Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of efficiently adsorbing an adsorption object substance even in an initial stage.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioning duct 10 through which air can flow, an air conditioning device 20 disposed in the air conditioning duct 10 and having an adsorption part having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing an adsorption target substance and a heating means capable of heating the adsorption part, and a control part 30 capable of controlling a flow rate of air flowing through the air conditioning duct 10 and heating of the adsorption part. The control part 30 repeatedly executes an adsorption mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device 20 is not started and a regeneration mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device 20 is started, and executes the regeneration mode at the time of starting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a growing demand for improved indoor environments in various buildings, such as offices, schools, and homes, as well as in various vehicles, such as automobiles. Specific demands include reducing indoor CO2 to suppress drowsiness, controlling indoor humidity, and removing harmful volatile components, such as odor components and allergy-inducing substances, from the interior of the vehicle. Ventilation is an effective solution to these demands, but ventilation can significantly reduce heating energy in winter, resulting in reduced energy efficiency. This energy loss, particularly in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), poses a significant problem: the vehicle's driving range is significantly reduced.

[0003] As a method for solving the above problems, Patent Document 1 proposes an air conditioning system (vehicle interior purification system) that includes a honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall that partition a plurality of cells that form flow paths extending from one end face to the other end face, with at least the partition walls being made of a material that has PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) properties, and a heater element that has a pair of electrodes provided at predetermined positions on the honeycomb structure and has an adsorption section (functional material-containing layer) on the surface of the partition walls that adsorbs substances to be adsorbed (such as water vapor or CO2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 074202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the air conditioning system of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it has low adsorption performance for the adsorption target substance in the initial stage (particularly at startup). This is because the adsorption target substance is adsorbed by the adsorption section when the air conditioning system is stopped, reducing the amount of adsorption target substance that can be adsorbed in the initial stage. Although the adsorption performance of the adsorption section gradually recovers by repeating the adsorption mode and regeneration mode of the adsorption section, in the initial stage, the adsorption mode is performed with low adsorption efficiency for the adsorption target substance, which can cause energy loss, window fogging, and the like.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system that can efficiently adsorb target substances even in the early stages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of extensive research into air conditioning systems equipped with air conditioning devices, the inventors discovered that by executing a regeneration mode at startup, the adsorption performance of the adsorption section for the target substance can be quickly and efficiently restored, and the adsorption performance of the target substance in the initial stage can be improved, leading to the completion of the present invention. That is, the present invention is exemplified as follows.

[0008] <1> an air conditioning duct through which air can circulate; an air conditioning device disposed in the air conditioning duct, the air conditioning device having an adsorption unit having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a target substance to be adsorbed, and a heating means capable of heating the adsorption unit; a control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of the air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the heating of the adsorption unit; Equipped with The control unit repeatedly executes an adsorption mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device is not activated and a regeneration mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device is activated, and executes the regeneration mode at startup.

[0009] <2> The time period of the regeneration mode at the time of startup is longer than the time period of the regeneration mode at times other than startup. <1> 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 19.

[0010] <3> the control unit executes the regeneration mode at startup until the adsorption amount of the adsorption unit becomes 20% or less of the maximum adsorption amount. <1> or <2> 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 19.

[0011] <4> the control unit determines in advance a relationship between a time period during the regeneration mode and an amount of adsorption by the adsorption unit, measures the amount of adsorption by the adsorption unit at the time of startup, and calculates and executes the time period during the regeneration mode at the time of startup based on the relationship. <3> 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 19.

[0012] <5> the control unit measures the amounts of components contained in the air that has passed through the air conditioning device during the regeneration mode at startup, and determines whether to terminate the regeneration mode at startup based on the results of the measurement. <1> or <2> 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 19.

[0013] <6> The air conditioning device is a honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as the air flow paths extending from a first end face to a second end face; an adsorption layer containing the adsorbent provided on the surface of the partition wall; and a pair of electrodes provided on the first end face and the second end face of the honeycomb structure, or on the outer wall of the honeycomb structure that is parallel to the extending direction of the cells; Equipped with <1> ~ <5> 10. An air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein:

[0014] <7> In the honeycomb structure, at least the partition walls are made of a material having PTC properties. <6> 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 19.

[0015] <8> The adsorbent is capable of adsorbing and desorbing one or more selected from moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components. <1> ~ <7> 10. An air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein:

[0016] <9> The air conditioning system is for a vehicle. <1> ~ <8> 10. An air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein:

[0017] <10> The air conditioning duct is branched downstream of the air conditioning device into a first flow path that introduces the air into the vehicle compartment and a second flow path that discharges the air to the outside of the vehicle, and further includes a valve that can switch the flow of the air between the first flow path and the second flow path. <9> 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 19.

[0018] <11> The control unit is capable of controlling the valve, the control unit is capable of executing an adsorption mode in which the valve is switched so that the air flows through the first flow path, and a regeneration mode in which the adsorption unit is heated and the valve is switched so that the air flows through the second flow path. <10> 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 19. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that can efficiently adsorb target substances even in the early stages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of adsorption of the adsorption target substance and time when the regeneration mode is executed at startup. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of adsorption of the adsorption target substance and time when the adsorption mode is executed at startup. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross section parallel to the flow path direction of an air conditioning device used in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air conditioning device of FIG. 4A taken along line aa'. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The air conditioning system of the present invention comprises an air conditioning duct through which air can flow; an air conditioning device disposed within the air conditioning duct, the air conditioning device having an adsorption unit having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a target substance to be adsorbed and a heating means capable of heating the adsorption unit; and a control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the heating of the adsorption unit. The control unit repeatedly executes an adsorption mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device is not activated and a regeneration mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device is activated, and also executes the regeneration mode at startup. By configuring the air conditioning system in this way, the adsorption performance of the adsorption unit can be quickly and efficiently restored. As a result, the target substance to be adsorbed can be efficiently adsorbed even in the early stages, and energy loss and window fogging can be suppressed.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it should be understood that modifications and improvements made to the following embodiments based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Air conditioning systems according to embodiments of the present invention can be used in various buildings such as offices, schools, and homes, and in various vehicles such as automobiles. Among these, air conditioning systems according to embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in various vehicles such as automobiles. Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, automobiles and trains. Examples of automobiles include, but are not limited to, gasoline-powered vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles, gas-fueled vehicles using CNG (compressed natural gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas), fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Air conditioning systems according to embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in vehicles without internal combustion engines, such as electric vehicles and trains.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an air conditioning duct 10, an air conditioning device 20, and a control unit 30. The air conditioning system 100 may further include a power supply 40, a valve 50, and a fan 60.

