Total heat exchanger and heat exchange humidity control element

Abstract

To improve the heat exchange efficiency of the total heat exchanger. [Solution] The total heat exchanger (1) comprises an element (10) having a plurality of partition materials (20) stacked in a first direction (Z1), a first ventilation layer (11) provided with a first flow path (110), and a second ventilation layer (12) provided with a second flow path (120). The first ventilation layer and the second ventilation layer contain a humidity control material (60), and are configured to switch between a first ventilation state in which a first airflow (F1) passes through the first flow path and a second airflow (F2) passes through the second flow path, and a second ventilation state in which a second airflow passes through the first flow path and a first airflow passes through the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a total heat exchanger and a heat and moisture exchange element.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a desiccant air conditioner including a desiccant block device having a desiccant section (dehumidifying and humidifying section) and a total heat exchanger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a type of total heat exchanger, a stationary total heat exchanger is known. Generally, a stationary total heat exchanger includes an element having a structure in which two types of air flow through with a partition plate interposed therebetween. In the element, heat transfer (sensible heat exchange) and moisture transfer (latent heat exchange) can occur between the two types of air through the partition plate. In this type of technology, further improvement in heat exchange efficiency is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a total heat exchanger in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an element having a plurality of partition members stacked in a first direction, a first ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition members and provided with a first flow path, and a second ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition members at a position adjacent to the first ventilation layer via the partition members and provided with a second flow path, wherein the first ventilation layer and the second ventilation layer contain a humidity control material, and are configured to switch between a first ventilation state in which a first airflow passes through the first flow path and a second airflow different from the first airflow passes through the second flow path, and a second ventilation state in which the second airflow passes through the first flow path and the first airflow passes through the second flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the heat exchange efficiency of a total heat exchanger can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view illustrating the first and second ventilation states of the total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of total heat exchange in a total heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of total heat exchange in a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a humidity control material. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the total heat exchanger in Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is intended to provide a better understanding of the spirit of the invention and does not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. For the sake of clarity, the drawings referenced in the following description show only the main components necessary to explain the embodiment in a simplified manner, and known technical matters are omitted from the illustration and explanation as appropriate.

[0009] This embodiment describes, for example, a total heat exchanger installed in a building and a heat exchange humidity control element used in the total heat exchanger. Examples of buildings include residences, shops, offices, facilities, etc. However, it is not limited to these, and the total heat exchanger in one embodiment of this disclosure may be installed in various types of buildings, and may also be installed in passenger cabins of vehicles (cars, passenger planes, passenger ships, trains, etc.), and can be applied to various situations requiring ventilation. The total heat exchanger in one embodiment of this disclosure is typically used for indoor and outdoor ventilation. However, it is not limited to these, and the total heat exchanger in one embodiment of this disclosure may be used for indoor and outdoor ventilation.

[0010] (Configuration of a total heat exchanger) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 1 shows the main components of the total heat exchanger for clarity of illustration and explanation. Figure 1 also schematically shows the elements of the total heat exchanger viewed from the side in the directions of arrows A1 and A2.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, a total heat exchanger 1 in one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an element (heat exchange humidity control element) 10. In this specification, the thickness direction of the element 10 is referred to as the first direction Z1. The element 10 includes a plurality of partition members 20 stacked in the first direction Z1. The element 10 has a first ventilation layer 11 located between two adjacent partition members 20 and provided with a first flow path 110, and a second ventilation layer 12 located between two adjacent partition members 20 at a position adjacent to the first ventilation layer 11 via the partition members 20 and provided with a second flow path 120. The first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12 include a humidity control material 60 (not shown). The humidity control material 60 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 6.

[0012] The first ventilation layer 11 may have a plurality of first flow channels 110, and the second ventilation layer 12 may have a plurality of second flow channels 120. In element 10, the first flow channels 110 and the second flow channels 120 may each extend in a straight line. The first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12 may be arranged so that the first flow channels 110 and the second flow channels 120 intersect each other in a planar perspective view. Furthermore, element 10 may comprise a plurality of first ventilation layers 11 and a plurality of second ventilation layers 12. In element 10, the first ventilation layers 11 and the second ventilation layers 12 may be positioned alternately in the first direction Z1.

[0013] In this specification, indoor spaces may be simply referred to as indoor IS, and outdoor spaces as outdoor OS. The air in indoor IS will be referred to as first gas G1, and the air in outdoor OS will be referred to as second gas G2. Typically, indoor IS is more comfortable for people than outdoor OS, and the environment of indoor IS may be controlled by, for example, air conditioning equipment. In the following description, we assume a situation where heat exchange ventilation is required to maintain the environment of indoor IS (in other words, to maintain the state of first gas G1 as much as possible). Note that indoor IS and outdoor OS can also be expressed as indoors and outdoors, respectively.

[0014] In this specification, the second gas G2 introduced from the outdoor OS into the total heat exchanger 1 (element 10) is referred to as the outdoor air OA, and the air supplied to the indoor IS through the element 10 is referred to as the supply air SA. Also, the first gas G1 introduced from the indoor IS into the total heat exchanger 1 (element 10) is referred to as the return air RA, and the air discharged to the outdoor OS through the element 10 is referred to as the exhaust air EA. And in this specification, for the convenience of explanation, the gas flow in which the return air RA is introduced from the indoor IS into the total heat exchanger 1 and ventilates through the element 10 is referred to as the first air flow F1, and the gas flow in which the outdoor air OA is introduced from the outdoor OS into the total heat exchanger 1 and ventilates through the element 10 is referred to as the second air flow F2.

[0015] Hereinafter, the direction along the first direction Z1 is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the XY-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is defined. Similarly, the XYZ-axis directions are defined and described in the following explanations. The XYZ-axis coordinate system is illustrated in each figure for reference. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which the first air flow F1 flows is along the X-axis direction, and the direction in which the second air flow F2 flows is along the Y-axis direction.

[0016] The total heat exchanger 1 in one embodiment of the present disclosure has a first ventilation state in which the first air flow F1 passes through the first flow path 110 and a second air flow F2 different from the first air flow F1 passes through the second flow path 120, and a second ventilation state in which the second air flow F2 passes through the first flow path 110 and the first air flow F1 passes through the second flow path 120, and is configured to be switchable.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the figures marked with reference signs A1-1 and A2-1 show the first ventilation state, and the figures marked with reference signs A1-2 and A2-2 show the second ventilation state. The total heat exchanger 1 in the present embodiment may be configured to switch between the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state, for example, by rotating the element 10 with the first direction Z1 as the rotation axis direction. The specific means for switching between the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state is not particularly limited.

[0018] Element 10 may be, for example, an orthogonal element having a rectangular shape when viewed from a first direction Z1. Element 10 comprises a first outer partition member 20T located at one end in the first direction Z1, and a second outer partition member 20B located at the other end in the first direction Z1. The first outer partition member 20T and the second outer partition member 20B may be rectangular plate-like members. The first outer partition member 20T and the second outer partition member 20B may be the same material as partition member 20, or they may be different materials. In the example shown in Figure 1, a second ventilation layer 12 is provided between the first outer partition member 20T and the adjacent partition member 20, and a first ventilation layer 11 is provided between the second outer partition member 20B and the adjacent partition member 20.

[0019] In the total heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the first ventilation layer 11 has a plurality of first partition members 251 provided between two adjacent partition members 20, and a first flow path group 110G including a plurality of first flow paths 110. The second ventilation layer 12 has a plurality of second partition members 252 provided between two adjacent partition members 20, and a second flow path group 120G including a plurality of second flow paths 120. In the total heat exchanger 1, for example, a humidity control material may be attached to the first partition members 251 and the second partition members 252 in the element 10. The first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12 may have, for example, a corrugated structure.

