Air conditioning system and its control method

Abstract

This air conditioning system reduces wasted power consumption during regeneration mode while improving adsorption efficiency during adsorption mode. [Solution] The air conditioning system comprises an air conditioning duct 10 through which air can flow; an air conditioning device 20 placed inside the air conditioning duct 10 and capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed; and a control unit 30 capable of controlling the flow rate of air flowing through the air conditioning duct 10 and the air conditioning device 20. The control unit 30 controls the air conditioning device 20 to perform a regeneration mode in which it desorbs substances to be adsorbed, followed by an adsorption mode in which it adsorbs substances to be adsorbed, and this cycle is repeated. The control unit 30 also controls one or more of the following selected from the air flow rate, the time of the regeneration mode, and the time of the adsorption mode so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substances to the amount of desorbed substances in the cycle is 0.55 to 1.45.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and a method for controlling the same. [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, regulating indoor humidity, and removing harmful volatile components such as odor and allergy-inducing substances. Ventilation is an effective measure to meet these demands, but ventilation is a major factor in the loss of heater energy in winter, leading to a decrease in energy efficiency during that season. In particular, electric vehicles (BEVs: Battery Electric Vehicles) face the problem of significantly reduced driving range due to this energy loss.

[0003] As a method to solve the above problems, Patent Document 1 proposes a cabin purification system (air conditioning system) comprising a heater element (air conditioning device) having an outer perimeter wall and a partition wall disposed inside the outer perimeter wall that partitions a plurality of cells forming a flow path extending from one end face to the other, the partition wall being made of a material having PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) properties and having a functional material-containing layer (moisture-absorbing layer) on the surface of the partition wall that adsorbs adsorbable substances such as water vapor (moisture), an inlet pipe connecting the cabin and the inlet end face of the heater element, an outlet pipe connecting the outlet end face of the heater element and the cabin, and a ventilator for bringing air from the cabin into the inlet end face via the inlet pipe. This cabin purification system can perform an adsorption mode in which adsorbable substances are adsorbed by the functional material-containing layer by circulating air through the heater element, and a regeneration mode in which adsorbable substances adsorbed on the functional material-containing layer are desorbed by heating the heater element. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 074202 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In air conditioning systems, the adsorption mode and regeneration mode are repeatedly performed, but there are challenges: during regeneration mode, the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed tends to saturate, leading to wasted power consumption; and during adsorption mode, the amount of adsorbed substance tends to saturate, leading to a decrease in adsorption efficiency.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system and a control method thereof that can improve adsorption efficiency in adsorption mode while reducing wasted power consumption in regeneration mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors of this invention have conducted extensive research on air conditioning systems and have found that the above problems can be solved by repeatedly performing an adsorption mode after a regeneration mode as one cycle, and by controlling the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of desorbed substance in that cycle to a predetermined range, thereby completing the present invention. That is, the present invention is illustrated as follows.

[0008] <1> Air conditioning ducts that allow air to circulate, An air conditioning device, which is placed inside the air conditioning duct and capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed, A control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of the air circulating through the air conditioning duct and the air conditioning device. Equipped with, An air conditioning system in which the control unit controls the air conditioning device to perform a regeneration mode in which it controls the air conditioning device to desorb the adsorbed substance, followed by an adsorption mode in which it controls the air conditioning device to adsorb the adsorbed substance, and repeatedly performs the cycle, and controls one or more selected from the air flow rate, the time of the regeneration mode, and the time of the adsorption mode so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.55 to 1.45.

[0009] <2> The ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed in the cycle is 0.60 to 1.40. <1> The air conditioning system described above.

[0010] <3> The ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed in the cycle is 0.65 to 1.35. <1> The air conditioning system described above.

[0011] <4> The control unit executes the adsorption mode when the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed reaches its maximum in the regeneration mode, and executes the regeneration mode when the amount of adsorbed substance reaches its maximum in the adsorption mode. <1> ~ <3> An air conditioning system described in any one of the following terms.

[0012] <5> The air conditioning device has an adsorption section containing an adsorbent that adsorbs the adsorbed substance at a predetermined temperature or below, and allows the adsorbed substance to be detached when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, and a heating means or heating structure capable of heating the adsorption section. <1> ~ <4> An air conditioning system described in any one of the following terms.

[0013] <6> The air conditioning device is a honeycomb structure having an outer periphery wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer periphery wall, which divide and form a plurality of cells that serve as airflow channels extending from a first end face to a second end face. An adsorption layer containing the adsorbent is 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 peripheral wall parallel to the direction in which the cells of the honeycomb structure extend The air conditioning system according to <5>, comprising the same

[0014] <7> The air conditioning system according to <6>, wherein at least the partition walls of the honeycomb structure are made of a material having PTC characteristics

[0015] <8> The air conditioning system according to <5>, wherein the air conditioning device includes an air flow path and a heating medium flow path adjacent to the air flow path, and the adsorption part is provided in the air flow path

[0016] <9> The air conditioning device has a honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and partitioning a plurality of cells serving as the air flow path extending from the first end face to the second end face, An adsorption layer containing the adsorbent provided on the surface of the partition wall, and A heater provided upstream of the honeycomb structure The air conditioning system according to <5>, comprising the same

[0017] <10> The air conditioning system according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the adsorption target substance is one or more selected from moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components

[0018] [[ID=2V]] <11> The air conditioning system according to any one of <1> to <10>, which is for a vehicle

[0019] <12> An air conditioning duct through which air can flow, An air conditioning device disposed in the air conditioning duct and capable of adsorbing and desorbing an adsorption target substance, A control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of the air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the air conditioning device A control method for an air conditioning system comprising the same, A control method comprising: the control unit repeatedly executing a cycle in which the air conditioning device controls the air conditioning device to perform a regeneration mode in which it desorbs the adsorbed substance, followed by an adsorption mode in which it controls the air conditioning device to adsorb the adsorbed substance, and controlling one or more selected from the air flow rate, the time of the regeneration mode, and the time of the adsorption mode so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.55 to 1.45.

[0020] <13> The ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed in the cycle is 0.60 to 1.40. <12> The control method described above.

[0021] <14> The ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed in the cycle is 0.65 to 1.35. <12> The control method described above.

