Dehumidifier

Abstract

This technology reduces power consumption for dehumidification and improves moisture absorption performance. [Solution] The dehumidifier 100 comprises a flow path 20, a moisture release section 22, a condensation water recovery section 40, a moisture absorption section 28, and a heat exchange section 24. A liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material capable of absorbing or releasing moisture to the air flowing inside the housing 10 circulates in the flow path 20. The moisture release section 22 is located on the flow path 20 and releases moisture from the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material to the air introduced from the intake port 12. The condensation water recovery section 40 recovers at least a portion of the moisture contained in the air that has flowed through the moisture release section 22 as condensation water. The moisture absorption section 28 is located on the flow path 20 and absorbs any remaining moisture in the air that has flowed through the condensation water recovery section 40. The heat exchange section 24 is located on the flow path 20 and performs heat exchange between the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material that has flowed through the moisture absorption section 28 and the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material that has flowed through the moisture release section 22. The moisture absorption capacity of the moisture absorption section 28 is set higher than the moisture release capacity of the moisture release section 22.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier that removes moisture contained in air. [Background Art]

[0002] A dehumidifier including a dehumidification rotor and a heater draws in air from the outside, and performs dehumidification by causing the dehumidification rotor to adsorb moisture in the drawn-in air. The dehumidification rotor that has adsorbed moisture releases moisture when heated by the heater (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-131786 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] When a solid desiccant material is used for the dehumidification rotor, the heater is required to perform heating at 100° C. or higher to release the moisture adsorbed by the dehumidification rotor. Such high-temperature heating increases power consumption. In addition, improvement of moisture absorption performance is also desired.

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure solves the above conventional problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that reduces power consumption for dehumidification and improves moisture absorption performance. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a dehumidifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing having an intake port and an outlet port; a flow path disposed within the housing through which a liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material capable of absorbing or releasing moisture to air flowing within the housing circulates; a moisture-releasing section disposed on the flow path and releasing moisture from the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material to air introduced from the intake port; a condensation water recovery section that recovers at least a portion of the moisture contained in the air that has flowed through the moisture-releasing section as condensation water; a moisture-absorbing section disposed on the flow path and absorbing any remaining moisture in the air that has flowed through the condensation water recovery section; and a heat exchange section disposed on the flow path and performing heat exchange between the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material that has flowed through the moisture-absorbing section and the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material that has flowed through the moisture-releasing section. The moisture absorption capacity of the moisture-absorbing section is set higher than the moisture release capacity of the moisture-releasing section.

[0007] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid as aspects of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce power consumption for dehumidification and improve moisture absorption performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the dehumidifier according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the vapor pressure curve of the liquid moisture absorber / dehumidifier used in the dehumidifier shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows the state change on the psychrometric chart for the dehumidifier. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the installation of a dehumidifier. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of the dehumidifier installation shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody this disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of this disclosure. The figures described in the embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for identical components throughout the drawings, and their descriptions are omitted. In addition, details of parts not directly related to this disclosure are omitted in each drawing.

[0011] In the following, the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment will be described in the following order: (1) basic configuration, (2) configuration for improving moisture absorption performance, and (3) installation example. (1) Basic configuration Figure 1 shows the configuration of the dehumidifier 100. The dehumidifier 100 includes a housing 10, an intake port 12, an outlet port 14, a flow path 20, a moisture release section 22, a heat exchange section 24, a cooling section 26, a moisture absorption section 28, a drive section 30, a heating section 32, a condensation water recovery section 40, and an air blowing section 42. The housing 10 has, for example, a box shape and is of the type of household electrical appliance, and is used when installed indoors. The housing 10 also has an intake port 12 and an outlet port 14 as openings.

[0012] A flow path 20 is arranged inside the housing 10. The flow path 20 is a tube through which a liquid desiccant flows. The liquid desiccant is a liquid that can absorb or release moisture to the air flowing inside the housing 10. Examples of the liquid desiccant are aqueous solutions of hygroscopic inorganic salts (such as lithium chloride solution, potassium formate solution, lithium bromide solution, calcium chloride solution, etc.).

