4 modifies the moisture adhering to the fins 5. That is, in the application device of Example 5, the moisture adhering to the fins 5 is modified by contact with the additive, and the moisture slides off the fins 5, promoting drainage (liquid removal). In the application device of Comparative Example 7, although the moisture becomes slightly easier to remove due to the hydrophilic film disposed on the surface of the fins of Comparative Example 7, the moisture itself is not modified. Therefore, it is believed that in the application device of Comparative Example 7, the portion of the fin without the hydrophilic film does not easily allow moisture to slide off the fins of Comparative Example 7. Furthermore, it is believed that in the application device of Comparative Example 6, the moisture is not modified by the additive, and no hydrophilic film is disposed on the surface of the fins of Comparative Example 6. Therefore, before and after defrosting, the moisture is more easily adhering to the surface of the fins of Comparative Example 6.

[0122] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the relationship between the operating time and freezer temperature of each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Example 6 in Test 6. Figure 16 The comparison results between the application device of Example 5 (indicating a "high" load level) and the application device of Comparative Example 6 are as follows. Figure 16As shown, it was confirmed that, even with a "high" load level, the temperature inside the freezer in Example 5 was more stable than that in Comparative Example 6, with the maximum temperature rise in the freezer compartment (the same freezer compartment as freezer compartment 103) during defrosting operation being 4.4°C. In contrast, it was confirmed that, under the same conditions, the maximum temperature rise in the application equipment of Comparative Example 6 reached 11.1°C.

[0123] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of defrost cycles and the freezer temperature for each application device in Example 5 and Comparative Examples 6 and 7 of Experiment 6. (Example) Figure 17 As shown, it was confirmed that even when the load level varied between "low level", "one of the medium levels", "high level" and "two of the medium levels", the application device of Example 5 was able to suppress temperature changes in the freezer during defrosting operation compared to the application devices of Comparative Examples 6 and 7. It can be considered that the application device of Example 5 can maintain a stable temperature in the cold storage, thereby improving refrigeration and freezing quality.

[0124] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications, additions, or deletions can be made to its structure and method without departing from the spirit of the invention. The additive supplied by the supply component 4 can contain multiple components, as long as it is an additive capable of reducing the contact angle with respect to the fin 5. In the case where the additive contains multiple components, it may, for example, contain: a first component that functions to reduce the contact angle of moisture with respect to the fin 5; and a second component that activates the function of the first component to reduce the contact angle.

[0125] Furthermore, the arrangement of the supply component 4 is not limited as long as it is a component that supplies additives to the moisture adhering to the fin 5, thereby reducing the contact angle with the fin 5. Therefore, for example, the supply component 4 may be arranged at a distance from the fin 5. In this case, the additive from the supply component 4 may drip onto the moisture adhering to the fin 5, or the additive may be supplied to the moisture adhering to the fin 5 by a component different from the supply component 4.

[0126] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0127] 1. Application Equipment

[0128] 2. Heat exchange system

[0129] 3. Heat exchanger

[0130] 3a Component

[0131] 3b components

[0132] 3C components

[0133] 4. Supply components

[0134] 5 fins

[0135] 6. Flow tube

[0136] 7 Filters

[0137] 8. Drainage tray

[0138] 9. Drainage tray

[0139] 10 Indoor Units

[0140] 11 fans

[0141] 40 carriers

[0142] 41 Support body

[0143] 101 Application Devices

[0144] 102 Refrigeration Room

[0145] 103 Freezer

[0146] 104 Vegetable Room

[0147] 105 Defrosting mechanism.

Claims

1. A heat exchange system characterized by, include: A heat exchanger having multiple fins that come into contact with air containing moisture, cooling the air by heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air via the fins; and A supply component that supplies an additive to the moisture adhering to the fins due to the cooling of the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the contact angle of the moisture relative to the fins. The supply component is detachably mounted on the heat exchanger.

2. The heat exchange system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The additive is supplied from the supply component to the moisture adhering to the fins by free fall.

3. The heat exchange system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The supply component is configured to contact the fins.

4. The heat exchange system as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of fins are arranged in a manner that extends along the vertical direction and is arranged in a cross direction intersecting the vertical direction. The supply component is a long strip in the intersecting direction, configured to contact the end faces of the plurality of fins.

5. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The supply component includes: Multiple carriers carrying the additive; and A support body that supports the plurality of carriers in a manner that allows the additive to be released from the plurality of carriers to the outside of the supply member while the plurality of carriers are dispersed.

6. The heat exchange system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The multiple carriers are porous granular materials.

7. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The additive is a surfactant.

8. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The additive is capable of dissolving, dispersing, or diffusing in the moisture adhering to the fins.

9. An application device, characterized in that: The heat exchange system includes any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The application device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The application device is an air conditioning unit that includes an indoor unit. The heat exchange system is installed in the indoor unit.

11. The application device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The application device is an air conditioning unit that includes an outdoor unit. Includes a defrosting mechanism for removing frost adhering to the heat exchanger. The heat exchange system is installed in the outdoor unit.

12. The application device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The application device is a refrigeration device that includes a defrosting mechanism to remove frost adhering to the heat exchanger and is used to refrigerate or freeze an object.

Images