Sprinkling system

Abstract

To help remove scale generated on a surface of aluminum pipes constituting a heat exchanger without needing advance preparation and replenishment of a dedicated cleaner.SOLUTION: A sprinkling system according to the present disclosure comprises water sprinkling means for sprinkling water to aluminum pipes of a heat exchanger, and an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water supplied from a water source to produce acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water. The sprinkling means sprinkles tap water, then sprinkles acidic electrolyzed water after sprinkling the tap water, and after scale is removed from a surface of the aluminum pipes after sprinkling the acidic electrolyzed water, sprinkles alkaline electrolyzed water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a watering system.

Background Art

[0002] To reduce the cost and weight of heat exchangers, it is effective to replace conventional copper pipes with pipes made of aluminum as the base material. In a heat exchanger using aluminum pipes, measures against corrosion are necessary. In particular, the scale generated on the surface of the aluminum pipes due to the tap water used for watering to increase the operating efficiency of the heat exchanger promotes corrosion. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to the cleaning of aluminum fins as a measure against scale.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a dedicated cleaning agent for removing scale must be prepared in advance, and it is also necessary to replenish it additionally as the heat exchanger operates.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. An object of the present disclosure is to assist in removing the scale generated on the surface of the aluminum pipes constituting the heat exchanger without the need for prior preparation and replenishment of a dedicated cleaning agent.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The watering system according to the present disclosure includes a watering means for watering the aluminum pipes provided in the heat exchanger, and an electrolysis device for electrolyzing the water supplied from a water source to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water. The watering means waters tap water, waters the acidic electrolyzed water after watering the tap water, and waters the alkaline electrolyzed water after or simultaneously with removing the scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe after watering the acidic electrolyzed water.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the watering system of the present disclosure, it is possible to assist in removing the scale generated on the surface of the aluminum pipes constituting the heat exchanger without the need for prior preparation and replenishment of a dedicated cleaning agent.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A mode for implementing the heat exchanger according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any deformation, addition, omission, and free combination of the constituent elements in the embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a watering system according to Embodiment 1. The watering system according to the present embodiment is a system for watering the heat exchanger 1. As an example, the watering system according to the present embodiment waters the heat exchanger 1 mounted on the outdoor unit 50 of the air conditioner. The heat exchanger 1 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and includes aluminum pipes through which a refrigerant flows inside.

[0011] The watering system according to the present embodiment includes a watering pipe 2 for watering the aluminum pipes included in the heat exchanger 1. The watering pipe 2 is a pipe-shaped member and is a device capable of watering the target. The watering pipe 2 is an example of the watering means according to the present disclosure. The watering pipe 2 is attached to the outdoor unit 50, for example.

[0012] The watering pipe 2 is connected to the water supply 10 that serves as a water source. The watering pipe 2, which is an example of the watering means, is configured to be able to water tap water onto the aluminum pipes included in the heat exchanger 1.

[0013] The watering system according to the present embodiment is characterized by including an electrolysis device 3 that electrolyzes the water supplied from the water source to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water. The watering pipe 2 is connected to the electrolysis device 3 and is configured to be able to water the acidic electrolyzed water and the alkaline electrolyzed water.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the watering system according to this embodiment may include an acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 4 that stores the acidic electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis device 3 and an alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 5 that stores the alkaline electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis device 3. In this case, the watering pipe 2 is connected to the electrolysis device 3 via the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 4 and the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 5. The watering pipe 2 may be configured to be able to water the electrolyzed water stored in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 4 and the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 5. When the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 4 and the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 5 are provided, by previously generating the electrolyzed water by the electrolysis device 3 and storing it in each tank, watering of a certain amount or more of the electrolyzed water can be performed at an arbitrary timing.

[0015] Note that the watering system may not include the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 4 and the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 5. For example, the electrolysis device 3 may be configured to store the generated electrolyzed water up to a certain amount or more. Alternatively, the generation of the electrolyzed water by the electrolysis device 3 and the watering of the electrolyzed water by the watering pipe 2 may be performed simultaneously and in parallel.