[0025] Air from inside or outside the room can flow through the air conditioning duct 10. The air conditioning duct 10 branches downstream of the air conditioning device 20 into a first flow path 10a that introduces air into the room (the passenger compartment in the case of a vehicle) and a second flow path 10b that discharges air to the outside (outside the vehicle in the case of a vehicle). The valve 50 can switch the air flow between the first flow path 10a and the second flow path 10b.

[0026] The air conditioning device 20 is disposed inside the air conditioning duct 10. The number of air conditioning devices 20 disposed inside the air conditioning duct 10 may be one or more. When a plurality of air conditioning devices 20 are provided, they may be disposed in parallel or in series with respect to the flow of air circulating inside the air conditioning duct 10. The air conditioning device 20 has an adsorption section having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a substance to be adsorbed, and a heating means capable of heating the adsorption section.

[0027] The control unit 30 can control the flow rate of air flowing through the air conditioning duct 10 and the heating of the adsorption unit of the air conditioning device 20. Specifically, the control unit 30 can control the flow rate (flow rate) of air by adjusting the rotation speed of a fan 60 electrically connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 can also control whether or not to heat the adsorption unit of the air conditioning device 20 by controlling a power source 40 electrically connected to the heating means of the air conditioning device 20. The control unit 30 is also connected to a valve 50 and can control the open / close state of the valve 50.

[0028] In the air conditioning system 100 having the above-described structure, in both a regeneration mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device 20 is activated (the adsorption unit is heated) and an adsorption (air conditioning) mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device 20 is not activated (the adsorption unit is not heated), air from inside or outside the room flows into the air conditioning device 20 through the air conditioning duct 10. In the adsorption mode, the adsorption target substances in the air are captured (adsorbed) by the adsorption unit of the air conditioning device 20, and the air with reduced amounts of the adsorption target substances flows into the room through the first flow path 10a. On the other hand, in the regeneration mode, as the adsorption unit of the air conditioning device 20 is heated, the adsorption target substances captured by the adsorption unit are desorbed, and the air containing the adsorption target substances flows outside the room through the second flow path 10b.

[0029] The control unit 30 repeatedly executes an adsorption mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device 20 is not activated, and a regeneration mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device 20 is activated. By repeatedly executing the adsorption mode and the regeneration mode in this manner, the adsorption target substance in the air can be efficiently removed and discharged. Furthermore, the control unit 30 executes the regeneration mode at startup. By executing the regeneration mode at startup, the adsorption performance of the adsorption unit can be quickly and efficiently restored. This allows the target substance to be adsorbed efficiently even in the early stages, and makes it possible to suppress energy loss and window fogging.

[0030] Here, a graph showing the relationship between the amount of adsorption of the adsorption target substance and time when the regeneration mode is executed at startup is shown in Fig. 2. Also, a graph showing the relationship between the amount of adsorption of the adsorption target substance and time when the adsorption mode is executed at startup is shown in Fig. 3. When the regeneration mode is performed at startup, the amount of adsorption of the adsorption target substance can be maximized from the initial stage, as shown in Figure 2. In contrast, when the adsorption mode is performed at startup, the amount of adsorption of the adsorption target substance is low in the initial stage, as shown in Figure 3. Although the amount of adsorption of the adsorption target substance gradually increases by repeating the adsorption mode and the regeneration mode, the adsorption performance is insufficient in the initial stage, resulting in a large energy loss.

[0031] The time in the regeneration mode at startup is preferably longer than the time in the regeneration mode at other times (from the second time onwards). By controlling the time in the regeneration mode at startup in this way, the adsorption performance of the adsorption section can be stably and quickly restored even if the adsorption target substance is adsorbed by the adsorption section while the air conditioning system 100 is stopped. The time for the regeneration mode at startup can be set to, for example, 1.1 to 3.0 times the time for the regeneration mode at other times than startup. The time for the regeneration mode other than at startup may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of air conditioning device 20, but is typically 0.33 to 10 minutes. Similarly, the time for the adsorption mode may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of air conditioning device 20, but is typically 0.33 to 10 minutes.

[0032] The control unit 30 may execute the start-up regeneration mode until the adsorption amount of the adsorption unit falls to 20% or less, preferably 15% or less, and more preferably 10% or less of the maximum adsorption amount. By controlling the start-up regeneration mode in this manner, the adsorption performance of the adsorption unit can be stably and quickly restored. In this specification, the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorption unit refers to the maximum amount of the target substance to be adsorbed by the adsorption unit. Furthermore, when the adsorption unit adsorbs multiple types of target substances to be adsorbed, the maximum amount of the target substance to be adsorbed in the largest amount among the adsorbed target substances is defined as the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorption unit. For example, an adsorbent that uses moisture as the target substance to be adsorbed may also adsorb a small amount of carbon dioxide. In this case, the maximum amount of moisture adsorbed is defined as the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorption unit. The maximum adsorption amount of the adsorption unit can be determined as follows. First, the regeneration mode is performed until the substance to be adsorbed is completely desorbed from the adsorption unit of the air conditioning device 20, and then the adsorption mode is performed until the substance to be adsorbed can no longer be adsorbed (until the adsorption amount of the substance to be adsorbed is saturated). Then, the mass of the adsorption unit before and after the adsorption mode is measured, and the maximum adsorption amount of the adsorption unit can be determined by subtracting the mass of the adsorption unit before the adsorption mode from the mass of the adsorption unit after the adsorption mode. Alternatively, if the substance to be adsorbed that is the target for the maximum adsorption amount of the adsorption unit is moisture, sensors capable of measuring the absolute humidity in the air are provided at the inlet and outlet of the air conditioning device 20, and the absolute humidity (g / m ) at the inlet of the air conditioning device 20 is measured at the start of the above-mentioned adsorption mode. 3 ) and the absolute humidity (g / m 3 ) and calculate the absolute humidity difference (g / m 3 ) and calculate the maximum amount of water (g) adsorbed by the adsorption part using the following formula: Maximum amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorption unit (g) = Absolute humidity difference (g / m 3 ) × flow rate of air flowing through the air conditioning device 20 (m 3 / sec) × Time until the amount of adsorbed water is saturated in adsorption mode (sec)