[0022] <15> The control unit executes the adsorption mode when the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed reaches its maximum in the regeneration mode, and executes the regeneration mode when the amount of adsorbed substance reaches its maximum in the adsorption mode. <12> ~ <14> A control method described in any one of the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system and a control method thereof that can improve adsorption efficiency in adsorption mode while reducing wasted power consumption in regeneration mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a vehicle humidity control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of a cross-section parallel to the flow path direction of a humidity control device used in a vehicle humidity control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B]Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the humidity control device along the line a-a'. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] 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 and capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed; and a control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the air conditioning device. The control unit repeatedly executes a cycle in which a regeneration mode is performed by controlling the air conditioning device to desorb substances to be adsorbed, followed by an adsorption mode, by controlling the air conditioning device to adsorb substances to be adsorbed. The control unit controls one or more of the following: the air flow rate, the time of the regeneration mode, and the time of the adsorption mode, so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substances to the amount of desorbed substances in the cycle is 0.55 to 1.45. By controlling in this way, it is possible to suppress the saturation of the amount of desorbed substances during the regeneration mode, which results in wasted power consumption, and to suppress the saturation of the amount of adsorbed substances during the adsorption mode, which results in a decrease in adsorption efficiency. Therefore, the air conditioning system of the present invention can reduce wasted power consumption during the regeneration mode while improving adsorption efficiency during the adsorption mode. Herein, in this specification, "adsorbed substance" means a substance that is desirable to remove in order to improve the indoor environment, and examples include water, carbon dioxide, and volatile components.

[0026] Furthermore, the control method for an 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 and capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed; and a control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the air conditioning device. The control unit repeatedly executes a cycle in which a regeneration mode is performed by controlling the air conditioning device to desorb substances to be adsorbed, followed by an adsorption mode, by controlling the air conditioning device to adsorb substances to be adsorbed. The control unit controls one or more of the following: the air flow rate, the time of the regeneration mode, and the time of the adsorption mode, so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substances to the amount of desorbed substances in the cycle is 0.55 to 1.45. By controlling in this way, it is possible to suppress the saturation of the amount of desorbed substances during the regeneration mode, which results in wasted power consumption, and to suppress the saturation of the amount of adsorbed substances during the adsorption mode, which results in a decrease in adsorption efficiency. Therefore, the control method for an air conditioning system of the present invention can reduce wasted power consumption during the regeneration mode while improving adsorption efficiency during the adsorption mode.

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it should be understood that modifications, improvements, etc., to the following embodiments, based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0028] <Air conditioning system> The air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used in various buildings such as offices, schools, and residences, as well as in various vehicles such as automobiles. Among these, the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in various vehicles. Vehicles are not particularly limited, but include automobiles and trains. Automobiles are not particularly limited, but include gasoline cars, diesel cars, gas-fueled cars using CNG (compressed natural gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas), fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in vehicles without internal combustion engines, such as electric vehicles and trains.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an air conditioning duct 10, an air conditioning device 20, and a control unit 30. The air conditioning system may further include a power supply 40, a valve 50, and a ventilator 60.

[0030] The air conditioning duct 10 allows air to flow from either the indoor or outdoor area. Downstream of the air conditioning device 20, the air conditioning duct 10 branches into a first flow path 10a that brings air into the room and a second flow path 10b that discharges air to the outside. The valve 50 can switch the airflow between the first flow path 10a and the second flow path 10b.

[0031] The air conditioning device 20 is placed inside the air conditioning duct 10 and is capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed. There may be one or more air conditioning devices 20 placed inside the air conditioning duct 10. If multiple air conditioning devices 20 are provided, they may be arranged in parallel or in series with respect to the airflow circulating inside the air conditioning duct 10.

[0032] The control unit 30 can control the airflow rate of the air circulating in the air conditioning duct 10 and the air conditioning device 20. Specifically, the control unit 30 can control the airflow rate by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 60 which is electrically connected to the control unit 30. In addition, the control unit 30 can execute a regeneration mode that desorbs adsorbed substances or an adsorption mode that adsorbs adsorbed substances by controlling the power supply 40 which is electrically connected to the air conditioning device 20. Furthermore, the control unit 30 is also connected to the valve 50 and can control the open / closed state of the valve 50.

[0033] In an air conditioning system having the structure described above, in both the regeneration mode and the adsorption mode, 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 air conditioning device 20 captures (adsorbs) the adsorbable substances in the air, and the air with reduced adsorbable substances flows into the room through the first flow path 10a. On the other hand, in the regeneration mode, the adsorbable substances captured by the air conditioning device 20 are released, and the air containing the adsorbable substances flows out to the outside through the second flow path 10b.

[0034] The control unit 30 controls the air conditioning device 20 to perform a regeneration mode in which the adsorbed substance is desorbed, followed by an adsorption mode in which the air conditioning device 20 is adsorbed. This cycle is repeated. By repeatedly performing this cycle, the adsorbed substance in the air can be efficiently removed and discharged.

[0035] The control unit 30 controls one or more of the following: the air flow rate, the regeneration mode time, and the adsorption mode time, so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of desorbed substance in the above cycle is 0.55 to 1.45. By controlling in this way, a good balance is achieved between the amount of desorbed substance in the regeneration mode and the amount of adsorbed substance in the adsorption mode. This prevents the desorbed amount of the adsorbed substance from saturating in the regeneration mode, which would result in wasted power consumption, and prevents the adsorption efficiency from decreasing due to saturation of the adsorbed amount of the adsorbed substance in the adsorption mode. Therefore, it is possible to reduce wasted power consumption in the regeneration mode while improving the adsorption efficiency in the adsorption mode. From the viewpoint of stably ensuring this effect, the ratio of the adsorbed amount of adsorbed substance to the desorbed amount of adsorbed substance in the above cycle is preferably 0.60 to 1.40, and more preferably 0.65 to 1.35.

[0036] Here, the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed is related to the airflow rate of the air circulating through the air conditioning device 20 during regeneration mode and the duration of the regeneration mode. Therefore, this relationship can be determined in advance, and based on this relationship, the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed can be calculated from the airflow rate of the air circulating through the air conditioning device 20 during regeneration mode and the duration of the regeneration mode. Furthermore, the amount of adsorbed substance is related to the airflow rate of the air conditioning device 20 during the adsorption mode and the duration of the adsorption mode. Therefore, by determining this relationship in advance, the amount of adsorbed substance can be calculated from the airflow rate of the air conditioning device 20 during the adsorption mode and the duration of the adsorption mode based on this relationship.

[0037] It is preferable for the control unit 30 to execute the adsorption mode when the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed in the regeneration mode reaches its maximum. By performing such control, the amount of adsorbed substance increases in the adsorption mode, thereby improving the adsorption efficiency of the adsorbed substance. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 30 executes the regeneration mode when the amount of adsorbed substance reaches its maximum in the adsorption mode. By performing such control, the amount of desorption of the adsorbed substance increases in the regeneration mode, thereby improving the desorption efficiency of the adsorbed substance.