[0013] Liquid moisture absorbers and release moisture based on the water vapor pressure difference with the air. The temperature at which moisture absorption and release switch in a liquid moisture absorber and release material varies depending on the concentration of the inorganic salt solution. More specifically, if the concentration of the inorganic salt solution is low, the temperature at which moisture absorption and release switch is low, and if the concentration of the inorganic salt solution is high, the temperature at which moisture absorption and release switch is high. As an example, assuming a lithium chloride solution as the inorganic salt solution, if the air temperature is 26°C, the relative humidity is 65%, and the lithium chloride solution concentration is 20%, moisture absorption and release switch at around 20°C to 30°C. On the other hand, if the air temperature is 26°C, the relative humidity is 65%, and the lithium chloride solution concentration is 30%, moisture absorption and release switch at around 30°C to 40°C. When a liquid moisture absorber and release material is heated, the water vapor pressure of the material increases, and the material releases moisture. On the other hand, when a liquid desiccant is cooled, its water vapor pressure decreases, and the liquid desiccant absorbs moisture. Liquid desiccants can release moisture at lower temperatures than solid desiccants.

[0014] The flow path 20 is arranged in a ring shape. The following components are arranged in order on the flow path 20: a moisture release section 22, a heat exchange section 24, a cooling section 26, a moisture absorption section 28, a drive section 30, a heat exchange section 24, a heating section 32, and a moisture release section 22.

[0015] When the dehumidifier 100 is started, the air drawn in from the intake port 12 flows along the main airflow path 50 to the moisture absorption section 28, and the process begins with the absorption of moisture contained in the drawn-in air. Therefore, the liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater circulates in the following order: moisture absorption section 28, drive section 30, heat exchange section 24, heating section 32, moisture release section 22, heat exchange section 24, cooling section 26, and moisture absorption section 28. After the dehumidifier 100 is started and the circulation of the liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater begins, the air drawn in from the intake port 12 flows along the main airflow path 50 to the moisture release section 22, and the process begins with the release of moisture into the drawn-in air. Therefore, the liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater circulates in the following order: moisture release section 22, heat exchange section 24, cooling section 26, moisture absorption section 28, drive section 30, heat exchange section 24, heating section 32, and moisture release section 22. The circulation flow rate is, for example, several hundred mL / min to several L / min.

[0016] The intake port 12 draws air from outside the housing 10 into the housing 10. Outside the housing 10 refers to, for example, the indoor space. The air drawn in from the intake port 12 flows along the main air passage 50 to the dehumidification section 22. The dehumidification section 22 is positioned on the flow path 20 and releases moisture from the liquid dehumidifying material to the air introduced from the intake port 12. This corresponds to the liquid dehumidifying material coming into contact with the air and releasing moisture into the air. The dehumidification section 22 is composed of a moisture-permeable membrane that allows water vapor to pass through but not liquid to pass through, in order to prevent the liquid dehumidifying material from scattering. This prevents the loss of the liquid dehumidifying material and also prevents the scattering of the liquid dehumidifying material. The dehumidification section 22 has a configuration in which the liquid dehumidifying material circulates inside the moisture-permeable membrane and air circulates to the outside. For example, the dehumidification section 22 is an element type with stacked moisture-permeable membranes or a hollow fiber membrane type. Furthermore, the moisture release performance of the moisture release section 22 changes depending on the gas-liquid contact area with the air. Specifically, the larger the gas-liquid contact area, the greater the moisture release performance.

[0017] The air that has absorbed moisture in the dehumidification section 22 flows along the main air passage 50 to the condensation water collection section 40. The condensation water collection section 40 cools the air that has flowed through the dehumidification section 22 to below the dew point temperature and collects at least a portion of the moisture contained in the air as condensation water in a drainage tank (not shown). The air is cooled, for example, by passing cooled water through a tube equipped with aluminum fins. Alternatively, the air may be cooled by heat exchange with the circulating air. The condensation water collection section 40 may generate more condensation water than the moisture released in the dehumidification section 22. In this case, the air is further cooled. When a certain amount of condensation water has accumulated in the drainage tank, the dehumidifier 100 may notify the user and have them drain the water.

