Humidity control device

Abstract

To provide a humidity control device that can ensure a stable moisture absorption amount regardless of whether the surrounding environment is low humidity or high humidity.SOLUTION: A humidifying unit 50 has a moisture absorption path 70, a moisture discharge path 71, and a humidifying rotor 52. The moisture absorption path 70 includes a moisture absorption fan 55. The moisture discharge path 71 includes a moisture discharge fan 54 and a heater 56. The humidifying rotor 52 has a first moisture absorbent material 521 and a second moisture absorbent material 522. The humidifying rotor 52 is disposed in the moisture absorption path 70 and the moisture discharge path 71. The second moisture absorbent material 522 has a lower moisture absorption capacity than the first moisture absorbent material 511 at first relative humidity A. The second moisture absorbent material 522 has a higher moisture absorption capacity than the first moisture absorbent material 521 at second relative humidity B. The second relative humidity B is lower than the first relative humidity A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Regarding humidity control devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional humidity control devices that adjust humidity, when dehumidifying, moisture contained in the air is adsorbed onto a moisture absorbent material to dehumidify the air. The moisture-adsorbed moisture absorbent is then regenerated by heating and used again for dehumidification. In other words, when the moisture absorbent is heated, moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbent material, and the moisture absorbent is regenerated. On the other hand, when humidifying, moisture is adsorbed from moist air onto the moisture absorbent material, and the moisture desorbed from the moisture absorbent is then supplied to the air to be humidified. In this case, too, moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbent material by heating it. As moisture absorbents, for example, metal organic frameworks and polymeric sorbents, which are known to have high adsorption capacities, are used as moisture absorbents, as shown in Patent Document 1 (JP 2019-171316 A). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Even when a metal organic framework, a polymeric sorption material, or the like is used as a moisture absorbent, the amount of adsorption may be insufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A humidity control device according to a first aspect has a moisture absorption path, a moisture release path, and an absorbent structure. The moisture absorption path includes a moisture absorption fan. The moisture release path includes a moisture release fan and a heater. The moisture absorption structure has a first moisture absorbent material and a second moisture absorbent material. The moisture absorption structure is disposed in the moisture absorption path and the moisture release path. The second moisture absorbent material has a lower moisture absorption amount than the first moisture absorbent material at a first relative humidity. The second moisture absorbent material has a higher moisture absorption amount than the first moisture absorbent material at a second relative humidity. The second relative humidity is lower than the first relative humidity.

[0005] Here, the humidity control device can ensure a stable moisture absorption amount whether the ambient environment is low humidity or high humidity.

[0006] A humidity control device according to a second aspect is the humidity control device according to the first aspect, wherein the moisture absorbing structure is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture.

[0007] A humidity control device according to a third aspect is the humidity control device according to the second aspect, wherein the rotor is made of a mixed material of a first moisture absorbent and a second moisture absorbent.

[0008] A humidity control device according to a fourth aspect is the humidity control device according to the second aspect, wherein the rotor is formed by alternately laminating first layers made of a first moisture-absorbing material and second layers made of a second moisture-absorbing material.

[0009] A humidity control device according to a fifth aspect is the humidity control device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the rotor is formed by stacking a first layer and a second layer in the axial direction of the rotor.

[0010] A humidity control device according to a sixth aspect is the humidity control device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the rotor is formed by laminating a first layer and a second layer in the radial direction of the rotor.

[0011] A humidity control apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the humidity control apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a control unit. The control unit controls the heater output. The control unit controls the heater output at a first relative humidity to be smaller than the heater output at a second relative humidity. The regeneration temperature of the first moisture absorbent is lower than the regeneration temperature of the second moisture absorbent.

[0012] The humidity control device of an eighth aspect is the humidity control device of the seventh aspect, further comprising a first heater and a second heater. The first heater is disposed upstream of the airflow of the moisture discharging fan in the moisture discharging path. The second heater is disposed downstream of the airflow of the moisture discharging fan in the moisture discharging path. The control unit simultaneously activates the first heater and the second heater to perform a humidifying operation.

[0013] A humidity control device according to a ninth aspect is the humidity control device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the control unit simultaneously operates the first heater and the second heater at a first relative humidity, and the control unit operates only the first heater at a second relative humidity.

[0014] A humidity control apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the humidity control apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the heat resistance temperature of the first moisture absorbent is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbent.

[0015] A humidity control apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the humidity control apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and is installed outdoors near the indoor side.

[0016] A humidity control device according to a twelfth aspect has a moisture absorption path, a moisture desorption path, a first moisture absorption structure, and a second moisture absorption structure. The moisture absorption path includes a moisture absorption fan. The moisture desorption path includes a moisture desorption fan and a heater. The first moisture absorption structure is disposed in the moisture absorption path and the moisture desorption path. The first moisture absorption structure is made of a first moisture absorbent material. The second moisture absorption structure is disposed in the moisture absorption path and the moisture desorption path. The second moisture absorption structure is made of a second moisture absorbent material. The moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorbent material is lower than that of the first moisture absorbent material at a first relative humidity. The moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorbent material is higher than that of the first moisture absorbent material at a second relative humidity. The second relative humidity is lower than the first relative humidity.

[0017] A humidity control device according to a thirteenth aspect is the humidity control device according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising a casing. The casing has a first suction port and a second suction port formed therein. The moisture absorption path has a first moisture absorption path and a second moisture absorption path. The first moisture absorption path has the first suction port, the first moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan arranged in this order. The second moisture absorption path has the second suction port, the second moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan arranged in this order.

[0018] A humidity control device of a fourteenth aspect is the humidity control device of the twelfth aspect, further comprising a casing. The casing has a first suction port and a second suction port formed therein. The moisture release path has a first moisture release path and a second moisture release path. The first moisture release path has the first suction port, the first moisture absorbent structure, and the moisture release fan arranged in this order. The second moisture release path has the second suction port, the second moisture absorbent structure, and the moisture release fan arranged in this order.

