Humidification unit

Abstract

To improve humidification efficiency by a heater that can adjust output, and a heater of fixed output.SOLUTION: A humidification unit 4 includes a rotor 41, a body 40, a first heater 51, and a second heater 52. The rotor 41 humidifies the air by desorption of moisture and sorption of moisture. In the body 40, a desorption flow passage 45 and a sorption flow passage 46 are formed. The desorption flow passage 45 includes a moisture desorption region A2 which is a region where desorption of moisture in the rotor 41 is performed. The sorption flow passage 46 includes a moisture sorption region A1 which is a region where sorption of moisture in the rotor 41 is performed. The first heater 51 is arranged in the desorption flow passage 45, and can adjust an output. In the second heater 52, an output is fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Regarding the humidification unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2023-059449 A) ​​discloses an air conditioner equipped with a heater that heats an absorbent material from the upstream side of the absorbent material. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The air conditioner in Patent Document 1 does not disclose a heater with adjustable output and a heater with fixed output.

[0004] The present disclosure proposes a humidification unit that can improve humidification efficiency by using a heater with adjustable output and a heater with fixed output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A humidification unit according to a first aspect includes a rotor, a main body, a first heater, and a second heater. The rotor humidifies air by desorption and sorption of moisture. The main body is formed with a desorption flow path and a sorption flow path. The desorption flow path includes a moisture desorption region in which desorption of moisture occurs in the rotor. The sorption flow path includes a moisture sorption region in which sorption of moisture occurs in the rotor. The first heater is disposed in the desorption flow path and has an adjustable output. The second heater has a fixed output.

[0006] The humidification unit according to the present disclosure includes a main body in which a first heater with adjustable output and a second heater with fixed output are formed. The humidification unit can adjust the output based on the state of air in the desorption flow path and heat the fixed rotor to a constant temperature. Therefore, the humidification unit can improve the efficiency of humidification.

[0007] A humidification unit according to a second aspect is the humidification unit according to the first aspect, wherein the rotor is formed from at least a polymer material.

[0008] A humidification unit according to a third aspect is the humidification unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the second heater heats the rotor by radiation.

[0009] A humidification unit according to a fourth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first heater heats the rotor via air.

[0010] A humidification unit according to a fifth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein at least a portion of the first heater does not face the rotor.

[0011] A humidification unit according to a sixth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, in which the first heater does not entirely face the rotor.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the humidification unit is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the first heater is disposed away from the rotor, and the second heater is disposed at a position closer to the rotor than the first heater.

[0013] A humidification unit according to an eighth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the first heater is rod-shaped.

[0014] A humidification unit according to a ninth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the second heater has a planar shape and is disposed opposite the rotor.

[0015] A humidification unit according to a tenth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the output of the first heater is greater than the output of the second heater.

[0016] A humidifying unit according to an eleventh aspect is the humidifying unit according to the second aspect, wherein the polymer material is a material that changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic in response to an increase in temperature.

[0017] A humidification unit according to a twelfth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, in which the first heater is a heater through which air can pass, and the second heater is a heater through which air cannot pass.

[0018] A humidification unit according to a thirteenth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in which the second heater heats the rotor from both one side and the other side of the rotor.

[0019] A humidification unit according to a fourteenth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, in which the first heater is made of at least a nichrome wire, and the second heater is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater.

[0020] A humidification unit according to a fifteenth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, in which the output of the first heater is equal to or higher than 80° C. and equal to or lower than 300° C. The fixed output of the second heater is equal to or lower than 120° C. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an air conditioning device. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner and an air supply flow path for humidified air. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an annular region in which a rotor is disposed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioning apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] (1) Overall structure Fig. 1 is an external view of an air conditioner 100 including a humidifying unit 4 according to one embodiment. The air conditioner 100 uses a vapor compression refrigerant cycle to condition the room (not shown) of a target space such as a building. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the air conditioner 100 mainly has a heat source unit 2, a utilization unit 3, a humidifying unit 4, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, a gas refrigerant connection pipe 6, a hose 7, a remote control 8, and a control unit 9.

[0023] The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3. The equipment and refrigerant piping in the heat source unit 2, the equipment and refrigerant piping in the utilization unit 3, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circuit 10. The refrigerant circuit 10 has a refrigerant sealed inside.

[0024] The hose 7 connects the humidifying unit 4 and the utilization unit 3. The hose 7 is a member that supplies humidified outdoor air (humidified air) or non-humidified outdoor air from the humidifying unit 4 to the utilization unit 3. The hose 7 is also a member that exhausts indoor air from the utilization unit 3 to the humidifying unit 4.

[0025] Although details will be described later, a control unit 9 shown in FIG. 5 controls each device of the air conditioner 100 to perform air conditioning operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, humidification operation, and ventilation operation.

