air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that can be miniaturized and improve energy consumption efficiency. [Solution] The medium flow path comprises a cold air flow path through which the medium is cooled by heat absorption by a heat exchanger, and a hot air flow path through which the medium is heated. The air conditioning device includes a drive mechanism that drives the extension to move alternately within the cold air flow path and the hot air flow path, and a mechanism that controls the temperature T of the medium introduced into the first inlet. 11 The temperature T of the medium introduced into the second inlet 12 , the temperature T of the medium discharged from the first outlet 21 , or the temperature T of the medium discharged from the second outlet 22 The system includes a temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the medium, and based on the temperature of the medium acquired by the temperature acquisition unit, it controls the residence time of the extension in the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage, or controls the movement direction of the extension in the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage between parallel flow and counter-flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, heat exchange devices that heat or cool an object (space or object) by transferring heat have been widely used. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an adsorption type heat pump (desiccant air conditioner) that uses a heat pump that provides a high heat source to vaporize water as a medium and a low heat source to condense the vaporized water, and a desiccant (drying agent) to collect the water. In such adsorption type heat pumps, porous materials such as silica gel and zeolite are generally used as the adsorbent for the desiccant. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-197011 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In conventional adsorption heat pumps (desiccant air conditioners), the movement speed of refrigerant molecules, which are the medium in the porous material, is low. Therefore, when the refrigerant molecules evaporate (i.e., absorb heat), the evaporation rate of the refrigerant molecules is low, making it difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of absorbed heat per unit time. One method to promote the evaporation of refrigerant molecules is to raise the temperature of the porous material, but this method requires a heater for heat input, leading to a larger device. In addition, energy is required to operate the heater, so the energy consumption efficiency decreases.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide an air conditioning device that can be miniaturized and has improved energy consumption efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention have been diligently conducting research and have been working on developing an air conditioning system that directly utilizes the latent heat generated by the desorption or adsorption of a medium as cooling or heating by applying a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that can be mechanically deformed to desorb and adsorb a medium by applying and releasing stress to the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section of a heat exchanger. In the process, they have discovered that by providing a cold air channel for cooling a medium such as air and a hot air channel for heating the medium inside the air conditioning system, and by changing the time that a heat-exchanging component stays in each channel of the air conditioning system and the time that the component and the medium are in contact in each channel according to the temperature of the medium such as air introduced into and discharged from the air conditioning system, more efficient heat exchange is possible, and have completed the present invention.

[0007] In other words, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioning system comprising a heat exchanger, a medium flow path through which a medium to be heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger flows, and a flow mechanism for causing the medium to flow within the medium flow path. Here, the heat exchanger comprises an elastic heat-absorbing and heat-generating section, a heat-conducting section that directly or indirectly contacts the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section to conduct heat from the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section, a housing section that houses the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section and the heat-conducting section, and a press mechanism that performs operations to apply stress to the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section housed in the housing section and operations to release the stress. Furthermore, the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section has a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that absorbs or generates heat by undergoing a phase change in response to the application and release of stress, the heat-conducting section has an extension extending from the housing section, the extension is arranged in the medium flow path and the extension exchanges heat with the medium, the medium flow path has a first inlet for introducing the medium and a first outlet for discharging the medium and comprises a cold air flow path in which the medium is cooled by the heat exchanger absorbing heat, and a hot air flow path has a second inlet for introducing the medium and a second outlet for discharging the medium and comprises a hot air flow path in which the medium is heated by the heat exchanger generating heat. Furthermore, the air conditioning device includes a drive mechanism that drives the heat exchanger to move the extension alternately within the cold air flow path and the hot air flow path, and the temperature T of the medium introduced into the first inlet. 11 , the temperature T of the medium introduced into the second inlet 12 , the temperature T of the medium discharged from the first outlet 21 , or the temperature T of the medium discharged from the second outlet. 22 The system further comprises a temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the medium, and a control unit that, based on the temperature of the medium acquired by the temperature acquisition unit, controls the residence time of the extension in the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage, or controls the movement direction of the extension and the movement direction of the medium in the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage between parallel flow and counter-flow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner that can be miniaturized and can improve energy consumption efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram three-dimensionally showing a configuration example of a heat exchange unit and an air duct constituting the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram three-dimensionally showing a configuration example of a unit main body of a heat exchange unit constituting the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a belt conveyor mechanism as an example of a drive mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure during operation of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the air conditioner after executing control according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure during operation of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state of the air conditioner after executing control according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure during operation of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of the air conditioner after executing control according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of measuring the temporal temperature change of fins as an index of the reaction rate during (a) heat absorption and (b) heat generation of GMS by sandwiching a heat exchange unit with a pressing mechanism using GMS as an endothermic and exothermic material and installing fins as an extension part.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention described above will be explained below with reference to the drawings, but the technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the claims and is not limited to the following forms. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] 《First Embodiment》 Figure 1 shows an air conditioning system 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 200 comprises a plurality of heat exchange units 100 (an example of the "heat exchange device" of the present invention), a cold air generating unit 201, and a hot air generating unit 202. The cold air generating unit 201 has a cold air passage 1501 in which cold air is generated when air 152 (an example of the "medium" of the present invention) is cooled by the heat exchange unit 100 absorbing heat, a blower 1511 (an example of the "flow mechanism" of the present invention) connected to an inlet P11 for introducing air 152 into the cold air passage 1501, and an exhaust device 1531 (an example of the "flow mechanism" of the present invention) connected to an outlet P21 for discharging the cooled air 152 from the cold air passage 1501. The hot air generating unit 202 includes a hot air passage 1502 in which hot air is generated when the heat exchange unit 100 generates heat and the air 152 is heated; a blower 1512 (an example of the "flow mechanism" of the present invention) connected to an inlet P12 for introducing air 152 into the hot air passage 1502; and an exhaust device 1532 (an example of the "flow mechanism" of the present invention) connected to an outlet P22 for discharging the heated air 152 from the hot air passage 1502. The ends of the semicircularly arranged cold air passage 1501 and the ends of the semicircularly arranged hot air passage 1502 are connected to each other, forming an annular (circular in this embodiment) air guide passage 150. The right side of the circle shown in Figure 1 is the cold air passage 1501, and the left side of the circle is the hot air passage 1502.

