Humidity control device and humidity control system

Abstract

The present application provides a humidity control device capable of efficiently adsorbing moisture in the air regardless of the humidity in the air. The humidity control device (10) includes: a base material portion (110); and an adsorption portion (120) provided on the surface of the base material portion (110) and containing an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing moisture. The adsorbent has a moisture adsorption amount Ad 20 of 15% by mass or more, and a difference Ad8-Ad1 between a moisture adsorption amount Ad8 at a relative humidity of 8% and a moisture adsorption amount Ad1 at a relative humidity of 1% of 5% by mass or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to humidity control equipment and humidity control systems. Background Technology

[0002] In automobiles and other vehicles, the demand for improving the cabin environment is increasing. Specific needs include: reducing CO2 levels to combat driver drowsiness, regulating cabin humidity, and removing harmful volatile components such as odors and allergens. Ventilation is an effective solution to these needs; however, ventilation is a major cause of significant heater energy consumption in winter, leading to reduced energy efficiency. In particular, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) suffer from a substantial reduction in driving range due to energy loss.

[0003] As a solution to the above problems, Patent Document 1 proposes a heater component (humidification device) comprising: a honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partitions, the partitions being disposed on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall and dividing it into multiple compartments forming a flow path extending from one end face to the other, the partitions being made of at least a material having PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) properties; and a pair of electrodes disposed at predetermined positions in the honeycomb structure, the surface of the partitions having an adsorption layer (containing a functional material layer) for adsorbing water vapor (moisture) and the like. However, the following problem exists: when this humidity control device is configured in an air conditioning channel, based on the air flow direction, water vapor and the like can be efficiently adsorbed on the upstream side, but on the downstream side, the humidity in the air decreases, therefore, the adsorption efficiency of water vapor and the like decreases.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle dehumidification device, which includes a moisture-absorbing device (humidity-regulating device) for adsorbing water vapor (moisture) in the air inside the vehicle compartment. The moisture-absorbing device has multiple moisture-absorbing sections with different moisture absorption characteristics and regeneration temperatures. The device includes an upstream moisture-absorbing section located upstream of the airflow direction and a downstream moisture-absorbing section located downstream of the airflow direction. The upstream moisture-absorbing section has the moisture absorption characteristic of adsorbing more water vapor than the downstream moisture-absorbing section in high humidity environments, while the downstream moisture-absorbing section has the moisture absorption characteristic of adsorbing more water vapor than the upstream moisture-absorbing section in low humidity environments. Regarding this vehicle dehumidification device, in high humidity environments, it can efficiently adsorb water vapor from the air throughout the entire area of ​​the moisture-absorbing device. Furthermore, in low humidity environments, the absolute humidity of the air inside the vehicle compartment can be sufficiently reduced through the moisture absorption function of the downstream moisture-absorbing section. However, the dehumidification device used in this vehicle requires an upstream and downstream dehumidification section that carries desiccant with different desiccant properties. As a result, the number and size of the dehumidification device increase, and its manufacturing process becomes more complex.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2023 / 074202

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-80758 Summary of the Invention

[0009] As described above, the humidity control device in Patent Document 1 has the following problem: because the humidity in the air decreases on the downstream side, the moisture adsorption efficiency decreases. Furthermore, the humidity control device in Patent Document 2 has the following problem: because multiple adsorption sections with different moisture absorption properties need to be installed, the number and size of the moisture absorption device increase, and its manufacturing process becomes more complex.

[0010] The present invention was implemented to solve the problems described above, and its purpose is to provide a humidity control device and system that can efficiently absorb moisture from the air regardless of the humidity level.

[0011] The inventors of this invention have conducted in-depth research on humidity control equipment and discovered that by using an adsorbent to construct the adsorption section, the moisture content in the air can be efficiently increased regardless of the humidity level, thus completing this invention. This adsorbent is configured such that, under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the difference between the amount of moisture adsorbed at a relative humidity of 20% or higher, and the amount of moisture adsorbed at a relative humidity of 8% and 1% is within a specified range. That is, this invention is illustrated below.

[0012] <1> A humidity control device, comprising:

[0013] Substrate section; and

[0014] An adsorption section, disposed on the surface of the substrate section, contains an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and removing moisture.

[0015] The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 The difference between the water adsorption amount Ad8 at 8% relative humidity and the water adsorption amount Ad1 at 1% relative humidity, Ad8-Ad1, is 5% or more by mass.

[0016] <2> According to the humidity control equipment described in <1>, wherein,

[0017] The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 It is 20% or more by mass.

[0018] <3> According to the humidity control equipment described in <1>, wherein,

[0019] The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 It is 23% or more by mass.

[0020] <4> According to the humidity control equipment described in <1>, wherein,

[0021] The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 It is 25% or more by mass.

[0022] <5> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein,

[0023] The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 8% relative humidity (Ad8) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm, Ad8-Ad1, is more than 8% by mass.

[0024] <6> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein,

[0025] The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 8% relative humidity (Ad8) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 10% by mass.

[0026] <7> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein,

[0027] The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 8% relative humidity (Ad8) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 17% by mass.

[0028] <8> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein,

[0029] The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 5% relative humidity (Ad5) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 5% by mass.

[0030] <9> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein,

[0031] The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 5% relative humidity (Ad5) and the amount of water adsorbed at 3% relative humidity (Ad3) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 2% by mass.

[0032] <10> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein,

[0033] The adsorbent is selected from one or more types of X-type zeolite, Y-type zeolite, A-type zeolite and MFI-type zeolite.

[0034] <11> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein,

[0035] The adsorbent is a Y-type zeolite with a SiO2 / Al2O3 molar ratio of less than 10.

[0036] <12> The humidity control device according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein,

[0037] The substrate is a honeycomb structure with an outer peripheral wall and partitions. The partitions are disposed on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall and divide the space into multiple compartments. These multiple compartments extend from the first end face to the second end face, forming airflow paths.

[0038] The adsorption part is an adsorption layer disposed on the surface of the partition wall.

[0039] <13> According to the humidity control equipment described in <12>, wherein,

[0040] The humidity control device also includes a pair of electrodes disposed on the first end face and the second end face of the honeycomb structure, or on the outer peripheral wall of the honeycomb structure parallel to the direction of extension of the compartment.

[0041] <14> The humidity control equipment according to <12> or <13>, wherein,

[0042] At least the partitions of the cellular structure are made of a material with PTC properties.

[0043] <15> A humidity control system, comprising:

[0044] The airflow path allows for air circulation;

[0045] The humidity control device described in any one of <1> to <14> is disposed within the flow path.

[0046] Invention Effects

[0047] According to the present invention, a humidity control device and a humidity control system can be provided that can efficiently adsorb moisture from the air regardless of the humidity level. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the humidity control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2A This is the moisture adsorption isotherm of the adsorbent that can be used in this invention.

[0050] Figure 2B This is the water adsorption isotherm of the adsorbent that cannot be used in this invention.

[0051] Figure 3A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidity control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which uses a honeycomb structure in the substrate portion, parallel to the flow path direction.