[0026] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Heat source unit The heat source unit 2 is installed outdoors (on the roof of a building, near the exterior wall of a building, etc.). The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 23, a heat source heat exchanger 24, a heat source expansion valve 25, a heat source fan 26, and a control unit 9.

[0027] (2-1-1) Compressor In the refrigerant circuit 10, the compressor 21 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from a refrigerant pipe 21a on the suction side, compresses it to high pressure, and then discharges it to a refrigerant pipe 21b on the discharge side.

[0028] (2-1-2) Four-way switching valve The four-way switching valve 23 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 10. The four-way switching valve 23 has a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4. The four-way switching valve 23 is switched by the control unit 9 between a first state in which the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other and the second port P2 and the third port P3 communicate with each other, and a second state in which the first port P1 and the second port P2 communicate with each other and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other.

[0029] The first port P1 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 21b on the discharge side of the compressor 21. The second port P2 is connected to the gas side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The third port P3 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 21a on the suction side of the compressor 21. The fourth port P4 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6.

[0030] (2-1-3) Heat source heat exchanger The heat source heat exchanger 24 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the refrigerant circuit 10. One end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the heat source expansion valve 25. The other end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way switching valve 23.

[0031] (2-1-4) Heat source expansion valve The heat source expansion valve 25 is an expansion mechanism that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10. The heat source expansion valve 25 is provided between the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5 and the liquid side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source expansion valve 25 is an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled. The opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0032] (2-1-5) Heat source fan The heat source fan 26 generates an airflow and supplies outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source fan 26 supplies outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24, thereby promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant in the heat source heat exchanger 24 and the outdoor air. The heat source fan 26 is rotationally driven by a heat source fan motor 26a. The air volume of the heat source fan 26 is controlled by the control unit 9 changing the rotation speed of the heat source fan motor 26a.

[0033] (2-2) Usage unit The utilization unit 3 is an indoor air conditioner installed in a room which is a target space. The utilization unit 3 mainly includes a utilization heat exchanger 31, a utilization fan 32, and a duct .

[0034] (2-2-1) Heat exchanger used The utilization heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the refrigerant circuit 10. One end of the utilization heat exchanger 31 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5. The other end of the utilization heat exchanger 31 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6. The utilization heat exchanger 31 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger constituted by heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins, although this is not limited thereto.

[0035] The utilization heat exchanger 31 is disposed in a flow path of an airflow generated by the utilization fan 32. Specifically, as shown in FIG.

[0036] (2-2-2) Fans in use The utilization fan 32 is a blower device that generates an airflow. When the utilization fan 32 generates an airflow, the indoor air passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31. When the indoor air passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31, heat exchange between the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor air is promoted.

[0037] The utilization fan 32 is rotationally driven by a utilization fan motor 32a. The air volume of the utilization fan 32 is controlled by the control unit 9 by changing the rotation speed of the utilization fan motor 32a.

[0038] When the utilization fan 32 is operated, indoor air is drawn into the casing from the space above the utilization unit 3, passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31 for heat exchange, and then flows into the room through an air outlet formed at the bottom of the casing.

[0039] (2-2-3) Duct The duct 38 is a member that supplies humidified air supplied from the humidification unit 4 via the hose 7 to a space in the vicinity of the utilization heat exchanger 31 in the utilization unit 3. The duct 38 is a member that supplies unhumidified outdoor air supplied from the humidification unit 4 via the hose 7 to a space in the vicinity of the utilization heat exchanger 31 in the utilization unit 3. The duct 38 is a member that discharges indoor air taken into the utilization unit 3 to the humidification unit 4 via the hose 7. One end of the duct 38 is connected to the hose 7, and an opening at the other end of the duct 38 faces the upper surface of the utilization heat exchanger 31.

[0040] (2-3) Humidification unit The humidification unit 4 is a device that humidifies outside air and supplies it as humidified air to the utilization unit 3. The humidification unit 4 is installed outdoors (on the roof of a building or near the exterior wall of a building, etc.) together with the heat source unit 2. The heat source unit 2 and the humidification unit 4 may be integrated together. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the humidification unit 4 mainly includes a main body 40, a rotor 41, a fan 43, a fan 44, a first heater 51, a second heater 52, etc.

[0041] (2-3-1) Rotor The rotor 41 is a humidity control rotor that adsorbs moisture in the outside air and desorbs the adsorbed moisture by being heated. The rotor 41 has a honeycomb structure and has a substantially disk-like outer shape. The rotor 41 may have a substantially disk-like outer shape with a concave recess on one or both sides. In this case, the second heater 52 is fitted into the recess so as not to come into contact with the rotor 41.

[0042] The rotor 41 is provided inside the humidification unit 4 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, and is rotated by the third motor 41a. The third motor 41a is a variable speed motor that is controlled by the control unit 9. The rotation of the third motor 41a is transmitted to a plurality of teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 41 via a gear 49, causing the rotor 41 to rotate (see arrow Y in Figs. 3 and 4).