[0012] In this embodiment, the air passage 150 of the air conditioning system 200 (an example of the "media flow path" of the present invention) consists of a cold air flow path 1501 and a hot air flow path 1502. The blower 151 of the air conditioning system 200 consists of a blower 1511 for the cold air generating unit 201 and a blower 1512 for the hot air generating unit 202. The exhaust system 153 of the air conditioning system 200 consists of an exhaust system 1531 for the cold air generating unit 201 and an exhaust system 1532 for the hot air generating unit 202. In this embodiment, the movement of the heat exchange unit 100 in the cold air flow path 1501 and the hot air flow path 1502 is carried out by a belt conveyor mechanism (an example of the "drive mechanism" of the present invention) that moves the heat exchange unit 100 counterclockwise.

[0013] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 200 according to this embodiment, there are three inlets (first inlets) P11 for the cold air passage 1501 and three inlets (second inlets) P12 for the hot air passage, which can be selected by opening and closing them. Similarly, there are three outlets (first outlets) P21 for the cold air passage 1501 and three outlets (second outlets) P22 for the hot air passage 1502, which can also be selected by opening and closing them. The lengths of the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502 are determined by the selection of each inlet and outlet.

[0014] The blower 1511 of the cold air generating unit 201 and the blower 1512 of the hot air generating unit 202 are equipped with a temperature sensor 161A for measuring the temperature of the air 152 (medium) introduced into the first inlet P11 and a temperature sensor 162A for measuring the temperature of the air 152 (medium) introduced into the second inlet P12, respectively. In addition, the exhaust device 1531 of the cold air generating unit 201 and the exhaust device 1532 of the hot air generating unit 202 are equipped with a temperature sensor 161B for measuring the temperature of the air 152 (medium) discharged from the first outlet P21 and a temperature sensor 162B for measuring the temperature of the air 152 (medium) discharged from the second outlet P22, respectively. These temperature sensors 161A, 162A, 161B, and 162B are connected to the control unit 170, and the measured temperature of the air 152 can be output to the control unit 170.

[0015] The control unit 170 is connected to the first inlet P11 and second inlet P12, and the first outlet P21 and second outlet P22, which are provided in multiple locations, so as to be able to control their opening and closing. In conjunction with this opening and closing control, the control unit 170 can calculate the lengths of the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502. The control unit 170 is also connected to a belt conveyor mechanism (drive mechanism) so as to be able to control the movement speed of the heat exchange unit 100 in the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502. Furthermore, the control unit 170 is connected to the blower 1511 and exhaust 1531 of the cold air generation unit 201 so as to be able to switch between them. Similarly, the control unit 170 is connected to the blower 1512 and exhaust 1532 of the hot air generation unit 202 so as to be able to switch between them. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the heat exchange unit 100 moves counterclockwise along the air passage 150. Furthermore, in both the cold air generating unit 201 and the hot air generating unit 202, air 152 is introduced from blowers 1511 and 1512 located at the bottom of Figure 1 and discharged from exhaust devices 1531 and 1532 located at the top of Figure 1. As a result, the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the direction of movement of the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501 are the same (parallel flow). On the other hand, the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the direction of movement of the air 152 in the hot air passage 1502 are opposite (counter-flow). Now, for example, if the control unit 170 switches between the blower 1511 and the exhaust device 1531 of the cold air generating unit 201, the air 152 in the cold air generating unit 201 will be introduced from the blower located at the top and discharged from the exhaust device located at the bottom. As a result, the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the direction of movement of the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501 will change to opposite directions (counter-flow).

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing in three dimensions an example of the configuration of a heat exchange unit 100 and an air passage 150 that constitute an air conditioning system 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 200 comprises a heat exchange unit 100 and an air passage 150 through which air 152 flows. The air passage 150 may also be referred to as a duct. The heat exchange unit 100 comprises a unit body 1 and a press mechanism 3 that sandwiches the unit body 1 from both sides in the thickness direction (for example, the Z-axis direction).

[0017] The press mechanism 3 holds and fixes one or more unit bodies 1 between the first clamping body 31 and the second clamping body 32. For example, while maintaining the fixed state of the multiple unit bodies 1, the press mechanism 3 applies and releases stress to the heat-absorbing and heat-generating parts 11 (see, for example, Figure 2) of the multiple unit bodies 1 by moving the shaft portion 33 in the axial direction. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the extension portion 122 and the material (for example, air) present outside the housing portion 13 in each of the multiple unit bodies 1.

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional example of the configuration of the unit body 1 of the heat exchange unit 100 that constitutes the air conditioning system 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the unit body 1 has an elastic heat-absorbing and heating section 11, a heat-conducting section 12 that conducts heat from the heat-absorbing and heating section 11 by directly or indirectly contacting it, and a housing section 13 that houses the heat-absorbing and heating section 11 and the heat-conducting section 12. Note that "elastic" means the property that even if it contracts due to stress applied from the outside, it will reversibly deform significantly and recover to almost its original shape when the stress is released.