[0052] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A schematic diagram of the cross-section of line a-a' in a humidity control device.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the humidity control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0055] 10…Humidity conditioning equipment, 110…Substrate part, 111…Honeycomb structure, 112…Outer peripheral wall, 113…First end face, 114…Second end face, 115…Compartment, 116…Partition wall, 117, 118…Electrodes, 119…Terminals, 120…Adsorption part, 121…Adsorption layer, 20…Humidity conditioning system, 210…Air conditioning channel, 211…First flow path, 212…Second flow path, 220…Power supply, 230…Valve, 240…Fan, 250…Control part. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The humidity control device of the present invention includes: a substrate portion; and an adsorption portion disposed on the surface of the substrate portion, containing an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing moisture. The adsorbent is configured such that, under a moisture adsorption isotherm, its moisture adsorption capacity Ad is such that, at a relative humidity of 20% or higher... 20 The moisture adsorption capacity Ad8 at 8% relative humidity and the difference between Ad8 and Ad1 at 1% relative humidity Ad1 are 5% by mass or more. The humidity control device of the present invention, by being configured in this way, can efficiently adsorb moisture from the air regardless of the humidity level.

[0057] Furthermore, the humidity control system of the present invention includes: a flow path that allows air circulation; and the aforementioned humidity control device disposed within the flow path. Because the humidity control system of the present invention includes the aforementioned humidity control device, it can efficiently adsorb moisture from the air regardless of the humidity level.

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it should be understood that solutions obtained by appropriate modifications and improvements to the following embodiments based on ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the numerical range indicated by "~" refers to the range of values ​​listed before and after "~", which are both lower and upper limits. Furthermore, numerical ranges marked "exceeding" or "below" refer to the ranges excluding the values ​​listed as lower or upper limits.

[0060] Regarding the numerical ranges described in this specification in stages, the upper limit of a certain stage's numerical range can be replaced by the upper limit of other stage's numerical ranges or the values ​​given in the embodiments. Similarly, the lower limit of a certain stage's numerical range can be replaced by the lower limit of other stage's numerical ranges or the values ​​given in the embodiments.

[0061] (1. Humidity control equipment)

[0062] The humidity control device according to embodiments of the present invention is well applicable to adjusting indoor humidity in various vehicles, such as automobiles. The term "vehicle" is not particularly limited and can include automobiles and electric vehicles. Examples of automobiles include gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, gas-fueled vehicles using CNG (compressed natural gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas), fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The vehicle air conditioning system according to embodiments of the present invention is particularly preferred for use in vehicles without internal combustion engines, such as electric vehicles and electric vehicles.

[0063] Furthermore, the humidity control equipment involved in the embodiments of the present invention can be used not only in vehicles, but also in buildings such as residences, offices, factories, shops, and warehouses, as well as in vehicles such as ships and airplanes for adjusting indoor humidity.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the humidity control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the humidity control device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate portion 110; and an adsorption portion 120 disposed on the surface of the substrate portion 110.

[0066] The adsorption section 120 contains an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and removing moisture.

[0067] The adsorbent is composed of the following: under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the amount of moisture adsorbed (Ad) at a relative humidity of 20% or higher (i.e., the entire range of relative humidity above 20%). 20 (Hereinafter referred to as "Moisture Adsorption Capacity Ad") 20 The percentage of water adsorbed is 15% by mass or more, preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 23% by mass or more, and even more preferably 25% by mass or more. This is achieved by adjusting the water adsorption amount Ad... 20 By controlling the humidity within this range, the moisture adsorption efficiency can be improved in air with relatively high humidity (specifically, air with a relative humidity of 20% or higher). Therefore, based on the airflow direction, the moisture adsorption efficiency in the upstream area of ​​the humidification device 10 with higher relative humidity can be improved. It should be noted that the moisture adsorption amount Ad... 20 There is no particular limit to the upper limit, but it is usually 80% by mass, preferably 60% by mass, and more preferably 40% by mass.

[0068] Here, the moisture adsorption isotherm in this specification is a graph obtained by plotting the amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent [mass %] when the relative humidity [%] in the air changes during the moisture adsorption phenomenon. It serves as an indicator of the ease with which the adsorbent adsorbs moisture at various relative humidities in the air.

[0069] Moisture adsorption isotherms can be measured using a commercially available adsorption isotherm measuring device (BELSORP 18HTII manufactured by Microtrac BEL Co., Ltd.). Specifically, the adsorbent to be measured is placed in the measuring chamber and degassed under reduced pressure at 100°C for approximately 5 hours before measurement. Measurements are performed at 20°C, and other conditions follow the recommendations provided with the adsorption isotherm measuring device.

[0070] The adsorbent is configured such that, under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the difference between the amount of moisture adsorbed (Ad8) at 8% relative humidity and the amount of moisture adsorbed (Ad1) at 1% relative humidity (hereinafter referred to as "difference in moisture adsorption (Ad8-Ad1)") is 5% by mass or more, preferably 8% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 17% by mass or more. By controlling the difference in moisture adsorption (Ad8-Ad1) within such a range, the amount of moisture adsorbed is increased between 1% and 8% relative humidity, thus improving the moisture adsorption efficiency in air with low relative humidity (specifically, air with relative humidity below 20%). Therefore, based on the airflow direction, the moisture adsorption efficiency in the downstream area with low relative humidity within the humidity control device 10 can be improved. On the other hand, in the regeneration process of the humidity control device 10, moisture is removed by heating the adsorbent contained in the adsorption section 120; however, if the amount of moisture adsorbed is not sufficiently reduced under low relative humidity conditions under the moisture adsorption isotherm, regeneration is difficult to perform. Therefore, by setting the difference in moisture adsorption, Ad8-Ad1, within the aforementioned range, the amount of moisture adsorbed is reduced even under low relative humidity conditions, thus enabling efficient regeneration. It should be noted that the upper limit of the difference in moisture adsorption, Ad8-Ad1, is not particularly limited, but is typically 50% by mass, preferably 30% by mass, and more preferably 20% by mass.

[0071] The adsorbent is configured such that, under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the difference between the amount of moisture adsorbed (Ad5) at 5% relative humidity and the amount of moisture adsorbed (Ad1) at 1% relative humidity (hereinafter referred to as "difference in moisture adsorption (Ad5-Ad1)") is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 6% by mass or more, and even more preferably 8% by mass or more. By controlling the difference in moisture adsorption (Ad5-Ad1) within such a range, the amount of moisture adsorbed increases between 1% and 5% relative humidity. Therefore, it is easy to stably and effectively improve the moisture adsorption efficiency in air with low relative humidity (specifically, air with relative humidity below 20%). Furthermore, by setting the difference in moisture adsorption (Ad5-Ad1) within the aforementioned range, the amount of moisture adsorbed decreases under low relative humidity conditions, thus facilitating efficient regeneration. It should be noted that the upper limit of the difference in moisture adsorption (Ad5-Ad1) is not particularly limited, but is typically 30% by mass, preferably 20% by mass, and more preferably 15% by mass.

[0072] The adsorbent is configured such that, under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the difference between the amount of moisture adsorbed (Ad5) at 5% relative humidity and the amount of moisture adsorbed (Ad3) at 3% relative humidity (hereinafter referred to as "the difference in moisture adsorption amount Ad5-Ad3") is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more. By controlling the difference in moisture adsorption amount Ad5-Ad3 within such a range, the amount of moisture adsorbed increases between 3% and 5% relative humidity. Therefore, it is easy to stably and effectively improve the moisture adsorption efficiency in air with low relative humidity (specifically, air with a relative humidity below 20%). Furthermore, by setting the difference in moisture adsorption amount Ad5-Ad3 within the aforementioned range, the amount of moisture adsorbed decreases under low relative humidity conditions, thus facilitating efficient regeneration. It should be noted that the upper limit of the difference in moisture adsorption amount Ad5-Ad3 is not particularly limited, but is typically 30% by mass, preferably 20% by mass, and more preferably 15% by mass.