[0038] The following provides a detailed explanation of each component of the air conditioning system.

[0039] (1. Air conditioning duct 10) The air conditioning duct 10 is a passage through which air from indoors or outdoors can flow. The upstream side of the air conditioning duct 10 is connected to an indoor or outdoor air inlet. The air conditioning duct 10 allows air from indoors or outdoors to flow in, and also allows air that has passed through the air conditioning device 20 to flow into the room or out to the room. Therefore, it is preferable that the air conditioning duct 10 branches downstream of the air conditioning device 20 into a first passage 10a that allows air to flow into the room and a second passage 10b that discharges air to the outside.

[0040] The air conditioning duct 10 may have a valve 50 that can switch the airflow 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 solenoid valves and electric valves can be used. For example, the valve 50 includes an opening and closing door supported on a rotating shaft and an actuator such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft. The actuator can be configured to be controllable by the control unit 30.

[0041] (2. Air conditioning device 20) The air conditioning device 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed, but it is preferable that it has an adsorption section containing an adsorbent that adsorbs substances to be adsorbed at a predetermined temperature or below and desorbs the adsorbed substances when the predetermined temperature is exceeded, and a heating means or heating structure that can heat the adsorption section. By using such an air conditioning device 20, the adsorption and desorption of substances to be adsorbed can be easily achieved.

[0042] Figure 2A 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 2B is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along the line a-a' in the air conditioning device of Figure 2A. The air conditioning device 20 shown in Figures 2A and 2B comprises a honeycomb structure 21 having an outer peripheral wall 23 and partition walls 26 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 23 and forming a plurality of cells 25 that serve as airflow channels 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 walls 26; and a pair of electrodes 28a and 28b provided on the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b of the honeycomb structure 21. The pair of electrodes 28a and 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, instead of on the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b. The air conditioning device 20 may also be provided with terminals 29 connected to the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b. By using an air conditioning device 20 having such a structure, the honeycomb structure 21 generates heat when a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b, thereby heating the adsorption layer 27 provided on the surface of the partition wall 26.

[0043] (2-1. Honeycomb structure 21) The shape of the honeycomb structure 21 is not particularly limited. For example, the outer shape of the cross-section of the honeycomb structure 21 perpendicular to the flow direction (the direction in which the cells 25 extend) can be a polygon such as a quadrilateral (rectangle, square), pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, or a circle or oval shape (egg, ellipse, oblong, rounded rectangle, etc.). The end faces (first end face 24a and second end face 24b) have the same shape as the cross-section. Furthermore, if the cross-section and end faces are polygonal, the corners may be chamfered.

[0044] The shape of the cell 25 is not particularly limited, but in a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 21, it can be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, or a circle or oval shape. These shapes may be single or a combination of two or more. Among these shapes, square or hexagonal is preferred. By providing cells 25 of such shape, the pressure loss when air flows can be reduced.

[0045] The honeycomb structure 21 may be a honeycomb joint having a plurality of honeycomb segments and a joining layer that joins the outer periphery sides of the plurality of honeycomb segments. By using a honeycomb joint, it is possible to increase the total cross-sectional area of ​​the cells 25, which are important for securing airflow (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 ceramic raw materials can be used. The bonding material may contain a material having PTC properties, or it may contain the same material as the outer perimeter wall 23 and the partition wall 26. In addition to its role in bonding the honeycomb segments together, the bonding material can also be used as an outer perimeter coating material after the honeycomb segments have been bonded.

[0046] From the viewpoint 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 inside the cells 25, it is desirable to suitably combine the thickness of the partition wall 26, the cell density, and the cell pitch (or the opening ratio 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 peripheral wall 23). In this specification, cell pitch refers to a value obtained by the following calculation. First, the area per cell is calculated by dividing the area of ​​one end face of the honeycomb structure 21 (first end face 24a or second end face 24b) (the total area of ​​the partition wall 26 and cells 25 excluding the outer perimeter 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 aperture ratio of cell 25 is the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​cells 25 partitioned by partition walls 26 in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 21 by the area of ​​one end face (first end face 24a or second end face 24b) (the total area of ​​partition walls 26 and cells 25 excluding the outer peripheral wall 23). Note that the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b and the adsorption layer 27 are not considered when calculating the aperture ratio of cell 25.

[0047] In an embodiment advantageous in terms of supporting a sufficient amount of functional material, the thickness of the partition wall 26 is 0.300 mm or less, and the cell density is 100 cells / cm³. 2The following and the cell pitch is 1.0 mm or more. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 26 is 0.200 mm or less, and the cell density is 70 cells / cm 2 The following and the cell pitch is 1.2 mm or more. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 26 is 0.130 mm or less, and the cell density is 65 cells / cm 2 The following and the cell pitch is 1.3 mm or more.

[0048] From the viewpoints of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 21 and keeping the electrical resistance low, the lower limit of the thickness of the partition wall 26 is preferably 0.010 mm or more, more preferably 0.020 mm or more, and still more preferably 0.030 mm or more. From the viewpoints 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 preferably 30 cells / cm 2 or more, more preferably 35 cells / cm 2 or more, and still more preferably 40 cells / cm 2 or more. From the viewpoints 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 upper limit of the cell pitch is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.8 mm or less, and still more preferably 1.6 mm or less.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment from the viewpoint of achieving both reduction of pressure loss and maintenance of strength, the thickness of the partition wall 26 is 0.08 to 0.36 mm, the cell density is 2.54 to 140 cells / cm 2 , and the aperture ratio of the cell 25 is 0.70 or more. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 26 is 0.09 to 0.35 mm, the cell density is 15 to 100 cells / cm 2 , and the aperture ratio of the cell 25 is 0.80 or more. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 26 is 0.14 to 0.30 mm, the cell density is 20 to 90 cells / cm 2 , and the aperture ratio of the cell 25 is 0.85 or more.

[0050] 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 even more preferably 0.90 or less.

[0051] The thickness of the outer perimeter wall 23 is not particularly limited, but is preferably determined based on the following considerations. First, from the viewpoint of reinforcing the honeycomb structure 21, the thickness of the outer perimeter 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 electrical resistance to suppress initial current and reducing pressure loss when air flows, the thickness of the outer perimeter 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 outer peripheral wall 23 refers to the length in the direction normal to the side surface, from the boundary between the outer 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.