[0043] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the rotor 41 is a doughnut-shaped member having an inner diameter D1 of 30 mm to 90 mm and an outer diameter D2 of 220 mm to 320 mm. The rotor thickness, which is the dimension of the rotor 41 in the rotation axis direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Fig. 4), is 10 mm to 50 mm. The central hole (hole with diameter D1) of the rotor 41 is fitted into a cylindrical portion 48 (see Fig. 3) protruding upward from the bottom surface of the main body 40. In this state, the rotor 41 is rotatably supported by the main body 40 including the cylindrical portion 48.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the annular rotor 41 is disposed in an annular region A0. In the following description, each region (annular region A0, moisture sorption region A1, moisture desorption region A2, back side region A21, front side region A22, and heating region A3) is not a region defined structurally but a region defined functionally, and is a virtual region. The annular region A0 is a space in which the rotor 41 is disposed, and is an annular space with an inner diameter D1 and an outer diameter D2. The left half of the annular region A0 is the moisture sorption region A1. The right half of the annular region A0 constitutes the moisture desorption region A2 and the heating region A3. The moisture desorption region A2 is further divided into a back side region A21 on the back side (upper side in FIG. 4) and a front side region A22 on the front side (lower side in FIG. 4).

[0045] The moisture sorption region A1 is a region where outside air passes from bottom to top through the rotor 41. The rotor 41 sorbs moisture contained in the outside air in the moisture sorption region A1.

[0046] The moisture desorption area A2 is an area where moisture held by the rotor 41 is desorbed into outside air to generate humidified air. In the back side area A21, outside air passes through the rotor 41 from bottom (first inlet 45a side) to top (flow path forming member 42 side). In the front side area A22, outside air passes through the rotor 41 from top (first heater 51 side) to bottom (fan 43 side). The moisture sorption area A1 is part of the sorption flow path 46 described later. The moisture desorption area A2 is part of the desorption flow path 45 described later.

[0047] The heating area A3 is an area facing the second heater 52. The heating area A3 is an area where the rotor 41 is heated by the second heater 52.

[0048] The moisture sorption region A1, the moisture desorption region A2, and the heating region A3 shown in Fig. 4 are merely examples. The moisture sorption region A1, the moisture desorption region A2, and the heating region A3 may be generated on the annular region A0 in a manner different from that shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, at least two or more regions of the moisture sorption region A1, the moisture desorption region A2, and the heating region A3 may overlap each other partially or completely.

[0049] (2-3-1-1) Polymer materials The rotor 41 is formed using at least a temperature-responsive polymer material that sorbs moisture in the air at room temperature and desorbs moisture when exposed to heated air or the like and the temperature rises. The affinity of the temperature-responsive polymer material with water changes reversibly in response to heat. The temperature at which the affinity with water changes reversibly is called the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The polymer material becomes hydrophobic and desorbs the moisture contained therein when the temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature, which is the lower critical solution temperature, and becomes hydrophilic and sorbs moisture when the temperature is lower than the first temperature. The lower critical solution temperature is adjusted to be any temperature between 60°C and 100°C. The polymer material can desorb the moisture held at a lower heating temperature than sorbents such as silica gel and zeolite. Therefore, the amount of heat applied by the first heater 51 and the second heater 52 can be suppressed.

[0050] (2-3-2) Main unit The main body 40 fixes or supports the rotor 41, the fan 43, the fan 44, the first heater 51, the second heater 52, etc. Within the main body 40, a desorption flow path 45 including the moisture desorption region A2 and a sorption flow path 46 including the moisture sorption region A1 are formed.

[0051] (2-3-2-1) Desorption flow path The desorption flow path 45 is an air flow path that supplies the outside air that has passed through the rotor 41 to the fan 43. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the desorption flow path 45 is a flow path that connects the first inlet 45a, the rear side area A21, the first heater 51, the front side area A22, and the first outlet 45c in this order.

[0052] The first inlet 45a is an opening formed on the back surface of the main body 40. The outside air flows into the desorption flow path 45 through the first inlet 45a. The outside air passes through the rotor 41 in the back surface side area A21. The rotor 41 is heated by at least the second heater 52a and the second heater 52b. Therefore, the outside air is slightly heated in the back surface side area A21. The outside air collides with the flow path forming member 42 and flows toward the first heater 51. The outside air passes through the first heater 51 and is heated. The outside air heated by the first heater 51 further passes through the rotor 41 in the front surface side area A22, and the moisture sorbed on the rotor 41 is desorbed into the passing air. The first exhaust port 45c is connected to the fan 43. The outside air humidified by the moisture desorbed from the rotor 41 flows into the fan 43 through the first exhaust port 45c.

