Adsorbent, heat exchanger, and adsorption heat pump

Abstract

To provide a technology that increases a gas adsorption amount of an adsorbent.SOLUTION: An adsorbent is formed with a plurality of flow channels having a gas diffusion resistance that is lower than that of the adsorbent. The flow channels include: a plurality of first flow channels extending in a first direction; and a plurality of second flow channels extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The adsorbent includes one or more kinds of fiber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adsorbent, a heat exchanger, and an adsorption heat pump. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an adsorbent including an adsorbent material that adsorbs or desorbs gas. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for circulating a gas adsorbed by the adsorbent through a flow path arranged between a plurality of plate-shaped adsorbents. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for circulating a gas through a plurality of holes formed in a plate-shaped adsorbent. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6045413 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5900391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even with the above-mentioned prior art, there is still room for improvement in the technology for increasing the amount of gas adsorbed in the adsorbent. For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the flow path is arranged along the main surface of the adsorbent formed in a plate shape, so when the thickness of the adsorbent is increased, the gas becomes more difficult to diffuse inside the adsorbent as it moves away from the flow path. When the gas becomes less likely to diffuse, the utilization rate of the adsorbent decreases, making it difficult to increase the amount of gas adsorbed. In addition, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, the multiple holes are formed in the thickness direction of the plate-shaped adsorbent, so when the interval between adjacent holes is widened, the gas becomes more difficult to diffuse inside the adsorbent as it moves away from the holes. When the gas becomes less likely to diffuse, the utilization rate of the adsorbent decreases, making it difficult to increase the amount of gas adsorbed.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique for increasing the amount of gas adsorbed in an adsorbent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following forms.

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adsorbent for adsorbing a gas, the adsorbent having a plurality of flow paths formed therein, the flow paths having a lower gas diffusion resistance than the adsorbent, the plurality of flow paths including a plurality of first flow paths extending in a first direction and a plurality of second flow paths extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the adsorbent including one or more types of fibers.

[0008] According to this configuration, the adsorbent is formed with a plurality of first flow paths and a plurality of second flow paths extending in directions intersecting each other. As a result, the second flow paths can be used to diffuse gas into places inside the adsorbent where the gas cannot be diffused using the first flow paths. In addition, in the adsorbent, the second flow paths extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, so that the surface area inside the adsorbent is increased. This makes it easier for the adsorbent to come into contact with the gas, and therefore makes it easier for the adsorbent to adsorb the gas. Therefore, the amount of gas adsorbed in the adsorbent can be increased.

[0009] Furthermore, since this type of adsorbent has multiple flow paths formed therein, there are some parts where the structure is sparse, but because the adsorbent has fibers, it is possible to suppress a decrease in structural strength due to the sparse structure.

[0010] (2) An adsorbent body of the above-mentioned form, comprising a first adsorption layer including the plurality of first flow paths and a plurality of adsorbents located between the plurality of first flow paths, and a second adsorption layer stacked on the first adsorption layer and including the plurality of second flow paths and a plurality of adsorbents located between the plurality of second flow paths, wherein the fibers are included in at least one of the plurality of adsorbents and may be oriented approximately parallel to the stacking plane of the first adsorption layer and the second adsorption layer.

[0011] According to this configuration, the adsorbent is formed by stacking a first adsorption layer including a first flow path and a second adsorption layer including a second flow path. This allows for relatively easy formation of flow paths with complex shapes. In addition, since the fibers contained in the adsorbent are oriented substantially parallel to the layered surface of the first adsorption layer and the second adsorption layer, it is possible to suppress rupture of the adsorbent caused by application of a force to the adsorbent in a direction along the layered surface of the first adsorption layer and the second adsorption layer, and thus it is possible to suppress the occurrence of cracks in the adsorbent.

[0012] (3) In the adsorbent of the above aspect, the fibers may be oriented approximately parallel to a wall surface that forms the flow path of the adsorbent, which can further suppress breakage of the adsorbent.