[0019] The unit body 1 may have multiple heat conduction sections 12, and it is preferable to have multiple sections. In this embodiment, multiple heat conduction sections 12 sandwich the heat absorption and heating section 11 from both sides in the thickness direction (for example, the Z-axis direction). Two heat conduction sections 12 sandwich one heat absorption and heating section 11 from both sides in the Z-axis direction. For example, all the heat conduction sections 12 shown in Figure 2 may be arranged in one housing section 13 to constitute one unit body 1. The heat conduction section 12 has an extension section 122 that extends from the housing section 13. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the extension section 122 is, for example, plate-shaped.

[0020] Furthermore, the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section 11 includes a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that absorbs heat as it contracts and generates heat as it expands, or a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that generates heat as it contracts and absorbs heat as it expands. Below, we will describe the case in which the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section 11 includes a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that absorbs heat as it contracts and generates heat as it expands. In this case, an example of the heat-absorbing and heat-generating material is a combination of an elastic nanoporous body and a fluid refrigerant that is detachably adsorbed to the pore walls of the nanoporous body.

[0021] "Nanoporous" means having multiple nanometer-level pores. Nanometer-level pores are preferably micropores or mesopores with a diameter of 0.5 to 100 nm, more preferably 0.7 to 50 nm, and even more preferably 0.7 to 6 nm. The IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) defines pores with a diameter of 2 nm or less as micropores, pores with a diameter of 2 to 50 nm as mesopores, and pores with a diameter of 50 nm or more as macropores.

[0022] Examples of nanoporous materials include graphene mesosponge (GMS) and zeolite template carbon (ZTC). Both GMS and ZTC consist of a single-layer graphene skeleton and possess the porosity and elastic properties necessary for the desorption and adsorption of fluid refrigerants.

[0023] GMS is a sponge-like mesoporous material with tiny pores of about 6 nm, where the majority of the pore walls are composed of single-layer graphene, and it has an extremely high BET specific surface area (approximately 2000 m²) comparable to activated carbon. 2 It possesses ( / g). On the other hand, unlike activated carbon and carbon black, it contains almost no graphene edges that cause corrosion, and therefore also has excellent corrosion resistance (oxidation resistance). Furthermore, due to the properties of graphene, which is both flexible and tough, GMS has excellent flexibility and elasticity, and can be reversibly elastically deformed from a pore diameter of approximately 5.8 nm to approximately 0.7 nm. The manufacturing method of GMS is described in Nishihara, H. et al., Advanced Functional Materials, Vol. 26, 2016, 6418-6427.

[0024] ZTC is composed of a single layer of graphene sheet. Furthermore, uniform pores (approximately 1.2 nm in diameter) are arranged regularly in three dimensions and interconnected, resulting in an extremely high BET specific surface area and pore volume (maximum BET specific surface area of ​​4100 m²). 2 It is known that ZTC has a pore volume of 1.8 cc / g. Methods for producing ZTC are described in Nishihara, H. et al., Chemistry-European Journal 15, 5355 (2009), etc.

[0025] In this embodiment, the nanoporous material is not limited to GMS or ZTC. Other materials may be used as the nanoporous material, as long as they are elastic, can contract to desorb the fluid refrigerant, and can expand to adsorb the fluid refrigerant. An example of such a material is a carbon mesosponge (CMS) having spherical mesopores.

[0026] Examples of fluid refrigerants include water or alcohol. Examples of alcohols include methanol or ethanol. In this specification, “fluid” means a liquid, a gas, or a mixture of a liquid and a gas.

[0027] In the air conditioning system 200 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of heat exchange units 100 are arranged at equal intervals from each other along an annular air passage 150, and move clockwise or counterclockwise with at least an extension portion 122 (see, for example, Figures 2 and 3) positioned within the air passage 150. As a result, the extension portion 122 moves alternately within the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502.

[0028] If the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section 11 of the heat exchange unit 100 (see, for example, Figures 2 and 3) contains a nanoporous material such as GMS, the press mechanism 3 of the heat exchange unit 100 (see, for example, Figure 2) starts pressing immediately after the extension section 122 enters the cold air passage 1501 and continues to gradually apply stress to the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section 11 until just before it exits the cold air passage 1501. As a result, the extension section 122 exchanges heat with the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501 (the extension section 122 absorbs heat), cooling the air 152. As a result, cold air is generated. The cold air generated in the cold air passage 1501 is exhausted from the exhaust device 1531 via the outlet P21 of the cold air passage 1501. The press mechanism 3 also releases the stress immediately after the extension section 122 enters the hot air passage 1502. As a result, the extension 122 exchanges heat with the air 152 in the hot air passage 1502 (the extension 122 generates heat), warming the air 152. This generates hot air. The hot air generated in the hot air passage 1502 is exhausted from the exhaust device 1532 via the outlet P22 of the hot air passage 1502.

[0029] Because the air conditioning unit 200 is equipped with a heat exchange unit 100, it can be made smaller and its energy efficiency (COP) can be improved. In addition, since the air inlet and outlet for the air 152 can be separated between the cold air generating unit 201 and the hot air generating unit 202, there is a high degree of flexibility in layout.