[0052] The length of the honeycomb structure 21 in the flow direction and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow direction can be adjusted to the required size of the air conditioning device 20 and are not particularly limited. For example, when used in a compact air conditioning device 20 that ensures a predetermined function, the honeycomb structure 21 may have a length of 2 to 20 mm in the flow direction and a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow direction of 10 cm². 2 The above can be applied. The upper limit of the cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb structure 21 perpendicular to the flow direction is not particularly limited, but for example, 300 cm². 2 The following applies:

[0053] The partition walls 26 constituting the honeycomb structure 21 are made of a material capable of generating heat when an electric current is passed through them, and more preferably, they are made of a material having PTC properties. If necessary, the outer peripheral wall 23 may also be made of a material having PTC properties similar to 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 outer peripheral wall 23 if necessary). Furthermore, materials with PTC properties have the characteristic that when the temperature rises and exceeds the Curie point, the resistance value increases rapidly and electricity becomes difficult to flow. Therefore, when the partition walls 26 (and the outer peripheral wall 23 if necessary) become hot, the current flowing through them is limited, so excessive heat generation in the honeycomb structure 21 is suppressed. Thus, it is also possible to suppress thermal degradation of the adsorption layer 27 caused by excessive heat generation.

[0054] From the viewpoint of obtaining appropriate heat generation, the lower limit of the volume resistivity of a PTC-type material at 25°C 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 with a low drive voltage, the upper limit of the volume resistivity of a PTC-type material at 25°C 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 of a PTC-type material at 25°C is measured in accordance with JIS K6271:2008.

[0055] From the viewpoint of being electrically conductive and having PTC characteristics, the outer periphery wall 23 and partition wall 26 are preferably made of a material mainly composed of barium titanate (BaTiO3). Furthermore, it is more preferable that this material is a ceramic made of a material mainly composed of barium titanate (BaTiO3) crystalline particles in which a portion of Ba is replaced with rare earth elements. In this specification, "main component" means a component whose proportion in the total component exceeds 50% by mass. The content of BaTiO3 crystalline particles can be determined by fluorescent X-ray analysis. Other crystalline particles can also be measured in the same manner.

[0056] The compositional formula for BaTiO3-based crystal grains in which some of the Ba is replaced by rare earth elements is (Ba 1-x A x It can be represented as TiO3. In the empirical formula, A represents one or more rare earth elements, and 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 is more preferably La. x is preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.0015 or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing excessively high electrical resistance at room temperature. On the other hand, x is preferably 0.009 or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing excessively high electrical resistance at room temperature due to insufficient sintering. The content of BaTiO3-based crystalline particles in ceramics, in which a portion of Ba is substituted with rare earth elements, is not particularly limited as long as it constitutes the main component, but is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 92% by mass or more, and even more preferably 94% by mass or more. The upper limit of the content of BaTiO3-based crystalline particles is not particularly limited, but is generally 99% by mass, preferably 98% by mass.

[0057] From the viewpoint of reducing environmental impact, it is desirable that the materials used for the outer perimeter wall 23 and the partition wall 26 are substantially free of lead (Pb). Specifically, the Pb content of the outer perimeter 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. The low Pb content allows, for example, heated air to be safely directed at living organisms such as humans by bringing it into contact with the heat-generating partition wall 26. In addition, the Pb content of the outer perimeter wall 23 and the partition wall 26, when converted to 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).

[0058] Preferably, the Curie point of the materials constituting the outer perimeter wall 23 and the partition wall 26 is within the temperature range where the resistance value is more than twice the resistance value at room temperature (25°C). If the Curie point is within such a temperature range, the current flowing through them is limited when the air conditioning device 20 becomes hot, so that excessive heat generation of the air conditioning device 20 is efficiently suppressed. 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 materials constituting the outer peripheral wall 23 and the partition wall 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 component placed in or near the vehicle compartment.

[0059] The Curie points of the materials constituting the outer perimeter wall 23 and the partition wall 26 can be adjusted by the type and amount of sifter added. For example, the Curie point of barium titanate (BaTiO3) is approximately 120°C, but by substituting some of the Ba and Ti with one or more of Sr, Sn, and Zr, the Curie point can be shifted to a lower temperature.

[0060] In this specification, the Curie point is measured by the following method: The sample is mounted in a sample holder for measurement and placed in a measuring chamber (e.g., MINI-SUBZERO MC-810P, manufactured by ESPEC Corporation). The change in the electrical resistance of the sample with respect to temperature changes as the temperature is raised from 10°C is measured using a DC resistance meter (e.g., Multimeter 3478A, manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Japan, G.K.). The Curie point is defined as the temperature at which the resistance value becomes twice the resistance value at room temperature (25°C) as shown in the electrical resistance-temperature plot obtained from the measurement.

[0061] (2-2. A pair of electrodes 28a, 28b) The positions of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b are not particularly limited, but as shown in Figure 2A, they can be provided on the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b of the honeycomb structure 21. Alternatively, the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b may be provided on the outer peripheral wall 23 of the honeycomb structure 21 that is parallel to the direction in which the cells 25 extend. By applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b, it is possible to generate heat in the honeycomb structure 21 by Joule heating.

[0062] The pair of electrodes 28a and 28b are not particularly limited, but for example, a metal or alloy containing at least one selected from Cu, Ag, Al, Ni, and Si can be used. Alternatively, an ohmic electrode capable of ohmic contact with the outer peripheral wall 23 and / or partition wall 26 having PTC characteristics can be used. For example, an ohmic electrode can be used that contains 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 for n-type semiconductors as a dopant. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure of two or more layers. If the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b have a multilayer structure of two or more layers, the material of each layer may be the same type or different types.

[0063] The thickness of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b can be appropriately set depending on the method of forming the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b. Methods for forming the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b include metal deposition methods such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. Alternatively, the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b can be formed by applying electrode paste and then baking it, or by thermal spraying. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b may also be formed by joining metal plates or alloy plates.

[0064] The thickness of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b is preferably about 5 to 30 μm for electrode paste baking, 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 electroplating and chemical deposition. Furthermore, when joining metal plates or alloy plates, it is preferable that their thickness be about 5 to 100 μm.

[0065] (2-3. Terminal 29) Terminal 29 is connected to a pair of electrodes 28a and 28b and is provided on at least a portion of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b. Providing terminal 29 facilitates connection to an external power supply. Terminal 29 is connected to a conductor connected to the external power supply.

[0066] The material of terminal 29 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be a metal. As the metal, elemental metals and alloys can be used, but from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance, electrical resistivity and coefficient of linear expansion, it is preferable to use an alloy containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, and Ti, and stainless steel, Fe-Ni alloy, and phosphor bronze are more preferable.