[0073] Specific examples of adsorbents are those that possess the aforementioned properties; there are no particular limitations. Examples include: X-type zeolite, Y-type zeolite, A-type zeolite, MFI-type zeolite, etc. They can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0074] Furthermore, the moisture adsorption isotherm of Y-type zeolite varies depending on the molar ratio of SiO2 / Al2O3. From the viewpoint of ensuring the above-mentioned characteristics, the molar ratio of SiO2 / Al2O3 in Y-type zeolite is preferably 10 or less.

[0075] Here, the water adsorption isotherms of several adsorbents are shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B . Figure 2AThis is the moisture adsorption isotherm of the adsorbent that can be used in this invention. Figure 2B This is the water adsorption isotherm of the adsorbent that cannot be used in this invention.

[0076] like Figure 2A As shown, the X-type zeolite is composed of the following: under the water adsorption isotherm, the water adsorption amount Ad 20 For water adsorption amounts exceeding 20% ​​by mass, the difference between Ad8 and Ad1 is 8% by mass, the difference between Ad5 and Ad1 is 6% by mass, and the difference between Ad5 and Ad3 is 3% by mass. Furthermore, the MFI type zeolite composition is as follows: under the water adsorption isotherm, the water adsorption amount Ad... 20 The moisture adsorption content is above 28% by mass, with the difference in moisture adsorption between Ad8 and Ad1 being 16% by mass, Ad5 and Ad1 being 15% by mass, and Ad5 and Ad3 being 6% by mass. Y-type zeolite (SiO2 / Al2O3 molar ratio 5) is composed of the following: Under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the moisture adsorption content Ad... 20 The moisture adsorption content is above 31% by mass, with the difference between Ad8 and Ad1 being 23% by mass, Ad5 and Ad1 being 22% by mass, and Ad5 and Ad3 being 2% by mass. Y-type zeolite (SiO2 / Al2O3 molar ratio 10) has the following composition: Under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the moisture adsorption content Ad... 20 The difference in water adsorption is 20% or more, Ad8-Ad1 is 12% by mass, Ad5-Ad1 is 10% by mass, and Ad5-Ad3 is 4% by mass.

[0077] On the other hand, such as Figure 2B As shown, the AFI type zeolite is composed of the following: under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the moisture adsorption amount Ad 20 The water adsorption capacity is above 17% by mass, with the difference in water adsorption capacity between Ad8 and Ad1 being 1% by mass, the difference in water adsorption capacity between Ad5 and Ad1 being 1% by mass, and the difference in water adsorption capacity between Ad5 and Ad3 being 0% by mass. Furthermore, the type A silica gel is composed of the following: under the water adsorption isotherm, the water adsorption capacity Ad... 20 For adsorption amounts exceeding 10% by mass, the difference in water adsorption capacity between Ad8 and Ad1 is 3% by mass, between Ad5 and Ad1 it is 2% by mass, and between Ad5 and Ad3 it is 1% by mass. The polymer adsorbent is composed of the following: under the water adsorption isotherm, the water adsorption capacity Ad... 20 The moisture adsorption content is above 9% by mass, with the difference in moisture adsorption Ad8-Ad1 being 3% by mass, the difference in moisture adsorption Ad5-Ad1 being 2% by mass, and the difference in moisture adsorption Ad5-Ad3 being 1% by mass. Y-type zeolite (SiO2 / Al2O3 molar ratio 20) is composed as follows: Under the moisture adsorption isotherm, the moisture adsorption content Ad...20 For amounts exceeding 3% by mass, the difference in water adsorption between Ad8 and Ad1 is 2% by mass, the difference in water adsorption between Ad5 and Ad1 is 2% by mass, and the difference in water adsorption between Ad5 and Ad3 is 1% by mass.

[0078] It should be noted that the water adsorption isotherms of the above-mentioned adsorbents are examples only. It should be observed that the amount of water adsorbed varies depending on the source of each adsorbent, etc. 20 The values ​​of the differences in water adsorption capacity Ad8-Ad1, Ad5-Ad1, and Ad5-Ad3 will change.

[0079] There are no particular limitations on the substrate portion 110; various shapes of substrate portions can be used. For example, the substrate portion 110 can be plate-shaped (sheet-shaped), honeycomb-shaped, granular, etc. When the substrate portion 110 is plate-shaped (sheet-shaped), it can be a folded, corrugated structure. Furthermore, when the substrate portion 110 is plate-shaped or granular, the substrate portion 110, which is provided with the adsorption portion 120, can be filled into the humidity control device 10 for use.

[0080] Here, a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the humidity control device 10, parallel to the flow path direction, is shown when the substrate 110 is a honeycomb structure. Figure 3A ,Will Figure 3A A schematic diagram of the cross-section of line a-a' in an air conditioning device is shown below. Figure 3B .

[0081] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the honeycomb structure 111 has an outer peripheral wall 112 and a partition wall 116. The partition wall 116 is disposed on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 112 and divides into multiple compartments 115. The multiple compartments 115 extend from the first end face 113 to the second end face 114 to form airflow paths. An adsorption layer 121, serving as an adsorption part 120, is disposed on the surface of the partition wall 116. Alternatively, the adsorption layer 121 may also be disposed on the surface of the outer peripheral wall 112 facing the compartments 115. Furthermore, a pair of electrodes 117 and 118 and a terminal 119 connected to the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 may be provided in the honeycomb structure 111.

[0082] <Honeycomb Structure 111>

[0083] The shape of the honeycomb structure 111 is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the cross-section of the honeycomb structure 111 orthogonal to the flow path direction (the direction in which the compartment 115 extends) can be a polygon such as a quadrilateral (rectangle, square), pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, a circle, or a shape with rounded arcs (oval, elliptical, oblong, rounded rectangle, etc.). It should be noted that the end faces (first end face 113 and second end face 114) have the same shape as the cross-section. In addition, when the cross-section and end faces are polygonal, the corners can be chamfered.

[0084] The shape of the compartment 115 is not particularly limited. In the cross-section of the honeycomb structure 111 orthogonal to the flow direction, it can be a polygon, circle, or shape with arcs, such as a quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon. These shapes can be a single shape or a combination of two or more. Among these shapes, quadrilaterals or hexagons are preferred. By setting the compartment 115 in this shape, the pressure loss during airflow can be reduced.

[0085] The honeycomb structure 111 can be a honeycomb joint having multiple honeycomb cells and a bonding layer that interlocks the outer peripheral surfaces of the multiple honeycomb cells. By using the honeycomb joint, it is possible to suppress the generation of cracks and increase the total cross-sectional area of ​​the compartment 115, which is very important for ensuring airflow (velocity).

[0086] It should be noted that a bonding material can be used to form the bonding layer. There are no particular limitations on the bonding material; a paste-like material made by adding a solvent such as water to ceramic raw materials can be used. The bonding material may contain materials with PTC properties, or it may contain the same material as the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116. In addition to its function of bonding the cell units together, the bonding material can also be used as a coating material for the outer periphery of the bonded cell units.

[0087] From the perspectives of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 111, reducing the pressure loss when air passes through the compartment 115, ensuring the load-bearing capacity of functional materials, and ensuring the contact area with the air flowing in the compartment 115, it is preferable to combine the thickness of the partition wall 116, the compartment density, and the compartment spacing (or the opening ratio of the compartment 115) well.

[0088] In this specification, the compartment density is the number of compartments divided by the area of ​​one end face (first end face 113 or second end face 114) of the honeycomb structure 111 (the total area of ​​the partition walls 116 and compartments 115 excluding the peripheral wall 112).