[0019] A humidity control device according to a fifteenth aspect is the humidity control device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the heater includes a third heater and a fourth heater. The third heater is provided in the first moisture desorption path. The fourth heater is provided in the second moisture desorption path. The output of the third heater is lower than the output of the fourth heater.

[0020] A humidity control device of a sixteenth aspect is the humidity control device of the fourteenth aspect, wherein the heaters include a third heater and a fourth heater. The third heater is provided in the first moisture desorption path. The fourth heater is provided in the second moisture desorption path. At a first relative humidity, the third heater is activated and the fourth heater is deactivated. At a second relative humidity, the third heater is deactivated and the fourth heater is activated.

[0021] A humidity control device according to a seventeenth aspect is the humidity control device according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the first moisture absorption path and the second moisture absorption path include a common moisture absorption fan.

[0022] A humidity control device according to an eighteenth aspect is the humidity control device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the first moisture release path and the second moisture release path include a common moisture release fan. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit provided in an air conditioning apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the humidification rotor. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying rotor and a heater. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of heaters. [Figure 6] Water adsorption isotherms (25°C) of MOF-303 and zeolite. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a modified humidification rotor. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying rotor and a heater according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of heaters in a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a humidification rotor according to another modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying rotor and a heater according to another modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of heaters in another modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit provided in an air conditioning apparatus according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a humidification unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the position of the humidification rotor in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] First Embodiment (1) Overall structure As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 10 is a pair-type air conditioner in which one outdoor unit 11 and one indoor unit 12 are connected in parallel by refrigerant piping. In addition to cooling operation, dehumidifying operation, and heating operation, the air conditioner 10 can also perform other operations, such as a humidifying operation in which the room is humidified, an air supply operation in which outdoor air is supplied into the room, and an exhaust operation in which indoor air is exhausted to the outside, either in combination with the heating operation or alone. Note that while the air conditioner of this embodiment is a pair-type air conditioner, it is not limited to this and may also be a multi-type air conditioner in which multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit 11.

[0025] The outdoor unit 11 includes an outdoor air conditioning unit 20 that houses an outdoor heat exchanger 24, an outdoor fan 29, etc., and a humidifier unit 50. The indoor unit 12 houses an indoor heat exchanger 13, an indoor fan 14, etc. An intake / exhaust duct 15 is provided between the humidifier unit 50 and the indoor unit 12, allowing communication between the interior space of the humidifier unit 50 and the interior space of the indoor unit 12.

[0026] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Indoor unit configuration The indoor unit 12 is a wall-mounted indoor unit that is installed on a wall surface or the like inside a room. The indoor unit 12 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 13 and an indoor fan 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor fan 14 are housed in an indoor unit casing (not shown).

[0027] The indoor heat exchanger 13 is composed of a heat transfer tube that is folded back multiple times at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and multiple fins that are inserted through the heat transfer tube, and exchanges heat with the air that comes into contact with it.

[0028] The indoor fan 14 is a cross-flow fan that generates an airflow in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis by being driven to rotate. The indoor fan 14 draws indoor air into the indoor unit 12 and blows the air into the room after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 13.

[0029] Furthermore, one end of an intake / exhaust duct 15 is disposed within the indoor unit 12.

[0030] (2-2) Outdoor unit configuration The outdoor unit 11 is composed of a lower outdoor air conditioning unit 20 and an upper humidifying unit 50. Therefore, in this outdoor unit 11, the power supplies for the outdoor air conditioning unit 20 and the humidifying unit 50 can be unified.

[0031] (2-2-1) Outdoor air conditioning unit configuration The outdoor air conditioning unit 20 accommodates a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21, an accumulator 23 connected to the suction side of the compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 24 connected to the four-way switching valve 22, and an outdoor expansion valve 25 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The outdoor expansion valve 25 is connected to a liquid refrigerant pipe via a filter 26 and a liquid shut-off valve 27, and is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 13 via this liquid refrigerant pipe. The four-way switching valve 22 is connected to a gas refrigerant pipe via an indoor gas shut-off valve 28, and is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 13 via this gas refrigerant pipe.

[0032] (2-2-2) Humidification unit configuration The humidifying unit 50 is provided outdoors near the indoor side.

[0033] 1 and 2, the humidifying unit 50 includes a casing 51, a moisture absorption path 70, a moisture release path 71, a humidifying rotor 52 (an example of a moisture absorption structure), and a flow path switching device 53. The humidifying unit 50 can exhaust air taken in from inside the room to the outside, and supply outdoor air taken in from outside (hereinafter referred to as outside air) into the room. It can also humidify the outdoor air and supply it inside the room.

[0034] (2-2-2-1) Casing The casing 51 houses a moisture absorption path 70, a moisture release path 71, a humidification rotor 52, a heater 56, a flow path switching device 53, and the like.

[0035] On the front surface (front face) of the casing 51, an adsorption air outlet 51a and a first suction port 51b each consisting of a plurality of slit-shaped openings are provided side by side.

[0036] The first air inlet 51b is an opening through which outside air passes, taken in from outside the room, to adsorb moisture into the humidification rotor 52. The adsorption air outlet 51a is an opening through which the outside air, which has been taken in through the first air inlet 51b and a second air inlet 51c (described later) and has had moisture adsorbed by the humidification rotor 52, is discharged to the outside of the casing 51.

[0037] Additionally, second air inlet 51c and air inlet / exhaust port 51d, each consisting of a plurality of slit-shaped openings, are provided on the back surface of casing 51. Similar to first air inlet 51b, second air inlet 51c is an opening through which outside air passes, taken in from outside the room, to allow moisture to be adsorbed by humidifying rotor 52.