[0016] The outdoor unit 50 is provided with, for example, a drain pan 51 that stores the drain water of the outdoor unit 50. The drain water of the outdoor unit 50 includes, for example, drain water such as dew condensation water generated during the operation of the air conditioner, or water after being watered by the watering pipe 2. The drain water stored in the drain pan 51 is discharged to the outside by, for example, a drain hose 52 or the like.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the watering system according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, first, tap water is watered by the watering pipe 2 to the aluminum pipe provided in the heat exchanger 1 (step S101). By watering the tap water, the aluminum pipe can be cooled, and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 1 can be improved.

[0018] Tap water adhering to the surface of the aluminum pipe can be a factor in scale formation. Since scale promotes corrosion, it is desirable to remove it. Therefore, in order to facilitate the removal of scale, acidic electrolyzed water is sprayed by the sprinkler pipe 2 after the tap water is sprayed (step S102). By spraying acidic electrolyzed water, the scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe rises and becomes easier to remove.

[0019] After floating the scale with acidic electrolyzed water, this scale is mechanically removed (step S103). By removing the scale, corrosion can be suppressed. Note that the removal of the scale in step S103 may be manually performed by the user of the heat exchanger 1 or a person such as a maintenance contractor, or it may be automatically performed by the sprinkling system. The sprinkling system may be provided with a removing means such as a brush that mechanically removes the scale, for example.

[0020] After the scale is removed in step S103, alkaline electrolyzed water is sprayed by the sprinkler pipe 2 (step S104). By spraying alkaline electrolyzed water, the acidic electrolyzed water sprayed in step S102 can be neutralized. As a result, the drain water discharged through the drain pan 51, the drain hose 52, etc. after spraying can be made closer to neutral, and the environmental load can be suppressed.

[0021] Also, after step S104, spraying may be performed to wash away the acidic electrolyzed water, alkaline electrolyzed water, scale, etc. adhering to the surface of the aluminum pipe (step S105). For example, tap water supplied from the water supply 10 may be sprayed to wash the surface of the aluminum pipe. Thereby, corrosion of the heat exchanger 1 can be suppressed.

[0022] The water sprayed in step S105 is not limited to tap water and may be any water. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the watering system according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the watering system according to the present embodiment may include, for example, an ion exchange resin 6 for generating ion-exchanged water. The ion exchange resin 6 can generate ion-exchanged water from the tap water supplied from the water supply 10. In step S105, the ion-exchanged water generated by the ion exchange resin 6 may be sprayed. By performing cleaning with ion-exchanged water, corrosion can be more effectively suppressed.

[0023] The watering system according to the present embodiment includes an electrolysis device 3 and assists in removing scale with the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis device 3. According to the watering system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist in removing the scale generated on the surface of the aluminum pipe constituting the heat exchanger without the need for prior preparation and replenishment of a dedicated cleaning agent.

[0024] The water source for supplying water to the electrolysis device 3 is not limited to the water supply 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the drain water of the indoor unit 60 generated by the operation of the air conditioner may be supplied to the electrolysis device 3. The drain water of the indoor unit 60 is supplied to the electrolysis device 3 by, for example, a drain hose 61 connected to the indoor unit 60. The electrolysis device 3 may electrolyze the drain water of the indoor unit 60 to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water. In this modification example, the drain water can be effectively utilized to assist in removing the scale generated on the surface of the aluminum pipe constituting the heat exchanger. Similarly, for example, the drain hose 52 may be connected to the electrolysis device 3 to supply the drain water of the outdoor unit 50 to the electrolysis device 3. The electrolysis device 3 may electrolyze the drain water of the outdoor unit 50 to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water.