[0033] The control unit 30 may determine in advance the relationship between the time in the regeneration mode and the amount of adsorption by the adsorption unit, measure the amount of adsorption by the adsorption unit at startup, and calculate and execute the time in the regeneration mode at startup based on this relationship. By executing the regeneration mode at startup using this method, the regeneration mode at startup can be performed efficiently and wasteful power consumption can be reduced. Here, the adsorption amount of the adsorption unit is the difference between the mass of the adsorption unit when the regeneration mode is performed until the adsorption target substance is completely desorbed from the adsorption unit and the mass of the adsorption unit during the regeneration mode. Therefore, by measuring the mass of the adsorption unit at predetermined time intervals during the regeneration mode, the relationship between the time during the regeneration mode and the adsorption amount of the adsorption unit can be determined in advance. Furthermore, the adsorption amount of the adsorption unit at startup can be determined by measuring the mass of the adsorption unit at startup and subtracting the mass of the adsorption unit when the regeneration mode is performed until the adsorption target substance is completely desorbed from the adsorption amount at startup.

[0034] The control unit 30 may measure the amount of components (particularly, the amount of the adsorption target substance in the air) contained in the air passing through the air conditioning device 20 during the startup regeneration mode and determine the termination of the startup regeneration mode based on the measurement results. Specifically, sensors capable of measuring the amount of the adsorption target substance in the air may be provided at the inlet and outlet of the air conditioning device 20, and the startup regeneration mode may be terminated when the amount of the adsorption target substance in the air at the outlet of the air conditioning device 20 reaches 20% or more relative to the amount of the adsorption target substance in the air at the inlet of the air conditioning device 20. Note that if the adsorption target substance is moisture, instead of measuring the moisture content in the air using a sensor provided at the inlet of the air conditioning device 20, the moisture content (humidity) in the room (in the passenger compartment in the case of a vehicle) may be used, and the startup regeneration mode may be terminated when the moisture content in the air at the outlet of the air conditioning device 20 reaches 20% or more relative to the moisture content. Determining the termination of the regeneration mode in this manner allows the startup regeneration mode to be performed efficiently and reduces wasted power consumption.

[0035] Each component of the air conditioning system 100 will be described in detail below.

[0036] (1. Air conditioning duct 10) The air conditioning duct 10 is a flow path through which air can flow from the inside or outside of the room (the vehicle cabin or the outside of the vehicle in the case of a vehicle). The upstream side of the air conditioning duct 10 is connected to the inside of the room (vehicle cabin) or an outside air inlet. The air conditioning duct 10 allows air to flow in from the inside of the room or the outside (vehicle cabin or the outside of the vehicle) and also allows air that has passed through the air conditioning device 20 to flow into the inside of the room (vehicle cabin) or to flow out to the outside (outside of the vehicle). Therefore, the air conditioning duct 10 preferably branches downstream of the air conditioning device 20 into a first flow path 10a that allows air to flow into the inside of the room (vehicle cabin) and a second flow path 10b that discharges air to the outside (outside of the vehicle).

[0037] The air conditioning duct 10 may include a valve 50 capable of switching the air flow between the first flow path 10a and the second flow path 10b. The valve 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is electrically driven and has the function of switching the flow path, and a solenoid valve, an electric valve, or the like may be used. For example, the valve 50 may include an opening / closing door supported on a rotating shaft and an actuator such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft. The actuator may be configured to be controllable by the control unit 30.

[0038] (2. Air Conditioning Device 20) Fig. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air conditioning device used in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along a line a-a'. 4A and 4B, the air conditioning device 20 includes a honeycomb structure 21 having an outer peripheral wall 23 and partition walls 26 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 23 and defining a plurality of cells 25 that serve as air flow paths extending from a first end face 24a to a second end face 24b, an adsorption layer 27 containing an adsorbent provided on the surface of the partition wall 26, and a pair of electrodes 28a, 28b provided on the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b of the honeycomb structure 21. The air conditioning device 20 may also be provided with terminals 29 connected to the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b.

[0039] (2-1. Honeycomb structure 21) The shape of the honeycomb structure 21 is not particularly limited. For example, the outer shape of a cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction (the direction in which the cells 25 extend) of the honeycomb structure 21 can be a polygon such as a quadrangle (rectangle, square), pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, a circle, or an oval shape (egg, ellipse, oval, rounded rectangle, etc.). The end faces (first end face 24a and second end face 24b) have the same shape as the cross section. When the cross section and end faces are polygonal, the corners may be chamfered.

[0040] The shape of the cells 25 is not particularly limited, but may be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, a circle, or an oval in a cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 21. These shapes may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these shapes, a square or hexagon is preferable. By providing cells 25 of such a shape, pressure loss during air flow can be reduced.

[0041] The honeycomb structure 21 may be a honeycomb bonded body having a plurality of honeycomb segments and a bonding layer bonding the outer peripheral side surfaces of the plurality of honeycomb segments together. By using the honeycomb bonded body, it is possible to increase the total cross-sectional area of ​​the cells 25, which is important for ensuring the air flow rate (flow velocity), while suppressing the occurrence of cracks. The bonding layer can be formed using a bonding material. The bonding material is not particularly limited, but a paste made by adding a solvent such as water to a ceramic raw material can be used. The bonding material may contain a material having PTC properties, or may contain the same material as the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition walls 26. In addition to the role of bonding the honeycomb segments together, the bonding material can also be used as an outer peripheral coating material after the honeycomb segments are bonded.