[0030] As described above, in the present embodiment, the movement of the heat exchange unit 100 is carried out by a belt conveyor mechanism (an example of the "driving mechanism" of the present invention) that moves the heat exchange unit 100 counterclockwise. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a belt conveyor mechanism as an example of the driving mechanism. As shown in FIG. 4, the belt conveyor mechanism 300 includes a cold air flow path belt conveyor 310 that moves the heat exchange unit 100 within the cold air flow path 1501 and a hot air flow path belt conveyor 320 that moves the heat exchange unit 100 within the hot air flow path 1502, which are separately arranged and operate in cooperation to alternately move the heat exchange unit 100 (extension portion 122) on the upper surfaces of the cold air flow path belt conveyor 310 and the hot air flow path belt conveyor 320, thereby moving the heat exchange unit 100 counterclockwise. In the present embodiment, each belt conveyor has an arc shape (e.g., a semi-circular shape or a crescent shape) in plan view, and when the mechanism operates with the heat exchange unit 100 disposed on the upper surface of each belt conveyor, the heat exchange unit 100 (and thus the extension portion 122) is moved counterclockwise within the air conduction path 150. As a result, the extension portion 122 alternately moves between the cold air flow path 1501 and the hot air flow path 1502. Note that the cold air flow path belt conveyor and the hot air flow path belt conveyor may each be further divided into a plurality of belt conveyors. In FIG. 4, only a part of each of the cold air flow path belt conveyor 310 and the hot air flow path belt conveyor 320 is shown.

[0031] The temperature sensors 161A and 162A measure the temperature of the air 152 (medium) introduced into the inlet (first inlet) P11 of the cold air flow path 1501 and the inlet (second inlet) P12 of the hot air flow path. Also, the temperature sensors 161B and 162B measure the temperature of the air 152 (medium) discharged from the outlet (first outlet) P21 of the cold air flow path 1501 and the outlet (second outlet) P22 of the hot air flow path. That is, the temperature sensors measure the temperature T of the air introduced into the first inlet P11 11 , the temperature T of the air introduced into the second inlet P12 12 , the temperature T of the air discharged from the first outlet P21 21, and the temperature T of the air discharged from the second outlet P22 22 It functions as a temperature acquisition unit to obtain the temperature. These temperature sensors are attached, for example, to the inner surfaces of the inlets P11, P12 and outlets P21, P22. However, the temperature sensors may also be attached to other parts through which the air 152 flows. The control unit 170 may then estimate the temperature of the air 152 at the inlets and outlets according to a map that has been pre-determined showing the relationship between parameters such as the distance from the location where the temperature sensors are installed to the inlets and outlets and the temperature change of the air. In this case, the control unit 170 can be said to function as a temperature acquisition unit together with the temperature sensors.

[0032] The control unit 170 is a so-called computer, which includes, for example, a CPU 171 and a memory unit 172. In this embodiment, when the air conditioning system 200 is in operation, the control unit 170 controls the dwell time in the cold air passage 1501 and the warm air passage 1502 of the extension unit 122 based on the temperature of the air 152 (medium) measured by a temperature sensor, according to a procedure described later. When the air conditioning system 200 is installed in an electric vehicle, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may be used as such a control unit 170.

[0033] Here, the memory unit 172 is equipped with non-volatile memory in addition to RAM, which the CPU 171 uses as a working area. The non-volatile memory stores a program for controlling the dwell time in the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502 of the extension unit 122 in this embodiment, as well as a map for estimating the air temperature at each inlet and outlet from the values ​​measured by the temperature sensor.

[0034] (Control during operation of air conditioning system) Next, we will explain the control procedure during operation of the air conditioning system configured as described above.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control procedure during operation of the air conditioning system shown in Figure 1 in this embodiment, and unless otherwise specified, the processes are performed by the control unit 170. In this embodiment, the operation of the air conditioning system 200, which is operating in the state shown in Figure 1, is controlled to change the dwell time of the extension 122 in the cold air passage 1501 and / or warm air passage 1502 based on the air temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition unit.

[0036] First, the control unit 170 obtains the speed of the extension 122 in the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502, respectively, as the speed of the extension 122 in the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502, respectively (step S101).

[0037] Next, the control unit 170 calculates the lengths of the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502 based on the open / closed state of each inlet P11, P12 and each outlet P21, P22 (step S102). Here, "length of the passage" means the length of the portion through which the air 152 (medium) actually flows in each of the cold air passage 1501 and the hot air passage 1502.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 170 obtains the temperature of the introduced air 152 from the temperature sensors 161A and 162A and obtains the current temperature T of the introduced air 152 (step S103). In this embodiment, if the measured temperatures from each temperature sensor are different, the control unit 170 uses the arithmetic mean of the measured temperatures from each temperature sensor as the current temperature T of the air 152. However, in some cases, the higher (or lower) of the measured temperatures from each temperature sensor may be used as the current temperature T. Steps S101 to S103 can be performed in any order.

[0039] Subsequently, the control unit 170 determines whether the current temperature T of the air 152 acquired above is less than or equal to the lower threshold temperature (T1) that has been set in advance and stored in the memory unit (T≦T1) (step S104). If it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 is not less than or equal to T1 (S104:NO), the control unit 170 determines whether the current temperature T of the air 152 acquired above is greater than or equal to the upper threshold temperature (T2) that has been set in advance and stored in the memory unit (T≧T2) (step S105). If it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 is not greater than or equal to T2 (S105:NO), the control unit 170 terminates this control.