[0053] (2-3-2-2) Sorption channel The sorption flow path 46 is an air flow path that causes moisture contained in the incoming outside air to be sorbed by the rotor 41. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the sorption flow path 46 is a flow path that connects the second inlets 46a, 46b, the moisture sorption region A1, the fan 44, and the second outlet 46c in this order.

[0054] The second inlets 46a, 46b are openings formed in the center of the front and back of the main body 40. Outside air flows into the sorption flow path 46 through the second inlets 46a, 46b. In the moisture sorption region A1, the outside air passes through the rotor 41. At this time, moisture contained in the outside air is sorbed by the rotor 41. The second outlet 46c is an opening formed on the left side of the front of the main body 40. The air with moisture sorbed by the rotor 41 passes through the fan 44 and then through the second outlet 46c to be blown out of the main body 40 from the sorption flow path 46.

[0055] (2-3-3) First heater The first heater 51 heats the air (outside air taken into the main body 40) flowing toward the rotor 41. Specifically, the first heater 51 is disposed in the desorption flow path 45, and heats the outside air that enters the main body 40 from a first inlet 45a formed on the rear surface of the main body 40 and passes through the rotor 41 in the rear surface area A21. The first heater 51 may heat the outside air that has not passed through the rotor 41. The heated outside air passes through the rotor 41 in the front surface area A22 and is sucked into the fan 43. The output of the first heater 51 is adjustable, and the amount of heating is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0056] The first heater 51 is disposed away from the rotor 41 so as not to come into contact with the rotor 41. The first heater 51 heats the rotor 41 via air. The first heater 51 is a heater through which air can pass. The first heater 51 is made of at least a nichrome wire. The output of the first heater 51 is 80° C. or more and 300° C. or less, and is greater than the output of the second heater 52.

[0057] (2-3-4) Second heater The humidification unit 4 has a second heater 52a and a second heater 52b as the second heater 52. Note that the humidification unit 4 may have only one of the second heater 52a and the second heater 52b as the second heater 52.

[0058] The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b are disposed closer to the rotor 41 than the first heater 51. The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b are disposed facing the rotor 41. The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b have a planar shape. The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b are disposed so as not to contact the rotor 41.

[0059] The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b heat the rotor 41 by radiation. The second heater 52a heats one side of the rotor 41. The second heater 52b heats the other side of the rotor 41. In other words, the second heater 52 heats the rotor 41 from both one side of the rotor 41 and the other side of the rotor 41.

[0060] The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b have a fixed output. The fixed output of the second heater 52a and the second heater 52b is 120° C. or less. The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b are PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters. The second heater 52a and the second heater 52b are heaters through which air cannot pass.

[0061] It should be noted that the second heater 52a and the second heater 52b may both be powered on at the same time, or only one of them may be powered on.

[0062] (2-3-5) Fans (43 Fans) The fan 43 is a blower that causes outside air to flow from the first inlet 45a into the desorption flow path 45 in the main body 40 and supplies outside air (humidified air, non-humidified outdoor air) to the hose 7. The fan 43 is also a blower that draws in indoor air from the hose 7. The fan 43 generates an airflow in which the outside air passes through the rotor 41 in the rear side area A21 and the front side area A22 of the moisture desorption area A2, and humidifies the outside air with the moisture desorbed from the rotor 41. The humidified outside air flows as humidified air from the air outlet 43b of the fan 43 to the hose 7.

[0063] The fan 43 is rotated by a second motor 43a. The second motor 43a is an inverter-controlled motor with a variable rotation speed, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0064] (2-3-6) Fan (Fan 44) The fan 44 is a blower (sirocco fan) that draws outside air from the second inlets 46a, 46b into the sorption flow passage 46 in the main body 40 and blows the outside air to the rotor 41. As described above, when the fan 44 rotates, the outside air passes through the rotor 41 from bottom to top in the moisture sorption region A1.

[0065] The fan 44 is rotated by a first motor 44a. The first motor 44a is an inverter-controlled motor with a variable rotation speed, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9. The lower limit of the airflow of the fan 44 is 0 m. 3 / min greater than 3m 3 / min and the upper limit of the air volume of the fan 44 is 3 m 3 / min more than 5m 3 The variable range of the rotation speed of the first motor 44a is determined so that the rotation speed of the first motor 44a is within a range of 200 rpm or less. For example, the variable range of the rotation speed of the first motor 44a is set so that the air volume of the fan 44 is within a range of 200 rpm or less. 3 / min more than 4m 3 It is determined that the adjustment range is within the range of 1 / min.

[0066] (2-4) Remote control The remote control 8 receives instructions from the user to perform air conditioning operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, humidification operation, and ventilation operation, instructions to stop the air conditioner 100, and setting values ​​such as the set humidity, and transmits the received results as control signals to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 records the received setting values ​​in a storage device.

