Heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of suppressing a manufacturing cost as compared with a conventional technique.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 1 is a heat exchanger used for agriculture, such as air conditioning in a vinyl house. The heat exchanger 1 includes a radiator 2 for an automobile, which is an example of a heat exchanger for a vehicle, a blower 3, and a connection duct 4. The connection duct 4 connects the radiator 2 and the blower 3. The radiator 2 reuses a radiator for a used automobile acquired by disassembling a scrapped automobile, for example.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchange device for agricultural use. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for using a heat exchanger for a vehicle, such as an automobile radiator, in an agricultural heat exchanger. Hereinafter, the technology described in Patent Document 1 may be referred to as the prior art. The heat exchanger of the prior art can be used as an air conditioner for agricultural use, such as for greenhouse horticulture or livestock farming, thereby improving the agricultural environment, such as temperature and humidity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-85412 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional technology is based on the premise of utilizing a brand new automotive radiator, but because new automotive radiators are expensive, conventional heat exchange devices constructed using such brand new automotive radiators have the problem of making it difficult to keep their manufacturing costs low. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that can be manufactured at a lower cost than conventional techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The heat exchanger described in claim 1 is a heat exchanger for agricultural use, comprising a heat exchanger (2, 42), a blower (3, 43A, 43B), and a connecting duct (4, 44) connecting the heat exchanger and the blower, the heat exchanger being a reused heat exchanger for a used vehicle. Compared to heat exchangers for vehicles, heat exchangers for agricultural use generally have lower performance requirements and are used in a much milder manner. In other words, the performance requirements differ between vehicles, where water leakage is absolutely prohibited because it could lead to overheating, whereas agricultural use allows for some water leakage because the device is used outdoors where water is sprayed.

[0006] In addition, vehicle-use water heaters have a closed circuit with large temperature changes, resulting in high operating pressure and large pressure fluctuations, while agricultural-use water heaters have an open circuit with small temperature changes and therefore no pressure load. Vehicle-use water heaters have an internal circulation circuit, so if a water leak occurs, the amount of available water decreases, while agricultural-use water heaters have a constant supply of new water, so even if a water leak occurs, the amount of available water does not decrease. Vehicle-use water heaters are also subject to large vibration loads when traveling on rough roads, while agricultural-use water heaters are not subject to vibration loads because they are installed on the ground.

[0007] The above configuration takes into account the differences in performance requirements and usage patterns between vehicle and agricultural applications, and reuses a heat exchanger from a used vehicle. As described above, agricultural heat exchangers have lower performance requirements and are used in a much milder manner than vehicle heat exchangers. Therefore, reusing a used vehicle heat exchanger, as in the above configuration, does not pose any problems for agricultural applications. Furthermore, used vehicle heat exchangers are less expensive than new vehicle heat exchangers. Therefore, the above configuration allows for lower manufacturing costs compared to conventional techniques. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment, the diagram being a side view of the heat exchanger. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a water supply path in a radiator included in a heat exchange device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] A diagram showing the coolant supply path in an automobile radiator. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific installation example of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state of a radiator when the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment is installed on the ground or a wall surface; [Figure 6] Diagram explaining the installation position of an automobile radiator [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiator for an automobile; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiator included in a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] A diagram showing specific examples of the differences in performance requirements and usage of radiators for automobiles and agricultural use. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a heat exchanger functioning as a total heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same components in the respective embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0010] <Configuration of heat exchanger> As shown in Fig. 1, heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is configured using an automobile radiator 2, which is an example of a heat exchanger for a vehicle, and is used for agricultural purposes, such as air conditioning in a greenhouse or livestock barn. In addition to radiator 2, heat exchanger 1 is equipped with blower 3 and connecting duct 4. Blower 3 is equipped with blades 5 and motor 6, which serves as a power source for rotating blades 5.

[0011] The blower 3 has a configuration in which the fan is exposed, such as a ventilation fan. The connection duct 4 is a duct that connects the radiator 2 and the blower 3. The connection duct 4 has an opening 4a. The radiator 2 is disposed adjacent to the opening 4a. The blower 3 is provided inside the connection duct 4.