[0020] In the following, when the first partition member 251 and the second partition member 252 are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as partition member 25. Partition member 25 can also be referred to as spacing member. In element 10, the partition members 25 are placed between each of the multiple partition members 20, so that the multiple partition members 20 are spaced apart in the first direction Z1.

[0021] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the first and second ventilation states of the total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the four faces of the element 10 are designated as the first face 15A, the second face 15B, the third face 15C, and the fourth face 15D, respectively. The first to fourth faces 15A to D can be considered virtual faces. This is because, in the first to fourth faces 15A to D, the flow path end faces or the side walls of the partition members constituting the flow path are exposed between the respective end faces of the multiple partition members 20, and no actual faces are formed.

[0022] As shown in the diagrams labeled A-1 and A2-1 in Figure 1 and in Figure 2, in the first ventilation state, return air RA is supplied to the first surface 15A, and after the first airflow F1 passes through the first flow path 110 in the element 10, exhaust air EA is discharged from the third surface 15C. Also in the first ventilation state, outside air OA is supplied to the second surface 15B, and after the second airflow F2 passes through the second flow path 120 in the element 10, supply air SA is discharged from the fourth surface 15D.

[0023] Then, as shown in the diagrams labeled A-2 and A2-2 in Figure 1 and in Figure 2, in the second ventilation state, return air RA is supplied to the fourth surface 15D, and after the first airflow F1 passes through the second flow path 120 in the element 10, exhaust air EA is discharged from the second surface 15B. Also in the second ventilation state, outside air OA is supplied to the first surface 15A, and after the second airflow F2 passes through the first flow path 110 in the element 10, supply air SA is discharged from the third surface 15C.

[0024] In element 10, the first flow path 110 extends in a second direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction Z1, and the second flow path 120 may extend in a third direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction Z1 and the second direction. In the first ventilation state, the second direction in which the first flow path 110 extends may be along the X-axis direction, and the third direction in which the second flow path 120 extends may be along the Y-axis direction. In this case, in the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the second ventilation state, the second direction in which the first flow path 110 extends may be along the Y-axis direction, and the third direction in which the second flow path 120 extends may be along the X-axis direction.

[0025] (Advantages of total heat exchangers) Generally speaking, the following can be said about conventional static total heat exchangers (residential total heat exchangers) available on the market. In conventional static total heat exchangers, two types of air are passed through a partition plate within the element, and the difference in vapor pressure (absolute humidity) between the two types of air is used as the driving force to cause the movement of moisture. In this case, the humidity (latent heat) exchange efficiency decreases in high-humidity environments. Also, since heat usually moves faster than moisture through the partition plate, condensation may occur on the partition plate when the temperature difference between the two types of air is large or when high-humidity air is passed through. If this causes damage to the element's base material (paper, etc.), or when the water film adhering to the partition plate hinders the movement of moisture, the heat exchange efficiency will decrease.

[0026] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have, through diligent study, conceived of a total heat exchanger 1 in one aspect of this disclosure. The total heat exchanger 1 has the same basic performance as a static total heat exchanger, but in the case of a large latent heat load, the humidity control material takes on the task of handling the heat load, thereby reducing the occurrence of condensation, etc. Furthermore, it is configured to be switchable between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state. In the total heat exchanger 1, heat and moisture can be transferred between the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2 via the partition material 20, and the humidity control material contained in the first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12 absorbs and releases moisture between the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2. The humidity control material may have a predetermined equilibrium humidity. As a result, the humidity control material having moisture absorption (moisture storage) capacity functions as a buffer, so changes in relative humidity can be suppressed, and rapid changes can also be suppressed. In other words, the possibility of absolute humidity exceeding critical humidity (condensation occurring) due to temperature changes in the first airflow F1 or the second airflow F2 within element 10 can be reduced.

[0027] Furthermore, along with the movement of moisture through the partition material 20, the humidity control material absorbs or releases moisture (water vapor) in the first airflow F1 or the second airflow F2, thereby improving the latent heat exchange efficiency.

[0028] The total heat exchanger 1 can repeatedly absorb moisture from the first airflow F1 or the second airflow F2 by the humidity control material and regenerate (release moisture) the humidity control material by switching between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state at predetermined time intervals. If the latent heat load is small, for example, the total heat exchanger 1 does not need to switch between the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state, and in this case it can be operated as a normal static total heat exchanger. As a result, power consumption can be reduced and the lifespan of the drive components can be extended.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of total heat exchange in a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 3 shows total heat exchange in a state where the outdoor environment (outdoor OS) is a winter climate environment, and the indoor environment (indoor IS) is a relatively hotter and more humid environment than the outdoor environment due to air conditioning (heating). The diagram indicated by reference numeral 3001 in Figure 3 schematically shows total heat exchange from the perspective of a second airflow F2 passing laterally, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 3002 in Figure 3 schematically shows total heat exchange from the perspective of a first airflow F1 passing laterally.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 3, heat is transferred from the relatively high-temperature and high-humidity first airflow F1 to the partition member 25 and the partition material 20 within the element 10, and water molecules M in the first airflow F1 are adsorbed onto the humidity control material. In other words, the humidity control material absorbs moisture from the first airflow F1. As a result, heat of adsorption is generated in the humidity control material. Sensible heat and latent heat are then transferred through the partition material 20 that separates the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2. Moisture may also be transferred along with heat from the first airflow F1 to the second airflow F2.

[0031] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 3, water molecules M are desorbed from the humidity control material by a second airflow F2 that is relatively cold and low in humidity within the element 10. In other words, the humidity control material is regenerated by releasing moisture into the second airflow F2. The humidity control material may have a predetermined equilibrium humidity, and the difference between this equilibrium humidity and the relative humidity of the second airflow F2 becomes the driving force for moisture release. Sensible heat and latent heat are transferred from the first airflow F1 to the second airflow F2 via the partition material 20. This makes it possible to increase the heat exchange efficiency and to effectively regenerate the humidity control material by reducing the relative humidity of the second airflow F2.

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of total heat exchange in a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 4 shows total heat exchange in a state where the outdoors (outdoor OS) is in a summer climate environment, and the indoors (indoor IS) is in a relatively cooler and less humid environment than outdoors due to air conditioning (cooling). The diagram indicated by reference numeral 4001 in Figure 4 schematically shows total heat exchange from the perspective of a first airflow F1 passing laterally, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 4002 in Figure 4 schematically shows total heat exchange from the perspective of a second airflow F2 passing laterally.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 4, heat is transferred from the relatively high-temperature and high-humidity second airflow F2 to the partition member 25 and the partition material 20 within the element 10, and water molecules M in the second airflow F2 are adsorbed onto the humidity control material. In other words, the humidity control material absorbs moisture from the second airflow F2. As a result, heat of adsorption is generated in the humidity control material. Sensible heat and latent heat are then transferred through the partition material 20 that separates the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2. Moisture may also be transferred along with heat from the first airflow F1 to the second airflow F2.

[0034] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 4, water molecules M are desorbed from the humidity control material by a first airflow F1 that is relatively cold and low in humidity within the element 10. In other words, the humidity control material is regenerated by releasing moisture into the first airflow F1. The humidity control material may have a predetermined equilibrium humidity, and the difference between this equilibrium humidity and the relative humidity of the second airflow F2 becomes the driving force for moisture release. Sensible heat and latent heat are transferred from the second airflow F2 to the first airflow F1 via the partition material 20. This makes it possible to increase the heat exchange efficiency and effectively regenerate the humidity control material by reducing the relative humidity of the first airflow F1.