[0038] The intake / exhaust port 51d is an opening that is separate from the first intake port 51b and the second intake port 51c and is used to take outside air into the casing 51 during humidifying operation or air supply operation.

[0039] (2-2-2-2) Moisture absorption path 70 The moisture absorption path 70 is formed inside the casing 51. The moisture absorption path 70 has the first suction port 51b and the second suction port 51c as its inlets, and the adsorption air outlet 51a as its outlet.

[0040] The moisture absorption path 70 includes a moisture absorption fan 55. The moisture absorption fan 55 includes an adsorption fan motor 55b and an impeller 55a that is rotationally driven by the adsorption fan motor 55b.

[0041] The moisture absorption fan 55 generates a flow of air that passes through the portion of the humidification rotor 52 that does not face the heater 56. That is, the moisture absorption fan 55 generates a flow of air that is sucked in through the first suction port 51b and the second suction port 51c, flows through the moisture absorption path 70, and is discharged to the outside through the adsorption air outlet 51a.

[0042] (2-2-2-3) Moisture release route 71 The moisture release path 71 is formed inside the casing 51 separately from the moisture absorption path 70. The moisture release path 71 has an inlet at the intake and exhaust port 51d. The moisture release path 71 is connected to the intake and exhaust duct 15. Therefore, during humidification operation or air supply operation, outside air taken in through the intake and exhaust port 51d flows through the moisture release path 71 and passes through the intake and exhaust duct 15 to be supplied to the room. On the other hand, during exhaust operation, indoor air taken in from the indoor unit 12 passes through the intake and exhaust duct 15 and flows into the moisture release path 71, and is exhausted to the outside via the intake and exhaust port 51d.

[0043] The moisture discharge path 71 includes the moisture discharge fan 54 and the heater 56. The outside air taken into the casing 51 through the intake / exhaust port 51d passes through the humidifying rotor 52, is heated by the heater 56, and then passes through the humidifying rotor 52 again before flowing toward the moisture discharge fan 54.

[0044] The moisture discharge fan 54 is disposed to the side of the humidifying rotor 52. The moisture discharge fan 54 is a centrifugal fan assembly that generates the flow of air taken in from outside and sent to the indoor unit 12, and the flow of air taken in from inside the room into the indoor unit 12 and sent to the outdoors. The moisture discharge fan 54 in this embodiment is a turbo fan.

[0045] When sending outside air to the indoor unit 12, the moisture discharge fan 54 causes the outside air to flow from the intake and exhaust port 51d into the moisture discharge path 71, pass through the humidifying rotor 52, and then generate an airflow that flows to the indoor unit 12 via the flow path switching device 53 and the intake and exhaust duct 15. At this time, the air flows in the A1 direction.

[0046] Furthermore, when indoor air is discharged from the indoor unit 12 to the outdoors, the moisture discharge fan 54 generates an airflow that flows from the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust duct 15, the moisture discharge path 71, and the intake and exhaust port 51d to the outdoors. At this time, the air flows in the direction A2.

[0047] The heater 56 heats the air sent to the humidifying rotor 52 in order to desorb moisture from the humidifying rotor 52. The air heated by the heater 56 is sent to the humidifying rotor 52, thereby heating the humidifying rotor 52.

[0048] The heater 56 is a variable-type heater whose heat output changes depending on the amount of current flowing through it. The heater 56 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) heating wires 56a, 56b, and 56c as heating elements, and a storage section 57 that stores the heating wires 56a, 56b, and 56c. The storage section 57 has an inlet-side opening 57a and an outlet-side opening 57b. The heater 56 is positioned so that air entering the storage section 57 through the inlet-side opening 57a is heated by the heating wires 56a, 56b, and 56c and is then blown out of the storage section 57 through the outlet-side opening 57b.

[0049] (2-2-2-4) Humidification rotor The humidification rotor 52 is disposed in the moisture absorption path 70 and the moisture desorption path 71. The humidification rotor 52 is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture. The form of the humidification rotor 52 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a sheet-like form or a roll-like form in which a sheet-like adsorption element is wound up. The humidification rotor 52 has a substantially circular disk-like outer shape. In this embodiment, the humidification rotor 52 having a substantially circular disk shape allows the humidification unit 50 to be made smaller. The humidification rotor 52 is rotatably provided and is rotationally driven by a rotor drive motor.

[0050] 3 to 5, the humidifying rotor 52 has a first moisture absorbent material 521 and a second moisture absorbent material 522. In this embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 is made of a mixed material of the first moisture absorbent material 521 and the second moisture absorbent material 522. The first moisture absorbent material 521 and the second moisture absorbent material 522 adsorb moisture in the air that they come into contact with, and release the adsorbed moisture when heated.

[0051] The first moisture absorbent material 521 is a metal organic framework (MOF) or a polymeric sorption material.

[0052] Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials with extremely large specific surface areas, obtained by the reaction of metal ions with organic ligands. Compared to zeolites, MOFs have a larger specific surface area per mass ratio, resulting in a higher water saturation level.

[0053] Hereinafter, the metal-organic framework may be referred to as a porous metal complex (PCP: Porous Coordination Polymer). In the metal-organic framework, organic ligands link metal ions to obtain a polymer structure with numerous openings inside.

[0054] Some metal-organic frameworks have excellent moisture adsorption properties, and are preferably used as moisture-absorbing materials.

[0055] Metal-organic frameworks have a higher water adsorption capacity per unit volume than zeolites such as zeolite 13x. An example of a metal-organic framework is MOF-303.

[0056] The polymeric sorbent material adsorbs moisture in the air and is made of, for example, a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate.

[0057] The second moisture absorbent 522 is a silicate mineral containing silicon. Preferably, the second moisture absorbent 522 is one or more selected from the group consisting of kaolinite, montmorillonite, and zeolite. More preferably, the second moisture absorbent 522 is zeolite.