[0089] In this specification, the compartment spacing refers to the value obtained through the following calculations. First, the area of ​​one end face (first end face 113 or second end face 114) of the honeycomb structure 111 (the total area of ​​the partitions 116 and compartments 115 excluding the peripheral wall 112) is divided by the number of compartments to calculate the area of ​​each compartment. Next, the square root of the area of ​​each compartment is calculated and set as the compartment spacing.

[0090] In this specification, the aperture ratio of compartment 115 is: the total area of ​​compartments 115 divided by partition walls 116 in a cross-section of the honeycomb structure 111 orthogonal to the flow path direction, divided by the area of ​​one end face (first end face 113 or second end face 114) (the total area of ​​partition walls 116 and compartments 115 excluding peripheral wall 112). It should be noted that the pair of electrodes 117, 118 and adsorption layer 121 are not considered when calculating the aperture ratio of compartment 115.

[0091] In an advantageous embodiment from the viewpoint of carrying a sufficient amount of functional material, the thickness of the partition wall 116 is 0.300 mm or less, and the compartment density is 100 compartments / cm³. 2 The compartment spacing is 1.0 mm or more. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 116 is 0.200 mm or less, and the compartment density is 70 compartments / cm². 2 The compartment spacing is 1.2 mm or more. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 116 is 0.130 mm or less, and the compartment density is 65 compartments / cm². 2 The following applies, and the spacing between compartments is 1.3mm or more.

[0092] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 111 and keeping the resistance at a low level, the lower limit of the thickness of the partition 116 is preferably 0.010 mm or more, more preferably 0.020 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.030 mm or more.

[0093] From the perspectives of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 111, maintaining a low resistance level, and increasing the surface area to promote reaction, adsorption, and desorption, the lower limit of the cell density is preferably 30 cells / cm². 2 The above is more preferably 35 compartments / cm. 2 The above is further preferred to be 40 compartments / cm. 2 above.

[0094] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 111, keeping the resistance at a low level, and increasing the surface area to promote reaction, adsorption, and detachment, the upper limit of the cell spacing is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.6 mm or less.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment from the viewpoint of simultaneously reducing pressure loss and maintaining strength, the thickness of the partition wall 116 is 0.08–0.36 mm, and the compartment density is 2.54–140 compartments / cm³. 2 The opening ratio of compartment 115 is 0.70 or higher. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 116 is 0.09 to 0.35 mm, and the compartment density is 15 to 100 compartments / cm³. 2 The opening ratio of compartment 115 is 0.80 or higher. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of partition wall 116 is 0.14 to 0.30 mm, and the compartment density is 20 to 90 compartments / cm³. 2 The opening ratio of compartment 115 is above 0.85.

[0096] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the cellular structure 111, the upper limit of the opening ratio of the compartment 115 is preferably 0.94 or less, more preferably 0.92 or less, and even more preferably 0.90 or less.

[0097] The thickness of the outer peripheral wall 112 is not particularly limited, but is preferably determined based on the following viewpoints. First, from the viewpoint of reinforcing the honeycomb structure 111, the thickness of the outer peripheral wall 112 is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.06 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.08 mm or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of increasing resistance to suppress initial current and reducing pressure loss during airflow, the thickness of the outer peripheral wall 112 is preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less, even more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

[0098] In this specification, the thickness of the outer peripheral wall 112 refers to the length in the normal direction of the side surface of the honeycomb structure 111 from the boundary between the outer peripheral wall 112 and the outermost compartment 115 or partition 116 in a cross section orthogonal to the flow path direction.

[0099] The length of the honeycomb structure 111 in the flow path direction and the cross-sectional area orthogonal to the flow path direction can be adjusted according to the required size of the humidity control device 10, without any particular limitation. For example, in the case of a compact humidity control device 10 that ensures the specified function, the length in the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 111 can be set to 2 to 20 mm, and the cross-sectional area orthogonal to the flow path direction can be set to 10 cm². 2 That's all. It should be noted that there is no specific upper limit to the cross-sectional area orthogonal to the flow direction, for example, 300 cm². 2 the following.

[0100] The partitions 116 constituting the honeycomb structure 111 are made of a material capable of heating by electrical current, and preferably of a material with PTC properties. If necessary, the outer peripheral wall 112 may also be made of a material with PTC properties, similar to the partitions 116. With this configuration, the adsorption layer 121 can be directly heated using heat transfer from the heated partitions 116 (and, if necessary, from the outer peripheral wall 112). Furthermore, materials with PTC properties have the characteristic that when the temperature rises above the Curie point, the resistance increases sharply, making it difficult for current to flow. Therefore, when the partitions 116 (and, if necessary, the outer peripheral wall 112) reach high temperatures, the current flowing through them is limited, thus suppressing overheating of the honeycomb structure 111. Therefore, thermal degradation of the adsorption layer 121 caused by overheating can also be suppressed.

[0101] From the viewpoint of achieving moderate heat generation, the lower limit of the volume resistivity of the material with PTC characteristics at 25°C is preferably 0.5 Ω·cm or more, more preferably 1 Ω·cm or more, and even more preferably 5 Ω·cm or more. From the viewpoint of generating heat with a low driving voltage, the upper limit of the volume resistivity of the material with PTC characteristics at 25°C is preferably 30 Ω·cm or less, more preferably 18 Ω·cm or less, and even more preferably 16 Ω·cm or less. In this specification, the volume resistivity of the material with PTC characteristics at 25°C is measured according to JIS K6271:2008.

[0102] From the viewpoint of being able to generate heat through electricity and possessing PTC characteristics, the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116 are preferably made of a material with barium titanate (BaTiO3) as the main component. Furthermore, this material is more preferably a ceramic made of a material whose main component is barium titanate (BaTiO3) crystalline particles, in which a portion of Ba has been replaced by rare earth elements. It should be noted that in this specification, "main component" refers to a component that occupies more than 50% by mass in the total composition. The content of BaTiO3 crystalline particles can be determined using fluorescence X-ray analysis. Other crystalline particles can also be determined using the same method.

[0103] The composition of BaTiO3 crystalline particles, after a portion of Ba is replaced by rare earth elements, can be expressed as (Ba 1-x A x TiO3 represents the rare earth element. In the composition formula, A represents one or more rare earth elements, and 0.0001≤x≤0.010.

[0104] A can be any rare earth element, without particular limitation, but preferably selected from one or more elements in the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, and Yb, and more preferably La. From the viewpoint of suppressing excessively high resistance at room temperature, x is preferably 0.001 or more, and more preferably 0.0015 or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing excessively high resistance at room temperature due to insufficient sintering, x is preferably 0.009 or less.

[0105] The content of BaTiO3-based crystalline particles in the ceramic, after a portion of Ba is replaced by rare earth elements, is sufficient to constitute a major component and is not particularly limited. Preferably, it is 90% by mass or more, more preferably 92% by mass or more, and even more preferably 94% by mass or more. It should be noted that the upper limit of the content of BaTiO3-based crystalline particles is not particularly limited, but is typically 99% by mass, preferably 98% by mass.

[0106] From the viewpoint of reducing environmental impact, the materials used for the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116 are preferably substantially lead-free (Pb). Specifically, the Pb content in the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116 is preferably 0.01% by mass or less, more preferably 0.001% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0% by mass. With a low Pb content, air heated in contact with, for example, the heated partition wall 116, can be safely blown to living organisms such as humans. It should be noted that the Pb content in the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116, converted to PbO, is preferably less than 0.03% by mass, more preferably less than 0.01% by mass, and even more preferably 0% by mass. The lead content can be determined using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass analysis).