[0025] Only drain water may not be able to generate a sufficient amount of electrolyzed water. Therefore, in order to make up for the shortage of drain water, tap water from the water supply 10 may also be supplied to the electrolysis device 3 in addition to the drain water. Further, for example, the air conditioner may be coordinated with the operation of the watering system so that a large amount of drain water of the indoor unit 60 is generated before performing the processes shown in steps S101 to S105. Alternatively, the watering system may be coordinated with the operation of the air conditioner so that the processes shown in steps S101 to S105 are performed after the air conditioner performs an operation that generates a large amount of drain water.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the electrolysis device 3 included in the watering system according to Embodiment 1. For the electrolysis device 3, for example, the drain water of the indoor unit 60 is supplied by a drain hose 61. Alternatively, the drain water or tap water of the outdoor unit 50 may be supplied to the electrolysis device 3. The electrolysis device 3 electrolyzes the supplied water to generate electrolyzed water. The electrolysis device 3 generates electrolyzed water by passing an electric current between the anode 3a and the cathode 3b separated by an ion exchange membrane 3c. The acidic electrolyzed water generated on the anode 3a side is stored, for example, in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 4. The alkaline electrolyzed water generated on the cathode 3b side is stored, for example, in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 5.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the electrolysis device 3 may include a magnet 3d. The magnet 3d promotes electrolysis. The magnet 3d is installed, for example, on the side surface portion of the container of the electrolysis device 3. Thereby, electrolyzed water can be efficiently generated.

[0028] As an example, an electrolyte component may be preliminarily applied to the inner wall of the drain hose 61 that supplies the drain water of the indoor unit 60 to the electrolysis device 3. Thereby, the electrolyte concentration in the drain water becomes high, and electrolysis can be promoted.

[0029] In order not to accelerate the corrosion of the aluminum pipe, it is desirable that the pH of the electrolyzed water for watering be within the range of 4 to 9. Therefore, the electrolysis device 3 may generate acidic electrolyzed water with a pH within the range of 4 to 7 and alkaline electrolyzed water with a pH within the range of 7 to 9. For example, when the water supplied to the electrolysis device 3 has a certain water quality such as tap water, electrolyzed water with a predetermined pH can be generated by setting the operating conditions during electrolysis, such as the energization time or the electrical output, to predetermined values. When electrolyzing drain water or the like, a pH measuring device may be installed in the container of the electrolysis device 3, the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 4, or the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 5, and electrolysis may be performed so that the measured value becomes a predetermined pH.

[0030] As described above, the watering system according to the present embodiment may include a removing means for mechanically removing scale. For example, the watering system may include, as an example of the removing means, a high-pressure nozzle for removing scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe. The high-pressure nozzle is a nozzle for jetting water at high pressure and is installed, for example, in the watering pipe 2. By providing the high-pressure nozzle, scale can be removed using tap water or the like.

[0031] When the watering system includes a high-pressure nozzle, for example, the processes of step S103 and step S104 can be combined and performed as one process. That is, scale removal and neutralization may be performed simultaneously by jetting alkaline electrolyzed water at high water pressure. In this example, scale can be efficiently removed and corrosion can be suppressed.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the ultrasonic vibrator 7 included in the sprinkling system according to Embodiment 1. The sprinkling system may include an ultrasonic vibrator 7 as an example of the removing means. The ultrasonic vibrator 7 is installed in the header pipe 1a of the heat exchanger 1. A plurality of flat pipes 1b are arranged between the pair of header pipes. Fins 1c are provided on the flat pipes 1b. The header pipe 1a and the flat pipes 1b are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and are aluminum pipes through which a refrigerant flows inside. The ultrasonic vibrator 7 is driven by a driving device 7a. By using the ultrasonic vibrator 7, scale can be efficiently removed mechanically.

[0033] Further, a pH measuring device for measuring the pH of the drain water of the outdoor unit 50 may be installed in the drain pan 51. When the pH measured by this pH measuring device is within the range of 6 to 8, it is preferable to discharge the drain water of the outdoor unit 50 to the outside by a drain hose 52 or the like. Thereby, the drain water neutralized to a neutral or near-neutral state can be discharged to the outside, and the environmental load can be suppressed.

[0034] Hereinafter, various aspects of the present disclosure will be collectively described as appendices.