[0058] More specifically, the zeolite is, for example, zeolite EMC-2, zeolite 13X, or zeolite SSZ-13.

[0059] Zeolite does not completely release moisture even at temperatures above 200°C.

[0060] The second moisture absorbent 522 has a lower moisture absorption capacity than the first moisture absorbent 521 at a first relative humidity A. The second moisture absorbent 522 has a higher moisture absorption capacity than the first moisture absorbent 521 at a second relative humidity B. The second relative humidity B is a humidity lower than the first relative humidity A. The moisture absorption capacity is the amount of water (mass increase) contained in the moisture absorbent after the moisture absorbent is allowed to absorb moisture at equilibrium for a certain period of time at 25°C and 90% RH (relative humidity) with respect to a completely dried moisture absorbent. The certain period of time is, for example, one day.

[0061] Figure 6 shows the water adsorption isotherms (25°C) of MOF and zeolite 13X. Figure 6 shows the 298 K water adsorption isotherm of MOF described in Patent Document 2 (curve indicated by ● and ◯) and the HO adsorption isotherm (298 K) of zeolite 13X described in Patent Document 3 (curve indicated by dashed line), superimposed with the axes adjusted.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, at a first relative humidity A, which is a relatively high humidity region in the adsorption isotherm, the moisture absorption amount of zeolite is lower than that of MOF. At a second relative humidity B, which is a relatively low humidity region in the adsorption isotherm, the moisture absorption amount of zeolite is higher than that of MOF.

[0063] If the humidifying rotor 52 has the first moisture absorbent 521 and the second moisture absorbent 522, the necessary amount of moisture absorption can be ensured by the second moisture absorbent 522 at the second relative humidity B, while the necessary amount of moisture absorption can be ensured by the first moisture absorbent 521 at the first relative humidity A. In this way, the humidifying rotor 52 can ensure a stable amount of adsorption whether the ambient environment is low humidity or high humidity.

[0064] The regeneration temperature of the first moisture absorbent is lower than that of the second moisture absorbent. The regeneration temperature is the temperature required to remove the moisture once absorbed by the moisture absorbent. The regeneration temperature of MOF is approximately 100°C. The regeneration temperature of zeolite is approximately 200°C.

[0065] The heat resistance temperature of first moisture absorbent 521 is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of second moisture absorbent 522. The heat resistance temperature is the temperature at which first moisture absorbent 521 begins to denature, its moisture absorption performance decreases, and structural destruction occurs in the process of heating first moisture absorbent 521. The moisture release temperature is the temperature at which second moisture absorbent 522 begins to release moisture in the process of heating second moisture absorbent 522.

[0066] The method for manufacturing the humidifying rotor 52 is not particularly limited, and it can be manufactured by a known method.

[0067] (2-2-2-5) Flow path switching device The flow path switching device 53 is disposed between the moisture discharge fan 54 and the intake / exhaust duct 15. The flow path switching device 53 can switch the connection state between the moisture discharge fan 54 and the intake / exhaust duct 15 between a supply state in which the moisture discharge path 71 is connected to the intake / exhaust duct 15, and a supply stop state in which the moisture discharge path 71 is disconnected from the intake / exhaust duct 15. In the supply state, air is allowed to flow from the moisture discharge path 71 to the intake / exhaust duct 15, or from the intake / exhaust duct 15 to the moisture discharge path 71. Therefore, in the air supply state, air blown out from the moisture discharge fan 54 through the moisture discharge path 71 flows into the intake / exhaust duct 15, and air sucked into the moisture discharge fan 54 from the indoor unit 12 through the intake / exhaust duct 15 flows into the moisture discharge path 71. Therefore, in the air supply state, air flows in the direction A1 shown in Fig. 1, whereby outside air is supplied to the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust duct 15, or air flows in the direction A2 shown in Fig. 1, whereby air that has passed from the indoor unit 12 through the intake and exhaust duct 15 is exhausted to the outdoors through the intake and exhaust port 51d. Also, in the supply stop state, the flow of air from the moisture release path 71 to the intake and exhaust duct 15, or the flow of air from the intake and exhaust duct 15 to the moisture release path 71, is blocked. Therefore, in the supply stop state, outside air is not supplied into the indoor unit 12, and air inside the indoor unit 12 is not exhausted to the outdoors.

[0068] (2-3) Control Unit Air conditioning operation is realized by a computer. The control unit 60 is equipped with a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used for the control and arithmetic device. The control and arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with this program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. Figure 7 shows various functional blocks realized by the control and arithmetic device. The storage device can be used as a database.

[0069] 7, the control unit 60 provided in the air conditioner 10 is connected to various devices included in the air conditioner 10. The control unit 60 controls the operation of the various devices to perform indoor air conditioning, thereby performing air conditioning operations such as cooling operation, heating operation, and humidifying operation.

[0070] The control unit 60 controls the output of the heater 56. The output of the heater 56 is the amount of heat. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls the heater output at the first relative humidity A to be smaller than the heater output at the second relative humidity B.

[0071] Furthermore, when a user issues a humidification command via a remote controller or the like, the control unit 60 executes a humidification operation in which outside air that has been actively humidified by the humidification unit 50 is supplied to the room. Note that, although the humidification operation in this embodiment is performed simultaneously with the heating operation, this is not limiting, and the humidification operation may be performed independently or simultaneously with the cooling operation.

[0072] When the control unit 60 receives a humidification instruction from the user, it switches the flow path switching device 53 to a supply state, drives the humidification rotor 52, the moisture absorption fan 55, and the moisture discharge fan 54 to rotate, and drives the heater 56. By driving the humidification rotor 52, the moisture absorption fan 55, and the moisture discharge fan 54 to rotate and driving the heater 56, air (humidified air) with a higher moisture content than the outside air is generated and supplied to the indoor unit 12 via the intake and exhaust duct 15.