[0018] The heat exchange section 24 is disposed on the flow path 20, and performs heat exchange between the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material that has flowed through the moisture absorption section 28 and the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material that has flowed through the moisture desorption section 22. Here, the temperature of the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material that has flowed through the moisture desorption section 22 is higher than the temperature of the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material that has flowed through the moisture absorption section 28. Therefore, through heat exchange, the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material that has flowed through the moisture desorption section 22 is cooled, and the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material that has flowed through the moisture absorption section 28 is heated. The heat exchange section 24 is, for example, a plate-type or double-pipe type heat exchanger, and performs heat exchange between the two liquid moisture absorption-desorption materials. The role of the heat exchange section 24 will be described later.

[0019] The cooling section 26 is disposed on the flow path 20, and cools the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material introduced into the moisture absorption section 28 after flowing through the heat exchange section 24. The cooling section 26 is, for example, a Peltier element, and cools the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material such that the temperature of the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material is approximately equal to or lower than the temperature of air. When the air after passing through the condensed water recovery section 40 is 20°C, the cooling section 26 cools the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material to approximately 20°C. A lower temperature of the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material makes it easier to absorb moisture, so the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material is cooled to increase the moisture absorption capacity.

[0020] The air that has released condensed water through cooling in the condensed water recovery section 40 flows along the main air path 50 to the moisture absorption section 28. The moisture absorption section 28 is disposed on the flow path, and absorbs moisture remaining in the air that has flowed through the condensed water recovery section 40. This corresponds to that the liquid moisture absorption-desorption material comes into contact with air and absorbs moisture from the air. The moisture absorption section 28 is configured in the same manner as the moisture desorption section 22. In addition, the moisture absorption performance of the moisture absorption section 28 changes according to the gas-liquid contact area with air. Specifically, the larger the gas-liquid contact area is, the greater the moisture absorption performance becomes.

[0021] The blower unit 42 includes a motor (not shown) and a fan (not shown) connected to a rotating shaft of the motor for sucking and discharging air. The blower unit 42 forms an air flow along the main air duct 50 in the housing 10. That is, by the operation of the blower unit 42, air flows through the suction port 12, the moisture releasing unit 22, the condensed water collecting unit 40, the moisture absorbing unit 28, the blower unit 42, and the air outlet 14 in this order. The air outlet 14 blows air out from the inside of the housing 10 to the outside of the housing 10. The air volume of the blower unit 42 is designed according to, for example, the required dehumidification amount or clothes drying capacity.

[0022] The drive unit 30 supplies power for circulating the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material in the flow path 20. The drive unit 30 is, for example, a pump.

[0023] The heating unit 32 is disposed on the flow path 20, and heats the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material that is introduced into the moisture releasing unit 22 after flowing through the moisture absorbing unit 28. The heating unit 32 is, for example, a Peltier element, and heats the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material such that the temperature of the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material becomes higher than the temperature of air. For example, when the air is 27°C, the heating unit 32 warms the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material to about 50°C. A higher temperature of the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material makes it easier to release moisture, so the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material is heated to increase the moisture releasing capacity.

[0024] Here, the role of the heat exchange unit 24 will be described. The heat exchange unit 24 is provided to suppress the heat load of the cooling unit 26 and the heating unit 32. When the heat exchange unit 24 is not provided, the cooling unit 26 has to cool the 50°C liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material after passing through the moisture releasing unit 22 to 20°C by 30°C (a temperature difference of 30°C) from 50°C to 20°C. In addition, in order to heat the 20°C liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material after passing through the moisture absorbing unit 28 to 50°C, the heating unit 32 has to heat the liquid moisture absorbing / releasing material by 30°C (a temperature difference of 30°C) from 20°C to 50°C.