[0067] (2-5) Control section 5, the control unit 9 is mainly connected to the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat source expansion valve 25, the heat source fan motor 26a, the utilization fan motor 32a, the indoor humidity sensor 94, the third motor 41a, the second motor 43a, the first motor 44a, the remote control 8, the first heater 51, the second heater 52a, and the second heater 52b. The indoor humidity sensor 94 is a sensor that measures the relative humidity of the indoor space in which the utilization unit 3, which is the space to be air-conditioned, is installed.

[0068] Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant circuit 10 by controlling the operation of the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat-source expansion valve 25, the heat-source fan motor 26a, and the utilization fan motor 32a.

[0069] The control unit 9 is typically realized by a computer including a control arithmetic device and a storage device (both not shown). The control arithmetic device reads out a control program stored in the storage device and performs operation control according to the control program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic device can read out information stored in the storage device as a result of calculation according to the control program.

[0070] The control unit 9 is composed of an outdoor control unit provided inside the heat source unit 2 and an indoor control unit provided inside the utilization unit 3, which are connected by a communication line capable of sending and receiving control signals to each other.

[0071] (3) Air conditioning operation Next, the air conditioning operations performed by the control unit 9, that is, the heating operation, the cooling operation, the humidification operation, and the ventilation operation, will be described.

[0072] (3-1) Heating operation The control unit 9 starts the heating operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 instructing to perform the heating operation. During the heating operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the first state. Furthermore, the control unit 9 sets the heat source expansion valve 25 to an opening corresponding to the set temperature received from the remote control 8, operates the compressor 21, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. As a result, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the utilization heat exchanger 31 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant.

[0073] (3-2) Cooling operation The control unit 9 starts the cooling operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 instructing to perform the cooling operation. During the cooling operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the second state. Furthermore, the control unit 9 sets the heat source expansion valve 25 to an opening corresponding to the set temperature received from the remote control 8, operates the compressor 21, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. As a result, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as a refrigerant condenser, and the utilization heat exchanger 31 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0074] (3-3) Humidification operation The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which humidified air obtained by humidifying outdoor air is used to humidify the indoor space, which is the target space of the air conditioning. The control unit 9 starts the humidification operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 to instruct the execution of the humidification operation. During the humidification operation, the control unit 9 causes the fans 43 and 44 to blow air, causes the first heater 51 to heat the outdoor air flowing through the desorption flow path 45, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. While the humidification operation is being performed, the refrigerant circuit 10 can perform a heating operation.

[0075] During humidification operation, the humidification unit 4 functions as follows.

[0076] As the fan 44 rotates, outside air flows into the sorption flow path 46 from the second inlets 46a, 46b. The outside air that flows into the sorption flow path 46 passes through the rotating rotor 41 in the moisture sorption region A1. As the outside air passes through the rotor 41, moisture contained in the outside air is sorbed by the rotor 41. The outside air with moisture sorbed by the rotor 41 is discharged to the outside of the humidification unit 4 from the second exhaust port 46c.

[0077] Meanwhile, as the fan 43 rotates, outside air flows into the desorption flow path 45 from the first inlet 45a. The outside air that flows into the desorption flow path 45 passes through the rotor 41 in the rear side area A21. The rotor 41 is heated by at least the second heaters 52a and 52b. Therefore, the outside air is heated in the rear side area A21.

[0078] The outside air that has passed through the rear side area A21 passes through the first heater 51 and is heated by the first heater 51. The outside air passes through the rotating rotor 41 in the front side area A22. As the heated outside air passes through the rotor 41, moisture adsorbed on the rotor 41 is desorbed. As a result, the outside air that has passed through the rotor 41 is humidified to become humidified air, and flows into the fan 43. The humidified air that has flowed into the fan 43 flows through the hose 7 into the duct 38 of the utilization unit 3, and is then supplied to the room through the utilization heat exchanger 31. The utilization fan 32 of the utilization unit 3 generates an airflow within the utilization unit 3 while humidified air is being supplied from the humidification unit 4. The humidified air supplied to the utilization unit 3 from the hose 7 is blown out into the room from the air outlet of the utilization unit 3 together with the airflow passing through the utilization heat exchanger 31.

[0079] The outside air that flows into the desorption flow path 45 from the first inlet 45a is mainly humidified in the front side area A22, but is also slightly humidified in the rear side area A21.

[0080] (3-4) Ventilation operation The ventilation operation will be described below. The ventilation operation includes an intake ventilation operation and an exhaust ventilation operation.

[0081] (3-4-1) Intake ventilation operation The intake ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which unhumidified outdoor air is supplied to a room, which is a target space for air conditioning, to ventilate the room. The control unit 9 starts the intake ventilation operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 to instruct the execution of the intake ventilation operation. During the intake ventilation operation, the control unit 9 drives the fan 43 and the utilization fan 32 to rotate.