[0067] The size and shape of the terminal 29 are not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the terminal 29 can be provided over the entire length of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b on the outer peripheral wall 23. Alternatively, the terminal 29 may be provided on a portion of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b on the outer peripheral wall 23, or it may be provided so as to extend outward from the outer edge of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b on the outer peripheral wall 23. Furthermore, the terminal 29 may be provided on a portion of the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b on the partition wall 26, or it may be provided so as to block a portion of the cell 25. Furthermore, the thickness of the terminal 29 is not particularly limited, but is typically 0.05 to 5 mm, for example, between 0.01 and 10 mm.

[0068] The method of connecting terminal 29 to the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b is not particularly limited as long as they are electrically connected, and can be done by means of diffusion bonding, a mechanical pressurizing mechanism, welding, etc.

[0069] (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 (or, in the case of the outermost cell 25, the partition wall 26 and outer wall 23 that partition the outermost cell 25). By providing the adsorption layer 27 in this way, it becomes easier to adsorb the target substance during the adsorption process, and it also becomes easier to heat the adsorption layer 27 during the regeneration mode, so that the desired function of the adsorption layer 27 can be regenerated.

[0070] The adsorption layer 27 is capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed. Specifically, it is preferable that the adsorption layer 27 is 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, then by including only that adsorbent, moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components can be adsorbed. By including such an adsorbent, an air purification effect can be obtained.

[0071] The adsorbent contained in the adsorption layer 27 preferably has the function of adsorbing the target substance at -20 to 40°C and releasing it at a high temperature of 60°C or higher. Adsorbents are not particularly limited, but include aluminosilicates, silica gel, silica, graphene oxide, polymer adsorbents, polystyrene sulfonic acid, zeolites, activated carbon, alumina, low-crystalline clay, amorphous aluminum silicate composites, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0072] As the aluminosilicate, it is preferable to use AFI-type, CHA-type, or BEA-type zeolites; porous clay minerals such as allophane and imogolite. Furthermore, it is preferable that the aluminosilicate is amorphous.

[0073] It is preferable to use type A silica gel as the silica gel. As a polymer adsorbent, one having polyacrylic acid-based polymer chains is preferred. For example, sodium polyacrylate can be used as a polymer adsorbent. Metal-organic structures are crystalline hybrid materials containing metal ions and organic molecules (organic ligands). Preferably, the metal ions are hydrophilic (e.g., aluminum ions).

[0074] The volatile components contained in the air inside a vehicle 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.

[0075] The adsorption layer 27 may contain a catalyst. By including a catalyst, oxidation-reduction reactions can be promoted to purify carbon dioxide and / or volatile components. Examples of catalysts with such functions include metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, and Ag, and oxide catalysts such as CeO2 and ZrO2. The catalyst may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. Furthermore, the catalyst can be used in combination with the functional materials described above.

[0076] The thickness of the adsorption layer 27 can be determined according to the size of the cell 25 and is not particularly limited. 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 suppressing the peeling of the adsorption layer 27 from the partition wall 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.

[0077] The thickness of the adsorption layer 27 is measured by the following procedure. An arbitrary cross section parallel to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 21 is cut out, and a cross-sectional image at approximately 50x magnification is obtained using a scanning electron microscope or similar device. This cross section is also taken so that it passes through the centroid position of a cross section perpendicular to the flow 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 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.

[0078] From the viewpoint of performing the desired function within 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 external dimensions of the honeycomb structure 21.

[0079] (2-5. Method for manufacturing the 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 known methods. The method for manufacturing the air conditioning device 20 will be described below as an example. The manufacturing method for the honeycomb structure 21 constituting the air conditioning device 20 includes a molding step and a firing step. In the molding process, a clay mold containing ceramic raw materials including BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and rare earth nitrate or hydroxide powder is molded to produce a honeycomb molded body with a relative density of 60% or more. Ceramic raw materials can be obtained by dry mixing each powder to achieve the desired composition. The clay can be obtained by adding a dispersion medium, binder, plasticizer, and dispersant to ceramic raw materials and kneading them together. The clay may also contain additives such as sifters, metal oxides, property improvers, and conductive powders as needed. The amount of components other than ceramic raw materials is not particularly limited, as long as it is such that the relative density of the honeycomb molded body is 60% or more.

[0080] Here, in this specification, "relative density of the honeycomb molded body" means the ratio of the density of the honeycomb molded body to the true density of the entire ceramic raw material. Specifically, it can be calculated by the following formula. Relative density (%) of honeycomb molded material = Density (g / cm³) of honeycomb molded material 3 ) / True density of the entire ceramic raw material (g / cm³) 3 ) × 100 The density of a honeycomb molded body can be measured by the Archimedes method using pure water as the medium. The true density of the entire ceramic material is calculated by adding the mass of each material (g) and then adding the actual volume of each material (cm³). 3 It can be found by dividing by ).

[0081] Examples of dispersion media include water, or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent such as alcohol, but water is particularly suitable.

[0082] Examples of binders include organic binders such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropoxylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol. In particular, the combined use of methylcellulose and hydroxypropoxylcellulose is preferred. The binder may be used alone or in combination of two or more types, but it is preferable that it does not contain alkali metal elements.

[0083] Examples of plasticizers include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polycarboxylic acid polymers, and alkyl phosphate esters.

[0084] Dispersants that can be used include surfactants such as polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, ethylene glycol, dextrin, fatty acid soaps, and polyalcohols. Dispersants may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0085] Honeycomb molded bodies can be manufactured by extruding clay. During extrusion molding, a die with the desired overall shape, cell shape, partition thickness, and cell density can be used.

[0086] The relative density of the honeycomb molded body obtained by extrusion molding is 60% or more, preferably 65% ​​or more. By controlling the relative density of the honeycomb molded body within this range, it is possible to densify the honeycomb molded body and reduce its electrical resistance at room temperature. The upper limit of the relative density of the honeycomb molded body is not particularly limited, but is generally 80%, preferably 75%.

[0087] The honeycomb molded body can be dried before the firing process. The drying method is not particularly limited, but conventional known drying methods such as hot air drying, microwave drying, dielectric drying, reduced pressure drying, vacuum drying, and freeze drying can be used. Among these, a drying method combining hot air drying with microwave drying or dielectric drying is preferred because it can dry the entire molded body quickly and uniformly.