[0035] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the total heat exchanger 1 can be switched between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state, thereby switching the layers through which the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2 each pass between the first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12. Therefore, in addition to the total heat exchange described above, the moisture absorption and release (moisture absorption and regeneration) of the moisture control material in the first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12 can be repeatedly performed.

[0036] (Example configuration) Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the total heat exchanger 1 may include a first airflow generating unit 30A that generates a first airflow F1 within the element 10, and a second airflow generating unit 30B that generates a second airflow F2 within the element 10. The total heat exchanger 1 may be configured to switch between the aforementioned first ventilation state and second ventilation state by changing the correspondence between the end faces of the first flow path 110 in the first ventilation layer 11 and the end faces of the second flow path 120 in the second ventilation layer 12, and the first airflow generating unit 30A and the second airflow generating unit 30B.

[0037] The total heat exchanger 1 may include, for example, a rotating mechanism 40 that rotates the element 10 around a rotation axis along a first direction Z1. The specific configuration of the rotating mechanism 40 is not particularly limited. The element 10 may be arranged on a rotary table that can be rotated by a stepping motor (pulse motor), for example. Alternatively, the element 10 may be enclosed in a housing that has openings in part to allow ventilation to the first to fourth surfaces 15A to D, and the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state may be switchable by rotating the housing around a rotation axis along the first direction Z1, or by rotating the element 10 so as to invert it upside down.

[0038] The total heat exchanger 1 may include a control unit 70 that controls the rotational operation of the rotating mechanism 40. For example, the total heat exchanger 1 may be switched between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state by sending a control signal from the control unit 70 (controller) to the motor driver of the rotating mechanism 40.

[0039] In the total heat exchanger 1, the rotation mechanism 40 may switch between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state at predetermined time intervals. This predetermined time can be set as appropriate, for example, to several tens of seconds to several minutes. In the total heat exchanger 1, after the ventilation state is switched by the rotation mechanism 40, the turbulence of the airflow at the time of switching tends to stabilize over time, and the moisture absorption of the humidity control material approaches saturation. The above predetermined time can be set in a range of 30 seconds or more, for example, to facilitate the generation of a smooth airflow. Furthermore, the above predetermined time can be set from the viewpoint of facilitating the generation of a smooth airflow and considering the amount of humidity control material to be impregnated for moisture absorption, for example, it can be set in a range of 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or in a range of 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

[0040] In the total heat exchanger 1, the operation of the first airflow generating unit 30A and the second airflow generating unit 30B may be controlled by the control unit 70. Furthermore, the first airflow generating unit 30A and the second airflow generating unit 30B may be movable to change their relative positional relationship with respect to the element 10, for example. In this case, the control unit 70 may be able to switch between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state by moving the first airflow generating unit 30A and the second airflow generating unit 30B.

[0041] In element 10, the partition material 20 may be, for example, a plate-shaped member. The partition material 20 may be a rigid member that requires strong force to deform, or a soft member that deforms relatively easily. The partition material 20 may be a sheet-shaped member, a film-shaped member, a membrane-shaped member, etc. The thickness of the partition material 20 may be, for example, 0.025 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, or about 0.1 mm.

[0042] The partition material 20 may have heat conductivity and moisture permeability. The partition material 20 may be made of paper (non-porous paper, porous paper, etc.). The partition material 20 may be, for example, non-porous paper with a resin coating on the surface of dense paper, or a microporous sheet. The resin may be a hydrophilic resin. The partition material 20 may be partially or entirely coated with a hydrophilic resin, for example, and at least a part of it may be coated. If the partition material 20 is made of non-porous paper, its thickness may be about 0.025 mm. Moisture moves from the high-humidity side to the low-humidity side through the non-porous paper due to moisture condensation on the high-humidity side of the non-porous paper, as well as capillary action and diffusion within the non-porous paper.

[0043] In element 10, heat transfer and moisture transfer occur between the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2 via a partition material 20 between the first channel group 110G, which includes a plurality of first channels 110 in the first ventilation layer 11, and the second channel group 120G, which includes a plurality of second channels 120 in the second ventilation layer 12. In the first channel group 110G and the second channel group 120G, moisture absorption and release occurs between the first airflow F1 or the second airflow F2, which is in contact with the humidity control material, and the humidity control material. The partition member 25 may be made of, for example, paper.

[0044] The partition material 20 may be made of resin. For example, if the partition material 20 is made of resin, the partition material 20 has heat conductivity but poor moisture permeability. In the total heat exchanger 1, by including a humidity control material 60 in the first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12 (for example, the humidity control material 60 is attached to a resin plate), both sensible heat exchange due to the heat conductivity of the partition material 20 and humidity control (latent heat exchange) by the humidity control material 60 occur effectively. For example, in cold regions, condensed water may freeze, so there is an advantage to making the partition material 20 out of resin.

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a humidity control material. As shown in Figure 6, the humidity control material 60 may, for example, contain a humidity control component 61 and a water absorbent material 62. The humidity control material 60 has a predetermined equilibrium humidity, and when the humidity of the surrounding environment is higher than the predetermined equilibrium humidity, it can absorb moisture from the air. Also, when the humidity of the surrounding environment is lower than the predetermined equilibrium humidity, the humidity control material 60 can release the moisture it contains into the air.

[0046] The humidity control material 60 can adjust a predetermined equilibrium humidity (in other words, a target humidity) by changing the specific composition of the humidity control component 61 and the water absorbent material 62. In the total heat exchanger 1, the predetermined equilibrium humidity of the humidity control material 60 may be set to correspond to the usage conditions. As a result, the humidity control material 60 can repeatedly absorb and release moisture in conjunction with the switching between the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state of the total heat exchanger 1. Therefore, it can exert its effect over the long term.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 6, the humidity control material 60 is composed of a humidity control liquid, which is a humidity control component 61, impregnated into the water absorbent material 62. The water absorbent material 62 may contain, for example, a resin, and the resin may be an ionic resin or a nonionic resin. Specific examples of ionic resins include alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, starch-acrylate graft polymers, and copolymer crosslinked monomers consisting of sulfoalkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, (meth)acrylic acid monomers, and other polymerized monomers as needed. Specific examples of alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid include sodium polyacrylate. Specific examples of nonionic resins include vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyalkylene oxides.

[0048] The humidity control component 61 may contain at least one of a polyhydric alcohol and a metal salt.

[0049] Specific examples of polyhydric alcohols include glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol. The humidity control component 61 may contain polyhydric alcohols having three or more hydroxyl groups, such as glycerin. The polyhydric alcohol may also constitute a dimer or polymer. The humidity control component 61 may contain only one type of polyhydric alcohol or two or more types.

[0050] The metal salt may contain alkali metal elements and halogen elements. Specific examples of metal salts include calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, and sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate. The humidity control component 61 may contain only one metal salt or two or more metal salts.

[0051] The humidity control material 60 may be configured to have a predetermined equilibrium humidity and to exhibit rapid moisture absorption or release with a specific humidity range as a threshold. The relative humidity (threshold) that causes rapid moisture absorption and release in the humidity control material 60 above a predetermined relative humidity is called the critical relative humidity. For the sake of explanation, this characteristic of the humidity control material 60 that causes such rapid moisture absorption and release is called "sensitive humidity control characteristic." Although the detailed mechanism of the sensitive humidity control characteristic of the humidity control material 60 is not yet clear, it is speculated that the phase transformation (crystallization) of the humidity control component 61 may be influencing it.

[0052] The humidity control component 61 may contain a metal salt component that forms hydrate crystals within the specific humidity range described above. For example, the humidity control component 61 may contain a carboxylate as the metal salt. Examples of carboxylates include sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, potassium formate, and potassium acetate. The humidity control component 61 may contain a deliquescent substance, for example, a halide of an alkali metal element as the metal salt. This makes it easier to improve the sensitive humidity control properties of the humidity control material 60.