[0082] During the intake ventilation operation, the humidification unit 4 functions as follows.

[0083] As the fan 43 rotates, outside air flows from the first inlet 45a into the desorption flow path 45. The outside air that has flowed into the desorption flow path 45 passes through the rotor 41, which is not heated, in the rear side area A21.

[0084] The outside air that has passed through the rear side area A21 passes through the first heater 51, which is not heated. The outside air passes through the rotating rotor 41 in the front side area A22. Since the outside air is not heated, it is not humidified even when it passes through the rotor 41. The unhumidified outside air flows into the fan 43. The humidified air that has flowed into the fan 43 flows through the hose 7 into the duct 38 of the utilization unit 3, and is then supplied to the room through the utilization heat exchanger 31. The utilization fan 32 of the utilization unit 3 generates an airflow within the utilization unit 3 while the outside air is being supplied from the humidification unit 4. The outside air supplied from the hose 7 to the utilization unit 3 is blown out into the room from the air outlet of the utilization unit 3, together with the airflow passing through the utilization heat exchanger 31.

[0085] (3-4-2) Exhaust ventilation As the fan 43 is driven to rotate, indoor air is drawn into the utilization unit 3. The indoor air drawn into the utilization unit 3 flows into the humidification unit 4 via the duct 38 and the hose 7. As the fan 43 rotates, the indoor air that has flowed into the humidification unit 4 is exhausted to the outside.

[0086] (4) Features (4-1) The humidification unit 4 includes a rotor 41, a main body 40, a first heater 51, and a second heater 52. The rotor 41 humidifies air by desorption and sorption of moisture. The main body 40 is formed with a desorption flow path 45 and a sorption flow path 46. The desorption flow path 45 includes a moisture desorption area A2, which is an area in the rotor 41 where moisture is desorbed. The sorption flow path 46 includes a moisture sorption area A1, which is an area in the rotor 41 where moisture is sorbed. The first heater 51 is disposed in the desorption flow path 45, and has an adjustable output. The second heater 52 has a fixed output.

[0087] When the heated air passes through the rotor, the air is humidified by the moisture desorbed from the rotor. In other words, in order for the humidification unit to perform humidification, it is necessary to heat the air and pass the heated air through the rotor.

[0088] The temperature and humidity of the air may vary depending on the outdoor environment in which the humidifying unit is placed. Therefore, the degree of heating required for humidification by the humidifying unit may also vary. The humidifying unit 4 can change the degree of heating of the air by the first heater 51, the output of which can be adjusted. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 can humidify air in accordance with the various environments in which the humidifying unit 4 is placed.

[0089] However, the heater may be disposed in close proximity to the rotor so that the heated air passes through the rotor. Therefore, the heater may heat not only the air but also the rotor. The rotor needs to be kept at a certain temperature range so that moisture can be desorbed. Also, the rotor is a solid that may denature. Therefore, the rotor needs to be kept at a certain temperature range to suppress denature. The humidification unit 4 heats the rotor 41 by the second heater 52 with a fixed output that can heat to a certain temperature range. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can improve the efficiency of humidification while heating the rotor 41 to a certain temperature range and suppressing denature of the rotor 41.

[0090] (4-2) In the humidification unit 4, at least the rotor 41 is made of a polymer material.

[0091] Polymer materials may have humidifying properties when kept at a certain temperature range. The humidifying unit 4 heats the material using the second heater 52 with a fixed output. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 can improve the efficiency of humidification by utilizing the humidifying properties of the polymer material.

[0092] For example, polymer materials can desorb moisture at a lower heating temperature than sorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, etc. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can reduce the amount of heat applied by the first heater 51 and the second heater 52, and improve the efficiency of humidification.

[0093] (4-3) In the humidification unit 4, the second heater 52 heats the rotor 41 by radiation.

[0094] The rotor 41 may be rotated to efficiently desorb moisture due to its physical / chemical properties, whereas the second heater 52 may be fixed without rotating because it has electrical properties to generate heat from electricity.

[0095] When the rotor 41 and the second heater 52 are adjacent to each other, the second heater 52 can heat the rotor 41 by thermal conduction. However, when the rotating rotor 41 is disposed adjacent to the non-rotating second heater 52, the physical / chemical properties of the rotor 41 or the electrical properties of the second heater 52 may not be utilized.

[0096] The second heater 52 is disposed so as not to come into contact with the rotor 41, and heats the rotor 41 by radiation. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can improve the efficiency of humidification by heating the rotor 41 while utilizing the characteristics of the second heater 52 and the rotor 41.

[0097] (4-4) In the humidification unit 4, the first heater 51 heats the rotor 41 via air.