[0025] On the other hand, if a heat exchange unit 24 is provided, heating and cooling can be performed without using electricity through heat exchange by the heat exchange unit 24, for example, heating and cooling by 20°C. When reducing the temperature of a 50°C liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater after passing through the moisture release unit 22 to 20°C, the liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater that flows into the heat exchange unit 24 is cooled from 50°C to 30°C by heat exchange, so the cooling unit 26 only needs to cool by 10°C (10°C difference) from 30°C to 20°C. Also, when heating a 20°C liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater that has passed through the moisture absorption unit 28 to 50°C, the liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater that flows into the heat exchange unit 24 is heated from 20°C to 40°C by heat exchange, so the heating unit 32 only needs to heat by 10°C (10°C difference) from 40°C to 50°C. In other words, when a heat exchange unit 24 is provided, the temperature difference for cooling and heating can be reduced compared to when a heat exchange unit 24 is not provided. Therefore, when the heat exchange unit 24 is provided, the heat load on the cooling unit 26 and the heating unit 32 can be suppressed compared to when the heat exchange unit 24 is not provided.

[0026] The liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material circulates through the moisture-releasing section 22 and moisture-absorbing section 28 located on the flow path 20, thereby transporting moisture absorbed from the air in the moisture-absorbing section 28 to the moisture-releasing section 22, where it releases moisture back into the air. As a result, the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material moves moisture from the moisture-absorbing section 28 to the moisture-releasing section 22.

[0027] Air drawn in through the intake port 12 receives moisture from the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material in the dehumidifying section 22, is cooled to below the dew point temperature in the condensation water recovery section 40, and the moisture is released as condensation water. Subsequently, the air releases moisture to the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material in the moisture-absorbing section 28, and the dehumidified air is released from the outlet 14.

[0028] (2) Configuration for improving moisture absorption performance As mentioned above, the moisture release performance of the moisture release section 22 and the moisture absorption performance of the moisture absorption section 28 change depending on the gas-liquid contact area. The gas-liquid contact area is the area in contact between the air and the liquid moisture-absorbing / releasing material. The gas-liquid contact area corresponds to the surface area of ​​the moisture-permeable membrane or hollow fiber membrane. If the gas-liquid contact area of ​​the moisture absorption section 28 and the gas-liquid contact area of ​​the moisture release section 22 are the same, and the liquid temperature at the inlet of the moisture absorption section 28 and the liquid temperature at the inlet of the moisture release section 22 are constant, the concentration of the liquid moisture-absorbing / releasing material will change so that the amount of moisture absorbed and released are the same. For example, if the initial concentration is low, assuming an initial moisture absorption of 9 L / day and an initial moisture release of 11 L / day, the concentration will change and stabilize at a moisture absorption of 10 L / day and a moisture release of 10 L / day.

[0029] Liquid dehumidifiers adsorb and release moisture depending on the difference between the water vapor pressure of the dehumidified air and the water vapor pressure of the liquid dehumidifier. The water vapor pressure of the liquid dehumidifier changes depending on the concentration and temperature. Figure 2 shows the vapor pressure curve of the liquid dehumidifier used in the dehumidifier 100. The horizontal axis represents temperature and the vertical axis represents water vapor pressure, and Figure 2 shows the temperature dependence of the water vapor pressure of the liquid dehumidifier when the concentration is constant. When the concentration is constant, the water vapor pressure of the liquid dehumidifier increases exponentially as the liquid temperature rises. In other words, the effect of temperature changes at low temperatures on improving adsorption performance is smaller than the effect of temperature changes at high temperatures on improving release performance. As a result, the moisture absorption capacity may be insufficient compared to the moisture release capacity, and consequently, sufficient dehumidification capacity may not be ensured.