[0053] The humidity control component 61 may contain a specific metal salt and other components as additives for adjusting the critical relative humidity. Examples of additives include other metal salts, polyhydric alcohols, or substances that serve as nucleation materials for hydrate crystals. Specific examples of substances that serve as nucleation materials for hydrate crystals include carboxylic acids having two or more carboxyl groups and amides having two or more amide groups.

[0054] The humidity control component 61 may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, potassium formate, and potassium acetate. This results in a difference of 200% or more between the moisture absorption rate in a 90% relative humidity environment and the moisture absorption rate in a 40% relative humidity environment, allowing the humidity control component to absorb and release more than twice its weight in moisture. More preferably, it may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate. The critical relative humidity for sodium formate and sodium propionate is around 50%, and the critical relative humidity for sodium acetate is around 70%. Because these substances have a large absolute amount of moisture absorption or release, they can improve the humidity control function of the humidity control material 60. By using the humidity control material 60, the total heat exchanger 1 can control the humidity of the supply air SA to be within the comfortable humidity range for living environments (for example, relative humidity: 40% to 70%), and can also increase the amount of humidity controlled (the amount of moisture that can be absorbed and released).

[0055] The shape of the humidity control material 60 is not particularly limited, and the shape of the water-absorbing material 62, which is a resin, may be in the form of powder, particles, or blocks. In the humidity control material 60, for example, the amount of humidity control component 61 relative to the water-absorbing material 62 may be 1 part by weight or more and 1000 parts by weight or less, based on 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbing material 62. The humidity control material 60 may be supported on a carrier 65, and the carrier 65 may be a material that moistens and holds the humidity control liquid, which is the humidity control component 61. The carrier 65 may be, for example, a porous material, a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a metal material, or a binder.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 6, the carrier 65 is a binder, and the sheet shows a binder (carrier 65) placed between water-absorbing materials 66, with the humidity control material 60 dispersed within the binder. Such a sheet may be attached to the partition member 25 of the element 10, and the sheet shown in the example in Figure 6 may be used as the partition member 25. However, it is not limited to this, and beads containing the humidity control material 60 may be included in the partition member 25. The humidity control component 61 may be inherent in the water-absorbing material 62 or may be present outside the water-absorbing material 62.

[0057] The humidity control material 60 is attached to the partition member 25, but does not have to be attached to the partition material 20. Alternatively, the humidity control material 60 may be attached to at least a portion of the partition material 20, in which case it is desirable that the humidity control material 60 does not hinder sensible and latent heat exchange through the partition material 20. By attaching the humidity control material 60 to a portion of the partition material 20, the latent heat exchange efficiency can be improved, and as a result, the total heat exchange efficiency can be improved. The humidity control material 60 may be included in the partition member 25 and a portion of the partition material 20.

[0058] In element 10, in the first flow channel group 110G, the first partition member 251 may have a larger amount of humidity control material 60 attached than the partition member 20, and in the second flow channel group 120G, the second partition member 252 may have a larger amount of humidity control material 60 attached than the partition member 20.

[0059] As can be seen from the above description, the element 10 included in the total heat exchanger 1 in one aspect of the present disclosure is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. The heat exchange humidity control element (element 10) in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of partition members 20 stacked in a first direction Z1, a first ventilation layer 11 located between two adjacent partition members 20 and provided with a first flow path 110, and a second ventilation layer 12 located between two adjacent partition members 20 at a position adjacent to the first ventilation layer 11 via the partition members 20 and provided with a second flow path 120, wherein the first ventilation layer 11 and the second ventilation layer 12 include a humidity control material 60, the partition members 20 have heat transfer and humidity permeability, the humidity control material 60 includes a humidity control component 61 and a water absorbent material 62, and the humidity control component 61 includes a carboxylate.

[0060] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0061] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, in the total heat exchanger 1 in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, the rotation mechanism 40 (see Figure 5) may be configured to switch between the aforementioned first ventilation state and second ventilation state by alternately rotating the element 10 in the forward and reverse directions.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 7, in the first ventilation state, return air RA is supplied from the first airflow generating unit 30A to the first surface 15A, exhaust air EA is discharged from the third surface 15C, outside air OA is supplied from the second airflow generating unit 30B to the second surface 15B, and supply air SA is discharged from the fourth surface 15D. The rotation mechanism 40 rotates, for example, the element 10 90° clockwise when viewed from the first direction Z1 (forward rotation). This allows the second ventilation state to be achieved.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 7, in the second ventilation state, return air RA is supplied from the first airflow generation unit 30A to the fourth surface 15D, exhaust air EA is discharged from the second surface 15B, outside air OA is supplied from the second airflow generation unit 30B to the first surface 15A, and supply air SA is discharged from the third surface 15C. Then, the rotation mechanism 40 rotates, for example, the element 10 90° counterclockwise when viewed from the first direction Z1 (reverse rotation). This makes it possible to achieve the first ventilation state.

[0064] In the total heat exchanger 1, the rotation mechanism 40 may switch between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state at predetermined time intervals. This predetermined time may be set as appropriate, for example, to several tens of seconds to several minutes. The above predetermined time may be set in the range of 30 seconds or more, which makes it easier to generate a smooth airflow. Furthermore, the above predetermined time may be set from the viewpoint of making it easier to generate a smooth airflow and taking into account the amount of moisture-absorbing material to be impregnated, for example, it may be set in the range of 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or in the range of 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

[0065] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in another embodiment of Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the total heat exchanger 1 in another embodiment of Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure may be configured to switch between multiple ventilation states by rotating the element 10 in the same direction using a rotation mechanism 40 (see Figure 5). Figure 8 shows an example in which the element 10 is repeatedly rotated 90° clockwise when viewed from a first direction Z1.

[0066] For the sake of explanation, in the following, the end face located at one end of the first channel 110 in the first ventilation layer 11 will be referred to as the first ventilation end face 11A, and the end face located at the other end of the first channel 110 will be referred to as the second ventilation end face 11C. The first ventilation end face 11A and the second ventilation end face 11C are included in the first surface 15A and the third surface 15C mentioned above, respectively. In addition, the end face located at one end of the second channel 120 in the second ventilation layer 12 will be referred to as the third ventilation end face 12B, and the end face located at the other end of the second channel 120 will be referred to as the fourth ventilation end face 12D. The third ventilation end face 12B and the fourth ventilation end face 12D are included in the second surface 15B and the fourth surface 15D mentioned above, respectively.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 8, the state in which the first airflow F1 flows into the first flow path 110 from the first ventilation end face 11A and the second airflow F2 flows into the second flow path 120 from the third ventilation end face 12B is referred to as the first ventilation direction state. Next, the element 10 rotates 90° clockwise when viewed from the first direction Z1. As a result, the state in which the first airflow F1 flows into the second flow path 120 from the fourth ventilation end face 12D and the second airflow F2 flows into the first flow path 110 from the first ventilation end face 11A is referred to as the third ventilation direction state.

[0068] Next, element 10 rotates 90° clockwise when viewed from the first direction Z1. This results in a state where the first airflow F1 flows into the first flow path 110 from the second ventilation end face 11C and the second airflow F2 flows into the second flow path 120 from the fourth ventilation end face 12D. This state is referred to as the second ventilation direction state. Next, element 10 rotates 90° clockwise when viewed from the first direction Z1. This results in a state where the first airflow F1 flows into the second flow path 120 from the third ventilation end face 12B and the second airflow F2 flows into the first flow path 110 from the second ventilation end face 11C. This state is referred to as the fourth ventilation direction state.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 8, the aforementioned first ventilation state includes the first ventilation direction state and the second ventilation direction state, and the aforementioned first ventilation state also includes the third ventilation direction state and the fourth ventilation direction state.