[0098] When the first heater 51 with adjustable output is adjacent to the rotor 41, it may be difficult for the rotor 41 to maintain a constant temperature. The first heater 51 is disposed so as not to come into contact with the rotor 41, and heats the rotor 41 via air. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 heats the rotor 41 so as to maintain the temperature within a constant range, thereby improving the efficiency of humidification.

[0099] (4-5) In the humidification unit 4, the first heater 51 is disposed away from the rotor 41. The second heater 52 is disposed at a position closer to the rotor 41 than the first heater 51 is.

[0100] The amount of heat from the heater is inversely correlated with the square of the distance from the heater. If the distance from the rotor 41 to the first heater 51 is shorter than the distance from the rotor 41 to the second heater 52, the rotor 41 may not be able to maintain a certain temperature range due to the amount of heat from the first heater 51, which has adjustable output. The second heater 52 is disposed at a position closer to the rotor 41 than the first heater 51. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 heats the rotor 41 so as to maintain the temperature within a certain range, thereby improving the efficiency of humidification.

[0101] (4-6) In the humidification unit 4, the second heater 52 has a planar shape. The second heater 52 is disposed opposite the rotor 41.

[0102] The rotor may have a roughly disk-like shape to efficiently desorb moisture due to its physical / chemical properties. The amount of heat from the heater is inversely correlated to the square of the distance from the heater. To heat the rotor evenly and prevent temperature unevenness from occurring on the disk-like rotor, a planar heater facing the rotor is desirable. The second heater 52 has a planar shape and is disposed facing the rotor 41. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can suppress temperature unevenness on the rotor 41 and improve humidification efficiency.

[0103] (4-7) In the humidification unit 4, the output of the first heater 51 is greater than the output of the second heater 52.

[0104] The first heater 51 mainly heats the air, which is a fluid. On the other hand, the second heater 52 mainly heats the rotor 41, which is fixed. The first heater 51 needs to heat the air within a predetermined time before the air starts to flow. In order to heat the air to a constant temperature, the first heater 51 may heat the air with an output greater than the output of the second heater 52. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can heat both the air, which is a fluid, and the rotor 41, which is fixed, to appropriate temperatures, thereby improving the efficiency of humidification.

[0105] Since the output of the first heater 51 is greater than the output of the second heater 52, the first heater 51 can be used as a main heater and the second heater 52 can be used as an auxiliary heater. For example, heating may be mainly performed only by the first heater 51, and heating may be performed by the first heater 51 and the second heater 52 only when necessary depending on the outdoor environment in which the humidifying unit 4 is placed. The humidifying unit 4 can adjust the degree of heating in response to various outdoor environments. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 can improve the efficiency of humidification.

[0106] (4-8) The humidifying unit 4 is made of a polymer material that changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic in response to an increase in temperature.

[0107] At least rotor 41 made of a polymer material becomes hydrophobic in response to an increase in temperature. Rotor 41 that has become hydrophobic becomes more likely to adsorb and desorb moisture, and thus becomes more likely to humidify air. Therefore, rotor 41 that has become hydrophobic can improve the humidification efficiency of humidification unit 4.

[0108] (4-9) In the humidification unit 4, the first heater 51 is a heater through which air can pass, and the second heater 52 is a heater through which air cannot pass.

[0109] Since the air can pass through the first heater 51, the volume of the air in contact with the first heater 51 becomes large. Therefore, the first heater 51 can heat the air efficiently. On the other hand, since the air cannot pass through the second heater 52, the volume of the air in contact with the second heater 52 becomes small. Therefore, the second heater 52 heats the air inefficiently. The first heater 51 mainly heats the air, and the second heater 52 mainly heats something other than the air (the rotor 41). The first heater 51, which has an adjustable output, mainly heats the air, and the second heater 52, which has a fixed output, mainly heats the rotor 41. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 heats the rotor 41 so as to maintain the temperature within a certain range, and the efficiency of humidification can be improved.

[0110] (4-10) In the humidification unit 4, the second heater 52 heats the rotor 41 from both one side of the rotor 41 and the other side of the rotor 41.

[0111] Heating only one side of the rotor can cause temperature unevenness in the rotor. The second heater 52 heats the rotor 41 from both one side and the other side of the rotor 41. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can suppress temperature unevenness in the rotor 41 and improve humidification efficiency.

[0112] (4-11) In the humidification unit 4, the first heater 51 is made of at least a nichrome wire, and the second heater 52 is a PTC heater.

[0113] Nichrome wire has a large resistance value and can be adjusted to a high temperature. Therefore, at least the first heater 51 made of nichrome wire can adjust the output to a high temperature. On the other hand, when the PTC heater reaches a certain temperature, electricity does not flow easily and the temperature hardly increases. Therefore, the second heater 52, which is a PTC heater, can heat the rotor 41 to maintain a certain range.