[0040] On the other hand, in step S104, if it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 is T1 or less (S104: YES), the control unit 170 shortens the distance the extension 122 travels through the cold air passage 1501 and lengthens the distance the extension 122 travels through the warm air passage 1502. In this control, only one of the distances may be changed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 170 achieves the above control by controlling the opening and closing of each of the three selectable inlets P11, P12 and each of the outlets P21, P22 via actuators or the like. In addition, the above control may be achieved using other methods. After that, the control unit 170 repeats the control from step S101. Figure 6 shows the state of the air conditioning system 200 after the above control has been executed.

[0041] By performing this control, the residence time of the extension 122 in the cold air passage 1501 can be shortened, while the residence time of the extension 122 in the warm air passage 1502 can be extended. As a result, when the temperature of the air 152 introduced into the air guide passage 150 is below a predetermined value, excessive cooling in the cold air passage 1501 can be suppressed, and sufficient heating in the warm air passage 1502 can be ensured. This improves the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0042] Furthermore, if in step S104 it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 is not less than or equal to T1 (S104: NO), and in step S105 it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 is greater than or equal to T2 (S105: YES), the control unit 170 controls the opening and closing of each inlet P11, P12 and each outlet P21, P22 to increase the distance the extension 122 travels in the cold air passage 1501 and decrease the distance the extension 122 travels in the hot air passage 1502. Note that in this control, only one of the distances may be changed. Alternatively, the above control may be achieved using other methods. After that, the control unit 170 repeats the control from step S101.

[0043] By performing this control, the dwell time of the extension 122 in the cold air passage 1501 can be extended, while the dwell time in the hot air passage 1502 can be shortened. As a result, when the temperature of the air 152 introduced into the air conduit 150 is above a predetermined value, sufficient cooling in the cold air passage 1501 is ensured, and excessive heating in the hot air passage 1502 can be suppressed. This improves the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0044] <Variations of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the control unit 170 changed the dwell time of the extension 122 in each flow path by changing the distance the extension 122 travels through each flow path. However, the control unit 170 may change the dwell time of the extension 122 in each flow path by means other than this. For example, the control unit 170 may increase the speed at which the extension 122 travels through the flow path when shortening the dwell time of the extension 122 in the cold air flow path 1501 or the hot air flow path 1502, and decrease the speed at which the extension 122 travels through the flow path when extending the dwell time of the extension 122 in the flow path.

[0045] 《Second Embodiment》 Next, a control configuration for the air conditioning system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This control configuration also controls the operation of the air conditioning system 200, which is operating in the state shown in Figure 1, so as to change the dwell time of the extension portion 122 in the cold air passage 1501 and / or warm air passage 1502 based on the temperature of the air acquired by the temperature acquisition unit. Here, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 5, the temperature T of the air introduced into the first inlet P11 in the first embodiment described above... 11 and the temperature T of the air introduced into the second inlet P12 12 The operation of the air conditioning unit 200 was controlled based on this. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit 170 controls the temperature T of the air discharged from the first outlet P21 of the cold air generating unit 201. 21 The operation of the air conditioning system 200 is controlled based on this. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control procedure during operation of the air conditioning system shown in Figure 1 in this embodiment, and unless otherwise specified, the processes are performed by the control unit 170.

[0046] First, the control unit 170 performs steps similar to steps S101 and S102 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5 (steps S201 and S202). Furthermore, the control unit 170 receives the current temperature T of the air 152 discharged from the outlet P21 from the temperature sensor 161B. 21 Obtain (step S203).

[0047] Subsequently, the control unit 170 determines the current temperature T of the air 152 obtained above. 21 However, it is below the lower limit temperature (T3) which is set in advance and stored in the memory unit (T 21 Determine whether or not ≤T3 (step S204). Here, the current temperature T of air 152 is 21 If it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 obtained above is not below T3 (S204: NO), the control unit 170 determines the current temperature T 21 However, if the temperature is above the upper limit temperature (T4) which is set in advance and stored in the memory unit (T 21 Determine whether or not the temperature is ≥T4 (step S205). Here, the current temperature of air 152 is T 21If it is determined that the value is not T4 or higher (S205: NO), the control unit 170 terminates this control.

[0048] On the other hand, in step S204, the current temperature T of the air 152 21 If it is determined that the temperature is T3 or less (S204: YES), the control unit 170 controls the distance that the extension portion 122 travels through the cold air passage 1501. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 170 achieves the above control by controlling the opening and closing of the first inlet P11 and the first outlet P21, of which there are three each that can be selected, via actuators or the like. Note that the above control may be achieved by other methods. After that, the control unit 170 repeats the control from step S201. Here, Figure 8 shows the state of the air conditioning unit 200 after the above control has been executed.

[0049] By performing this control, the dwell time of the extension portion 122 in the cold air passage 1501 can be shortened. As a result, when the temperature of the air 152 discharged from the cold air generation portion 201 of the air guide passage 150 is below a predetermined value, it is possible to suppress the air 152 from being cooled more than necessary in the cold air passage 1501. This improves the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S204, the current temperature T of the air 152 21 It is determined that it is not below T3 (S204: NO), and in step S205, the current temperature of air 152 T 21 If it is determined that the temperature is T4 or higher (S205: YES), the control unit 170 controls the opening and closing of the first inlet P11 and the first outlet P21 to increase the distance the extension 122 travels in the cold air passage 1501. The above control may be achieved by other methods. After that, the control unit 170 repeats the control from step S201.