[0030] If the amount of dehumidification required exceeds the limit of the amount of moisture absorption that can be improved by adjusting the liquid temperature and concentration, the amount of dehumidification will be insufficient. For example, if the required amount of dehumidification is 20 L / day, but the amount of moisture absorbed is only 18 L / day even after adjusting the liquid temperature and concentration, then even if the amount of moisture absorbed is 18 L / day and the amount of moisture released is 20 L / day, the amount of dehumidification obtained will still be only 18 L / day. This embodiment aims to improve the moisture absorption performance in order to increase the amount of dehumidification when using a liquid moisture absorbent and dehumidifying material.

[0031] In this embodiment, the moisture absorption capacity of the moisture absorption section 28 is set higher than the moisture release capacity of the moisture release section 22. Specifically, the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture absorption section 28 is made larger than the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture release section 22. In the example described above, by increasing the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture absorption section 28, the amount of moisture absorbed becomes 20 L / day or more, and the amount of dehumidification also improves to 20 L / day or more. Here, an example of the sizes of the moisture absorption section 28 and the moisture release section 22 is described. When air at a temperature of 27°C and a relative humidity of 60% (vapor pressure: approximately 2 kPa) is drawn in from the intake port 12, and the air is brought into contact with a liquid moisture absorbent / dehumidifying material at 50°C (vapor pressure: approximately 5 kPa) in the moisture release section 22, the water vapor pressure difference in the moisture release section 22 is approximately 3 kPa. When air that has passed through the condensation water recovery section 40, with a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 90% (vapor pressure: approximately 2kPa), is brought into contact with a liquid moisture absorber / dehumidifier at 0°C (vapor pressure: approximately 0.5kPa) in the moisture absorption section 28, the water vapor pressure difference in the moisture absorption section 28 is approximately 1.5kPa. In this situation, since the water vapor pressure difference in the moisture absorption section 28 is about half that of the water vapor pressure difference in the moisture release section 22, the gas-liquid contact area of ​​the moisture absorption section 28 is made larger than about twice the gas-liquid contact area of ​​the moisture release section 22.

[0032] In order to make the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture absorption section 28 larger than that of the moisture release section 22, the density of the moisture-permeable membrane or hollow fiber membrane in the moisture release section 22 and the moisture absorption section 28 is made the same, and the volume of the moisture absorption section 28 is made larger than the volume of the moisture release section 22. Density is the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume. In this case, in the main air passage 50 having an inlet 12, a moisture release section 22, a condensation water recovery section 40, a moisture absorption section 28, and an outlet 14, it is desirable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the main air passage 50 of the moisture absorption section 28 be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main air passage 50 of the moisture release section 22.

[0033] To make the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture-absorbing section 28 larger than that of the moisture-releasing section 22, the volumes of the moisture-releasing section 22 and the moisture-absorbing section 28 may be made the same, and the density of the moisture-permeable membrane or hollow fiber membrane in the moisture-absorbing section 28 may be made greater than the density of the moisture-permeable membrane or hollow fiber membrane in the moisture-releasing section 22. This corresponds to the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume of the moisture-absorbing section 28 being greater than the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume of the moisture-releasing section 22.

[0034] In order to make the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture-absorbing section 28 larger than the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture-releasing section 22, the volume of the moisture-absorbing section 28 may be made larger than the volume of the moisture-releasing section 22, and the density of the moisture-permeable membrane or hollow fiber membrane in the moisture-absorbing section 28 may be made larger than the density of the moisture-permeable membrane or hollow fiber membrane in the moisture-releasing section 22.

[0035] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the state changes on a psychrometric chart for the dehumidifier 100. The horizontal axis shows the dry-bulb temperature (temperature), with the dry-bulb temperature increasing as you move to the right of the horizontal axis. The vertical axis shows the absolute humidity, with the absolute humidity increasing as you move to the top of the vertical axis. Point P1 shows the state of the air before it flows into the dehumidification section 22 after being drawn in from the intake port 12. Point P2 shows the state of the air before it flows out from the dehumidification section 22 and into the condensation water collection section 40. Point P3 shows the state of the air after it has flowed into the condensation water collection section 40 and cooled to the dew point temperature. Point P4 shows the state of the air before it flows out from the condensation water collection section 40 and into the moisture absorption section 28. Point P5 shows the state of the air after it has flowed out from the moisture absorption section 28. In Example 1, point P5 also shows the state of the air blown out from the outlet 14.