[0088] The firing process includes maintaining the temperature at 1150-1250°C, then increasing the temperature to a maximum of 1360-1430°C at a heating rate of 20-600°C / hour, and maintaining the temperature for 0.5-10 hours. By holding the honeycomb molded body at a maximum temperature of 1360 to 1430°C for 0.5 to 10 hours, a honeycomb structure 21 mainly composed of BaTiO3-based crystalline grains in which some of the Ba is replaced by rare earth elements can be obtained. Furthermore, by maintaining the temperature at 1150-1250°C, the Ba2TiO4 crystal particles generated during the firing process are more easily removed, thereby densifying the honeycomb structure 21. Furthermore, by setting the heating rate from 1150-1250°C to the maximum temperature of 1360-1430°C to 20-600°C / hour, 1.0-10.0 mass% of Ba6Ti 17 O 40 Crystal particles can be generated in the honeycomb structure 21.

[0089] The holding time at 1150-1250°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5-10 hours. This holding time makes it easier to stably remove the Ba2TiO4 crystal grains generated during the firing process.

[0090] The firing process preferably includes holding the temperature at 900-950°C for 0.5-5 hours during the heating phase. Holding the temperature at 900-950°C for 0.5-5 hours allows BaCO3 to decompose efficiently, making it easier to obtain a honeycomb structure 21 having a predetermined composition.

[0091] Furthermore, a degreasing process may be performed before the firing process to remove the binder. The atmosphere during the degreasing process is preferably atmospheric air to completely decompose the organic components. Furthermore, the atmosphere during the firing process is preferably an atmospheric environment, from the viewpoint of controlling electrical properties and reducing manufacturing costs. The furnace used in the firing and degreasing processes is not particularly limited, but electric furnaces, gas furnaces, etc., can be used.

[0092] A pair of electrodes 28a and 28b are formed on the honeycomb structure 21 obtained in this manner. The pair of electrodes 28a and 28b can be formed by metal deposition methods such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolysis, or chemical deposition. Alternatively, the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b can be formed by applying electrode paste and then baking it. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b can also be formed by thermal spraying. The pair of electrodes 28a and 28b may consist of a single layer, or it may consist of multiple electrode layers with different compositions. The following describes typical methods for forming the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b.

[0093] First, an electrode slurry containing 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 around the outer circumference of the honeycomb structure 21 is removed by blowing and wiping. Subsequently, a pair of electrodes 28a, 28b can be formed on the first end face 24a or the second end face 24b of the honeycomb structure 21 by drying the slurry. Drying can be carried out while heating the honeycomb structure 21 to a temperature of, for example, 120 to 600°C. The series of steps—coating, slurry removal, and drying—may be performed only once, but by repeating them multiple times, a pair of electrodes 28a and 28b of the desired thickness can be provided.

[0094] Next, the terminals 29 are placed at predetermined positions on the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b, and the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b are connected to the terminals 29. The method described above can be used to connect the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b to the terminals 29. Note that the terminal 29 may be installed after the adsorption layer 27 described below has been formed.

[0095] Next, an adsorption layer 27 is formed on the surface of the honeycomb structure 21, such as the partition walls 26. The method for forming the adsorption layer 27 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be formed by the following steps: The honeycomb structure 21 is immersed in a slurry containing an adsorbent, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium for a predetermined time, and excess slurry from the end faces and outer circumference 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. After that, the adsorption layer 27 can be formed on the surface of the partition wall 26 by drying the slurry. Drying can be carried out, for example, by heating the honeycomb structure 21 to a temperature of about 120 to 600°C. The series of steps—immersion, slurry removal, and drying—may be performed only once, but by repeating them multiple times, an adsorption layer 27 of the desired thickness can be formed on the surface of a partition wall 26 or the like.

[0096] (2-6. Other air conditioning devices 20) The air conditioning device 20 comprises an air passage and a heating medium passage adjacent to the air passage, and an adsorption section may be provided in the air passage. Examples of air conditioning devices 20 having such a structure include a plate fin type heat exchanger or an elo fin type heat exchanger in which an adsorption layer 27 is formed on the surface of the fins, with multiple fins provided on a pipe. In the air conditioning device 20 having the structure described above, air flows between the fins and a heating medium flows through the pipes. As the fins are heated by the flow of the heating medium, the adsorption layer 27 provided on the surface of the fins can be heated. An air conditioning device 20 having the structure described above can be manufactured by using a commercially available plate fin type heat exchanger or a plate fin type heat exchanger and forming an adsorption layer 27 on the surface of the fins. The method for forming the adsorption layer 27 can be the method described above.

[0097] The air conditioning device 20 may also include a honeycomb structure 21 having an outer perimeter wall 23 and a partition wall 26 disposed inside the outer perimeter wall 23, which divides a plurality of cells 25 that form air passages 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 heater provided upstream of the honeycomb structure 21. Note that the structure of this air conditioning device 20 corresponds to the structure in Figure 2A with the pair of electrodes 28a, 28b and terminal 29 removed. In the air conditioning device 20 having the heating structure described above, the adsorption layer 27 provided on the surface of the partition wall 26 can be heated by circulating air heated by the heater through the cells 25 of the honeycomb structure 21.

[0098] Since the air conditioning device 20 having the heating structure described above does not require the honeycomb structure 21 itself to generate heat when energized, it can be formed from various materials such as metals and ceramics. However, the honeycomb structure 21 may be made of a material that can generate heat when energized. Furthermore, an air conditioning device 20 having the heating structure described above can be manufactured in accordance with the method described above or known methods. In this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the airflow through the air conditioning system.

[0099] (3.Power supply 40) The power supply 40 is for applying voltage to the air conditioning device 20 (particularly the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b). Therefore, if an air conditioning device 20 that does not have a pair of electrodes 28a and 28b is used, the power supply 40 is not necessary. The power supply 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 30 and adjusts the voltage applied to the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b according to instructions from the control unit 30. The power source 40 is not particularly limited and can be a battery or the like.

[0100] (4. Ventilator 60) The ventilator 60 is used to draw air from indoors or outdoors into the air conditioning device 20 and is located within the air conditioning duct 10. The location of the ventilator 60 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 1, it may be located upstream of the air conditioning device 20 or downstream of the air conditioning device 20. Furthermore, the ventilator 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 30, and controls the airflow rate by adjusting the rotation speed according to instructions from the control unit 30.

[0101] (5. Control Unit 30) The control unit 30 is connected to the power supply 40, valve 50, ventilator 60, etc., and can control them. Specifically, when using an air conditioning device 20 having a pair of electrodes 28a and 28b, the control unit 30 can control the voltage applied to the pair of electrodes 28a and 28b of the air conditioning device 20 by controlling the power supply 40, and 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.

[0102] The control unit 30 is not particularly limited, but is generally an ECU (Engine (electronic) Control Unit). The ECU includes a CPU that performs various calculation processes, a ROM that stores programs and data necessary for its control, a RAM that temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the CPU, and input / output ports for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside.