[0107] The Curie point of the materials constituting the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116 is preferably located in the temperature range where the resistivity changes from room temperature (25°C) to more than twice the resistivity. If the Curie point is within such a temperature range, the current flowing through them is limited when the humidity control device 10 reaches a high temperature, thus effectively suppressing excessive heating of the humidity control device 10. Therefore, thermal degradation of the adsorption layer 121 caused by excessive heating can be suppressed.

[0108] From the viewpoint of efficiently heating the adsorption layer 121, the lower limit of the Curie point of the material constituting the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116 is preferably 80°C or higher, more preferably 100°C or higher, even more preferably 110°C or higher, and particularly preferably 125°C or higher. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring the safety of components placed in or near the vehicle compartment, the upper limit of the Curie point is preferably 200°C or lower, more preferably 190°C or lower, even more preferably 180°C or lower, and particularly preferably 150°C or lower.

[0109] The Curie point of the materials constituting the outer peripheral wall 112 and the partition wall 116 can be adjusted by the type and amount of displacement agent. For example, barium titanate (BaTiO3) has a Curie point of about 120°C. By replacing a portion of Ba and Ti with one or more of Sr, Sn and Zr, the Curie point can be shifted to the low-temperature side.

[0110] In this specification, the Curie point is determined using the following method. The sample is mounted in a sample holder for measurement and fitted into a measuring chamber (e.g., MINI-SUBZERO MC-810P, manufactured by Espec Co., Ltd.). Using a DC resistance meter (e.g., multimeter 3478A, manufactured by HEWLETT PACKARD Co., Ltd., Japan), the change in the resistance of the sample relative to temperature is measured as the temperature increases from 10°C. Based on the obtained resistance-temperature diagram, the temperature at which the resistance value becomes twice the resistance value at room temperature (25°C) is defined as the Curie point.

[0111] <A pair of electrodes 117, 118>

[0112] The positions of the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 are not particularly limited and can be as follows: Figure 3A The electrodes 117 and 118 are shown disposed on the first end face 113 and the second end face 114 of the honeycomb structure 111. Alternatively, a pair of electrodes 117 and 118 may also be disposed on the outer peripheral wall 112 of the honeycomb structure 111, which is parallel to the direction in which the compartment 115 extends.

[0113] By applying a voltage between a pair of electrodes 117 and 118, the honeycomb structure 111 can be heated using Joule heating.

[0114] The electrodes 117 and 118 are not particularly limited, and for example, a metal or alloy containing at least one selected from Cu, Ag, Al, Ni, and Si can be used. Alternatively, an ohmic electrode capable of ohmic contact with the outer peripheral wall 112 and / or partition wall 116 having PTC characteristics can also be used. The ohmic electrode can be, for example, an ohmic electrode containing at least one selected from Al, Au, Ag, and In as the base metal, and at least one selected from Ni, Si, Zn, Ge, Sn, Se, and Te for n-type semiconductors as the dopant. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can be a single-layer structure or a stacked structure of two or more layers. When the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 has a stacked structure of two or more layers, the materials of each layer can be the same or different types.

[0115] The thickness of the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can be appropriately set according to the method of forming the pair of electrodes 117 and 118. Examples of methods for forming the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 include metal deposition methods such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. Alternatively, the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can be formed by sintering after coating with electrode paste or by fusion deposition. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can also be formed by bonding metal plates or alloy plates.

[0116] Regarding the thickness of the pair of electrodes 117 and 118, for example, in the sintering of electrode paste, the thickness is preferably about 5 to 30 μm; in dry plating such as sputtering and evaporation, the thickness is preferably about 100 to 1000 nm; in fusion plating, the thickness is preferably about 10 to 100 μm; and in wet plating such as electrolytic and chemical deposition, the thickness is preferably about 5 to 30 μm. Furthermore, in the bonding of metal plates or alloy plates, their thickness is preferably set to about 5 to 100 μm.

[0117] <Terminal 119>

[0118] Terminal 119 is connected to a pair of electrodes 117, 118, and terminal 119 is disposed on at least a portion of the pair of electrodes 117, 118. The provision of terminal 119 facilitates connection to an external power source. Terminal 119 is connected to a wire connected to an external power source.

[0119] The material of terminal 119 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, metal. As metal, elemental metals and alloys can be used. From the viewpoint of corrosion resistance, resistivity and linear expansion rate, it is preferred, for example, an alloy containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al and Ti, and more preferably stainless steel, Fe-Ni alloy and phosphor bronze.

[0120] The size and shape of terminal 119 are not particularly limited. For example, as Figure 3A As shown, a terminal 119 can be integrally disposed on a pair of electrodes 117, 118 on the outer peripheral wall 112. Alternatively, the terminal 119 can be disposed on a portion of the pair of electrodes 117, 118 on the outer peripheral wall 112, or it can be configured to extend to a position outside the outer edge of the pair of electrodes 117, 118 on the outer peripheral wall 112. Furthermore, the terminal 119 can be disposed on a portion of the pair of electrodes 117, 118 on the partition wall 116, or it can be configured to block a portion of the compartment 115.

[0121] In addition, the thickness of terminal 119 is not particularly limited, for example, it is 0.01 to 10 mm, typically 0.05 to 5 mm.

[0122] Regarding the connection method between terminal 119 and a pair of electrodes 117 and 118, any electrical connection is acceptable and there are no particular limitations. For example, the connection can be made by diffusion bonding, mechanical pressure mechanism, welding, etc.

[0123] <Adsorption layer 121>

[0124] The adsorption layer 121 is a layer containing an adsorbent.

[0125] The adsorption layer 121 can be disposed on the surface of the partition wall 116 (in the case of the outermost compartment 115, the partition wall 116 that divides the outermost compartment 115 and the outer peripheral wall 112). By disposing the adsorption layer 121 in this way, moisture can be easily adsorbed during adsorption processing, and the adsorption layer 121 can be easily heated during regeneration processing, thus enabling the function of the adsorption layer 121 to be regenerated.

[0126] In addition to adsorbing moisture, the adsorption layer 121 can also adsorb carbon dioxide and / or volatile components. If the adsorption layer 121 can adsorb not only moisture but also carbon dioxide and volatile components, then air purification can be achieved.

[0127] It should be noted that the volatile components contained in the air of vehicles, etc., include, for example, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or odor components other than VOCs. Specific examples of volatile components include: ammonia, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, nonenal, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, p-dichlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, chlorpyrifos, di-n-butyl phthalate, tetradecane, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, diazinon, acetaldehyde, N-methylcarbamate-2-(1-methylpropyl)phenyl ester, etc.

[0128] The adsorption layer 121 may contain a catalyst. By containing a catalyst, carbon dioxide and / or volatile components can be purified by promoting redox reactions, etc. Examples of catalysts with such functions include metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, and Ag, and oxide catalysts such as CeO2 and ZrO2. A single catalyst may be used, or two or more may be used in combination. In addition, the catalyst may be used in combination with the aforementioned functional materials.

[0129] The thickness of the adsorption layer 121 can be determined according to the size of the compartment 115 and is not particularly limited. For example, from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient contact with air, the thickness of the adsorption layer 121 is preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 25 μm or more, and even more preferably 30 μm or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing the adsorption layer 121 from peeling off from the partition wall 116 or the outer peripheral wall 112, the thickness of the adsorption layer 121 is preferably 400 μm or less, more preferably 380 μm or less, and even more preferably 350 μm or less.