[0042] From the viewpoints of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 21, reducing pressure loss when air passes through the cells 25, ensuring the amount of functional material carried, and ensuring the contact area with the air flowing within the cells 25, it is desirable to suitably combine the thickness of the partition walls 26, the cell density, and the cell pitch (or the opening rate of the cells 25). In this specification, cell density is a value obtained by dividing the number of cells by the area of ​​one end face (first end face 24a or second end face 24b) of the honeycomb structure 21 (the total area of ​​the partition walls 26 and cells 25 excluding the outer wall 23). In this specification, the cell pitch refers to a value calculated by the following calculation: First, the area per cell is calculated by dividing the area of ​​one end face (first end face 24a or second end face 24b) of the honeycomb structure 21 (the total area of ​​the partition walls 26 and the cells 25 excluding the outer peripheral wall 23) by the number of cells. Next, the square root of the area per cell is calculated, and this is defined as the cell pitch. In this specification, the opening ratio of the cells 25 is a value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the cells 25 partitioned by the partition walls 26 in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 21 by the area of ​​one end face (the first end face 24a or the second end face 24b) (the total area of ​​the partition walls 26 and the cells 25 excluding the outer peripheral wall 23). Note that when calculating the opening ratio of the cells 25, the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b and the adsorption layer 27 are not taken into consideration.

[0043] In an embodiment advantageous from the viewpoint of carrying a sufficient amount of functional material, the thickness of the partition walls 26 is 0.300 mm or less, and the cell density is 100 cells / cm. 2 In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition walls 26 is 0.200 mm or less, and the cell density is 70 cells / cm. 2 In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition walls 26 is 0.130 mm or less, and the cell density is 65 cells / cm. 2 or less, and the cell pitch is 1.3 mm or more.

[0044] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 21 and keeping the electrical resistance low, the lower limit of the thickness of the partition walls 26 is preferably 0.010 mm or more, more preferably 0.020 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.030 mm or more. From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 21, keeping the electrical resistance low, and increasing the surface area to promote reaction, adsorption, and desorption, the lower limit of the cell density is 30 cells / cm. 2 Preferably, 35 cells / cm or more. 2 More preferably, 40 cells / cm or more. 2 More preferably, it is equal to or greater than this. From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 21, maintaining low electrical resistance, and increasing the surface area to promote reaction, adsorption, and desorption, the upper limit of the cell pitch is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.6 mm or less.

[0045] In an embodiment that is advantageous from the viewpoint of achieving both a reduction in pressure loss and maintaining strength, the thickness of the partition walls 26 is 0.08 to 0.36 mm, and the cell density is 2.54 to 140 cells / cm. 2 In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition walls 26 is 0.09 to 0.35 mm, and the cell density is 15 to 100 cells / cm. 2 In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition walls 26 is 0.14 to 0.30 mm, and the cell density is 20 to 90 cells / cm. 2 The aperture ratio of the cell 25 is 0.85 or more.

[0046] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 21, the upper limit of the opening ratio of the cells 25 is preferably 0.94 or less, more preferably 0.92 or less, and further preferably 0.90 or less.

[0047] The thickness of the peripheral wall 23 is not particularly limited, but is preferably determined based on the following points: First, from the viewpoint of reinforcing the honeycomb structure 21, the thickness of the peripheral wall 23 is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.06 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.08 mm or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of increasing the electrical resistance to suppress the initial current and reducing the pressure loss when air flows through, the thickness of the peripheral wall 23 is preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less, even more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less. In this specification, the thickness of the peripheral wall 23 refers to the length in the normal direction of the side surface of the honeycomb structure 21 from the boundary between the peripheral wall 23 and the outermost cell 25 or partition wall 26 to the side surface of the honeycomb structure 21 in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 21.

[0048] The length of the honeycomb structure 21 in the flow path direction and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow path direction are not particularly limited and may be adjusted according to the required size of the air conditioning device 20. For example, when the honeycomb structure 21 is used in a compact air conditioning device 20 while ensuring a predetermined function, the length of the honeycomb structure 21 in the flow path direction is set to 2 to 20 mm, and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow path direction is set to 10 cm. 2 The upper limit of the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow path direction is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 300 cm 2 The following is the result.

[0049] The partition walls 26 constituting the honeycomb structure 21 are made of a material that can generate heat when electricity is applied thereto, and specifically, are preferably made of a material having PTC characteristics. If necessary, the peripheral wall 23 may also be made of a material having PTC characteristics, like the partition walls 26. With this configuration, the adsorption layer 27 can be directly heated by heat transfer from the heat-generating partition walls 26 (and the peripheral wall 23, if necessary). Furthermore, materials having PTC characteristics have the property that, when their temperature rises and exceeds the Curie point, their resistance value rises sharply, making it difficult for electricity to flow through them. Therefore, when the partition walls 26 (and the peripheral wall 23, if necessary) reach a high temperature, the current flowing through them is limited, thereby suppressing excessive heat generation in the honeycomb structure 21. Therefore, it is also possible to suppress thermal deterioration of the adsorption layer 27 due to excessive heat generation.

[0050] From the viewpoint of obtaining appropriate heat generation, the lower limit of the volume resistivity at 25°C of a material having PTC characteristics is preferably 0.5 Ω·cm or more, more preferably 1 Ω·cm or more, and even more preferably 5 Ω·cm or more. From the viewpoint of generating heat at a low driving voltage, the upper limit of the volume resistivity at 25°C of a material having PTC characteristics is preferably 30 Ω·cm or less, more preferably 18 Ω·cm or less, and even more preferably 16 Ω·cm or less. In this specification, the volume resistivity at 25°C of a material having PTC characteristics is measured in accordance with JIS K6271:2008.

[0051] From the viewpoint of being able to generate heat when electrically applied and having PTC characteristics, the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition walls 26 are preferably made of a material whose main component is barium titanate (BaTiO3). Furthermore, this material is more preferably a ceramic made of a material whose main component is barium titanate (BaTiO3)-based crystal particles in which part of the Ba is substituted with a rare earth element. In this specification, the term "main component" refers to a component that accounts for more than 50 mass% of the total components. The content of BaTiO3-based crystal particles can be determined by fluorescent X-ray analysis. Other crystal particles can also be measured using a similar method.