[0013] (4) In the adsorbent of the above embodiment, the first flow path and the second flow path may be in communication with each other. With this configuration, the gas flowing through the flow path can move between the first flow path and the second flow path. This reduces the variation in the flow rate of the gas between the first flow path and the second flow path, so that the gas can be diffused evenly inside the adsorbent. Therefore, the amount of gas that comes into contact with the adsorbent can be increased, and the amount of gas adsorbed by the adsorbent can be increased.

[0014] (5) According to another aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes the adsorbent of the above aspect and a heat transfer wall, the adsorbent being disposed on one side and the heat transfer wall through which a heat medium flows on the other side. According to this configuration, the heat exchanger has an adsorbent with good gas adsorption performance, and therefore, by utilizing an exothermic / endothermic reaction in the gas adsorption / desorption reaction in the adsorbent, the amount of heat absorbed and released in the heat exchanger can be increased. In addition, the adsorbent of the above aspect can suppress the occurrence of cracks, and therefore, the adhesion between the heat transfer wall and the adsorbent can be ensured. Therefore, deterioration of the thermal conductivity between the adsorbent and the heat transfer wall can be suppressed, and a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency between the adsorbent and the heat medium can be suppressed. Therefore, a heat exchanger with good heat absorption and release performance and capable of suppressing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency can be provided.

[0015] (6) In the heat exchanger of the above aspect, the heat transfer wall may be formed in a cylindrical shape, the heat medium flows inside, and the adsorbent may be arranged along a circumferential direction on an outer surface of the heat transfer wall. According to this configuration, the adsorbent is arranged along a circumferential direction on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall formed in a cylindrical shape, so that the adsorbent can efficiently exchange heat with the heat medium flowing inside the heat transfer wall.

[0016] (7) According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adsorption heat pump. The adsorption heat pump includes the heat exchanger of the above aspect. With this configuration, the adsorption heat pump includes a heat exchanger having good heat absorption and release performance, so that the output of the adsorption heat pump can be improved.

[0017] The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a system including an adsorbent, a method for manufacturing an adsorbent, a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger including an adsorber, and a method for manufacturing an adsorption heat pump including the heat exchanger. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an adsorption heat pump including an adsorbent according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an adsorbent according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2A and 2B are side and top views of the adsorption body of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a part of the adsorbent in an enlarged manner. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an enlarged portion of a cross section of a first adsorbent. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a method for producing an adsorbent. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the method for producing the adsorbent. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a third diagram illustrating the method for producing the adsorbent. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion of the adsorbent of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion of the adsorbent of the first comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually showing a drying process in the manufacturing process of the adsorbent of the second comparative example. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a method for producing an adsorbent according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an adsorption body according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an adsorption body according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] First Embodiment 1 is a schematic diagram of an adsorption heat pump 10 including an adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment. The adsorption heat pump 10 includes two reactors 6 and 7, two evaporative condensers 8 and 9, a connecting pipe connecting these, a plurality of valves disposed in the connecting pipe, and a control unit (not shown). The adsorption heat pump 10 generates cold energy from hot energy by utilizing a combination of two sets of reactors and evaporative condensers.

[0020] The reactor 6 includes a reaction vessel 6a, an adsorbent 1 accommodated in the reaction vessel 6a, and a heat exchanger 5 that circulates a heat medium inside the reaction vessel 6a. The reactor 7 includes a reaction vessel 7a, an adsorbent 1 accommodated in the reaction vessel 7a, and a heat exchanger 5 that circulates a heat medium inside the reaction vessel 7a. The adsorbent 1 adsorbs the vapor of the working fluid, such as water vapor, generated in the evaporative condensers 8 and 9. In addition, the adsorbent 1 that has adsorbed the water vapor desorbs the water vapor using the heat of the heat medium, such as hot water, flowing through the heat exchanger 5.