[0130] The thickness of the adsorption layer 121 is measured according to the following steps: An arbitrary cross-section of the honeycomb structure 111 parallel to the flow path direction is cut out, and a cross-sectional image at approximately 50x magnification is obtained using a scanning electron microscope or the like. Furthermore, this cross-section is positioned so that it passes through the centroid of a cross-section of the honeycomb structure 111 orthogonal to the flow path direction. For each adsorption layer 121 visible from the cross-sectional image, the thickness is calculated by dividing the cross-sectional area by the length of the compartment 115 in the flow path direction. This calculation is performed for all adsorption layers 121 visible from the cross-sectional image, and the overall average value is taken as the thickness of the adsorption layer 121.

[0131] From the viewpoint of achieving the desired function within the humidity control device 10, the amount of the adsorption layer 121 is preferably 50 to 500 g / L relative to the volume of the honeycomb structure 111, more preferably 100 to 400 g / L, and even more preferably 150 to 350 g / L. It should be noted that the volume of the honeycomb structure 111 is a value determined based on the external dimensions of the honeycomb structure 111.

[0132] <Manufacturing Method of Humidification Equipment 10>

[0133] The method for manufacturing the humidity control device 10 is not particularly limited and can be carried out according to known methods. Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the humidity control device 10, which uses a honeycomb structure 111 as the base material part, will be described illustratively.

[0134] The manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure 111 constituting the humidity control device 10 includes a molding process and a firing process.

[0135] In the molding process, a blank containing ceramic raw materials including BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and rare earth nitrates or hydroxides is molded to produce a honeycomb molded body with a relative density of more than 60%.

[0136] Ceramic raw materials can be obtained by dry mixing of various powders according to the desired composition.

[0137] A green body can be obtained by adding a dispersion medium, binder, plasticizer, and dispersant to ceramic raw materials and then mixing them. The green body may contain additives such as displacement agents, metal oxides, property improvers, and conductive powders, as needed.

[0138] The amount of ingredients other than ceramic raw materials can be adjusted to achieve a relative density of 60% or more in the honeycomb molded body, without any particular limitation.

[0139] Here, the "relative density of the honeycomb molded body" in this specification refers to the ratio of the density of the honeycomb molded body to the true density of the entire ceramic raw material. Specifically, it can be calculated using the following formula.

[0140] Relative density (%) of honeycomb molded material = Density of honeycomb molded material (g / cm³) 3 True density of the ceramic raw material as a whole (g / cm³) 3 )×100

[0141] The density of the honeycomb molded body can be determined using Archimedes' method with pure water as the medium. Alternatively, the true density of the entire ceramic raw material can be calculated by dividing the total mass (g) of all raw materials by the total actual volume (cm³) of all raw materials. 3 To find the solution, we need to use the following method.

[0142] Examples of dispersion media include water, or a mixture of water and organic solvents such as alcohols, with water being particularly preferred.

[0143] Examples of adhesives include organic adhesives such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropoxycellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol. The combination of methylcellulose and hydroxypropoxycellulose is particularly preferred. One type of adhesive may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination; however, it is preferable that the adhesive does not contain alkali metal elements.

[0144] Examples of plasticizers include: polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polycarboxylic acid polymers, and alkyl phosphates.

[0145] Dispersants that can be used include surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, ethylene glycol, dextrin, fatty acid soaps, and polyols. A single dispersant can be used, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0146] Honeycomb structures can be made by extruding preforms. During extrusion molding, a die with the desired overall shape, cell shape, cell wall thickness, cell density, etc., can be used.

[0147] The relative density of the honeycomb molded body obtained by extrusion molding is 60% or more, preferably 65% ​​or more. By controlling the relative density of the honeycomb molded body within such a range, the honeycomb molded body can be densified, thereby reducing the electrical resistance at room temperature. It should be noted that there is no particular upper limit to the relative density of the honeycomb molded body, which is typically 80%, preferably 75%.

[0148] The honeycomb molded body can be dried before the firing process. There are no particular limitations on the drying method; for example, conventionally known drying methods such as hot air drying, microwave drying, induction drying, reduced pressure drying, vacuum drying, and freeze drying can be used. However, a drying method combining hot air drying and microwave drying or induction drying is preferred in terms of achieving rapid and uniform drying of the entire molded body.

[0149] The firing process includes: holding at 1150-1250℃, then heating to a maximum temperature of 1360-1430℃ at a rate of 20-600℃ / hour, and holding for 0.5-10 hours.

[0150] By holding the honeycomb molded body at a maximum temperature of 1360–1430°C for 0.5–10 hours, a honeycomb structure 111 with BaTiO3 crystalline particles, in which a portion of Ba is replaced by rare earth elements, as the main component can be obtained.

[0151] In addition, by holding the temperature at 1150–1250°C, the Ba2TiO4 crystal particles generated during the firing process can be easily removed, thus enabling the densification of the honeycomb structure 111.

[0152] Furthermore, by setting the heating rate of the maximum temperature from 1150 to 1250°C to 1360 to 1430°C to 20 to 600°C / hour, it is possible to generate 1.0 to 10.0% by mass of Ba6Ti in the honeycomb structure 111. 17 O 40 Crystalline particles.

[0153] The holding time at 1150–1250°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5–10 hours. By setting the holding time to this level, the Ba2TiO4 crystal particles generated during the firing process can be easily and stably removed.

[0154] The firing process preferably includes maintaining the temperature at 900–950°C for 0.5–5 hours during heating. By maintaining the temperature at 900–950°C for 0.5–5 hours, BaCO3 is efficiently decomposed, easily yielding a honeycomb structure 111 with a specified composition.

[0155] It should be noted that a degreasing process to remove the binder can be performed prior to the firing process. The atmosphere for the degreasing process is preferably atmospheric to ensure complete decomposition of the organic components.

[0156] Furthermore, from the perspective of controlling electrical characteristics and manufacturing costs, the atmosphere for the firing process is preferably an atmospheric atmosphere.

[0157] There are no particular restrictions on the type of furnace used in the firing or degreasing process; electric furnaces, gas furnaces, etc., can be used.

[0158] A pair of electrodes 117 and 118 are formed on the honeycomb structure 111 obtained in this way. The pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can be formed by metal deposition methods such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. Alternatively, the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can be formed by sintering after coating with electrode paste. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can also be formed by fusion deposition. The pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can be composed of a single layer or multiple electrode layers with different compositions. The following describes representative methods for forming the pair of electrodes 117 and 118.

[0159] First, an electrode slurry comprising electrode material, organic binder, and dispersion medium is prepared and coated onto the first end face 113 or the second end face 114 of the honeycomb structure 111. The dispersion medium can be water, an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, xylene, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, texanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether) or a mixture thereof. Excess slurry on the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 111 is removed by blowing and wiping. Then, by drying the slurry, a pair of electrodes 117 and 118 can be formed on the first end face 113 or the second end face 114 of the honeycomb structure 111. Drying can be performed while heating the honeycomb structure 111 to a temperature of, for example, approximately 120–600°C. The series of processes of coating, slurry removal and drying can be performed once or repeatedly to achieve the desired thickness of a pair of electrodes 117, 118.

[0160] Next, terminals 119 are arranged at predetermined positions on a pair of electrodes 117 and 118, and the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 and terminals 119 are connected. The method described above can be used as a method for connecting the pair of electrodes 117 and 118 and terminals 119.