[0052] The composition formula of BaTiO3-based crystal particles in which part of Ba is replaced by rare earth elements is (Ba 1-x A x )TiO3, where A represents one or more rare earth elements and x is 0.0001≦x≦0.010. A is not particularly limited as long as it is a rare earth element, but is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, and Yb, and more preferably La. x is preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.0015 or more, from the viewpoint of preventing the electrical resistance at room temperature from becoming too high. On the other hand, x is preferably 0.009 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing the electrical resistance at room temperature from becoming too high due to insufficient sintering. The content of BaTiO3-based crystal particles in the ceramic, in which Ba is partially substituted with a rare earth element, is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that serves as the main component, but is preferably 90 mass% or more, more preferably 92 mass% or more, and even more preferably 94 mass% or more. The upper limit of the content of BaTiO3-based crystal particles is not particularly limited, but is generally 99 mass%, preferably 98 mass%.

[0053] From the viewpoint of reducing the environmental impact, it is desirable that the materials used for the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition wall 26 be substantially free of lead (Pb). Specifically, the Pb content of the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition wall 26 is preferably 0.01% by mass or less, more preferably 0.001% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0% by mass. A low Pb content allows, for example, air heated by contact with the partition wall 26 during heat generation to be safely applied to living organisms such as humans. The Pb content of the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition wall 26, calculated as PbO, is preferably less than 0.03% by mass, more preferably less than 0.01% by mass, and even more preferably 0% by mass. The lead content can be determined by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).

[0054] The Curie points of the materials constituting the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition walls 26 are preferably in the temperature range at which the resistance value thereof is at least twice the resistance value at room temperature (25°C). If the Curie points are in this temperature range, the current flowing through these materials is limited when the air-conditioning device 20 becomes hot, thereby efficiently suppressing excessive heat generation in the air-conditioning device 20. Therefore, thermal degradation of the adsorption layer 27 caused by excessive heat generation can be suppressed. The lower limit of the Curie point of the material constituting the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition walls 26 is preferably 80°C or higher, more preferably 100°C or higher, even more preferably 110°C or higher, and particularly preferably 125°C or higher, from the viewpoint of efficiently heating the adsorption layer 27. The upper limit of the Curie point is preferably 200°C or lower, more preferably 190°C or lower, even more preferably 180°C or lower, and particularly preferably 150°C or lower, from the viewpoint of safety as a part placed in or near the vehicle interior.

[0055] The Curie point of the material forming the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition walls 26 can be adjusted by the type and amount of the shifter added. For example, the Curie point of barium titanate (BaTiO) is approximately 120°C, but by substituting part of the Ba and Ti with one or more of Sr, Sn, and Zr, the Curie point can be shifted to a lower temperature.

[0056] In this specification, the Curie point is measured by the following method: A sample is attached to a sample holder for measurement and placed in a measurement chamber (e.g., MINI-SUBZERO MC-810P, manufactured by Espec Corporation). The change in the sample's electrical resistance relative to temperature is measured as the temperature rises from 10°C using a DC resistance meter (e.g., Multimeter 3478A, manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Japan, LLC). The Curie point is determined by the temperature at which the resistance value, based on the electrical resistance-temperature plot obtained from the measurement, is twice the resistance value at room temperature (25°C).

[0057] (2-2. Pair of electrodes 28a, 28b) The positions of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b are not particularly limited, but as shown in Fig. 4A, they can be provided on the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b of the honeycomb structure 21. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b may be provided on the outer peripheral wall 23 parallel to the direction in which the cells 25 of the honeycomb structure 21 extend. By applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b, it becomes possible to cause the honeycomb structure 21 to generate heat by Joule heat.

[0058] The pair of electrodes 28a, 28b is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a metal or alloy containing at least one selected from Cu, Ag, Al, Ni, and Si. Alternatively, an ohmic electrode capable of making ohmic contact with the outer peripheral wall 23 and / or the partition wall 26 having PTC characteristics may be used. The ohmic electrode may contain, for example, at least one selected from Al, Au, Ag, and In as a base metal and at least one selected from Ni, Si, Zn, Ge, Sn, Se, and Te as a dopant for n-type semiconductors. The pair of electrodes 28a, 28b may have a single-layer structure or a stacked structure of two or more layers. When the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b has a stacked structure of two or more layers, the materials of the layers may be the same or different.

[0059] The thickness of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b can be set appropriately depending on the method for forming the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b. Examples of methods for forming the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b include metal deposition methods such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. The pair of electrodes 28a, 28b can also be formed by applying an electrode paste and then baking it, or by thermal spraying. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b may also be formed by joining metal or alloy plates.

[0060] The thickness of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b is preferably about 5 to 30 μm for baking of electrode paste, about 100 to 1000 nm for dry plating such as sputtering and vapor deposition, about 10 to 100 μm for thermal spraying, and about 5 to 30 μm for wet plating such as electrolytic deposition and chemical deposition. Furthermore, when joining metal or alloy plates, the thickness is preferably about 5 to 100 μm.

[0061] (2-3. Terminal 29) Terminal 29 is connected to the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b and is provided on at least a portion of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b. Providing terminal 29 facilitates connection to an external power source. Terminal 29 is connected to a conductor that is connected to the external power source.

[0062] The material of terminal 29 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a metal. As the metal, a single metal or an alloy may be used, but from the viewpoints of corrosion resistance, electrical resistivity, and linear expansion coefficient, an alloy containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, and Ti is preferable, and stainless steel, an Fe-Ni alloy, and phosphor bronze are more preferable.