[0070] The above explanation can be summarized as follows: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the total heat exchanger 1 includes a rotation mechanism 40 that rotates the element 10 about a rotation axis along a first direction Z1, and the rotation mechanism 40 is configured to switch between the first ventilation direction state, the third ventilation direction state, the second ventilation direction state, and the fourth ventilation direction state in this order by rotating the element 10 in a fixed rotation direction.

[0071] In the total heat exchanger 1, the rotation mechanism 40 may switch between the first ventilation direction state, the third ventilation direction state, the second ventilation direction state, and the fourth ventilation direction state in this order at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time may be set in a range of, for example, 30 seconds or more, which makes it easier to generate a smooth airflow. The predetermined time may also be set from the viewpoint of making it easier to generate a smooth airflow and considering the amount of moisture-absorbing material to be impregnated, for example, it may be set in a range of 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or in a range of 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

[0072] In the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first airflow generating section 30A and the second airflow generating section 30B are located close to the element 10. The first airflow generating section 30A and the second airflow generating section 30B may include ducts. For example, the opening of the duct facing the element 10 may be located close to the element 10. The total heat exchanger 1 may be configured such that the element 10 is rotatable, in other words, that no other object is located on the trajectory through which the four corners of, for example, the first outer partition material 20T or the second outer partition material 20B (see Figure 1) pass when the element 10 rotates. Specifically, in a plan view, the openings of the ducts of the first airflow generating section 30A and the second airflow generating section 30B may be located outside the trajectory through which the corners pass when the element 10 rotates.

[0073] If the first airflow generating unit 30A and the second airflow generating unit 30B are composed of, for example, sirocco fans with outlet shapes as fans, the total heat exchanger 1 does not need to include any duct components. In this case, it is sufficient that the outlets of the first airflow generating unit 30A and the second airflow generating unit 30B are positioned so that the element 10 can rotate. Thus, the total heat exchanger 1 may have a ductless structure, for example. However, it is naturally understood that a duct may be provided between the total heat exchanger 1 and the indoor IS or outdoor OS.

[0074] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0075] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the total heat exchanger in Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. In Embodiment 2, the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state were switched by rotating the element 10 with a rotating mechanism 40. In contrast, Embodiment 3 differs in that the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state are switched by changing the flow path configuration between the first airflow generating unit 30A and the second airflow generating unit 30B and the element 10.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 9, the external space of the total heat exchanger 1 on the side where gas is drawn into the first airflow generating unit 30A is defined as the first external space S1, and the external space of the total heat exchanger 1 on the side where gas is drawn into the second airflow generating unit 30B is defined as the second external space S2. Below, an example will be described in which the first external space S1 and the second external space S2 correspond to the indoor IS and outdoor OS, respectively. Note that the specific configurations of the first external space S1 and the second external space S2 in the total heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment are not particularly limited.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9, the total heat exchanger 1 in Embodiment 3 of this disclosure includes a first airflow generating unit 30A and a second airflow generating unit 30B. The total heat exchanger 1 includes a first external flow path OC1, which is a flow path that connects the first airflow generating unit 30A to the element 10 and allows a first airflow F1 to pass through the element 10, and a second external flow path OC2, which is a flow path that connects the second airflow generating unit 30B to the element 10 and allows a second airflow F2 to pass through the element 10. Hereinafter, when the first external flow path OC1 and the second external flow path OC2 are not distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as the external flow path OC.

[0078] The total heat exchanger 1 further includes a flow path changing mechanism 80 that switches between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state by changing the flow path configuration of the external flow path OC. The specific means of configuring the flow path changing mechanism 80 are not particularly limited, and the following description is just one example. The flow path changing mechanism 80 can be configured, for example, by combining a duct and a switching valve.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 9, the flow path changing mechanism 80 is configured to change the flow path configuration of the first external flow path OC1 and the second external flow path OC2 so as to switch between the first ventilation direction state, which is the first ventilation state described above, and the fifth ventilation direction state, which is the second ventilation state described above. The upper diagram in Figure 9 shows the first ventilation direction state, and the lower diagram in Figure 9 shows the fifth ventilation direction state. In the first ventilation direction state, the first airflow F1 is guided to flow into the element 10 from the first ventilation end face 11A, which is one end face of the first flow path 110 (see Figure 1), and the second airflow F2 is guided to flow into the element 10 from the third ventilation end face 12B, which is one end face of the second flow path 120 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, in the fifth ventilation direction state, the first airflow F1 is guided to flow into the element 10 from the fourth ventilation end face 12D, which is the other end face of the second flow path 120 (see Figure 1), and the second airflow F2 is guided to flow into the element 10 from the second ventilation end face 11C, which is the other end face of the first flow path 110 (see Figure 1).

[0080] The flow path changing mechanism 80 has, for example, the following configuration, which allows the total heat exchanger 1 to switch between a first ventilation direction state and a fifth ventilation direction state.

[0081] The first external flow path OC1 includes a first communication section P1 and a fourth communication section P4, a first switching valve V1 and a fourth switching valve V4, which enable the second airflow F2 flowing out from the element 10 to flow into the first external space S1 (indoor IS) as supply air SA. In the first external flow path OC1, the first switching valve V1 allows the flow path configuration to be switched between a first element guide flow path 81A that guides the first airflow F1 to the first ventilation end face 11A and a first delivery flow path 82A that guides the second airflow F2 flowing out from the first ventilation end face 11A side of the first flow path 110 (see Figure 1) to the first external space S1 through the first communication section P1. The control of the first switching valve V1 and the fourth switching valve V4 regarding the switching of the flow path configuration will be described later. The first element guide channel 81A is a channel that guides the return air RA sent from the first airflow generation section 30A to the first ventilation end face 11A. In other words, the first element guide channel 81A guides the return air RA so that the first airflow F1 flows through the first channel 110 (see Figure 1) from the first ventilation end face 11A to the second ventilation end face 11C. The first discharge channel 82A is a channel that guides the supply air SA sent from the first ventilation end face 11A through the first communication section P1 to the first external space S1 as the second airflow F2 flows through the first channel 110 (see Figure 1) from the second ventilation end face 11C to the first ventilation end face 11A.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first external flow path OC1, the flow path configuration can be switched by the fourth switching valve V4 between the fourth element guide flow path 81D, which guides the first airflow F1 to the fourth ventilation end face 12D, and the fourth discharge flow path 82D, which guides the second airflow F2 that has flowed out from the fourth ventilation end face 12D side of the second flow path 120 (see Figure 1) to the first external space S1 through the fourth communication section P4. The fourth element guide flow path 81D is a flow path that guides the return air RA discharged from the first airflow generation section 30A to the fourth ventilation end face 12D. In other words, the fourth element guide flow path 81D guides the return air RA so that the first airflow F1 flows through the second flow path 120 (see Figure 1) from the fourth ventilation end face 12D to the third ventilation end face 12B. The fourth delivery channel 82D is a channel through which the supply air SA, which is delivered from the fourth ventilation end face 12D by the second airflow F2 flowing through the second channel 120 (see Figure 1) from the third ventilation end face 12B toward the fourth ventilation end face 12D, is guided to the first external space S1 through the fourth communication section P4.

[0083] The flow path changing mechanism 80 controls the first switching valve V1 and the fourth switching valve V4 so that in the first ventilation direction state, the first element guide flow path 81A and the fourth discharge flow path 82D are configured, and in the fifth ventilation direction state, the fourth element guide flow path 81D and the first discharge flow path 82A are configured.