[0036] From point P1 to point P2, the absolute humidity increases as the air absorbs moisture from the liquid dehumidifier in the dehumidification section 22. The temperature also changes due to heat exchange with the liquid dehumidifier, which is at a higher temperature than the air, and the generation of latent heat of condensation. For example, if the air temperature at point P1 is 27°C, it will rise by about 5°C as you move towards point P2, and the air temperature at point P2 will be 32°C.

[0037] From point P2 to point P3, the air is cooled in the condensation water recovery unit 40, so the air reaches the dew point temperature of 100 percent relative humidity while maintaining a constant absolute humidity. From point P3 to point P4, the absolute humidity and dry-bulb temperature of the air decrease in the condensation water recovery unit 40, following the curve of 100 percent relative humidity. If only the amount of condensation water released is recovered, the absolute humidity at point P4 becomes equal to the absolute humidity at point P1. If further dehumidification is performed, the absolute humidity at point P4 becomes lower than the absolute humidity at point P1. For example, if the air temperature at point P2 is 32°C, the air temperature at point P4 will decrease to 20°C.

[0038] From point P4 to point P5, the moisture contained in the air is transferred to the liquid dehumidifier in the moisture absorption section 28, so the absolute humidity decreases. The difference between the absolute humidity at point P5 and the absolute humidity at point P1 corresponds to the amount of moisture removed. The temperature changes due to heat exchange with the liquid dehumidifier, which is at a lower temperature than the air, and the generation of latent heat of condensation. For example, if the air temperature at point P4 is 20°C, it decreases by about 5°C as you move towards point P5, and the air temperature at point P5 becomes 15°C.

[0039] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0040] (3) Installation examples Figure 4 shows an example of the installation of the dehumidifier 100. The facility 200 is a building such as a house. The facility 200 has a living space 202 and a non-living space 204. The non-living space 204 is a space other than the living space 202, such as the attic or a machine room. The dehumidifier 100 is installed in the non-living space 204. Therefore, the dehumidifier 100 may be installed in the room (living space 202) as a household electrical appliance type, or it may be installed in the non-living space 204 as an equipment type.

[0041] Figure 5 shows another installation example of the dehumidifier 100. If the dehumidifier 100 is of the installation type, it may be connected to the heat exchange fan 210 by a duct. By installing the dehumidifier 100 in the air supply path after the air has passed through the heat exchange fan 210, the dehumidifier 100 dehumidifies the incoming outside air and supplies it to the living space 202 (see Figure 3).

[0042] According to this embodiment, by using a liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material, moisture can be released at a lower temperature in the moisture-releasing section than with a solid desiccant. Furthermore, since moisture is released at a lower temperature, the amount of heat required for heating can be suppressed. In addition, since the amount of heat required for heating is suppressed, the power consumption for dehumidification can be reduced. Moreover, the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material absorbs moisture contained in the air, and heat exchange is performed between the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material that has flowed through the moisture-absorbing section 28 and the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material that has flowed through the moisture-releasing section 22, thus reducing the power consumption for dehumidification. Furthermore, since the heating section 32 heats the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material, the amount of heat in the heating section 32 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since heat exchange is performed between the liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing materials in the heat exchange section 24, the amount of heat in the cooling section 26 and the heating section 32 can be suppressed. In addition, since the moisture absorption capacity of the moisture absorption section 28 is made higher than the moisture release capacity of the moisture-releasing section 22, the moisture absorption performance can be improved even if the amount of moisture absorbed is insufficient compared to the amount of moisture released.

[0043] Furthermore, since the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture absorption section 28 is larger than that of the moisture release section 22, the amount of moisture absorbed can be increased if the amount of moisture absorbed is insufficient. Also, since the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume of the moisture absorption section 28 is larger than that of the moisture release section 22, the amount of moisture absorbed can be increased while suppressing an increase in the size of the dehumidifier 100. In addition, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage of the moisture absorption section 28 is larger than that of the air passage of the moisture release section 22, the decrease in airflow due to increased pressure loss can be suppressed, thereby suppressing a decrease in the amount of dehumidification.