[0063] The size and shape of the terminal 29 are not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Fig. 4A, the terminal 29 may be provided over the entire pair of electrodes 28a, 28b on the outer peripheral wall 23. The terminal 29 may also be provided over a portion of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b on the outer peripheral wall 23, or may be provided so as to extend outward beyond the outer edges of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b on the outer peripheral wall 23. The terminal 29 may also be provided over a portion of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b on the partition wall 26, or may be provided so as to cover some of the cells 25. The thickness of the terminal 29 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.01 to 10 mm, typically 0.05 to 5 mm.

[0064] The method of connecting the terminal 29 and the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b is not particularly limited as long as they are electrically connected, and they can be connected by, for example, diffusion bonding, a mechanical pressure mechanism, welding, or the like.

[0065] (2-4.Adsorption layer 27) The adsorption layer 27 is a layer containing an adsorbent. The adsorption layer 27 can be provided on the surface of the partition wall 26 (in the case of the outermost cell 25, the partition wall 26 and the outer wall 23 that define the outermost cell 25). By providing the adsorption layer 27 in this manner, the adsorption target substance can be easily adsorbed during the adsorption process, and the adsorption layer 27 can be easily heated in the regeneration mode, so that the desired function of the adsorption layer 27 can be regenerated.

[0066] The adsorption layer 27 is capable of adsorbing and desorbing the substance to be adsorbed. Specifically, the adsorption layer 27 is preferably capable of adsorbing and desorbing one or more substances selected from moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components. For example, the adsorption layer 27 can contain one or more adsorbents capable of adsorbing these components. Furthermore, if one adsorbent is capable of adsorbing all of moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components, the adsorption layer 27 can adsorb moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components by containing only that adsorbent. The inclusion of such an adsorbent can provide an air purification effect.

[0067] The adsorbent contained in the adsorption layer 27 preferably has a function of being able to adsorb the substance to be adsorbed at temperatures between -20 and 40°C and desorb it at high temperatures of 60°C or higher. Examples of adsorbents include, but are not limited to, aluminosilicates, silica gel, silica, graphene oxide, polymer adsorbents, polystyrene sulfonic acid, zeolites, activated carbon, alumina, low-crystalline clay, amorphous aluminum silicate complexes, and metal organic frameworks (MOFs). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0068] The aluminosilicate is preferably a porous clay mineral such as AFI-type, CHA-type or BEA-type zeolite, allophane, imogolite, etc. The aluminosilicate is preferably amorphous.

[0069] As the silica gel, it is preferable to use type A silica gel. The polymer adsorbent is preferably one having a polyacrylic acid polymer chain, such as sodium polyacrylate. The metal-organic framework is a crystalline hybrid material containing metal ions and organic molecules (organic ligands). The metal ions are preferably hydrophilic metal ions (e.g., aluminum ions).

[0070] Volatile components contained in indoor air include, for example, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor components other than VOCs. Specific examples of volatile components include ammonia, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, nonenal, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, paradichlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, chlorpyrifos, di-n-butyl phthalate, tetradecane, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, diazinon, acetaldehyde, and N-methylcarbamate-2-(1-methylpropyl)phenyl.

[0071] The adsorption layer 27 may contain a catalyst. By containing a catalyst, it is possible to promote oxidation-reduction reactions and the like, thereby purifying carbon dioxide and / or volatile components. Examples of catalysts having such functions include metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, and Ag, and oxide catalysts such as CeO2 and ZrO2. One type of catalyst may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. Furthermore, the catalyst may be used in combination with the above-mentioned functional materials.

[0072] The thickness of the adsorption layer 27 is not particularly limited and may be determined depending on the size of the cells 25. For example, from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient contact with air, the thickness of the adsorption layer 27 is preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 25 μm or more, and even more preferably 30 μm or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing the adsorption layer 27 from peeling off from the partition walls 26 and the outer peripheral wall 23, the thickness of the adsorption layer 27 is preferably 400 μm or less, more preferably 380 μm or less, and even more preferably 350 μm or less.

[0073] The thickness of the adsorption layer 27 is measured by the following procedure. An arbitrary cross section parallel to the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 21 is cut out, and a cross-sectional image at approximately 50 magnification is obtained using a scanning electron microscope or the like. This cross section is also set to pass through the center of gravity of the cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 21. For each adsorption layer 27 visible in the cross-sectional image, the thickness is calculated by dividing the cross-sectional area by the length of the cell 25 in the flow path direction. This calculation is performed for all adsorption layers 27 visible in the cross-sectional image, and the overall average value is taken as the thickness of the adsorption layer 27.

[0074] From the viewpoint of exhibiting the desired function in the air-conditioning device 20, the amount of the adsorption layer 27 is preferably 50 to 500 g / L, more preferably 100 to 400 g / L, and even more preferably 150 to 350 g / L relative to the volume of the honeycomb structure 21. The volume of the honeycomb structure 21 is a value determined by the outer dimensions of the honeycomb structure 21.

[0075] (2-5. Method for manufacturing air conditioning device 20) The method for manufacturing the air-conditioning device 20 is not particularly limited and can be carried out in accordance with a known method. The method for manufacturing the air-conditioning device 20 will be exemplified below. The method for manufacturing the honeycomb structure 21 constituting the air-conditioning device 20 includes a molding step and a firing step. In the molding step, a clay containing ceramic raw materials including BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and powder of a rare earth nitrate or hydroxide is molded to produce a honeycomb molded body with a relative density of 60% or more. The ceramic raw material can be obtained by dry mixing each powder to obtain a desired composition. The clay can be obtained by adding a dispersion medium, a binder, a plasticizer, and a dispersant to a ceramic raw material and kneading the mixture. The clay may contain additives such as a sifter, a metal oxide, a property improver, and a conductive powder, as needed. The blending amount of components other than the ceramic raw materials is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that allows the relative density of the honeycomb formed body to be 60% or more.

[0076] Here, in this specification, the "relative density of the honeycomb formed body" means the ratio of the density of the honeycomb formed body to the true density of the entire ceramic raw material. Specifically, it can be calculated by the following formula. Relative density (%) of honeycomb formed body = Density of honeycomb formed body (g / cm 3 ) / true density of the entire ceramic raw material (g / cm 3 ) x 100 The density of the honeycomb formed body can be measured by the Archimedes method using pure water as a medium. The true density of the entire ceramic raw material is calculated by multiplying the total mass (g) of each raw material by the total actual volume (cm) of each raw material. 3 ) can be calculated by dividing by

[0077] Examples of the dispersion medium include water and a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent such as alcohol, with water being particularly preferred.