[0021] The evaporative condenser 8 has a water pipe 8a through which water flows, and a storage container 8b that stores the water adsorbed by the adsorbent 1. In the evaporative condenser 8, depending on the mode of the connected reactors 6, 7, the water flowing through the water pipe 8a is cooled by the heat of vaporization when the water in the storage container 8b evaporates, or the water vapor in the storage container 8b is condensed and returned to water.

[0022] The evaporative condenser 9 has a water pipe 9a through which water flows, and a storage container 9b that stores the water adsorbed by the adsorbent 1. In the evaporative condenser 9, depending on the mode of the connected reactors 6, 7, the water flowing through the water pipe 9a is cooled by the heat of vaporization when the water in the storage container 9b evaporates, or the water vapor in the storage container 9b is condensed and returned to water.

[0023] Next, the operation of the adsorption heat pump 10 of this embodiment will be described. Here, the description will be based on the adsorption heat pump 10 in the state shown in Fig. 1. In the state shown in Fig. 1, the valve between the reactor 6 and the evaporative condenser 8 and the valve between the reactor 7 and the evaporative condenser 9 are opened by a command from the control unit, and the valve between the reactor 6 and the evaporative condenser 9 and the valve between the reactor 7 and the evaporative condenser 8 are closed.

[0024] In the adsorption process, the reactor 6 and the evaporative condenser 8, which are connected via a connecting pipe, are depressurized by adsorption. As a result, water vapor is generated in the evaporative condenser 8. The generated working fluid vapor passes through the connecting pipe (white arrow F11), enters the reactor 6, and is adsorbed by the adsorber 1. At this time, the water flowing through the water pipe 8a of the evaporative condenser 8 is cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water. As a result, cold water is discharged from the water pipe 8a, and cold heat is supplied to the outside of the adsorption heat pump 10.

[0025] In the desorption step, hot water is supplied to the heat exchanger 5 of the reactor 7, which is connected to the reactor 7 and the evaporative condenser 9 via a connecting pipe. In the adsorbent 1 of the reactor 7, which adsorbs water, the heat of the supplied hot water causes the water to desorb from the adsorbent 1. The desorbed water enters the inside of the evaporative condenser 9 as water vapor (white arrow F12), and is condensed by the water flowing through the water pipe 9a to become water. This water is used in the next adsorption step.

[0026] In the adsorption heat pump 10 of this embodiment, one of the reactor 6 and the reactor 7 adsorbs water vapor, and the other of the reactor 6 and the reactor 7 desorbs water vapor, thereby continuously generating cold by supplying hot water.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic configuration of the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a side view and a top view of the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows X, Y and Z axes that are orthogonal to each other. The x-axis corresponds to the direction (first direction) in which the first flow path 11b extends, the y-axis corresponds to the direction (second direction) in which the second flow path 12b extends, and the Z-axis corresponds to the stacking direction of the first adsorbent layer 11 and the second adsorbent layer 12. These are common to the figures following FIG. 1. In addition, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the size of each member and the size of the gap are illustrated at different ratios from the actual ratio in order to make the structure of the adsorbent 1 easier to understand.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the adsorbent 1 is configured by alternately stacking first adsorption layers 11 and second adsorption layers 12. The adsorbent 1 has a plurality of flow paths (a plurality of first flow paths 11b and a plurality of second flow paths 12b). In this embodiment, the adsorbent 1 has three first adsorption layers 11 and two second adsorption layers 12, but the number of adsorption layers is not limited to this embodiment and may be any number. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first flow paths 11b and the second flow paths 12b, they are also simply referred to as "flow paths".