[0073] (3) Control operation during humidification During humidification operation, the moisture absorption fan 55 is driven within the humidification unit 50, causing air to flow through the moisture absorption path 71 in the direction of arrow A11-13 in Figure 1, and the moisture discharge fan 54 is driven, causing air to flow through the moisture discharge path 71 in the direction of arrow A21-25 in Figure 1.

[0074] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the outside air flowing through the moisture absorption path 70 will be referred to as adsorption air, and the outside air flowing through the moisture release path 71 will be referred to as humidification air.

[0075] The adsorption air taken into the humidification unit 50 through the first suction port 51b and the second suction port 51c flows in the direction of arrow A11, passes through the humidification rotor 52, and then flows in the direction of arrow A12 toward the vicinity of the moisture absorption fan 55. At this time, the adsorption air passes through a region of the humidification rotor 52 that does not face the heater 56 (hereinafter referred to as the moisture absorption region). The adsorption air that has passed through the moisture absorption region of the humidification rotor 52 then enters the moisture absorption fan 55 and is sent by the moisture absorption fan 55 in the direction of arrow A13, and is blown out of the humidification unit 50 from the adsorption air outlet 51a. In other words, the moisture absorption path 70 can be said to be a flow path for passing the adsorption air through the moisture absorption region.

[0076] The air to be humidified taken into the humidifying unit 50 through the intake / exhaust port 51d flows in the direction of arrow A21 and passes through a region of the moisture release path 71 upstream of the heater 56 (hereinafter referred to as the reheating region). After passing through the reheating region of the humidifying rotor 52, the air to be humidified flows in the direction of arrow A22 and reaches the heater 56. After reaching the heater 56, the air to be humidified flows in the direction of arrow A23 and passes through a region of the humidifying rotor 52 separate from the moisture absorption region and reheating region (hereinafter referred to as the humidification region). After passing through the humidification region of the humidifying rotor 52, the air to be humidified flows in the direction of arrow A24 and reaches the flow path switching device 53. After reaching the flow path switching device 53, the air to be humidified is returned to the flow path switching device 53 via the moisture release fan 54, flows in the direction of arrow A25, and is sent to the indoor unit 12 via the intake / exhaust duct 15. In other words, the moisture release path 71 can be said to be a flow path for passing the humidifying air through the humidifying region.

[0077] Next, we will explain the process of generating humidified air in the humidifying unit 50. Note that the humidified air referred to here refers to the air to be humidified that contains moisture and is released from the humidifying rotor 52. For ease of explanation, hereinafter, the air to be humidified that has not yet passed through the humidification region will be referred to as pre-humidification air, and the air that has passed through the humidification region will be referred to as humidified air.

[0078] When the adsorption air taken in through the first suction port 51b and the second suction port 51c passes through the moisture absorption region of the humidification rotor 52, moisture in the adsorption air is adsorbed by the moisture absorption region.

[0079] Furthermore, the pre-humidified air taken in through the intake / exhaust port 51d flows into the reheating region of the humidification rotor 52. The pre-humidified air that flows into the reheating region is heated by the heat of the reheating region as it passes through the reheating region. After passing through the reheating region, the pre-humidified air is heated by the heater 56 and then passes through the humidification region. At this time, the humidification region is heated by the pre-humidified air heated by the reheating region and the heater 56, and the moisture adsorbed in the moisture absorption region is released into the pre-humidified air. As a result, the pre-humidified air becomes humidified air containing the moisture adsorbed in the moisture absorption region.

[0080] (4) Features (4-1) Zeolites have traditionally been used as moisture absorbents in humidity control devices. However, in high-humidity environments, the moisture absorption capacity of zeolites reaches saturation. Metal-organic frameworks have a higher moisture absorption capacity than zeolites in high-humidity environments. Therefore, metal-organic frameworks are used as moisture absorbents in humidity control devices instead of zeolites. However, in low-humidity environments, metal-organic frameworks may have a lower moisture absorption capacity than zeolites.

[0081] Therefore, in this embodiment, the humidification rotor 52 has a first moisture absorbent 521 and a second moisture absorbent 522. The humidification rotor 52 is arranged in the moisture absorption path 70 and the moisture release path 71. The second moisture absorbent 522 has a lower moisture absorption amount than the first moisture absorbent 521 at a first relative humidity A. The second moisture absorbent 522 has a higher moisture absorption amount than the first moisture absorbent 521 at a second relative humidity B. The second relative humidity is lower than the first relative humidity. This allows the humidification rotor 52 to ensure a stable moisture absorption amount whether the ambient environment is low-humidity or high-humidity.

[0082] (4-2) In this embodiment, the humidification rotor 52 is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture, so that the humidification unit 50 can not only humidify but also adsorb and dehumidify moisture.

[0083] (4-3) In this embodiment, the humidifying rotor 52 is made of a mixed material of the first moisture absorbent material 521 and the second moisture absorbent material 522. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotors can be manufactured at once without distinguishing between the first moisture absorbent material 521 and the second moisture absorbent material 522.

[0084] (4-4) In this embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the heater output at the first relative humidity A to be smaller than the heater output at the second relative humidity B. Since the first moisture absorbent 521 can be regenerated at a lower temperature than the second moisture absorbent 522, under high humidity conditions where adsorption by the first moisture absorbent 521 is dominant, the heater output can be reduced, thereby saving power.

[0085] (4-5) In this embodiment, the heat resistance temperature of the first moisture absorbent 521 is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbent 522. This allows the humidification rotor 52 to be heated until the second moisture absorbent 522 has sufficiently released moisture.

[0086] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 1A In the above embodiment, the humidification rotor 52 is made of a mixed material of the first moisture absorbent material 521 and the second moisture absorbent material 522. However, the configuration of the humidification rotor 52 is not particularly limited to this.