[0078] Examples of binders include organic binders such as methyl cellulose, hydroxypropoxyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol. It is particularly preferable to use a combination of methyl cellulose and hydroxypropoxyl cellulose. While one binder may be used alone or two or more binders may be used in combination, it is preferable that the binder does not contain an alkali metal element.

[0079] Examples of the plasticizer include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, polycarboxylic acid polymer, and alkyl phosphate ester.

[0080] The dispersant may be a surfactant such as polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, ethylene glycol, dextrin, fatty acid soap, polyalcohol, etc. The dispersant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0081] The honeycomb formed body can be produced by extrusion molding of a clay. In extrusion molding, a die having a desired overall shape, cell shape, partition wall thickness, cell density, etc. can be used.

[0082] The relative density of the honeycomb formed body obtained by extrusion molding is 60% or more, preferably 65% ​​or more. By controlling the relative density of the honeycomb formed body within this range, it is possible to densify the honeycomb formed body and reduce its electrical resistance at room temperature. The upper limit of the relative density of the honeycomb formed body is not particularly limited, but is generally 80%, preferably 75%.

[0083] The honeycomb molded body can be dried before the firing step. The drying method is not particularly limited, and for example, a conventionally known drying method such as hot air drying, microwave drying, dielectric drying, reduced pressure drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, etc. Among these, a drying method that combines hot air drying with microwave drying or dielectric drying is preferred because it can dry the entire molded body quickly and uniformly.

[0084] The firing step involves holding the temperature at 1150 to 1250°C, then raising the temperature to a maximum temperature of 1360 to 1430°C at a rate of 20 to 600°C / hour, and holding the temperature for 0.5 to 10 hours. By holding the honeycomb formed body at a maximum temperature of 1360 to 1430°C for 0.5 to 10 hours, a honeycomb structure 21 containing, as a main component, BaTiO3-based crystal particles in which part of Ba has been substituted with a rare earth element can be obtained. Furthermore, by maintaining the temperature at 1150 to 1250°C, Ba2TiO4 crystal particles generated during the firing process can be easily removed, and the honeycomb structure 21 can be made dense. Furthermore, by setting the heating rate from 1150 to 1250°C to the maximum temperature of 1360 to 1430°C at 20 to 600°C / hour, 1.0 to 10.0 mass% of Ba6Ti 17 O 40 Crystal grains can be generated in the honeycomb structure 21.

[0085] The holding time at 1150 to 1250°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 to 10 hours. By holding for such a time, Ba2TiO4 crystal particles formed during the firing process can be stably and easily removed.

[0086] The firing step preferably includes holding the mixture at 900 to 950°C for 0.5 to 5 hours during heating. Holding the mixture at 900 to 950°C for 0.5 to 5 hours allows BaCO3 to efficiently decompose, making it easier to obtain a honeycomb structure 21 having a predetermined composition.

[0087] Before the firing step, a degreasing step may be carried out to remove the binder. The degreasing step is preferably carried out in an air atmosphere to completely decompose the organic components. Furthermore, the firing step is preferably carried out in an air atmosphere from the viewpoint of controlling electrical properties and reducing manufacturing costs. The firing furnace used in the firing step and degreasing step is not particularly limited, but an electric furnace, a gas furnace, or the like can be used.

[0088] A pair of electrodes 28a, 28b are formed on the honeycomb structure 21 obtained in this manner. The pair of electrodes 28a, 28b can be formed by a metal deposition method such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, or chemical deposition. The pair of electrodes 28a, 28b can also be formed by applying an electrode paste and then baking it. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b can also be formed by thermal spraying. The pair of electrodes 28a, 28b may be formed of a single layer, or may be formed of multiple electrode layers with different compositions. Representative methods for forming the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b will be described below.

[0089] First, an electrode slurry containing an electrode material, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium is prepared and applied to the first end face 24a or the second end face 24b of the honeycomb structure 21. The dispersion medium can be water, an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, xylene, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, texanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), or a mixture thereof. Excess slurry on the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 21 is removed by blowing and wiping. Thereafter, the slurry is dried to form a pair of electrodes 28a, 28b on the first end face 24a or the second end face 24b of the honeycomb structure 21. Drying can be performed while heating the honeycomb structure 21 to a temperature of, for example, about 120 to 600°C. The series of steps of coating, slurry removal, and drying may be carried out only once, but by repeating these steps multiple times, a pair of electrodes 28a, 28b of a desired thickness can be provided.

[0090] Next, terminals 29 are placed at predetermined positions of the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b, and the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b are connected to terminal 29. The method for connecting the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b to terminal 29 can be the method described above. The terminals 29 may be disposed after the adsorption layer 27 described below is formed.

[0091] Next, an adsorption layer 27 is formed on the surfaces of the partition walls 26 and the like of the honeycomb structure 21 . The method for forming the adsorption layer 27 is not particularly limited, and it can be formed, for example, by the following process. The honeycomb structure 21 is immersed in a slurry containing an adsorbent, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium for a predetermined period of time, and excess slurry on the end faces and outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 21 is removed by blowing and wiping. The dispersion medium can be water, an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, xylene, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, Texanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), or a mixture thereof. Thereafter, the slurry is dried to form the adsorption layer 27 on the surface of the partition wall 26. The drying can be performed while heating the honeycomb structure 21 to a temperature of, for example, about 120 to 600°C. The series of steps of immersion, slurry removal, and drying may be carried out only once, but by repeating the steps multiple times, an adsorption layer 27 of a desired thickness can be provided on the surface of the partition wall 26 or the like.

[0092] (3.Power supply 40) The power supply 40 is used to apply a voltage to the air conditioning device 20 (particularly to the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b). The power supply 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 30, and adjusts the state of voltage application to the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b in accordance with instructions from the control unit 30. The power source 40 is not particularly limited, and a battery or the like can be used.