[0029] The first adsorption layer 11 includes a plurality of first flow paths 11b and a plurality of first adsorbents 11a located between the plurality of first flow paths 11b. The first adsorbents 11a are made of a material containing silica gel and are formed in a linear (thread-like) shape with a rectangular cross section. The plurality of first adsorbents 11a are arranged at a certain distance from each other so that the longitudinal direction is along the x-axis direction. In this embodiment, the width (length in the y-axis direction) and height (length in the z-axis direction) of the first adsorbents 11a in the transverse section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) are, for example, 100 μm or more and 5 mm or less. As described above, the plurality of first adsorbents 11a are arranged side by side at a certain distance from each other, and in this embodiment, the distance between adjacent first adsorbents 11a is, for example, 50 μm or more and 2 mm or less. In this way, by arranging a plurality of first adsorbents 11a side by side at a certain distance, a first flow path 11b through which water vapor adsorbed to the adsorbent 1 flows is formed between two adjacent first adsorbents 11a. That is, a first flow path 11b extending in the x-axis direction (first direction) is formed by the plurality of first adsorbents 11a. Since the first flow path 11b is a gap between adjacent first adsorbents 11a, the gas diffusion resistance in the first flow path 11b is lower than the gas diffusion resistance in the first adsorbent 11a.

[0030] The second adsorption layer 12 includes a plurality of second flow paths 12b and a plurality of second adsorbents 12a located between the plurality of second flow paths 12b. The second adsorbents 12a are made of a material containing silica gel, similar to the first adsorbent 11a, and are formed in a rod shape (thread shape) with a rectangular cross section. The plurality of second adsorbents 12a are arranged at a certain distance from each other so that the longitudinal direction is along the y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the width (length in the x-axis direction) and height (length in the z-axis direction) of the transverse section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the second adsorbent 12a are, for example, 100 μm or more and 5 mm or less. As described above, the plurality of second adsorbents 12a are arranged side by side at a certain distance from each other, and in this embodiment, the distance between adjacent second adsorbents 12a is, for example, 50 μm or more and 2 mm or less. In this way, the second adsorbents 12a are arranged side by side at a certain distance from each other, and thus, a second flow path 12b through which the water vapor adsorbed to the adsorbent 1 flows is formed between two adjacent second adsorbents 12a. That is, the second flow path 12b extending in the y-axis direction (second direction) is formed by the second adsorbents 12a. Since the second flow path 12b is a gap between the adjacent second adsorbents 12a, the gas diffusion resistance in the second flow path 12b is lower than the gas diffusion resistance in the second adsorbent 12a. That is, the gas diffusion resistance of the multiple flow paths formed in the adsorbent 1 is lower than the diffusion resistance of the adsorbent 1. In addition, in Figs. 3(a) and (b), in order to clearly distinguish the first adsorbent 11a and the first flow path 11b, and the second adsorbent 12a and the second flow path 12b, the first adsorbent 11a is hatched with diagonal lines slanting downward to the right, and the second adsorbent 12a is cross-hatched.

[0031] As described above, in this embodiment, the first flow path 11b extends in the first direction, the second flow path 12b extends in the second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. As a result, the adsorbent 1 is formed in a mesh shape. However, the first flow path 11b and the second flow path 12b do not intersect, but are in contact with each other and overlap. The first flow path 11b and the second flow path 12b are in contact with each other and overlap at a communication portion 16 (shown by hatching with an upward slanting line in FIG. 3(c)), where the first flow path 11b and the second flow path 12b are in contact with each other and overlap. As a result, a third flow path extending in the z-axis direction is formed. In other embodiments, the first flow path 11b and the second flow path 12b may be in communication with each other via a separate communication flow path.

[0032] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the configuration by enlarging a part of the adsorbent 1. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a part of the cross section of the first adsorbent 11a by enlarging it. Fig. 5(a) shows the AA cross section shown in Fig. 3(c), and Fig. 5(b) shows the BB cross section shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0033] 4, the adsorbent 1 includes fibers F. Specifically, the first adsorbent 11a and the second adsorbent 12a include fibers F. The fibers F include at least one type of fibers such as inorganic fibers or mineral fibers. In this embodiment, the fibers F include carbon fibers (carbon fibers).