[0044] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: (Item 1) A housing (10) having an intake port (12) and an outlet port (14), A flow path (20) is provided within the housing (10) through which a liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material capable of absorbing or releasing moisture to the air flowing within the housing (10) is circulated. A moisture release section (22) is positioned on the aforementioned flow path (20) and releases moisture from the liquid moisture absorber to the air introduced from the intake port (12), A condensation water recovery unit (40) recovers at least a portion of the moisture contained in the air that has flowed through the moisture release unit (22) as condensation water, A moisture-absorbing section (28) is positioned on the flow path (20) and absorbs moisture remaining in the air that has flowed through the condensation water recovery section (40), A heat exchange unit (24) is arranged on the flow path (20) and performs heat exchange between the liquid moisture absorber (28) that has flowed through the moisture absorber (28) and the liquid moisture absorber (22) that has flowed through the moisture release unit (22), Equipped with, The moisture absorption capacity of the moisture absorption section (28) is set higher than the moisture release capacity of the moisture release section (22). Dehumidifier (100).

[0045] (Item 2) The dehumidifier (100) described in item 1, wherein the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture-absorbing part (28) is greater than the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture-releasing part (22).

[0046] (Item 3) The dehumidifier (100) according to item 2, wherein the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume of the moisture-absorbing section (28) is greater than the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume of the moisture-releasing section (22).

[0047] (Item 4) The air passage comprises the intake port (12), the dehumidification section (22), the condensation water recovery section (40), the dehumidification section (28), and the air outlet (14), A dehumidifying device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage of the moisture absorption section (28) is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage of the moisture release section (22).

[0048] Although the present disclosure has been explained above based on the examples, it can be easily inferred that the present disclosure is not limited in any way to the above examples, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 Housing, 12 Intake, 14 Outlet, 20 Flow path, 22 Dehumidification section, 24 Heat exchange section, 26 Cooling section, 28 Dehumidification section, 30 Drive section, 32 Heating section, 40 Condensation water recovery section, 42 Air blower section, 50 Main air passage, 60 Refrigerant flow path, 62 Compressor, 64 First heat exchange section, 66 Heat dissipation section, 68 Expansion valve, 70 Second heat exchange section, 80 Bypass air passage, 100 Dehumidifier, 200 Facility, 202 Living space, 204 Non-living space, 210 Heat exchange fan.

Claims

1. A housing equipped with an intake port and an exhaust port, A flow path through which a liquid moisture-absorbing and releasing material, which is disposed within the housing and capable of absorbing or releasing moisture to the air flowing within the housing, A moisture release section is arranged on the aforementioned flow path and releases moisture from the liquid moisture absorber to the air introduced from the intake port, A condensation water recovery unit that recovers at least a portion of the moisture contained in the air that has flowed through the moisture release unit as condensation water, A moisture-absorbing section is arranged on the aforementioned flow path and absorbs moisture remaining in the air that has flowed through the condensation water recovery section, A heat exchange unit is arranged on the aforementioned flow path and performs heat exchange between the liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater that has flowed through the moisture absorber and the liquid moisture absorber / dehydrater that has flowed through the moisture release unit, Equipped with, The moisture absorption capacity of the used moisture absorption section is set higher than the moisture release capacity of the moisture release section. Dehumidifier.

2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture-absorbing portion is larger than the gas-liquid contact surface area of ​​the moisture-releasing portion.

3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume of the moisture-absorbing portion is greater than the gas-liquid contact surface area per unit volume of the moisture-releasing portion.

4. The air passage comprises the aforementioned intake port, the aforementioned moisture release section, the aforementioned condensation water recovery section, the aforementioned moisture absorption section, and the aforementioned air outlet. The dehumidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage of the moisture absorption section is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage of the moisture release section.

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