[0093] (4. Ventilator 60) The ventilator 60 is arranged in the air conditioning duct 10 to allow air from inside or outside the room (the vehicle compartment or the outside of the vehicle) to flow into the air conditioning device 20. The position of the ventilator 60 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, upstream of the air conditioning device 20 as shown in FIG. 1 or downstream of the air conditioning device 20. Furthermore, the ventilator 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 30, and controls the air flow rate by adjusting the rotation speed in accordance with instructions from the control unit 30.

[0094] (5. Control unit 30) The control unit 30 is connected to a power source 40, a valve 50, a ventilator 60, etc., and can control these. Specifically, by controlling the power source 40, the control unit 30 controls the state of voltage application to the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b of the air-conditioning device 20, and can adjust the heating state of the honeycomb structure 21. The control unit 30 can also control the valve 50 so that air flows through the first flow path 10a or the second flow path 10b. Furthermore, the control unit 30 can control the flow rate of air flowing through the air-conditioning duct 10 by adjusting the rotation speed of the ventilator 60.

[0095] The control unit 30 is not particularly limited, but is generally an ECU (Engine (electronic) Control Unit). The ECU includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores programs and data required for the control, a RAM that temporarily stores the results of the CPU calculations, and an input / output port for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside.

[0096] The control unit 30 can execute an adsorption mode in which the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the first flow path 10a, and a regeneration mode in which the adsorption unit (adsorption layer 27) is heated and the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the second flow path 10b. That is, the control unit 30 can execute an adsorption mode in which the applied voltage from the power supply 40 is turned off and the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the first flow path 10a, and a regeneration mode in which the applied voltage from the power supply 40 is turned on and the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the second flow path 10b. By executing the adsorption mode and the regeneration mode in this manner, the adsorption process and the regeneration process can be performed efficiently.

[0097] In the adsorption mode, the control unit 30 performs the control as described above to capture (adsorb) the adsorption target substance in the air circulating from the inside or outside of the room (vehicle compartment or outside of the vehicle). At this time, the honeycomb structure 21 of the air conditioning device 20 is not heated. Specifically, air from the inside or outside of the room (vehicle compartment or outside of the vehicle) flows into the air conditioning device 20 through the air conditioning duct 10, and the adsorption target substance contained in the air is captured (adsorbed). Then, the air with the adsorption target substance captured is returned to the inside of the room (vehicle compartment) through the first flow path 10a.

[0098] In the regeneration mode, the control unit 30 performs the control as described above to regenerate the adsorption layer 27 of the air conditioning device 20. At this time, the honeycomb structure 21 of the air conditioning device 20 is heated. Specifically, air from the inside or outside of the room (vehicle compartment or outside of the vehicle) flows into the air conditioning device 20 through the air conditioning duct 10, and while passing through the air conditioning device 20, the adsorption target substance captured in the adsorption layer 27 is desorbed. Then, the air containing moisture is discharged to the outside of the room (outside of the vehicle) through the second flow path 10b.

[0099] When the air conditioning system 100 is for a vehicle, it is desirable to place the air conditioning device 20 close to the vehicle interior in order to stably perform the above control. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing electric shock, it is preferable that the driving voltage of the air conditioning device 20 is 60 V or less. The honeycomb structure 21 used in the air conditioning device 20 has low electrical resistance at room temperature, so that the honeycomb structure 21 can be heated at this low driving voltage. The lower limit of the driving voltage is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 V or more. If the driving voltage is less than 10 V, the current when heating the honeycomb structure 21 will be large, and therefore the conductor wires will need to be thicker. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Air conditioning ducts 10a First flow path 10b Second flow path 20 Air Conditioning Devices 21 Honeycomb structure 23 Outer wall 24a 1st end face 24b 2nd end face 25 cells 26 Bulkhead 27 Adsorption layer 28a, 28b Pair of electrodes 29 terminals 30 Control Unit 40 Power supply 50 valves 60 Ventilator 100 Air Conditioning System

Claims

1. an air conditioning duct through which air can circulate; an air conditioning device disposed in the air conditioning duct, the air conditioning device having an adsorption unit having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a target substance to be adsorbed, and a heating means capable of heating the adsorption unit; a control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of the air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the heating of the adsorption unit; Equipped with The control unit repeatedly executes an adsorption mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device is not activated and a regeneration mode in which the heating means of the air conditioning device is activated, and executes the regeneration mode at startup.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the time period during the regeneration mode at startup is longer than the time period during the regeneration mode at times other than startup.

3. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the regeneration mode at startup until the amount of adsorption in the adsorption unit becomes 20% or less of a maximum amount of adsorption.

4. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines in advance a relationship between a duration of the regeneration mode and an amount of adsorption of the adsorption unit, measures the amount of adsorption of the adsorption unit at startup, and calculates a duration of the regeneration mode at startup based on the relationship.

5. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit measures the amount of components contained in the air that has passed through the air conditioning device during the regeneration mode at startup, and determines whether to terminate the regeneration mode at startup based on the result of the measurement.

6. The air conditioning device is a honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as air flow paths extending from a first end face to a second end face; an adsorption layer containing the adsorbent provided on the surface of the partition wall; and a pair of electrodes provided on the first end face and the second end face of the honeycomb structure, or on the outer wall of the honeycomb structure that is parallel to the extending direction of the cells; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

7. 7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, wherein at least the partition walls of the honeycomb structure are made of a material having PTC properties.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing and desorbing one or more types selected from the group consisting of moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components.

9. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system is for a vehicle.

10. 10. The air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein the air conditioning duct branches downstream of the air conditioning device into a first flow path that introduces the air into a vehicle compartment and a second flow path that exhausts the air to the outside of the vehicle, and further comprises a valve that can switch the flow of the air between the first flow path and the second flow path.

11. The control unit is capable of controlling the valve, 11. The air conditioning system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is capable of executing an adsorption mode in which the valve is switched so that the air flows through the first flow path, and a regeneration mode in which the adsorption unit is heated and the valve is switched so that the air flows through the second flow path.

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