[0034] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 4, the first adsorbent 11a has a layered surface 11S with the second adsorbent 12a. As shown in Figure 5(a), the layered surface 11S of the first adsorbent 11a is parallel to the xy plane. The fibers F are oriented approximately parallel to the layered surface 11S.

[0035] In this embodiment, the AA cross section (FIG. 3(c)) of the first adsorbent 11a is observed with a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), and if the fibers F present in the observation field have an angle of within ±45° with respect to the stacking surface 11S of 50% or more of all the fibers F present in the observation field, it is said that "the fibers F are oriented approximately parallel to the stacking surface 11S". As shown in FIG. 5(A), it is possible to determine whether the angle of the fibers F with respect to the stacking surface 11S is within ±45° by using a line LA parallel to the stacking surface 11S.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 4, the first adsorbent 11a has a wall surface 11W that forms the first flow path 11b. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the wall surface 11W of the first adsorbent 11a is parallel to the xz plane. The fibers F are oriented approximately parallel to the wall surface 11W.

[0037] In this embodiment, the BB cross section (FIG. 3(b)) of the first adsorbent 11a is observed by SEM, and if the fibers F present in the observation field have an angle of within ±45° with respect to the wall surface 11W of 50% or more of all the fibers F present in the observation field, it is said that "the fibers F are oriented approximately parallel to the wall surface 11W". As shown in FIG. 5(B), it is possible to determine whether the angle of the fibers F with respect to the wall surface 11W is within ±45° by using a line LB parallel to the wall surface 11W.

[0038] Similarly, the fibers F contained in the second adsorbent 12a are oriented approximately parallel to the layered surface of the first adsorbent 11a with the second adsorbent 12a, and are oriented approximately parallel to the wall surface forming the second flow path 12b.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a first diagram for explaining the method for producing the adsorbent 1. FIG. 7 is a second diagram for explaining the method for producing the adsorbent 1. FIG. 8 is a third diagram for explaining the method for producing the adsorbent 1. In this production method, a material in which fiber F and a binder are added to a material in which silica gel and a heat conductive assistant are mixed (hereinafter also referred to as "adsorbent-forming material") is used to form the shape of the adsorbent 1 (adsorbent intermediate 1p) by, for example, a 3D printer. The adsorbent-forming material is soft in paste form and contains a lot of moisture to ensure fluidity, so that the adsorbent 1 is completed by drying the adsorbent intermediate 1p formed by the 3D printer. Details will be described below.

[0040] In the manufacturing method of the adsorbent 1, first, the adsorbent forming material is extruded onto the surface of the flat plate-shaped stage 18 using, for example, a nozzle 19 of a 3D printer to form a first adsorbent intermediate 11ap. At this time, the nozzle 19 is moved in the x-axis direction along the surface of the stage 18 as shown in FIG. 6 (white arrow F13 in FIG. 6). After the nozzle 19 is moved in the x-axis direction to form one first adsorbent intermediate 11ap, the nozzle 19 is moved in the y-axis direction. After the nozzle 19 is moved in the y-axis direction, another first adsorbent intermediate 11ap is formed next to the first adsorbent intermediate 11ap formed previously, with a predetermined distance therebetween. This is repeated to form a plurality of first adsorbent intermediates 11ap on the surface of the stage 18 with a predetermined gap therebetween. As a result, a first adsorbent layer intermediate 11p is formed (see FIG. 6). This process is also called a first adsorbent layer intermediate forming process. In the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the stage 18 is used as the heat transfer wall 5a of the heat exchanger 5, so that the adsorbent 1 can be formed directly on the heat exchanger 5.