[0035] (Appendix 1) Sprinkling means for sprinkling water on the aluminum pipe included in the heat exchanger, An electrolysis device that electrolyzes water supplied from a water source to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water, Comprising, The sprinkling means sprinkles tap water, sprinkles the acidic electrolyzed water after sprinkling the tap water, and sprinkles the alkaline electrolyzed water after or simultaneously with the removal of the scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe after the sprinkling of the acidic electrolyzed water. A sprinkling system characterized by that. (Appendix 2) The sprinkling means according to Appendix 1, characterized in that sprinkling for cleaning the surface of the aluminum pipe is performed after sprinkling the alkaline electrolyzed water. (Appendix 3) Comprising an ion exchange resin for generating ion-exchanged water, The watering means waters the ion-exchanged water for cleaning the surface of the aluminum pipe after watering the alkaline electrolyzed water, and the watering system according to appended claim 1 is characterized in that. (Appended claim 4) The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger mounted on the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, Drain water of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is supplied to the electrolysis device, and the drain water is electrolyzed to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water, and the watering system according to any one of appended claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that. (Appended claim 5) The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger mounted on the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, Drain water of the outdoor unit is supplied to the electrolysis device, and the drain water is electrolyzed to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water, and the watering system according to any one of appended claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that. (Appended claim 6) The electrolysis device is provided with a magnet for promoting electrolysis, and the watering system according to any one of appended claims 1 to 5 is characterized in that. (Appended claim 7) An electrolyte component is applied to the inner wall of the drain hose for supplying the drain water of the indoor unit to the electrolysis device, and the watering system according to appended claim 4 is characterized in that. (Appended claim 8) The electrolysis device generates acidic electrolyzed water with a pH in the range of 4 to 7 and alkaline electrolyzed water with a pH in the range of 7 to 9, and the watering system according to any one of appended claims 1 to 7 is characterized in that. (Appended claim 9) The watering system according to any one of appended claims 1 to 8 is characterized by comprising a high-pressure nozzle for removing scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe. (Appended claim 10) The watering system according to any one of appended claims 1 to 8 is characterized by comprising an ultrasonic vibrator for removing scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe. (Appended claim 11) The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger mounted on the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, A pH measuring device for measuring the pH of drain water is installed in the drain pan of the outdoor unit, and the drain water is discharged to the outside when the pH measured by the pH measuring device is within the range of 6 to 8. The watering system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

Explanation of symbols

[0036] 1 Heat exchanger 1a Header pipe 1b Flat pipe 1c Fin 2 Watering pipe 3 Electrolysis device 3a Anode 3b Cathode 3c Ion exchange membrane 3d Magnet 4 Acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 5 Alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 6 Ion exchange resin 7 Ultrasonic vibrator 7a Driving device 10 Water supply 50 Outdoor unit 51 Drain pan 52 Drain hose 60 Indoor unit 61 Drain hose

Claims

1. A watering means for watering an aluminum pipe provided in a heat exchanger, An electrolysis device that electrolyzes water supplied from a water source to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water, Comprising, The watering means waters tap water, waters the acidic electrolyzed water after watering the tap water, and waters the alkaline electrolyzed water after or simultaneously with the removal of scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe after watering the acidic electrolyzed water. A watering system characterized by the above.

2. The watering system according to claim 1, wherein the watering means waters the surface of the aluminum pipe for cleaning after watering the alkaline electrolyzed water.

3. Comprising an ion exchange resin for generating ion-exchanged water, The watering system according to claim 1, wherein the watering means waters the ion-exchanged water to clean the surface of the aluminum pipe after watering the alkaline electrolyzed water.

4. The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger mounted on an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, The electrolysis device is supplied with drain water from an indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the drain water is electrolyzed to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water. The watering system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger mounted on an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, The electrolysis device is supplied with drain water from the outdoor unit, and the drain water is electrolyzed to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water. The watering system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The electrolysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a magnet for promoting electrolysis.

7. The watering system according to claim 4, wherein an electrolyte component is applied to the inner wall of a drain hose for supplying drain water from the indoor unit to the electrolysis device.

8. The electrolysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, generating acidic electrolyzed water with a pH in the range of 4 to 7 and alkaline electrolyzed water with a pH in the range of 7 to 9.

9. The watering system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a high-pressure nozzle for removing scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe.

10. The sprinkler system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided with an ultrasonic vibrator for removing the scale on the surface of the aluminum pipe.

11. The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger mounted on the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, A pH measuring device for measuring the pH of the drain water is installed in the drain pan of the outdoor unit, and the drain water is discharged to the outside when the pH measured by the pH measuring device is within the range of 6 to 8. The sprinkler system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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