[0051] By performing this control, the dwell time of the extension portion 122 in the cold air passage 1501 can be extended. As a result, when the temperature of the air 152 discharged from the cold air generating portion 201 of the air guide passage 150 is above a predetermined value, it is possible to ensure that the air 152 is sufficiently cooled in the cold air passage 1501. This improves the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0052] <Variations of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment described above, the control unit 170 determines the current temperature T of the air 152 discharged from the outlet P21 of the cold air generating unit 201. 21 Based on this, the residence time of the extension portion 122 in the cold air passage 1501 was changed by changing the distance the extension portion 122 traveled in the cold air passage 1501. However, the control unit 170 may change the residence time of the extension portion 122 in the cold air passage 1501 by means other than this. For example, the control unit 170 may increase the speed at which the extension portion 122 moves in the cold air passage 1501 when shortening the residence time of the extension portion 122 in the cold air passage 1501, and decrease the speed at which the extension portion 122 moves in the cold air passage 1501 when extending the residence time of the extension portion 122 in the cold air passage 1501.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 170 determines the current temperature T of the air 152 discharged from the outlet P22 of the hot air generating unit 202. 22 Based on this, control may be performed to change the residence time of the extension portion 122 in the hot air flow path 1502 by changing the distance the extension portion 122 travels through the hot air flow path 1502. Specifically, the current temperature T of the air 152 22 When the temperature is below a predetermined lower threshold temperature, the residence time of the extension portion 122 in the hot air flow path 1502 is extended, or the current temperature T of the air 152 is increased. 22 When the temperature is above a predetermined upper limit threshold temperature, it is also possible to control the dwell time of the extension portion 122 in the hot air flow path 1502.

[0054] 《Third Embodiment》 Next, a control configuration for the air conditioning system 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Unlike the first and second embodiments, the control configuration of this embodiment controls the operation of the air conditioning system 200, which is operating in the state shown in Figure 1, so as to change the flow direction of the air 152 (medium) in the cold air passage 1501 and / or the warm air passage 1502 based on the temperature of the air acquired by the temperature acquisition unit. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control procedure when the air conditioning system shown in Figure 1 is operating in this embodiment, and unless otherwise specified, the processing is performed by the control unit 170.

[0055] First, the control unit 170 performs steps similar to steps S101 to S103 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5 (steps S301 to S303).

[0056] Subsequently, the control unit 170 determines whether the current temperature T of the air 152 obtained above is equal to or greater than the lower threshold temperature (T2) (T≧T2) that has been set in advance and stored in the memory unit (step S304). If it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 is not equal to or greater than T2 (S304:NO), the control unit 170 terminates this control.

[0057] On the other hand, in step S304, if it is determined that the current temperature T of the air 152 is T2 or higher (S304: YES), the control unit 170 switches the blower 1511 and exhaust device 1531 of the cold air generating unit 201 to each other. In the state shown in Figure 1, the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 in the cold air flow path 1501 and the direction of movement of the air 152 were the same (parallel flow). In contrast, as described above, when the control unit 170 switches the blower 1511 and exhaust device 1531 of the cold air generating unit 201 to each other, the air 152 in the cold air generating unit 201 is introduced from the blower located at the top of Figure 1 and discharged from the exhaust device located at the bottom. In other words, the above switching changes the direction of air flow of the air 152 in the cold air flow path 1501. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the direction of movement of the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501 change to opposite directions (counterflow). Here, in the heat exchange between the extension 122 and the air 152, which have a constant temperature difference, the amount of heat exchanged in the counterflow case is greater than in the parallel flow case. Therefore, the above switching increases the amount of heat exchanged between the extension 122 and the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501. As a result, when the temperature of the air 152 introduced into the cold air passage 1501 of the air conduit 150 is above a predetermined value, it is guaranteed that the cold air passage 1501 will be sufficiently cooled. This improves the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0058] <Modified version of the third embodiment> In the third embodiment described above, the control unit 170, when the temperature T of the air 152 introduced into the cold air passage 1501 is above the upper limit threshold temperature (T2), changes the flow direction of the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501, thereby switching the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501 from parallel flow to counter-flow. This control increases the amount of heat exchange between the extension 122 and the air 152 (medium) in the cold air passage 1501, thereby ensuring sufficient cooling of the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501.

[0059] In the third embodiment modification 1, based on the same concept as above, the temperature T of the air 152 discharged from the cold air passage 1501 is 21 If the temperature is above the upper limit threshold temperature, the flow direction of the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501 may be changed to switch the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501 from parallel flow to counter-flow. This control increases the amount of heat exchange between the extension 122 and the air 152 (medium) in the cold air passage 1501, and similarly ensures sufficient cooling of the air 152 in the cold air passage 1501.

[0060] Furthermore, in a modified example 2 of the third embodiment, when the temperature T of the air 152 introduced into the hot air passage 1502 is above the upper limit threshold temperature (T2), the flow direction of the air 152 in the hot air passage 1502 may be changed to switch the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the direction of movement of the air 152 in the hot air passage 1502 from opposing flow to parallel flow. This control reduces the amount of heat exchange between the extension portion 122 and the air 152 (medium) in the hot air passage 1502, thereby suppressing the air 152 from being heated more than necessary in the hot air passage 1502.

[0061] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, modification 3, the temperature T of the air 152 discharged from the hot air passage 1502 is... 22 If the temperature is above the upper limit threshold temperature, the flow direction of the air 152 in the hot air passage 1502 may be changed to switch the direction of movement of the heat exchange unit 100 and the direction of movement of the air 152 in the hot air passage 1502 from opposing flow to parallel flow. This control reduces the amount of heat exchange between the extension 122 and the air 152 (medium) in the hot air passage 1502, and similarly prevents the air 152 in the hot air passage 1502 from being heated more than necessary.

[0062] Furthermore, our investigations have revealed that the reaction rates for heat absorption and heat generation in heat-absorbing and heat-generating materials are generally different. This will be explained below using the case where the heat-absorbing and heat-generating material is GMS as an example.