[0087] The humidifying rotor 52 may be formed by alternately laminating a first layer L1 made of a first moisture-absorbing material 521 and a second layer L2 made of a second moisture-absorbing material 522.

[0088] For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the humidifying rotor 52 may be formed by laminating a first layer L1 and a second layer L2 in the axial direction of the humidifying rotor 52.

[0089] In this modification, a conventional humidifying rotor can also be used.

[0090] (5-2) Variation 1B As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the humidification rotor 52 may be formed by laminating a first layer L1 and a second layer L2 in the radial direction of the humidification rotor 52.

[0091] (5-3) Variation 1C In the above embodiment, the humidifying unit 50 includes the heater 56. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

[0092] 14, the humidification unit 50 may have a first heater 561 and a second heater 562. The second heater 562 may be configured as a variable type heater whose heat amount changes like the first heater 561, but is not particularly limited to this. The first heater 561 is disposed upstream of the air flow of the moisture discharge fan 54 in the moisture discharge path 71. The second heater 562 is disposed downstream of the air flow of the moisture discharge fan 54 in the moisture discharge path 71. The control unit 60 simultaneously activates the first heater 561 and the second heater 562 to perform humidification operation.

[0093] In this modification, condensation can be prevented.

[0094] (5-4) Variation 1D In Modification 1C, control unit 60 performs the humidifying operation by simultaneously activating first heater 561 and second heater 562. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

[0095] The control unit 60 may operate the first heater 561 and the second heater 562 simultaneously at the first relative humidity A, and operate only the first heater 561 at the second relative humidity B.

[0096] There is a high risk of condensation at high humidity, that is, first relative humidity A. However, in this modification, first heater 561 and second heater 562 are simultaneously operated at first relative humidity A, so that the risk of condensation can be reduced.

[0097] (5-5) Variation 1E In the above embodiment, the humidifying unit 50 is disposed above the outdoor air conditioning unit 20. However, this is not particularly limited. The humidifying unit 50 may be disposed outdoors near the indoor side. Near the indoor side is, for example, below the ventilation fan.

[0098] Even if the first moisture absorbent 521 is regenerated at low temperature on the outdoor unit 11 side, it may still need to be heated for transport from the outdoor unit 11 to the indoor unit 12. According to this modification, humidification can be performed near the room, thereby saving electricity.

[0099] (5-6) Variation 1F In the above embodiment, the humidification unit 50, which is an example of a humidity control device, performs a humidification operation to humidify the target space. However, the humidity control device may perform a dehumidification operation to dehumidify the target space instead of or in addition to the humidification operation.

[0100] In this case, indoor air is taken into the humidification path 71. More specifically, when the moisture discharge fan 54 discharges indoor air from the indoor unit 12 to the outdoors, it generates an airflow that flows from the indoor unit 12 through the intake / exhaust duct 15 and the moisture discharge path 71 to the outdoors through the intake / exhaust port 51d. At this time, the air flows in the direction A2. The indoor air taken into the humidification path 71 is heated by the heater 56. The heated indoor air is sent to the desorption section of the humidification rotor 52 and comes into contact with the absorbent material. The absorbent material in the desorption section is heated by contact with this heated indoor air, and moisture is desorbed from the absorbent material. The moisture desorbed from the adsorbent material is exhausted to the outdoors together with the indoor air that has passed through the humidification rotor 52.

[0101] Second Embodiment The second embodiment has many configurations that overlap with the first embodiment, so the second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0102] (1) Overall structure As shown in FIG. 15, the humidification unit 50 includes a first moisture absorption path 70a, a second moisture absorption path 70b, a first moisture release path 71a, a second moisture release path 71b, a first humidification rotor 52a (an example of a first moisture absorption structure), a second humidification rotor 52b (an example of a second moisture absorption structure), a third heater 563, a fourth heater 564, a moisture absorption fan 55, and a moisture release fan 54.

[0103] The humidifying unit 50 can be separated into the first moisture absorption path 70a or the second moisture absorption path 70b, and the first moisture release path 71a or the second moisture release path 71b by the damper structure.

[0104] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Moisture absorption path The moisture absorption path 70 includes a first moisture absorption path 70a and a second moisture absorption path 70b.

[0105] The first moisture absorption path 70a and the second moisture absorption path 70b include a common moisture absorption fan 55.

[0106] The first moisture absorption path 70a is formed inside the casing 51. The first moisture absorption path 70a has the first air inlet 51b as an inlet and the adsorption air outlet 51a as an outlet. The first moisture absorption path 70a includes a moisture absorption fan 55.

[0107] In the first moisture absorption path 70a, a first suction port 51b, a first humidification rotor 52a, and a moisture absorption fan 55 are arranged in this order.

[0108] The second moisture absorption path 70b is formed inside the casing 51. The second moisture absorption path 70b has the second suction port 51c as an inlet and the adsorption air outlet 51a as an outlet. The second moisture absorption path 70b includes a moisture absorption fan 55.

[0109] In the second moisture absorption path 70b, a second suction port 51c, a second humidification rotor 52b, and a moisture absorption fan 55 are arranged in this order.

[0110] (2-2) Moisture release route The moisture release path 71 has a first moisture release path 71a and a second moisture release path 71b.

[0111] The first moisture discharge path 71a includes the moisture discharge fan 54 and the third heater 563. Outside air taken into the casing 51 through the intake / exhaust port 51d passes through the first humidifying rotor 52a, is heated by the third heater 563, and then passes through the first humidifying rotor 52a again before flowing toward the moisture discharge fan 54.