[0041] Next, the above-mentioned adsorbent forming material is extruded using nozzle 19 on the positive side of the z-axis direction of first adsorbent intermediate 11p molded earlier, in the same manner as molding first adsorbent intermediate 11ap, to form second adsorbent intermediate 12ap (FIG. 7). At this time, nozzle 19 is moved in the y-axis direction along the surface of stage 18 (white arrow F14 in FIG. 7). After moving nozzle 19 to mold one second adsorbent intermediate 12ap, nozzle 19 is moved in the x-axis direction. After moving nozzle 19 in the x-axis direction, another second adsorbent intermediate 12ap is molded next to second adsorbent intermediate 12ap molded previously, leaving a predetermined distance from second adsorbent intermediate 12ap. This is repeated to mold multiple second adsorbent intermediates 12ap on the positive side of first adsorbent layer intermediate 11p in the z-axis direction, leaving a predetermined gap between them. As a result, second adsorbent intermediate 12p is molded (see FIG. 7). This step is also called a second adsorption layer intermediate forming step.

[0042] Next, the first adsorption layer intermediate forming step, the second adsorption layer intermediate forming step, and the first adsorption layer intermediate forming step are performed in this order. As a result, the adsorption layer intermediate 1p, which is a laminate in which five layers are stacked, is formed (FIG. 8). The adsorption layer intermediate 1p is dried to complete the adsorption layer 1.

[0043] The length of the fibers F contained in the adsorbent-forming material is not particularly limited, but is preferably shorter than the nozzle diameter of the nozzle 19. When the length of the fibers F is shorter than the nozzle diameter of the nozzle 19, clogging of the nozzle 19 can be suppressed. As the nozzle 19, for example, a nozzle with a nozzle diameter of about 0.1 mm to 3 mm can be used. In addition, it is preferable that the length of the fibers F is 0.1 μm or more, since a stronger reinforcing effect can be exhibited.

[0044] Next, the effects of the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment will be described in comparison with a comparative example. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic configuration of a portion of the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment, and Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic configuration of a portion of the adsorbent 90 of a first comparative example. Fig. 10 shows a portion that corresponds to Fig. 9. In Figs. 9 and 10, (a) shows a top view, (b) shows a cross section taken along line AA in (a), and (c) shows a cross section taken along line BB in (a). Note that the fiber F is omitted from Fig. 9.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 10, the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example has a plurality of flow paths 92 formed therethrough in the z-axis direction. The width D90 between the flow paths 92 in the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example (Fig. 10(a)) coincides with the width D1 (Fig. 9(a)) of the first adsorbent 11a and the second adsorbent 12a in the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the shape of the flow paths 92 in the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example viewed from the z-axis direction (Fig. 10(a)) coincides with the shape of the communication section 16 in the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment (Fig. 9(a)).

[0046] As described above, the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example has a plurality of flow paths 92 penetrating in the z-axis direction (FIGS. 10(a) and 10(c)). In contrast, the adsorbent 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of first flow paths 11b penetrating in the x-axis direction and a plurality of second flow paths 12b penetrating in the y-axis direction. The gas to be adsorbed is diffused into the adsorbent while diffusing in the flow paths. The adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example only has flow paths 92 penetrating in the z-axis direction, whereas the adsorbent 1 of the present embodiment has a flow path penetrating in the z-axis direction, in which the first flow paths 11b and the second flow paths 12b overlap each other to form a communication section 16 that communicates the first flow paths 11b and the second flow paths 12b, thereby forming a flow path penetrating in the z-axis direction, and further, the first flow paths 11b and the second flow paths 12b that intersect with this flow path are formed. In other words, the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example has only the flow path 92 functioning as a vertical hole, whereas the adsorbent 1 of the present embodiment has a flow path functioning as a vertical hole and a flow path functioning as a horizontal hole. The gas to be adsorbed diffuses from the flow path toward the inside of the adsorbent, so that it is difficult for the gas to diffuse to the inside of the adsorbent away from the flow path. In the adsorbent 1 of the present embodiment, the shape of the flow path is more complex and the area where the adsorbent and the gas contact is larger than that of the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example. In addition, the speed at which the gas diffuses in the flow path is faster than the speed at which the gas diffuses inside the adsorbent, so that the adsorption progresses quickly to the inside of the adsorbent. Therefore, the adsorption speed and the adsorbent utilization rate are improved. Therefore, according to the adsorbent 1 of the present embodiment, the adsorption speed of the gas and the utilization rate of the adsorbent can be improved compared to the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example, and the amount of gas adsorbed can be increased.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing the state of drying in the manufacturing process of the adsorbent of the second comparative example. The adsorbent of the second comparative example is formed in a similar shape by the same manufacturing method as the adsorbent 1, using a material different from that of the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment. The adsorbent of the second comparative example is formed from a material obtained by removing the fiber F and the binder from the adsorbent-forming material of this embodiment, that is, a material in which silica gel and a heat-conducting assistant are mixed (hereinafter, also referred to as the "comparative example-forming material"). In the manufacturing process of the adsorbent of the second comparative example, the adsorbent intermediate 80p in a state before drying is a five-layer structure laminate in which the first adsorbent layer intermediate 81p and the second adsorbent layer intermediate 82p are alternately laminated, as shown in FIG. 11. The first adsorbent layer intermediate 81p includes a plurality of first adsorbent intermediates 81ap, and the second adsorbent layer intermediate 82p includes a plurality of second adsorbent intermediates 82ap.