[0161] It should be noted that the terminal 119 can also be installed after the adsorption layer 121 described below is formed.

[0162] Next, an adsorption layer 121 is formed on the surface of the partition 116, etc. of the honeycomb structure 111.

[0163] The method for forming the adsorption layer 121 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be formed using the following steps: The honeycomb structure 111 is immersed in a slurry containing an adsorbent, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium for a specified time, and excess slurry on the end faces and outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 111 is removed by blowing and wiping. The dispersion medium can be water, an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, xylene, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, texanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether) or a mixture thereof. Afterwards, by drying the slurry, the adsorption layer 121 can be formed on the surface of the partition wall 116, etc. Drying can be performed while heating the honeycomb structure 111 to a temperature of, for example, approximately 120–600°C. The series of processes of impregnation, slurry removal and drying can be performed only once or repeatedly to create an adsorption layer 121 of the desired thickness on the surface of the partition 116, etc.

[0164] (2. Humidity control system)

[0165] The humidity control system according to the embodiments of the present invention includes: a flow path that allows air circulation; and a humidity control device 10 disposed within the flow path.

[0166] The humidity control system according to the embodiments of the present invention can have the above-described configuration and is not particularly limited. Except for using the humidity control device 10, it can be applied to existing humidity control systems. Hereinafter, an example of the humidity control system according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0167] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the humidity control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] like Figure 4 As shown, the humidity control system 20 according to the embodiments of the present invention includes: an air conditioning channel 210, a humidity control device 10, a power supply 220, a valve 230, a fan 240, and a control unit 250.

[0169] <Air Conditioning Channel 210>

[0170] The air conditioning duct 210 is a flow path that allows air to circulate. The upstream side of the air conditioning duct 210 connects to the indoor or outdoor environment (particularly, in the case of a vehicle, the passenger compartment or an external air inlet). The air conditioning duct 210 allows air from the indoor or outdoor environment to flow in, and allows air that has passed through the humidification device 10 to flow into the indoor environment or be exhausted to the outdoor environment. Therefore, the air conditioning duct 210 preferably branches downstream of the humidification device 10 into a first flow path 211 that allows air to flow into the indoor environment, and a second flow path 212 that allows air to be exhausted to the outdoor environment.

[0171] The air conditioning channel 210 may include a valve 230 capable of switching the airflow between the first flow path 211 and the second flow path 21. The valve 230 is not particularly limited as long as it is electrically driven and has the function of switching flow paths; a solenoid valve or an electric valve can be used. For example, the valve 230 may include an opening / closing gate supported on a rotating shaft and an actuator such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft. The actuator may be configured to be controllable by the control unit 250.

[0172] <Humidity Control Equipment 10>

[0173] A humidification device 10 is disposed within an air conditioning channel 210. The number of humidification devices 10 disposed within the air conditioning channel 210 can be one or more. When multiple humidification devices 10 are disposed, they can be configured in parallel or in series with respect to the airflow within the air conditioning channel 210.

[0174] <Power Supply 220>

[0175] The power supply 220 is used to apply voltage to the humidity control device 10 (specifically, a pair of electrodes 117, 118). The power supply 220 is electrically connected to the control unit 250 and adjusts the voltage application state to the pair of electrodes 117, 118 according to the instructions from the control unit 250.

[0176] As a power source of 220V, there are no special limitations; a rechargeable battery or similar device can be used.

[0177] <Ventilator 240>

[0178] A ventilation fan 240 is used to draw indoor or outdoor air into the humidification device 10 and is configured within the air conditioning duct 210. The location of the ventilation fan 240 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be located in... Figure 4 The image shows the upstream side of the humidity control device 10, which can also be the downstream side of the humidity control device 10.

[0179] In addition, the ventilator 240 is electrically connected to the control unit 250, and the air flow rate is controlled by adjusting the rotation speed according to the instructions from the control unit 250.

[0180] <Control Unit 250>

[0181] The control unit 250 is connected to the power supply 220, valve 230, and fan 240, and can control them. Specifically, by controlling the power supply 220, the control unit 250 can control the voltage applied to a pair of electrodes 117 and 118 of the humidity control device 10, and adjust the heating state of the honeycomb structure 111. In addition, the control unit 250 can control the valve 230 by allowing air to flow through the first flow path 211 or the second flow path 212. Furthermore, by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 240, the control unit 250 can control the airflow rate flowing in the air conditioning channel 210.

[0182] The control unit 250 is not specifically defined and is usually an ECU (Engine (electronic) Control Unit). An ECU has: a CPU that performs various arithmetic operations, a ROM that stores the programs or data required for its control, a RAM that temporarily stores the results of the CPU's operations, and input / output ports for inputting or outputting signals to or from external devices.

[0183] The control unit 250 is capable of performing: an adsorption process by disconnecting the applied voltage from the power supply 220 and switching the valve 230 so that air flowing in the air conditioning channel 210 passes through the first flow path 211; and a regeneration process by connecting the applied voltage from the power supply 220 and switching the valve 230 so that air flowing in the air conditioning channel 210 passes through the second flow path 212. By controlling it in this way, the adsorption and regeneration processes can be easily implemented.

[0184] During the adsorption process, moisture is adsorbed from indoor or outdoor air by controlling the process as described above in the control unit 250. At this time, the honeycomb structure 111 of the humidification device 10 is not heated. Specifically, indoor or outdoor air flows into the humidification device 10 through the air conditioning channel 210, and the moisture contained in the air is adsorbed. Furthermore, the air with the captured moisture is returned to the room through the first flow path 211.

[0185] During the regeneration process, the adsorption section 120 (adsorption layer 121) of the humidification device 10 is regenerated by control in the control unit 250 as described above. At this time, the honeycomb structure 111 of the humidification device 10 is heated. Specifically, indoor or outdoor air flows into the humidification device 10 through the air conditioning channel 210, and during its passage through the humidification device 10, the moisture adsorbed by the adsorption section 120 (adsorption layer 121) is removed. The air containing moisture is then discharged outdoors through the second flow path 212.

[0186] When the humidity control system 20 is used in a vehicle, from the viewpoint of stably performing the aforementioned control, the humidity control device 10 is preferably located close to the passenger compartment. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing electric shock, the driving voltage of the humidity control device 10 is preferably 60V or less. The honeycomb structure 111 used in the humidity control device 10 has low resistance at room temperature, therefore, it is possible to heat the honeycomb structure 111 with this low driving voltage. It should be noted that the lower limit of the driving voltage is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10V or more. If the driving voltage is lower than 10V, the current when heating the honeycomb structure 111 increases, therefore, it is necessary to make the wires thicker.

[0187] Example

[0188] The present invention will be further described in detail below by way of embodiments; however, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments in any way.

[0189] <Making of Humidity Control Equipment>

[0190] BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and La(NH3)3·6H2O powder were prepared as ceramic raw materials. These powders were weighed according to the specified composition after firing and then dry-mixed to obtain a mixed powder. Dry mixing was performed for 30 minutes. Next, relative to 100 parts by weight of the obtained mixed powder, water, binder, plasticizer, and dispersant were added in appropriate amounts ranging from 3 to 30 parts by weight, respectively, to obtain a ceramic molded body with a relative density of 64.8% after extrusion molding, and then kneaded to obtain a green body. Methylcellulose was used as the binder. Polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers were used as the plasticizer and dispersant.

[0191] Next, the obtained preform is placed into an extrusion molding machine and extruded using a specified die to form a honeycomb structure in the shape shown below after firing.