[0112] The third heater 563 heats the air sent to the first humidifying rotor 52a to desorb moisture from the first humidifying rotor 52a. The air heated by the third heater 563 is sent to the first humidifying rotor 52a, thereby heating the first humidifying rotor 52a. The third heater 563 may be configured as a variable-type heater whose heat amount changes, but is not limited to this. The output of the third heater 563 is lower than the output of the fourth heater 564.

[0113] The first moisture release path 71a is provided with a first suction port 51b, a first humidification rotor 52a, and a moisture release fan 54 arranged in this order.

[0114] The second moisture discharge path 71b includes the moisture discharge fan 54 and a fourth heater 564. Outside air taken into the casing 51 through the intake / exhaust port 51d passes through the second humidification rotor 52b, is heated by the fourth heater 564, and then passes through the second humidification rotor 52b before flowing toward the moisture discharge fan 54.

[0115] The fourth heater 564 heats the air sent to the second humidification rotor 52b to desorb moisture from the second humidification rotor 52b. The air heated by the fourth heater 564 is sent to the second humidification rotor 52b, thereby heating the second humidification rotor 52b. The fourth heater 564 may be configured as a variable type heater whose heat amount changes, but is not particularly limited to this.

[0116] In the second moisture release path 71b, a second suction port 51c, a second humidification rotor 52b, and a moisture release fan 54 are arranged in this order.

[0117] The first moisture release path 71a and the second moisture release path 71b include a common moisture release fan .

[0118] At a first relative humidity A, the third heater 563 is activated and the fourth heater 564 is deactivated. At a second relative humidity B, the third heater 563 is deactivated and the fourth heater 564 is activated.

[0119] (2-3) Humidification rotor The first humidification rotor 52a (an example of a first moisture absorbing structure) is disposed in the first moisture absorption path 70a and the first moisture release path 71a. The first humidification rotor 52a is made of a first moisture absorbent material 521.

[0120] The second humidification rotor 52b (an example of a second moisture absorbing structure) is disposed in the second moisture absorption path 70b and the second moisture release path 71b. The second humidification rotor 52b is made of a second moisture absorbent material 522.

[0121] The moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorbent 522 is lower than that of the first moisture absorbent 521 at the first relative humidity A. The moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorbent 522 is higher than that of the first moisture absorbent 521 at the second relative humidity B. The second relative humidity B is lower than the first relative humidity A.

[0122] The heat resistance temperature of the first moisture absorbent 521 is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbent 522 .

[0123] (3) Features (3-1) In this embodiment, a first humidifying rotor 52a made of a first moisture absorbent material 521 and a second humidifying rotor 52b made of a second moisture absorbent material 522 are respectively arranged in a moisture absorption path 70 and a moisture desorption path 71. The moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorbent material 522 is lower than that of the first moisture absorbent material 521 at a first relative humidity A. The moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorbent material 522 is higher than that of the first moisture absorbent material 521 at a second relative humidity B.

[0124] This configuration allows for the use of an effective system depending on the outside humidity. Specifically, at low humidity, a system including second humidifying rotor 52b made of second moisture absorbent material 522 is used. At high humidity, a system including first humidifying rotor 52a made of first moisture absorbent material 521 is used. This improves the performance of air conditioning device 10 and aims to save power.

[0125] (3-2) In this embodiment, the first moisture absorption path 70a is arranged in the order of the first suction port 51b, the first humidification rotor 52a, and the moisture absorption fan 55. The second moisture absorption path 70b is arranged in the order of the second suction port 51c, the second humidification rotor 52b, and the moisture absorption fan 55.

[0126] According to this configuration, the first humidification rotor 52a and the second humidification rotor 52b can be arranged in different moisture absorption paths 70.

[0127] (3-3) In this embodiment, the first moisture release path 71a is arranged in the order of the first suction port 51b, the first humidification rotor 52a, and the moisture release fan 54. The second moisture release path 71b is arranged in the order of the second suction port 51c, the second humidification rotor 52b, and the moisture release fan 54.

[0128] According to this configuration, the first humidification rotor 52a and the second humidification rotor 52b can be disposed on different moisture release paths 71.

[0129] (3-4) In this embodiment, the third heater 563 is provided on the first moisture desorption path 71a. The fourth heater 564 is provided on the second moisture desorption path 71b. The output of the third heater 563 is lower than the output of the fourth heater 564. With this configuration, the first moisture absorbent 521 can be regenerated at a lower temperature than the second moisture absorbent 522, so that under high humidity conditions where adsorption by the first moisture absorbent 521 is dominant, the output of the third heater 563 can be reduced, thereby saving power.

[0130] (3-5) In this embodiment, the third heater 563 is provided in the first moisture desorption path 71a. The fourth heater 564 is provided in the second moisture desorption path 71b. At a first relative humidity A, the third heater 563 operates and the fourth heater 564 stops. At a second relative humidity B, the third heater 563 stops and the fourth heater 564 operates.

[0131] According to this configuration, under high humidity conditions where adsorption by the first moisture absorbent 521 is dominant, the fourth heater 564 can be stopped by using the first moisture release path 71a, thereby saving power. Also, under low humidity conditions where adsorption by the second moisture absorbent 522 is dominant, the third heater 563 can be stopped by using the second moisture release path 71b, thereby saving power.

[0132] (3-6) In this embodiment, the first moisture absorption path 70a and the second moisture absorption path 70b include a common moisture absorption fan 55. According to this configuration, an additional moisture absorption fan is not required.

[0133] (3-7) In this embodiment, the first moisture release path 71a and the second moisture release path 71b include a common moisture release fan 54. According to this configuration, an additional moisture release fan is not required.

[0134] (4) Variations (4-1) Variation 1A In the above embodiment, the first humidification rotor 52a and the second humidification rotor 52b are disposed inside the humidification unit 50. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 16, the first humidifying rotor 52a may be disposed in the indoor unit 12, and the second humidifying rotor 52b may be disposed in the outdoor unit 11.