[0114] Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can improve the efficiency of humidification by using at least the first heater 51 made of a nichrome wire and having an adjustable output, and the second heater 52, which has a fixed output and is a PTC heater.

[0115] (4-12) In the humidification unit 4, the output of the first heater 51 is equal to or higher than 80° C. and equal to or lower than 300° C. The fixed output of the second heater 52 is equal to or lower than 120° C.

[0116] To ensure the safety of humidification units, etc., UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standards have been established. In particular, the UL746B standard has been established for heat resistance.

[0117] The main body 40 is made of a material such as resin. The UL746B standard for resins may stipulate a heat resistance of 300° C. or less. The output of the first heater 51 is 300° C. or less. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 can suppress the denaturation of the main body 40.

[0118] The rotor 41 is made of a material such as silica gel, zeolite, or a polymer material. The UL746B standard for the material of the rotor 41 may stipulate that the heat resistance is 120° C. or less. The fixed output of the second heater 52 is 120° C. or less. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can suppress the denaturation of the rotor 41.

[0119] The air needs to be heated to a predetermined temperature or higher so that the rotor 41 can desorb moisture. When the air is heated to 80°C or higher, moisture may be easily desorbed from the rotor 41 due to the characteristics of the material from which the rotor 41 is made. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 heats the air to 80°C or higher to promote the desorption of moisture by the rotor 41 and improve the efficiency of humidification.

[0120] The rotor 41 may have a humidifying property when kept at a temperature of 120° C. or less. The humidifying unit 4 heats the rotor 41 to 120° C. or less, and the humidifying property of the rotor 41 can improve the efficiency of humidification.

[0121] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 1A At least a portion of the first heater 51 does not have to face the rotor 41. Alternatively, the first heater 51 does not have to face the rotor 41 entirely.

[0122] When the first heater 51 and the rotor 41 face each other, heat is easily transferred from the first heater 51 to the rotor 41. At least a portion of the first heater 51 does not face the rotor 41. Alternatively, the first heater 51 does not face the rotor 41 as a whole. The rotor 41 is more susceptible to heat transfer from the second heater 52, which has a fixed output, than from the first heater 51, which has an adjustable output. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can improve the efficiency of humidification by heating the rotor 41 with the second heater 52, which has a fixed output.

[0123] (5-2) Variation 1B The second heater 52 may be a heater through which air can pass. An example of the shape of the second heater 52 is a punched shape.

[0124] Since the air can pass through the second heater 52, the area of ​​contact between the air and the second heater 52 is increased. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can efficiently heat the air, improving the efficiency of humidification.

[0125] (5-3) Variation 1C The first heater 51 may be rod-shaped. In order to suppress temperature unevenness of the air, the rod-shaped first heater 51 is provided so as to block the cross section of the desorption flow path 45, and can heat the air uniformly. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can suppress temperature unevenness of the air and improve humidification efficiency.

[0126] (5-4) Variation 1D At least one of the second heater 52a and the second heater 52b may be disposed so as to be in contact with the rotor 41.

[0127] At least one of the second heater 52a and the second heater 52b can heat the rotor 41 by thermal conduction. Therefore, the humidification unit 4 can improve the humidification efficiency.

[0128] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 4 Humidification unit 40 Main unit 41 Rotor 45 Desorption channel 46 Sorption Channel 51 First heater 52 Second heater A1 Moisture sorption region A2 Moisture desorption area [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0130] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-059449 A

Claims

1. A rotor (41) for humidifying air by desorption and sorption of moisture; a main body (40) in which a desorption flow path (45) including a moisture desorption region (A2) in which the moisture is desorbed in the rotor, and a sorption flow path (46) including a moisture sorption region (A1) in which the moisture is sorbed in the rotor are formed; a first heater (51) disposed in the desorption flow path and capable of adjusting an output; A second heater (52) with a fixed output; A humidification unit (4) comprising:

2. The rotor is formed from at least a polymeric material. The humidification unit according to claim 1.

3. The second heater heats the rotor by radiation. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first heater heats the rotor via the air. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. At least a portion of the first heater does not face the rotor. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the first heater does not entirely face the rotor; A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the first heater is disposed away from the rotor; The second heater is disposed at a position closer to the rotor than the first heater. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The first heater has a rod-like shape. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The second heater has a planar shape, The second heater is disposed opposite the rotor. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The output of the first heater is greater than the output of the second heater. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The polymer material is a material that changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic in response to an increase in temperature. A humidification unit according to claim 2.

12. The first heater is a heater through which air can pass, The second heater is a heater through which air cannot pass. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the second heater heats the rotor from both one side of the rotor and the other side of the rotor; A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the first heater is made of at least a nichrome wire; The second heater is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

15. The output of the first heater is 80° C. or more and 300° C. or less, The fixed output of the second heater is 120° C. or less. A humidification unit according to claim 1 or 2.

Images