[0192] The shape of the cross-section and end face of the honeycomb structure orthogonal to the flow direction: quadrilateral

[0193] The cross-sectional shape of the compartment orthogonal to the flow path direction: quadrilateral

[0194] The thickness of the partition wall is 0.100mm.

[0195] Thickness of the outer peripheral wall: 0.2mm

[0196] Compartment density: 80 compartments / cm³ 2

[0197] Compartment spacing: 1.1mm

[0198] The cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb structure orthogonal to the direction of flow path extension: 6000 mm² 2

[0199] Length of the flow path in the honeycomb structure: 10mm

[0200] The volume resistivity of the material constituting the outer peripheral wall and partitions at 25°C is 15 Ω·cm.

[0201] Curie point of the materials constituting the outer perimeter and partition walls: 110℃

[0202] Next, the obtained honeycomb molded body is subjected to induction drying and hot air drying. Then, it is degreased in a firing furnace under atmospheric atmosphere (450℃ × 4 hours). Following this, it is fired under atmospheric atmosphere to obtain the honeycomb structure. The firing process is as follows: after holding at 950℃ for 1 hour, the temperature is increased to 1200℃ and held at 1200℃ for 1 hour. Then, the temperature is increased to 1400℃ (maximum temperature) at a rate of 200℃ / hour and held at 1400℃ for 2 hours.

[0203] Next, a pair of electrodes are formed on the two end faces (first end face and second end face) of the obtained honeycomb structure. First, an electrode paste containing aluminum (electrode material), ethyl cellulose, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (organic binder) is prepared, coated onto the first end face, and then dried, thereby forming an electrode on the surface of the first end face. Then, using the same electrode paste, an electrode paste is coated onto the second end face and dried, thereby forming an electrode on the second end face.

[0204] Next, as adsorbents, X-type zeolite (Example 1), Y-type zeolite (SiO2 / Al2O3 molar ratio 10) (Example 2), MFI-type zeolite (Example 3), Y-type zeolite (SiO2 / Al2O3 molar ratio 5) (Example 4), and A-type silica gel (Comparative Example 1) were used. The honeycomb structure with a pair of electrodes was immersed in a slurry containing adsorbent, organic binder, and water. The slurry adhering to excess locations (such as the outer periphery) was removed by purging and wiping, and then dried at a temperature of about 550°C. As a result, an adsorption layer with a thickness of 150 μm was formed on the surface of the partition wall and the surface of the outer peripheral wall facing the compartment.

[0205] The humidity control device obtained as described above is configured within the air conditioning channel to construct... Figure 4 The humidity control system shown is evaluated as follows.

[0206] <Adsorption (hygroscopic) properties>

[0207] After regeneration of the humidity control system, adsorption treatment is performed. The regeneration process is as follows: the fan is started to circulate air at 25°C and 40% relative humidity through the air conditioning channel at a flow rate of 25 L / min, while simultaneously applying 12V to the humidity control equipment from a DC power supply for 3 minutes. The adsorption process is as follows: without applying voltage to the humidity control equipment, air under the same conditions is circulated through the air conditioning channel at a flow rate of 380 L / min for 3 minutes. During the desiccation treatment, the absolute humidity at the inlet and outlet of the humidity control equipment [g / m³] is measured. 3 The moisture absorption [g] is measured and calculated using the following formula.

[0208] Moisture absorption [g] = (Absolute humidity at the inlet of the humidification equipment [g / m³]) 3 - Absolute humidity at the outlet of the humidity control equipment [g / m³] 3 ]) × flow rate [m 3 / minute] × Adsorption treatment time [minutes]

[0209] It should be noted that if the moisture absorption is above 3.0g, it can be judged as having good adsorption performance.

[0210] <Regeneration (moisture release) performance>

[0211] After adsorption treatment, the humidity control system undergoes regeneration. The adsorption treatment is as follows: without applying voltage to the humidity control equipment, the fan is started, and air at 25°C and 40% relative humidity circulates in the air conditioning channel at a flow rate of 380 L / min for 3 minutes. The regeneration treatment is as follows: air under the same conditions circulates in the air conditioning channel at a flow rate of 25 L / min, while simultaneously applying 12V to the humidity control equipment from a DC power supply for 3 minutes. During the regeneration treatment, the absolute humidity [g / m³] at the inlet and outlet of the humidity control equipment is measured. 3 The moisture release amount [g] is calculated using the following formula.

[0212] Moisture release [g] = (Absolute humidity at the outlet of the humidification equipment [g / m³]) 3 - Absolute humidity at the inlet of the humidification equipment [g / m³] 3 ]) × flow rate [m 3 / minute] × Regeneration processing time [minutes]

[0213] It should be noted that if the moisture release is 1.0g or more, it can be judged as having good regeneration performance.

[0214] The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0215] Table 1

[0216]

[0217] As shown in Table 1, the humidity control devices of Examples 1-4 have a higher moisture absorption capacity compared to the humidity control device of Comparative Example 1. This is believed to be because, based on the airflow direction, they can efficiently absorb moisture not only in the upstream adsorption layer but also in the downstream adsorption layer. Furthermore, the humidity control devices of Examples 1-4 also have a higher moisture release capacity compared to the humidity control device of Comparative Example 1, enabling more efficient regeneration.

[0218] As can be seen from the above results, according to the present invention, a humidity control device and humidity control system can be provided that can efficiently adsorb moisture from the air regardless of the humidity level.

Claims

1. A humidity control device, comprising: Substrate section; and An adsorption section, disposed on the surface of the substrate section, contains an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and removing moisture. The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 The difference between the water adsorption amount Ad8 at 8% relative humidity and the water adsorption amount Ad1 at 1% relative humidity, Ad8-Ad1, is 5% or more by mass.

2. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein, The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 It is 20% or more by mass.

3. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein, The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 It is 23% or more by mass.

4. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein, The adsorbent adsorbs a certain amount of water at a relative humidity of over 20% under the water adsorption isotherm. 20 It is 25% or more by mass.

5. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 8% relative humidity (Ad8) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm, Ad8-Ad1, is more than 8% by mass.

6. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 8% relative humidity (Ad8) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 10% by mass.

7. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 8% relative humidity (Ad8-Ad1) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 17% by mass.

8. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 5% relative humidity (Ad5) and the amount of water adsorbed at 1% relative humidity (Ad1) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 5% by mass.

9. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The difference between the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent at 5% relative humidity (Ad5) and the amount of water adsorbed at 3% relative humidity (Ad3) under the water adsorption isotherm is greater than 2% by mass.

10. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The adsorbent is selected from one or more types of X-type zeolite, Y-type zeolite, A-type zeolite and MFI-type zeolite.

11. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The adsorbent is a Y-type zeolite with a SiO2 / Al2O3 molar ratio of less than 10.

12. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The substrate is a honeycomb structure with an outer peripheral wall and partitions. The partitions are disposed on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall and divide the space into multiple compartments. These multiple compartments extend from the first end face to the second end face, forming airflow paths. The adsorption part is an adsorption layer disposed on the surface of the partition wall.

13. The humidity control device according to claim 12, wherein, The humidity control device also includes a pair of electrodes disposed on the first end face and the second end face of the honeycomb structure, or on the outer peripheral wall of the honeycomb structure parallel to the direction of extension of the compartment.

14. The humidity control device according to claim 12, wherein, At least the partitions of the cellular structure are made of a material with PTC properties.

15. A humidity control system, comprising: The airflow path allows for air circulation; The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the humidity control device is disposed within the flow path.

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