[0063] Figure 11 is a graph showing the results of measuring the temperature change of the fins over time as an indicator of the reaction rate during (a) heat absorption and (b) heat generation of the GMS, by clamping a heat exchange unit with a press mechanism using GMS as an absorbent and heat-generating material and installing fins as extensions.

[0064] In Figure 2, when the press mechanism 3 applies stress to the heat-absorbing and heating section 11 (which includes GMS as the heat-absorbing and heating material) via the housing section 13, the pores of the GMS constituting the heat-absorbing and heating section 11 contract, and the fluid refrigerant (such as water or methanol) adsorbed on the pore walls of the GMS detaches from the pore walls. The fluid refrigerant vaporizes (i.e., evaporates) as it detaches from the pore walls, becoming refrigerant vapor. The fluid refrigerant absorbs heat by undergoing a phase change from liquid to gas within the housing section 13, lowering the temperature of the GMS. Since the GMS is in contact with the heat conduction section 12, the temperature of the heat conduction section 12 also decreases. As a result, the extension portion 122 of the heat conduction section 12 can exchange heat with the air outside the housing section 13 through convection or radiation, thereby cooling the air. As shown in Figure 11(a), since the fluid refrigerant detaches from the pore walls of the GMS all at once when stress is applied, the reaction rate of heat absorption by the GMS is relatively fast, and the temperature of the fins corresponding to the extension portion 122 drops rapidly.

[0065] On the other hand, when the press mechanism 3 releases the stress applied to the heat absorption and heating section 11, the pores of the GMS constituting the heat absorption and heating section 11 expand from a contracted state. The medium vapor present in the containment section 13 is adsorbed onto the pore walls of the GMS and liquefies. The medium vapor generates heat as it undergoes a phase change from gas to liquid within the containment section 13, raising the temperature of the GMS. Since the GMS is in contact with the heat conduction section 12, the temperature of the heat conduction section 12 also rises. As a result, the extension portion 122 of the heat conduction section 12 can exchange heat with the air outside the containment section 13 through convection or radiation, thereby warming the air. As shown in Figure 11(b), the medium vapor is adsorbed onto the pore walls of the GMS upon stress release. In this case, the medium vapor needs to diffuse through the inside of the pore walls in order to be adsorbed onto the pore walls of the GMS, but since this diffusion rate is relatively slow, the adsorption of the medium vapor onto the pore walls of the GMS is also relatively slow, and the temperature of the fins corresponding to the extension portion 122 rises slowly.

[0066] Therefore, it is preferable that the air conditioning device 200 according to this embodiment is configured such that the extension portion 122 stays in the warm air passage 1502 for a longer time than it stays in the cold air passage 1501. To achieve such a configuration, for example, if the movement speed of the extension portion 122 is the same in the cold air passage 1501 and the warm air passage 1502, the above control can be realized by configuring the warm air passage 1502, which is the passage in which the extension portion 122 stays for a longer time, to be longer than the length of the cold air passage 1501.

[0067] Although embodiments of the air conditioning system according to the present invention have been described in detail above, the embodiments described with reference to the drawings are merely examples, and the present invention may be implemented by making appropriate modifications within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention described in the claims.

[0068] For example, in the embodiment described above, the case in which the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section 11 includes GMS, which is a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that absorbs heat with contraction and releases heat with expansion, was explained as an example. However, the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section 11 may also be in a form that includes a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that releases heat with contraction and absorbs heat with expansion. Examples of heat-absorbing and heat-generating materials that can be used in such a form include solid refrigerants (e.g., elastic calorems or pressure calorems). Examples of elastic calorems include alloys containing Ti (for example, TiNi, BaTiO3, PbZr 0.95 Ti 0.05 Examples include O3). Examples of pressure calorems include organic resins containing hydrogen bonds (for example, neopentyl glycol (NPG), pentaerythritol (PE), and pentagricerin (PE)). Solid refrigerants may also be materials other than those listed above. For example, as elastic calorems, Gd5Si2Ge2 and La(Fe,Co,Si) are examples. 13 MnCoGeB 0.02 PVDF-TrFE, Cu2ZnAl, and FeRh may be used, and (NH4)SO4, AgI, rubber, AMP, TRIS, MNP, and NMP may be used as pressure calorems.

[0069] <Examples of application> The above-described air conditioning system 200 is applicable to air conditioning systems installed in vehicles, for example.