[0136] Even if the first moisture absorbent 521 is regenerated at low temperature on the outdoor unit 11 side, heating may be required to transport it from the outdoor unit 11 to the indoor unit 12. According to this modification, the amount of humidification can be increased on the indoor unit 12 side, thereby saving electricity. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 can also be endowed with a function that makes use of another property of the first moisture absorbent 521 (such as deodorization).

[0137] (4-2) Variation 1B In the above embodiment, the humidification unit 50 includes two heaters: the third heater 563 and the fourth heater 564. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

[0138] The humidifying unit 50 may include one heater, which may be provided across the first humidifying rotor 52a and the second humidifying rotor 52b.

[0139] (Addendum) 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 as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 50: Humidification unit (an example of a humidity control device) 51: Casing 51b: First intake port 51c: Second intake port 52: Humidifying rotor (an example of a moisture absorbing structure) 52a: First humidifying rotor (an example of the first moisture absorbing structure) 52b: Second humidifying rotor (an example of a second moisture absorbing structure) 54: Moisture release fan 55: Moisture absorption fan 56: Heater 60: Control section 70: Moisture absorption path 70a: First moisture absorption path 70b: Second moisture absorption path 71: Moisture release route 71a: First moisture release route 71b: Second moisture release route 521: First moisture absorbent material 522: Second moisture absorbent material 561: 1st heater 562: Second heater 563: Third heater 564: 4th heater A: First relative humidity B: Second relative humidity L1: 1st layer L2: 2nd layer [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0141] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-171316

Claims

1. a moisture absorption path (70) including a moisture absorption fan (55); a moisture discharge path (71) including a moisture discharge fan (54) and a heater (56); a moisture absorbing structure (52) having a first moisture absorbing material (521) and a second moisture absorbing material (522) and disposed in the moisture absorbing path and the moisture releasing path; Equipped with A humidity control device, wherein the second moisture absorbent has a lower moisture absorption amount than the first moisture absorbent at a first relative humidity (A) and a higher moisture absorption amount than the first moisture absorbent at a second relative humidity (B) lower than the first relative humidity.

2. The moisture absorbing structure is a rotor that adsorbs and desorbs moisture. The humidity control device according to claim 1 .

3. The rotor is made of a mixed material of the first moisture absorbent material and the second moisture absorbent material. The humidity control device according to claim 2 .

4. The rotor is formed by alternately laminating first layers (L1) made of the first moisture-absorbing material and second layers (L2) made of the second moisture-absorbing material. The humidity control device according to claim 2 .

5. The rotor is formed by laminating the first layer and the second layer in the axial direction of the rotor. The humidity control device according to claim 4.

6. The rotor is formed by laminating the first layer and the second layer in a radial direction of the rotor. The humidity control device according to claim 4.

7. Further provided is a control unit (60) for controlling the output of the heater, The regeneration temperature of the first moisture absorbent is lower than the regeneration temperature of the second moisture absorbent, the control unit controls the heater output at the first relative humidity to be smaller than the heater output at the second relative humidity. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The heater includes a first heater (561) arranged on the upstream side of the air flow of the moisture discharge fan in the moisture discharge path, and a second heater (562) arranged on the downstream side of the air flow of the moisture discharge fan in the moisture discharge path, The control unit simultaneously operates the first heater and the second heater to perform a humidifying operation. The humidity control device according to claim 7.

9. the control unit simultaneously operates the first heater and the second heater at the first relative humidity, and operates only the first heater at the second relative humidity. The humidity control device according to claim 8.

10. The heat resistance temperature of the first moisture absorbent material is equal to or higher than the moisture release temperature of the second moisture absorbent material. The humidity control device according to claim 1 .

11. The humidity control device is installed outdoors and near the indoor side. The humidity control device according to claim 1 .

12. a moisture absorption path (70) including a moisture absorption fan (55); a moisture discharge path (71) including a moisture discharge fan (54) and a heater (56); a first moisture absorbing structure (52a) arranged in the moisture absorbing path and the moisture releasing path and made of a first moisture absorbing material (521); a second moisture absorbing structure (52b) arranged in the moisture absorbing path and the moisture releasing path and made of a second moisture absorbing material (522); Equipped with The moisture absorption amount of the second moisture absorbent is lower than that of the first moisture absorbent at a first relative humidity (A) and is higher than that of the first moisture absorbent at a second relative humidity (B) lower than the first relative humidity. Humidity control device.

13. The air conditioner further includes a casing (50) in which a first suction port (51b) and a second suction port (51c) are formed, The moisture absorption path is a first moisture absorption path (70a) in which the first suction port, the first moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan are arranged in this order; a second moisture absorption path (70b) in which the second intake port, the second moisture absorption structure, and the moisture absorption fan are arranged in this order; having The humidity control device according to claim 12.

14. a casing having a first suction port and a second suction port formed therein; The moisture release path is a first moisture release path (71a) in which the first suction port, the first moisture absorption structure, and the moisture release fan are arranged in this order; a second moisture release path (71b) in which the second intake port, the second moisture absorption structure, and the moisture release fan are arranged in this order; having The humidity control device according to claim 12.

15. The heater is a third heater (563) provided in the first moisture release path; a fourth heater (564) provided in the second moisture release path; and The output of the third heater is lower than the output of the fourth heater. The humidity control device according to claim 14.

16. The heater is a third heater provided in the first moisture release path; a fourth heater provided in the second moisture release path; and At the first relative humidity, the third heater is activated and the fourth heater is deactivated, and at the second relative humidity, the third heater is deactivated and the fourth heater is activated. The humidity control device according to claim 14.

17. the first moisture absorption path and the second moisture absorption path include the common moisture absorption fan; The humidity control device according to claim 13.

18. The first moisture release path and the second moisture release path include the common moisture release fan. The humidity control device according to claim 14.

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