[0084] Specifically, the first element guide channel 81A is configured in the first external flow path OC1 by controlling the first switching valve V1 to close the first communication section P1. Also, the first discharge channel 82A is configured in the first external flow path OC1 by controlling the first switching valve V1 to open the first communication section P1.

[0085] Then, by controlling the fourth switching valve V4 to close the fourth communication section P4, the fourth element guide channel 81D is formed in the first external flow path OC1. Also, by controlling the fourth switching valve V4 to open the fourth communication section P4, the fourth discharge channel 82D is formed in the first external flow path OC1.

[0086] In the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the first ventilation direction state in which the first element guide flow path 81A and the fourth delivery flow path 82D are configured in the first external flow path OC1, the fourth switching valve V4 may be controlled as follows. That is, in the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the first ventilation direction state, the fourth switching valve V4 may be controlled to close the flow path connecting the first airflow generating unit 30A and the fourth ventilation end face 12D. In the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the first ventilation direction state, the fourth switching valve V4 may be controlled to prevent the return air RA sent from the first airflow generating unit 30A from flowing into the fourth delivery flow path 82D, and to prevent the supply air SA flowing through the fourth delivery flow path 82D from diverting toward the first airflow generating unit 30A and mixing with the return air RA.

[0087] Furthermore, in the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the fifth ventilation direction state in which the fourth element guide flow path 81D and the first delivery flow path 82A are configured in the first external flow path OC1, the first switching valve V1 may be controlled as follows. That is, in the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the fifth ventilation direction state, the first switching valve V1 may be controlled to close the flow path connecting the first airflow generating unit 30A and the first ventilation end face 11A. In the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the fifth ventilation direction state, the first switching valve V1 may be controlled to prevent the return air RA sent from the first airflow generating unit 30A from flowing into the first delivery flow path 82A, and to prevent the supply air SA flowing through the first delivery flow path 82A from diverting toward the first airflow generating unit 30A and mixing with the return air RA.

[0088] The total heat exchanger 1, by having the flow path changing mechanism 80 described above, can fix the element 10. Therefore, it is easier to improve the long-term reliability of the total heat exchanger 1 compared to when the element 10 is rotated.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 9, the flow path changing mechanism 80 may have the following configuration for the second external flow path OC2. That is, the second external flow path OC2 includes a second communication section P2 and a third communication section P3 that enable the first airflow F1 flowing out from the element 10 to flow as exhaust EA to the second external space S2 (outdoor OS), a third switching valve V3, and a second switching valve V2. In the second external flow path OC2, the flow path configuration can be switched by the third switching valve V3 between a third element guide flow path 81B that guides the second airflow F2 to the third ventilation end face 12B, and a third discharge flow path 82B that guides the first airflow F1 flowing out from the third ventilation end face 12B side of the second flow path 120 (see Figure 1) to the second external space S2 through the third communication section P3. The control of the third switching valve V3 and the second switching valve V2 regarding the switching of the flow path configuration will be described later. The third element guide channel 81B is a channel that guides the outside air OA sent from the second airflow generation section 30B to the third ventilation end face 12B. In other words, the third element guide channel 81B guides the outside air OA so that the second airflow F2 flows through the second channel 120 (see Figure 1) from the third ventilation end face 12B to the fourth ventilation end face 12D. The third discharge channel 82B is a channel that guides the exhaust EA sent from the third ventilation end face 12B by the first airflow F1 flowing through the second channel 120 (see Figure 1) from the fourth ventilation end face 12D to the third ventilation end face 12B to the second external space S2 through the third communication section P3.

[0090] Furthermore, in the second external flow path OC2, the flow path configuration can be switched by the second switching valve V2 between a second element guide flow path 81C that guides the second airflow F2 to the second ventilation end face 11C, and a second discharge flow path 82C that guides the first airflow F1 that has flowed out from the second ventilation end face 11C side of the first flow path 110 (see Figure 1) to the second external space S2 through the second communication section P2. The second element guide flow path 81C is a flow path that guides the outside air OA discharged from the second airflow generation section 30B to the second ventilation end face 11C. In other words, the second element guide flow path 81C guides the outside air OA so that the second airflow F2 flows through the first flow path 110 (see Figure 1) from the second ventilation end face 11C towards the first ventilation end face 11A. The second discharge channel 82C is a channel that guides the exhaust EA, which is discharged from the second vent end face 11C as the first airflow F1 flows through the first channel 110 (see Figure 1) from the first vent end face 11A to the second vent end face 11C, to the second external space S2 through the second communication section P2.

[0091] The flow path changing mechanism 80 controls the third switching valve V3 and the second switching valve V2 so that the third element guide flow path 81B and the second discharge flow path 82C are configured in the first airflow direction state, and the second element guide flow path 81C and the third discharge flow path 82B are configured in the fifth airflow direction state.

[0092] Specifically, the third element guide channel 81B is configured in the second external flow path OC2 by controlling the third switching valve V3 to close the third communication section P3. Conversely, the third discharge channel 82B is configured in the second external flow path OC2 by controlling the third switching valve V3 to open the third communication section P3.

[0093] Then, by controlling the second switching valve V2 to close the second communication section P2, a second element guide channel 81C is formed in the second external flow path OC2. Also, by controlling the second switching valve V2 to open the second communication section P2, a second discharge channel 82C is formed in the second external flow path OC2.

[0094] In the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the first ventilation direction state in which the second external flow path OC2 is configured with the third element guide flow path 81B and the second discharge flow path 82C, the second switching valve V2 may be controlled as follows. That is, in the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the first ventilation direction state, the second switching valve V2 may be controlled to close the flow path connecting the second airflow generating unit 30B and the second ventilation end face 11C. In the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the first ventilation direction state, the second switching valve V2 may be controlled to prevent outside air OA discharged from the second airflow generating unit 30B from flowing into the second discharge flow path 82C, and to prevent exhaust EA flowing through the second discharge flow path 82C from diverting toward the second airflow generating unit 30B and mixing with the outside air OA.

[0095] Furthermore, in the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the fifth ventilation direction state in which the second element guide flow path 81C and the third discharge flow path 82B are configured in the second external flow path OC2, the third switching valve V3 may be controlled as follows. That is, in the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the fifth ventilation direction state, the third switching valve V3 may be controlled to close the flow path connecting the second airflow generating unit 30B and the third ventilation end face 12B. In the flow path changing mechanism 80, in the fifth ventilation direction state, the third switching valve V3 may be controlled to prevent outside air OA discharged from the second airflow generating unit 30B from flowing into the third discharge flow path 82B, and to prevent exhaust EA flowing through the third discharge flow path 82B from diverting toward the second airflow generating unit 30B and mixing with the outside air OA.

[0096] In this embodiment, the total heat exchanger 1, having the above configuration, can switch between a first ventilation direction state and a fifth ventilation direction state by operating the first to fourth switching valves V1 to V4. Therefore, the ventilation state can be switched relatively easily.

[0097] In the total heat exchanger 1, the flow path changing mechanism 80 may switch between the first airflow direction state and the fifth airflow direction state at predetermined time intervals. This predetermined time may be set as appropriate, for example, to several tens of seconds to several minutes. The above predetermined time may be set in the range of 30 seconds or more, which makes it easier to generate a smooth airflow. The above predetermined time may also be set from the viewpoint of making it easier to generate a smooth airflow and taking into account the amount of moisture-absorbing material to be impregnated, for example, it may be set in the range of 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or in the range of 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

[0098] [Embodiment 4] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0099] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a total heat exchanger in Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 1001 in Figure 10 is a perspective view showing element 10, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1002 in Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the gas flow in element 10.