[0070] Furthermore, the following embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention: an air conditioning device according to claim 1 having the features of claim 2; an air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2 having the features of claim 3; an air conditioning device according to claim 2 or 3 having the features of claim 4; an air conditioning device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 having the features of claim 5; an air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 having the features of claim 6; an air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 having the features of claim 7; an air conditioning device according to claim 7 having the features of claim 8; an air conditioning device according to claim 7 or 8 having the features of claim 9. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1...Unit body, 3...Pressing mechanism, 11...Heat absorption and heating section, 12...Heat conduction section, 13...Housing section, 31...First clamping body, 32...Second clamping body, 33...Shaft section, 100...Heat exchange unit, 110...Hook, 122...Extension section, 150...Air guide passage, 151...Blower, 152...Air, 153...Exhaust device, 161A, 161B, 162A, 162B...Temperature sensors, 170...Control section, 17 1...CPU, 172...Memory unit, 200...Air conditioning unit, 201...Cold air generator, 202...Hot air generator, 300...Belt conveyor mechanism, 310...Belt conveyor for cold air passage, 320...Belt conveyor for hot air passage, 1501...Cold air passage, 1502...Hot air passage, 1511,1512...Blower, 1531,1532...Exhaust system, P11,P12...Inlet, P21,P22...Outlet.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger, A medium channel through which the medium to be heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger flows, A flow mechanism for causing the aforementioned medium to flow within the aforementioned medium flow path, An air conditioning system equipped with, The heat exchanger described above is An elastic heat-absorbing and heat-generating part, A heat conduction portion that directly or indirectly contacts the heat-absorbing and heat-generating portion and conducts heat from the heat-absorbing and heat-generating portion, A housing that houses the heat-absorbing and heat-generating section and the heat-conducting section, The system includes a press mechanism that performs the operation of applying stress to the heat-absorbing and heat-generating portion housed in the aforementioned housing, and the operation of releasing the stress, The heat-absorbing and heat-generating section has a heat-absorbing and heat-generating material that absorbs or generates heat by undergoing a phase change in conjunction with the application and release of the stress. The heat conduction portion has an extension portion that extends from the housing portion, The extension is positioned within the medium flow path, and the extension exchanges heat with the medium. The aforementioned medium flow path is A cold air passage has a first inlet for introducing the medium and a first outlet for discharging the medium, and the medium is cooled by the heat absorbed by the heat exchanger, The heat exchanger comprises a hot air passage having a second inlet for introducing the medium and a second outlet for discharging the medium, wherein the medium is heated by the heat generated by the heat exchanger, A drive mechanism drives the heat exchange device to move the extension portion alternately within the cold air passage and the hot air passage, The temperature T of the medium introduced into the first inlet １１ , the temperature T of the medium introduced into the second inlet １２ , the temperature T of the medium discharged from the first outlet ２１ , and / or the temperature T of the medium discharged from the second outlet ２２ A temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature, A control unit that, based on the temperature of the medium acquired by the temperature acquisition unit, controls the residence time of the extension in the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage, or controls the movement direction of the extension and the movement direction of the medium in the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage between parallel flow and counter-flow, An air conditioning system that also includes [the following features].

2. The control unit, The temperature T １１ and / or the temperature T １２ When the temperature is below the lower limit threshold, the residence time of the extension in the cold air passage is shortened, and / or the residence time of the extension in the hot air passage is extended, or The temperature T １１ and / or the temperature T １２ The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature is above an upper limit threshold temperature, the residence time of the extension in the cold air passage is extended, and / or the residence time of the extension in the hot air passage is shortened.

3. The control unit, the temperature T ２１ when the temperature T is below the lower threshold temperature, shortening the residence time of the extending portion in the cold air flow path, and / or ２１ when the temperature T is above the upper threshold temperature, extending the residence time of the extending portion in the cold air flow path, or The temperature T ２２ When the temperature is below the lower limit threshold temperature, the residence time of the extension in the hot air flow path is extended, and / or the temperature T ２２ The air conditioning device according to claim 1, which shortens the dwell time of the extension in the hot air passage when the temperature is above the upper limit threshold temperature.

4. The control unit, The air conditioning device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the dwell time of the extension in the cold air passage or the hot air passage is shortened, the distance the extension travels along the passage is shortened, and when the dwell time of the extension in the cold air passage or the hot air passage is extended, the distance the extension travels along the passage is lengthened.

5. The control unit, The air conditioning device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the dwell time of the extension in the cold air passage or the hot air passage is shortened, the speed at which the extension moves along the passage is increased, and when the dwell time of the extension in the cold air passage or the hot air passage is extended, the speed at which the extension moves along the passage is decreased.

6. Multiple inlets for introducing the medium into the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage, and / or outlets for discharging the medium from the cold air passage and / or the hot air passage, are provided so as to be selectable by opening and closing. The air conditioning device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the distance the extension travels through the cold air passage and the hot air passage depending on the selection of the inlet and / or outlet.

7. The control unit, The temperature T １１ and / or the temperature T １２ When the temperature is above the upper limit threshold, the direction of movement of the extension in the cold air passage and the direction of movement of the medium are changed from parallel flow to opposing flow, and / or the direction of movement of the extension in the hot air passage and the direction of movement of the medium are changed from opposing flow to parallel flow, or The temperature T １１ and / or the temperature T １２ The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature is below a lower threshold temperature, the direction of movement of the extension portion and the direction of movement of the medium in the cold air passage are changed from opposing flow to parallel flow, and / or the direction of movement of the extension portion and the direction of movement of the medium in the hot air passage are changed from parallel flow to opposing flow.

8. The control unit, The temperature T ２１ When the temperature is above the upper limit threshold temperature, the direction of movement of the extension in the cold air passage and the direction of movement of the medium are changed from parallel flow to opposing flow, and / or the temperature T ２１ When the temperature is below the lower limit threshold, the direction of movement of the extension in the cold air passage and the direction of movement of the medium are changed from opposing flow to parallel flow, or The temperature T ２２ When the temperature is above the upper limit threshold temperature, the direction of movement of the extension in the hot air flow path and the direction of movement of the medium are changed from opposing flow to parallel flow, and / or the temperature T ２２ The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature is below a lower threshold temperature, the direction of movement of the extension portion in the hot air flow path and the direction of movement of the medium are changed from parallel flow to counter-flow.

9. The control unit, The air conditioning device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein when the direction of movement of the extension portion in the cold air passage or the hot air passage and the direction of movement of the medium are changed between the parallel flow and the counter-flow, the flow direction of the medium in the cold air passage or the hot air passage is changed.

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