[0012] The radiator 2 includes an upper tank 7, a lower tank 8, and fins and tubes provided between the upper tank 7 and the lower tank 8. Note that the fins and tubes are not shown in Fig. 1, but some of the fins 9 and tubes 10 are shown in Fig. 2 and other figures. The radiator 2 and the blower 3 are arranged side by side in a direction that follows the air blowing direction of the blower 3. In Fig. 1 and other figures, the air blowing direction of the blower 3 is indicated by arrows A1 and A2.

[0013] Cold water or hot water is supplied from the outside to the radiator 2. Cold water can be supplied directly from, for example, groundwater or tap water. Hot water can be supplied from, for example, groundwater or tap water that has been heated using a boiler or hot water tank installed in the greenhouse.

[0014] In this case, the cold or hot water supply path is a path that runs from the upper tank 7 through a tube to the lower tank 8. In Fig. 1, the cold or hot water supply path is indicated by arrows A3, A4, and A5. The heat exchanger 1 is configured as a cold or hot air fan that exchanges heat between the air drawn in by the radiator 2 configured as described above and hot or cold water, and outputs the air after heat exchange.

[0015] <Water circulation method in radiators> 2, the radiator 2 included in the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is used for agricultural purposes, and therefore the supply path for cold or hot water, i.e., water, is an open circuit. That is, in this case, the water supply path from the lower tank 8 to the upper tank 7 includes a reservoir 11 that stores groundwater, tap water, or the like, and a water pump 12 that pumps water from the reservoir 11. The lower tank 8 and the reservoir 11, the reservoir 11 and the water pump 12, and the water pump 12 and the upper tank 7 are connected by, for example, rubber hoses.

[0016] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3, the coolant supply path in the automotive radiator 2 is in the form of a closed circuit. That is, in this case, a water pump 13 and an engine 14 are interposed in the coolant supply path from the lower tank 8 to the upper tank 7. The lower tank 8 and the water pump 13, the water pump 13 and the engine 14, and the engine 14 and the upper tank 7 are connected by, for example, rubber hoses. In this case, the water in the path from the engine 14 to the upper tank 7 is heated by the engine 14 to a high temperature of, for example, 100°C or higher.

[0017] <Specific examples of heat exchanger installation> As shown in FIG. 4, the heat exchanger 1 is installed in an outdoor building 21, such as a greenhouse or livestock barn. In this case, a plurality of heat exchangers 1 are installed on the ground 22 within the building 21 or on a wall 23, which is a side surface of the building 21. When the heat exchanger 1 is installed on the ground 22, the radiator 2 is fixed to the ground 22, as shown in the left-hand diagram of FIG. 5. When the heat exchanger 1 is installed on the wall 23, the radiator 2 is fixed to the wall 23, as shown in the right-hand diagram of FIG. 5. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, a radiator 2 for an automobile is mounted in the engine compartment of an automobile 24, which is an example of a vehicle.

[0018] <Radiator details> The radiator 2 in the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is not a new product but a used product. In other words, the radiator 2 provided in the heat exchanger 1 is a reused radiator for a used automobile. In this case, the radiator 2, which is a radiator for a used automobile, is obtained by dismantling a scrapped automobile.

[0019] Since the radiator 2 is a used product, it may lack some components or have performance degradation compared to a new product. However, for the radiator 2 used in the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the following lack of components and performance degradation are acceptable because they do not cause any problems. In other words, the radiator 2 may not have a pressure relief mechanism or the pressure relief mechanism may not function.

[0020] As shown in Figure 7, an automobile radiator 2 typically includes a pressure control cap 31 and a reserve tank 32. With this configuration, when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure control cap 31 opens, allowing water to flow into the reserve tank 32. The reserve tank 32 temporarily stores water and is designed to return the water when the temperature drops and its volume decreases. As such, an automobile radiator 2 requires the pressure control cap 31 and reserve tank 32 to control the internal pressure because it is a closed circuit and the water temperature changes greatly, causing the water volume to change.

[0021] In contrast, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is used for agricultural purposes and therefore has an open circuit, so the radiator 2 does not need a function to control its internal pressure, i.e., the pressure control cap 31 and the reserve tank 32. Therefore, the radiator 2 included in the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment may not have one or both of the pressure control cap 31 and the reserve tank 32, or one or both of the pressure control cap 31 and the reserve tank 32 may be in a non-functioning state. In other words, the radiator 2 included in the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment may be configured without both the pressure control cap 31 and the reserve tank 32, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0022] Furthermore, the performance of the components through which hot or cold water passes in the radiator 2 may be deteriorated to a certain extent. Examples of the components through which hot or cold water passes include the tubes 10, upper tank 7, and lower tank 8 of the radiator 2. The tubes 10 of the radiator 2 are made of metal such as aluminum, and if the tubes 10 are damaged or deteriorated, water leakage may occur. The upper tank 7 and lower tank 8 of the radiator 2 are made of resin, for example, and if the resin deteriorates or is subjected to pressure due to vibration or heat, water leakage may occur.