[0100] As shown in Figure 10, in the total heat exchanger 1, the element 10 may be a counterflow type element having a hexagonal shape when viewed from the first direction Z1. As shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1002 in Figure 10, the element 10 may be configured so that a first airflow F1 and a second airflow F2 flow through it. In other words, in the element 10, the first flow path 110 extends with a partial bend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction Z1, and the second flow path 120 extends with a partial bend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction Z1 and intersects with the first flow path 110.

[0101] 〔summary〕 A total heat exchanger in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises an element having a plurality of partition members stacked in a first direction, a first ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition members and provided with a first flow path, and a second ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition members at a position adjacent to the first ventilation layer via the partition members and provided with a second flow path, wherein the first ventilation layer and the second ventilation layer include a humidity control material, and are configured to switch between a first ventilation state in which a first airflow passes through the first flow path and a second airflow different from the first airflow passes through the second flow path, and a second ventilation state in which the second airflow passes through the first flow path and the first airflow passes through the second flow path.

[0102] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 2 of the present disclosure comprises, in embodiment 1, a first airflow generating unit for generating the first airflow and a second airflow generating unit for generating the second airflow, and switches between the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state by changing the correspondence between the end face of the first flow path in the first ventilation layer and the end face of the second flow path in the second ventilation layer and the first airflow generating unit and the second airflow generating unit.

[0103] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 3 of the present disclosure is equipped with a rotation mechanism in embodiment 1 or 2 that rotates the element about a rotation axis along the first direction.

[0104] In the total heat exchanger of embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 3, the rotating mechanism switches between the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state by alternately rotating the element in the forward direction and in the reverse direction.

[0105] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 5 of the present disclosure, in any one embodiment of embodiments 1 to 4, includes a first ventilation layer comprising a first ventilation end surface located at one end of the first flow path and a second ventilation end surface located at the other end of the first flow path, and includes a third ventilation end surface located at one end of the second flow path and a fourth ventilation end surface located at the other end of the second flow path, and the first ventilation state is a first ventilation direction in which the first airflow flows into the first flow path from the first ventilation end surface side and the second airflow flows into the second flow path from the third ventilation end surface side. The state includes a second ventilation direction state in which a first airflow flows into the first flow path from the second ventilation end face side and a second airflow flows into the second flow path from the fourth ventilation end face side, and the second ventilation state includes a third ventilation direction state in which a first airflow flows into the second flow path from the fourth ventilation end face side and a second airflow flows into the first flow path from the first ventilation end face side, and a fourth ventilation direction state in which a first airflow flows into the second flow path from the third ventilation end face side and a second airflow flows into the first flow path from the second ventilation end face side.

[0106] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 6 of the present disclosure includes a rotation mechanism in embodiment 5 that rotates the element about a rotation axis along the first direction, and the rotation mechanism switches the first ventilation direction state, the third ventilation direction state, the second ventilation direction state, and the fourth ventilation direction state in this order by rotating the element in a fixed rotation direction.

[0107] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 7 of the present disclosure further comprises, in embodiment 1 or 5, a first airflow generating unit for generating the first airflow, a second airflow generating unit for generating the second airflow, external airflow channels for the first airflow and the second airflow communicating from the first airflow generating unit and the second airflow generating unit to the element, and a channel changing mechanism for switching between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state by changing the channel configuration of the external airflow channels.

[0108] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 8 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 7, the external flow path includes a first external flow path interposed between the first airflow generating unit and the element, and a second external flow path interposed between the second airflow generating unit and the element, wherein the flow path changing mechanism changes the flow path configuration of the first external flow path and the second external flow path to switch between (i) a first ventilation direction state in which the first airflow is guided to a first ventilation end face which is one end face of the first flow path and the second airflow is guided to a third ventilation end face which is one end face of the second flow path, and (ii) a second ventilation direction state in which the first airflow is guided to a fourth ventilation end face which is the other end face of the second flow path and the second airflow is guided to a second ventilation end face which is the other end face of the first flow path.

[0109] The total heat exchanger in aspect 9 of the present disclosure is configured such that, in aspect 8, the external space of the total heat exchanger on the side into which the first airflow is introduced is designated as the first external space, and the external space of the total heat exchanger on the side into which the second airflow is introduced is designated as the second external space, and the first external flow path includes a first connecting section and a fourth connecting section that enable the second airflow flowing out from the element to flow into the first external space, a first element guide flow path that guides the first airflow to the first ventilation end face, and the second airflow flowing out from the first ventilation end face side of the first flow path is guided to the first external space through the first connecting section. The flow path changing mechanism includes a first switching valve that can switch the flow path configuration between a first delivery flow path and a fourth element guide flow path that guides the first airflow to the fourth ventilation end face and a fourth delivery flow path through which the second airflow that has flowed out from the fourth ventilation end face side of the second flow path is guided to the first external space through the fourth communication section, and controls the first switching valve and the fourth switching valve so that the first element guide flow path and the fourth delivery flow path are configured in the first ventilation direction state and the fourth element guide flow path and the first delivery flow path are configured in the fifth ventilation direction state.

[0110] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 10 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 9, the second external flow path includes a second and third connecting section that allows the first airflow flowing out of the element to flow into the second external space, a third element guide flow path that guides the second airflow to the third ventilation end face, and a third discharge flow path through which the first airflow flowing out from the third ventilation end face side of the second flow path is guided to the second external space through the third connecting section, a third switching valve that can switch the flow path configuration between these, and the second airflow to the second ventilation end The device includes a second switching valve capable of switching the flow path configuration between a second element guide channel that guides the air to a surface and a second discharge channel through which the first airflow that has flowed out from the second ventilation end face side of the first channel is guided to the second external space through the second communication section, and the flow path changing mechanism controls the third switching valve and the second switching valve so that the third element guide channel and the second discharge channel are configured in the first ventilation direction state and the second element guide channel and the third discharge channel are configured in the fifth ventilation direction state.

[0111] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 11 of the present disclosure, in any one embodiment of embodiments 1 to 10, has a first ventilation layer comprising a plurality of first partition members provided between two adjacent partition members and a first flow path group comprising a plurality of first flow paths, and a second ventilation layer comprising a plurality of second partition members provided between two adjacent partition members and a second flow path group comprising a plurality of second flow paths, wherein the humidity control material is attached to the first partition members and the second partition members.

[0112] In the total heat exchanger of embodiment 12 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 11, in the first flow path group, the amount of humidity control material attached to the first partition member is greater than that attached to the partition material, and in the second flow path group, the amount of humidity control material attached to the second partition member is greater than that attached to the partition material.

[0113] In the total heat exchanger in embodiment 13 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 11, the partition material has heat transfer and moisture permeability, and heat transfer and moisture transfer occur between the first airflow and the second airflow through the partition material between the first flow channel group and the second flow channel group, and moisture absorption and release occurs between the first airflow or the second airflow that comes into contact with the moisture control material and the moisture control material in the first flow channel group and the second flow channel group.

[0114] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 14 of the present disclosure is an orthogonal element having a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction, in any embodiment of embodiments 1 to 10, the element is an orthogonal element having a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction, the first flow path extends in a second direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the second flow path extends in a third direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0115] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 15 of the present disclosure is, in any one embodiment of embodiments 1 to 10, an element which is a counterflow element having a hexagonal shape when viewed from the first direction, the first flow path which extends with a partial bend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the second flow path which extends with a partial bend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction and intersects with the first flow path.

[0116] The total heat exchanger in embodiment 16 of the present disclosure, in any one embodiment of embodiments 1 to 10, comprises a humidity control material and a water absorbent, wherein the humidity control material comprises a carboxylate salt.