[0103] The control unit 30 can perform two modes: an adsorption mode in which the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the first channel 10a, and a regeneration mode in which the adsorption section (adsorption layer 27) is heated and the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the second channel 10b. For example, when using an air conditioning device 20 having a pair of electrodes 28a and 28b, the control unit 30 can perform 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. Furthermore, when using an air conditioning device 20 equipped with a flow path for a heating medium, the control unit 30 can perform two modes: an adsorption mode in which the supply of the heating medium to the air conditioning device 20 is stopped and the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the first flow path 10a, and a regeneration mode in which the heating medium is supplied to the air conditioning device 20 and the valve 50 is switched so that air flows through the second flow path 10b. Furthermore, when using an air conditioning device 20 equipped with a heater located upstream of the honeycomb structure 21, the control unit 30 can perform two modes: an adsorption mode in which the heater 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 heater 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 regeneration mode as described above, the adsorption and regeneration processes can be performed efficiently.

[0104] In adsorption mode, the control unit 30 controls the system as described above to capture (adsorb) target substances in the air flowing from indoors or outdoors. At this time, the adsorption part of the air conditioning device 20 is not heated. Specifically, air from indoors or outdoors flows into the air conditioning device 20 through the air conditioning duct 10, and target substances contained in the air are captured (adsorbed). The air from which the target substances have been captured is then returned to the room through the first flow path 10a.

[0105] In regeneration mode, the control unit 30 controls the system as described above to regenerate the adsorption layer 27 of the air conditioning device 20. At this time, the adsorption part of the air conditioning device 20 is heated. Specifically, air from inside or outside (inside or outside the vehicle) flows into the air conditioning device 20 through the air conditioning duct 10, and as it passes through the air conditioning device 20, it releases the adsorbed substances captured by the adsorption layer 27. The moisture-containing air is then discharged outside through the second flow path 10b.

[0106] An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is preferably for use in a vehicle. When the air conditioning system 100 is for a vehicle, it is preferable to use an air conditioning device 20 having a pair of electrodes 28a and 28b from the viewpoint of miniaturization. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of stably performing the above control, it is desirable to position the air conditioning device 20 close to the passenger compartment. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing electric shock, it is preferable that the drive voltage of the air conditioning device 20 be 60V or less. The honeycomb structure 21 used in the air conditioning device 20 has low electrical resistance at room temperature, so it is possible to heat the honeycomb structure 21 at this low drive voltage. The lower limit of the drive voltage is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to be 10V or more. If the drive voltage is less than 10V, the current when heating the honeycomb structure 21 will be large, so it will be necessary to use thicker wires.

[0107] <Control method for air conditioning systems> The control method for an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention involves the control unit 30 controlling the air conditioning device 20 to perform a regeneration mode in which the air conditioning device 20 desorbs the adsorbed substance, followed by an adsorption mode in which the air conditioning device 20 is controlled to adsorb the substance. This cycle is repeated, and one or more parameters selected from the airflow rate, the regeneration mode time, and the adsorption mode time are controlled so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of desorbed substance in this cycle is 0.55 to 1.45. By controlling in this way, a good balance is achieved between the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed in the regeneration mode and the amount of adsorbed substance in the adsorption mode. This prevents the desorption amount of adsorbed substance from saturating during the regeneration mode, resulting in wasted power consumption, and prevents the adsorption efficiency from decreasing during the adsorption mode due to saturation of the adsorption amount. Therefore, it is possible to reduce wasted power consumption during the regeneration mode while improving the adsorption efficiency during the adsorption mode. From the viewpoint of stably ensuring this effect, the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of desorbed substance in the above cycle is preferably 0.60 to 1.40, and more preferably 0.65 to 1.35.

[0108] It is preferable for the control unit 30 to execute the adsorption mode when the amount of adsorbed substance desorbed in the regeneration mode reaches its maximum. By performing such control, the amount of adsorbed substance increases in the adsorption mode, thereby improving the adsorption efficiency of the adsorbed substance. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 30 executes the regeneration mode when the amount of adsorbed substance reaches its maximum in the adsorption mode. By performing such control, the amount of desorption of the adsorbed substance increases in the regeneration mode, thereby improving the desorption efficiency of the adsorbed substance.

[0109] The air conditioning system used in the control method for the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention is as described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. [Examples]

[0110] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way by these examples.

[0111] <Fabrication of air conditioning devices> BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and La(NH3)3·6H2O powder were prepared as ceramic raw materials. These powders were weighed to obtain a predetermined composition after firing and dry-mixed to obtain a mixed powder. Dry mixing was carried out for 30 minutes. Next, to 100 parts by mass of the obtained mixed powder, water, binder, plasticizer, and dispersant were added in appropriate amounts in the range of 3 to 30 parts by mass in total, so that a ceramic molded body with a relative density of 64.8% after extrusion molding would be obtained, and the mixture was kneaded to obtain clay. Methylcellulose was used as the binder. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether was used as the plasticizer and dispersant.

[0112] Next, the obtained clay was fed into an extrusion molding machine and extruded using a predetermined die so that it would form a honeycomb structure with the shape shown below after firing. Cross-sectional and end face shapes of the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the flow direction: quadrilateral Shape of the cell cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction: quadrilateral Partition wall thickness: 0.100 mm Outer wall thickness: 0.2 mm Cell density: 80 cells / cm 2 Cell pitch: 1.1mm Cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the direction in which the flow path extends: 6000 mm² 2 Length of the flow channel in the honeycomb structure in the direction of extension: 10 mm Volume resistivity of the materials constituting the outer walls and partitions at 25°C: 15 Ω·cm Curie point of materials constituting the outer walls and partition walls: 110°C

[0113] Next, the obtained honeycomb molded body was dielectric-dried and hot-air-dried, then degreased in a firing furnace under an atmospheric atmosphere (450°C for 4 hours), and subsequently fired under an atmospheric atmosphere to obtain a honeycomb structure. The firing was carried out by holding at 950°C for 1 hour, then raising the temperature to 1200°C and holding at 1200°C for 1 hour, and then raising the temperature to 1400°C (maximum temperature) at a heating rate of 200°C / hour and holding at 1400°C for 2 hours.

[0114] Next, a pair of electrodes were formed on both end faces (first and second end faces) of the obtained honeycomb structure. First, an electrode slurry containing aluminum (electrode material), ethyl cellulose, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (organic binder) was prepared, applied to the first end face, and then the electrode slurry was dried to form an electrode on the surface of the first end face. Similarly, using the same electrode slurry, an electrode was formed on the second end face by applying the electrode slurry and drying it.