[0023] In an automobile radiator 2, water leakage can lead to breakdowns and performance degradation, so it is necessary to maintain good performance of the above-mentioned components. In contrast, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is used for agricultural purposes, so some water leakage can be tolerated. Therefore, the radiator 2 included in the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment may be such that the performance of at least one of the tubes 10, upper tank 7, and lower tank 8 has deteriorated to a certain degree.

[0024] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. The heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is used for agricultural purposes and includes a radiator 2, a blower 3, and a connecting duct 4. The radiator 2 included in this heat exchanger 1 is a reused radiator for a used automobile. The performance requirements for the radiator 2 for agricultural use are lower than those for automobile radiators, and the radiator 2 is generally used in a much milder manner.

[0025] Specific differences in required performance and usage between automotive and agricultural applications are exemplified in Figure 9. In other words, for automotive applications, water leakage is absolutely prohibited as it could lead to overheating, whereas for agricultural applications, some water leakage is acceptable as the vehicle is used outdoors where water is sprayed.

[0026] In addition, there are differences in usage between automobiles and agricultural applications: the closed circuit results in large temperature changes, resulting in high operating pressure and large pressure fluctuations, while the open circuit results in small temperature changes and no pressure load. Also, there are differences in usage between automobiles and agricultural applications: the internal circulation circuit results in a decrease in usable water if a water leak occurs, while agricultural applications have a constant supply of new water, so even if a water leak occurs, the usable water does not decrease. Also, there are differences in usage between automobiles and agricultural applications: the automobile is subject to large vibration loads when driving on rough roads, while agricultural applications are not subject to vibration loads because they are installed on the ground 22 or a wall 23.

[0027] In this embodiment, taking into consideration the differences in performance requirements and usage between automotive and agricultural applications, a used automotive radiator is reused as the radiator 2. As described above, the radiator 2 used in the agricultural heat exchanger 1 has lower performance requirements and is used in a much milder manner than an automotive radiator. Therefore, even if a used automotive radiator is reused as the radiator 2, as in the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, no problems will arise in agricultural applications.

[0028] Furthermore, the price of a used automotive radiator is, for example, a fraction of the price of a new automotive radiator. Therefore, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment can reduce manufacturing costs compared to conventional techniques. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment reuses used radiators, which contributes to the realization of a circular economy and, ultimately, environmental protection.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radiator 2 is obtained by dismantling a scrapped vehicle. This not only makes it possible to further reduce manufacturing costs, but also provides the following effects. That is, second-hand radiators obtained when scrapped vehicles are dismantled are difficult to reuse in the harsh environment in which they are originally used for automobiles. However, in this embodiment, they can be reused by being used for agricultural purposes, which have a milder operating environment than automobiles. In other words, this embodiment can further contribute to the realization of a circular economy.

[0030] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the heat exchanger 41 of this embodiment is configured using an intercooler 42 for an automobile, which is an example of a heat exchanger for a vehicle, and is used for air conditioning in agricultural applications, such as greenhouses or livestock barns.

[0031] In addition to the intercooler 42, the heat exchanger 41 includes blowers 43A and 43B and a connecting duct 44. The blowers 43A and 43B have the same configuration as the blower 3 of the first embodiment, that is, they include blades 5 and a motor 6, and have an exposed fan configuration, such as a ventilation fan. The connecting duct 44 is a duct that connects the intercooler 42 to each of the blowers 43A and 43B.

[0032] The intercooler 42 and the blower 43A are arranged side by side in the air blowing direction of the blower 43A. The intercooler 42 and the blower 43B are arranged side by side in the air blowing direction of the blower 43B. In Fig. 10, the air blowing direction of the blower 43A is indicated by arrows A41 and A42, and the air blowing direction of the blower 43B is indicated by arrows A43 and A44. The blowers 43A and 43B are both provided inside the connection duct 44.