[0117] A heat exchange humidity control element in embodiment 17 of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of partition members stacked in a first direction, a first ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition members and provided with a first flow path, and a second ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition members at a position adjacent to the first ventilation layer via the partition members and provided with a second flow path, wherein the first ventilation layer and the second ventilation layer contain a humidity control material, the partition members have heat transfer and humidity permeability, the humidity control material contains a humidity control component and a water absorbent, and the humidity control component contains a carboxylate salt.

[0118] [Additional notes] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 Total heat exchanger 10 elements 11. First ventilation layer 12. Second ventilation layer 20 partition materials 20B Second outer partition material 20T First outer partition material 25 Partition members 110 First channel 120 Second channel 251 First partition member 252 Second partition member F1 First Airflow F2 Second airflow G1 First gas G2 Second gas Z1 1st direction EA Exhaust SA Air Intake RA return air OA outside air IS Indoor OS outdoor

Claims

1. The element comprises a plurality of partition materials stacked in a first direction, a first ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition materials and provided with a first flow path, and a second ventilation layer located between two adjacent partition materials at a position adjacent to the first ventilation layer via the partition materials and provided with a second flow path. The first ventilation layer and the second ventilation layer contain a humidity control material. A total heat exchanger configured to allow switching between a first ventilation state in which a first airflow passes through the first channel and a second airflow different from the first airflow passes through the second channel, and a second ventilation state in which the second airflow passes through the first channel and the first airflow passes through the second channel.

2. The first airflow generating unit that generates the first airflow, The system comprises a second airflow generating unit that generates the second airflow, The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state are switched by changing the correspondence between the end face of the first flow path in the first ventilation layer and the end face of the second flow path in the second ventilation layer and the first airflow generating unit and the second airflow generating unit.

3. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation mechanism for rotating the element about a rotation axis along the first direction.

4. The total heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the rotation mechanism switches between the first ventilation state and the second ventilation state by alternately rotating the element in the forward and reverse directions.

5. The first ventilation layer includes a first ventilation end surface located at one end of the first flow channel and a second ventilation end surface located at the other end of the first flow channel. The second ventilation layer includes a third ventilation end surface located at one end of the second flow channel and a fourth ventilation end surface located at the other end of the second flow channel. The first ventilation state includes a first ventilation direction state in which a first airflow flows into the first flow path from the first ventilation end face and a second airflow flows into the second flow path from the third ventilation end face, and a second ventilation direction state in which a first airflow flows into the first flow path from the second ventilation end face and a second airflow flows into the second flow path from the fourth ventilation end face. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the second ventilation state includes a third ventilation direction state in which the first airflow flows into the second flow path from the fourth ventilation end face side and the second airflow flows into the first flow path from the first ventilation end face side, and a fourth ventilation direction state in which the first airflow flows into the second flow path from the third ventilation end face side and the second airflow flows into the first flow path from the second ventilation end face side.

6. The system includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the element about a rotation axis along the first direction, The total heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein the rotation mechanism switches the first ventilation direction state, the third ventilation direction state, the second ventilation direction state, and the fourth ventilation direction state in this order by rotating the element in a fixed direction of rotation.

7. The first airflow generating unit that generates the first airflow, The second airflow generating unit that generates the second airflow, External flow paths for the first airflow and the second airflow that communicate from the first airflow generating unit and the second airflow generating unit to the element, The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path changing mechanism that switches between a first ventilation state and a second ventilation state by changing the flow path configuration of the external flow path.

8. The external flow path includes a first external flow path interposed between the first airflow generating unit and the element, and a second external flow path interposed between the second airflow generating unit and the element. The total heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein the flow path changing mechanism changes the flow path configuration of the first external flow path and the second external flow path so as to switch between (i) a first ventilation direction state in which the first airflow is guided to a first ventilation end face which is one end face of the first flow path and the second airflow is guided to a third ventilation end face which is one end face of the second flow path, and (ii) a second ventilation state in which the first airflow is guided to a fourth ventilation end face which is the other end face of the second flow path and the second airflow is guided to a second ventilation end face which is the other end face of the first flow path.

9. The external space of the total heat exchanger on the side into which the first airflow is introduced is defined as the first external space, and the external space of the total heat exchanger on the side into which the second airflow is introduced is defined as the second external space. The first external flow path is A first and a fourth communication section that enable the second airflow flowing out from the element to flow into the first external space, A first switching valve that can switch the flow path configuration between a first element guide passage that guides the first airflow to the first ventilation end face and a first discharge passage through which the second airflow that has flowed out from the first ventilation end face side of the first passage is guided to the first external space through the first communication section, The system includes a fourth switching valve capable of switching the flow path configuration between a fourth element guide channel that guides the first airflow to the fourth ventilation end face and a fourth discharge channel through which the second airflow that has flowed out from the fourth ventilation end face side of the second channel is guided to the first external space through the fourth communication section. The total heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the flow path changing mechanism controls the first switching valve and the fourth switching valve so that they configure the first element guide flow path and the fourth discharge flow path in the first ventilation direction state, and the fourth element guide flow path and the first discharge flow path in the fifth ventilation direction state.

10. The second external flow path is A second and a third connecting section that enable the first airflow flowing out from the element to flow into the second external space, A third switching valve that can switch the flow path configuration between a third element guide passage that guides the second airflow to the third ventilation end face and a third discharge passage through which the first airflow that has flowed out from the third ventilation end face side of the second passage is guided to the second external space through the third communication section, The device includes a second switching valve capable of switching the flow path configuration between a second element guide channel that guides the second airflow to the second ventilation end face and a second discharge channel through which the first airflow that has flowed out from the second ventilation end face side of the first channel is guided to the second external space through the second communication section. The total heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the flow path changing mechanism controls the third switching valve and the second switching valve so that they configure the third element guide flow path and the second delivery flow path in the first ventilation direction state, and the second element guide flow path and the third delivery flow path in the fifth ventilation direction state.

11. The first ventilation layer comprises a plurality of first partition members provided between two adjacent partition members, and a first channel group including a plurality of first channels. The second ventilation layer comprises a plurality of second partition members provided between two adjacent partition members, and a group of second flow channels including a plurality of the second flow channels. The total heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the humidity control material is attached to the first partition member and the second partition member.

12. In the first channel group, the first partition member has a larger amount of the humidity control material attached than the partition material. The total heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein in the second flow path group, the amount of the humidity control material attached to the second partition member is greater than that attached to the partition material.

13. The aforementioned partition material has heat conductivity and moisture permeability. Heat transfer and moisture transfer occur between the first airflow and the second airflow through the partition material between the first airflow group and the second airflow group. The total heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein moisture is absorbed and released between the first airflow or the second airflow in contact with the humidity control material and the humidity control material in the first and second airflow groups.

14. The element is an orthogonal element having a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction, The total heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first flow path extends in a second direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the second flow path extends in a third direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

15. The element is a counter-flow type element having a hexagonal shape when viewed from the first direction, The first flow path extends while partially bending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction, The total heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second flow path extends in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction and partially bends in a direction intersecting the first flow path.

16. The aforementioned humidity control material includes a humidity control component and a water absorbent material. The total heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the humidity control component includes a carboxylate.

17. Multiple partition materials stacked in the first direction, A first ventilation layer is located between two adjacent partition materials and has a first flow path provided therein, The system comprises a second ventilation layer located between two adjacent partitions, adjacent to the first ventilation layer via the partition, and having a second flow path, The first ventilation layer and the second ventilation layer contain a humidity control material. The aforementioned partition material has heat conductivity and moisture permeability. The aforementioned humidity control material includes a humidity control component and a water absorbent material. The aforementioned humidity control component is a heat exchange humidity control element containing a carboxylate salt.

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