[0115] Next, the honeycomb structure with a pair of electrodes was immersed in a slurry containing zeolite (adsorbent), an organic binder, and water. After removing excess slurry adhering to areas such as the outer periphery by blowing and wiping, the structure was dried at a temperature of approximately 550°C to form an adsorption layer with a thickness of 150 μm on the surface of the partition walls and the outer periphery walls facing the cells.

[0116] The air conditioning devices obtained as described above were placed inside the air conditioning ducts to construct an air conditioning system as shown in Figure 1. In this air conditioning system, the target substance for adsorption was water. Furthermore, one cycle consisted of a regeneration mode followed by an adsorption mode. This cycle was repeated, and the adsorption performance of the target substance (water) was evaluated. In this cycle, the airflow rate during the regeneration mode was set to 0.05 m³. 3 Airflow rate in adsorption mode is 0.7 m³ / min. 3 The regeneration mode and adsorption mode times were adjusted so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance (water) to the amount of adsorbed substance (water) to the amount of adsorbed substance (water) to the amount of adsorbed substance (water) to the amount of adsorbed substance (water) to be equal to the values ​​shown in Table 1. The regeneration mode was performed by activating a ventilator and circulating air at a temperature of 25°C and relative humidity of 40% through the air conditioning duct while applying a 12V voltage from a DC power supply to the air conditioning device. The adsorption mode was performed by circulating air under the same conditions through the air conditioning duct without applying voltage to the air conditioning device. The amount of adsorbed substance (moisture) desorbed was determined in advance by the relationship between the airflow rate and the duration of the regeneration mode in the air conditioning device during regeneration mode, and the airflow rate and duration of the regeneration mode were adjusted based on this relationship. Similarly, the amount of adsorbed substance (moisture) was determined in advance by the relationship between the airflow rate and the duration of the adsorption mode in the air conditioning device during adsorption mode, and the airflow rate and duration of the adsorption mode were adjusted based on this relationship.

[0117] In evaluating the adsorption performance of the target substance (moisture), the absolute humidity [g / m³] at the inlet and outlet of the air conditioning device is used in the adsorption mode of each cycle. 3 The following measurements were taken, and the amount of adsorption [g] in the adsorption mode of each cycle was calculated using the following formula. Adsorption amount [g] = (Absolute humidity at the inlet of the air conditioning device [g / m³]) 3 ]-Absolute humidity at the outlet of the air conditioning device [g / m³] 3 ])×Flow rate [m 3 [ / minute] × Adsorption mode time [minutes] Then, the amount of adsorption [g] in the adsorption mode of each cycle was totaled and divided by the total time [hours] of the adsorption mode to calculate the amount of adsorption per unit time [g / hour] in the adsorption mode. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0118] [Table 1]

[0119] As shown in Table 1, in the cycle in which the adsorption mode is performed after the regeneration mode, Examples 1 to 12, in which the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance (moisture) to the amount of desorbed substance (moisture) was controlled to a predetermined range (0.55 to 1.45), showed a higher adsorption amount per unit time [g / hour] in the adsorption mode compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2, in which the ratio was controlled outside the predetermined range.

[0120] As can be seen from the above results, the present invention provides an air conditioning system and a control method thereof that can reduce wasted power consumption in regeneration mode while improving adsorption efficiency in adsorption mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10. Air conditioning ducts 10a First channel 10b Second channel 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 A pair of electrodes 29 terminals 30 Control Unit 40 Power supply 50 valves 60 Ventilator

Claims

1. Air conditioning ducts that allow air to circulate, An air conditioning device, which is placed inside the air conditioning duct and capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed, A control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of the air circulating through the air conditioning duct and the air conditioning device. Equipped with, The control unit repeatedly executes a cycle in which it controls the air conditioning device to perform a regeneration mode in which it controls the air conditioning device to desorb the adsorbed substance, followed by an adsorption mode in which it controls the air conditioning device to adsorb the adsorbed substance, and controls one or more selected from the air flow rate, the time of the regeneration mode, and the time of the adsorption mode so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.55 to 1.

45.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.60 to 1.

40.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.65 to 1.

35.

4. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit executes the adsorption mode when the amount of adsorption target substance desorbed in the regeneration mode reaches its maximum, and executes the regeneration mode when the amount of adsorption target substance reached its maximum in the adsorption mode.

5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air conditioning device has an adsorption section containing an adsorbent that adsorbs the adsorbed substance at a predetermined temperature or below and allows the adsorbed substance to be detached when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, and a heating means or heating structure capable of heating the adsorption section.

6. The air conditioning device is a honeycomb structure having an outer periphery wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer periphery wall, which divide and form a plurality of cells that serve as airflow channels extending from a first end face to a second end face. An adsorption layer containing the adsorbent is provided on the surface of the partition wall, and A pair of electrodes provided on the first and second end faces of the honeycomb structure, or on the outer peripheral wall parallel to the direction in which the cells of the honeycomb structure extend. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, comprising:

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

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein the air conditioning device comprises an air passage and a heating medium passage adjacent to the air passage, and the adsorption portion is provided in the air passage.

9. The air conditioning device is a honeycomb structure having an outer periphery wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer periphery wall, which divide and form a plurality of cells that serve as airflow channels extending from a first end face to a second end face. An adsorption layer containing the adsorbent is provided on the surface of the partition wall, and A heater provided on the upstream side of the honeycomb structure. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, comprising:

10. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adsorbed substance is one or more selected from water, carbon dioxide, and volatile components.

11. An air conditioning system for use in a vehicle, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. Air conditioning ducts that allow air to circulate, An air conditioning device, which is placed inside the air conditioning duct and capable of adsorbing and desorbing substances to be adsorbed, A control unit capable of controlling the flow rate of the air circulating through the air conditioning duct and the air conditioning device. A control method for an air conditioning system equipped with, Control method comprising: the control unit repeatedly executing a cycle in which the air conditioning device controls the air conditioning device to perform a regeneration mode in which it desorbs the adsorbed substance, followed by an adsorption mode in which it controls the air conditioning device to adsorb the adsorbed substance, and controlling one or more selected from the air flow rate, the time of the regeneration mode, and the time of the adsorption mode so that the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.55 to 1.

45.

13. The control method according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.60 to 1.

40.

14. The control method according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance to the amount of adsorbed substance in the cycle is 0.65 to 1.

35.

15. The control method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the control unit executes the adsorption mode when the amount of the adsorbed substance desorbed reaches its maximum in the regeneration mode, and executes the regeneration mode when the amount of the adsorbed substance reaches its maximum in the adsorption mode.

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