[0033] The heat exchanger 41 is configured as a total heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air taken in by the intercooler 42 and the air exhausted from the intercooler 42. The heat exchanger 41 configured as described above can function as a heater that warms the air inside the greenhouse, and can also function as an air conditioner that cools the air inside the greenhouse. The heat exchanger 41 configured as described above also has a dehumidifying function that reduces the humidity of the air inside the greenhouse.

[0034] The operation of heat exchanger 41 when it is used as a heater will be described below. In this case, blower 43A functions as an exhaust fan, and blower 43B functions as an intake fan. In this case, arrow A41 indicates the flow of warm and humid indoor air, which is heated indoor air, and arrow A43 indicates the flow of cool and dry outdoor air, which is air drawn in from outside. Note that indoor air refers to the air inside the greenhouse, i.e., the indoor air, and outdoor air refers to the air outside the greenhouse, i.e., the outdoor air.

[0035] The intercooler 42 performs this heat exchange between the inside air and the outside air, resulting in the transfer of warm heat from the inside air to the outside air and the dehumidification of the inside air. As a result, the warm and humid inside air loses heat and becomes cool and humid inside air, which is then exhausted to the outside of the greenhouse, i.e., outdoors. Arrow A42 indicates this flow of exhaust air. Also, as a result, the cold and dry outside air becomes warmed by the heat transfer, and is then drawn into the greenhouse, i.e., indoors. Arrow A44 indicates this flow of intake air. Note that, although a description of the operation of the heat exchanger 41 when it functions as an air conditioner will be omitted here, it is the opposite operation to when it functions as a heater, as described above.

[0036] The intercooler 42 in the heat exchanger 41 of this embodiment is not a new product, but a used product. In other words, the intercooler 42 provided in the heat exchanger 41 is a reused intercooler for a used automobile. In this case, the intercooler 42, which is an intercooler for a used automobile, is obtained by dismantling a scrapped automobile.

[0037] Since the intercooler 42 is a second-hand product, there is a possibility that some components are missing or that the performance of some components is degraded compared to a new product. However, the intercooler 42 used in the heat exchanger 41 of this embodiment is used for agricultural purposes, similar to the radiator 2 of the first embodiment, and therefore air leakage does not cause any problems, so that missing components and performance degradation can be tolerated to a certain extent.

[0038] The present embodiment described above also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, the heat exchanger 41 of the present embodiment can reduce manufacturing costs compared to conventional techniques. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 41 of the present embodiment reuses used intercoolers, which contributes to the realization of a circular economy and, ultimately, environmental protection.

[0039] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, but can be modified, combined, or expanded as desired without departing from the spirit of the invention. The numerical values ​​and the like shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not limited to these. The present invention can be applied to heat exchange devices generally used in agriculture.

[0040] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1...heat exchanger, 2...radiator, 3...blower, 4...connecting duct, 7...upper tank, 8...lower tank, 10...tube, 22...ground, 23...wall, 31...pressure control cap, 32...reserve tank, 41...heat exchanger, 42...intercooler, 43A, 43B...blower, 44...connecting duct.

Claims

1. A heat exchange device for agricultural use, a heat exchanger (2, 42); A blower (3, 43A, 43B), a connecting duct (4, 44) connecting the heat exchanger and the blower; Equipped with The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger device that is a reused heat exchanger for a used vehicle.

2. 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger for a used vehicle is obtained by dismantling a scrapped vehicle.

3. 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat exchanger is installed on the ground (22) or on a wall (23).

4. The heat exchanger is a radiator (2), The radiator is configured as a cool air fan or a hot air fan that exchanges heat between the air drawn in by the radiator and hot water or cold water and outputs the air after the heat exchange.

3. The heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the radiator does not include a pressure relief mechanism (31, 32), or the pressure relief mechanism is not functioning.

5. the heat exchanger is a radiator, The radiator is configured as a cool air fan or a hot air fan that exchanges heat between the air drawn in by the radiator and hot water or cold water and outputs the air after the heat exchange.

3. The heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the performance of the members (7, 8, 10) through which the hot water or the cold water passes has deteriorated to a certain degree.

6. the heat exchanger is an intercooler (42); 2. The heat exchange device according to claim 1, which is configured as a total heat exchanger for exchanging heat between air taken in by the intercooler and air exhausted from the intercooler.

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