[0048] As described above, the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment has many flow paths formed therein, and the flow paths are formed to intersect with each other, compared to the adsorbent 90. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 9(b), (c) and 10(b), (c), the adsorbent 1 has a sparse structure compared to the adsorbent 90. Similarly, the adsorbent of the second comparative example has a sparse structure compared to the adsorbent 90 of the first comparative example. Therefore, the adsorbent of the second comparative example has a particularly weak structural strength in the cross section of the adsorbent 1 corresponding to the cross section shown in Fig. 9(c). In the step of drying the adsorbent intermediate 80p, the adsorbent intermediate 80p dries from the top (the z-axis positive side). The comparative example forming material is soft in a paste form and contains a lot of moisture to ensure fluidity, so it shrinks when dried. In the adsorbent intermediate 80p, the first adsorbent layer intermediate 81p stacked on the top dries first, and therefore the first adsorbent layer intermediate 81p stacked on the top shrinks first. The bottom first adsorbent layer intermediate 81p dries slowly and is attached to the stage 18, so it does not shrink much. Therefore, in the drying process of the adsorbent intermediate 80p, a pulling force acts in the x-axis direction (longitudinal direction) on the first adsorbent intermediate 81ap constituting the top first adsorbent layer intermediate 81p (white arrow in FIG. 11(a)), and there is a risk that the first adsorbent intermediate 81ap will break (FIG. 11(a)). As shown in FIG. 11(a), if the first adsorbent intermediate 81ap breaks and a crack occurs in the first adsorbent layer intermediate 81p, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the adsorbent intermediate 80p will dry while warping from the crack as a starting point (white arrow in FIG. 11(b)). This may result in a gap being formed between the heat transfer wall 5a used as the stage 18 and the adsorbent, which may deteriorate the thermal conductivity between the adsorbent and the heat exchanger.

[0049] In contrast, according to the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment, since the adsorbent-forming material contains the fibers F, the fibers F and the binder enhance the adhesive effect of the adsorbent-forming material. In addition, the fibers F contained in the adsorbent-forming material are oriented substantially parallel to the stacking surface 11S of the first adsorbent layer 11 and the second adsorbent layer 12 (FIG. 5(a)), and are oriented substantially parallel to the wall surface 11W forming the first flow path 11b of the first adsorbent 11a (FIG. 5(b)). Therefore, as the adsorbent intermediate 1p dries, a force is applied to the first adsorbent intermediate 11ap in the direction (longitudinal direction) along the stacking surface 11S of the first adsorbent layer 11 and the second adsorbent layer 12, which can suppress the rupture of the first adsorbent intermediate 11ap, and the occurrence of cracks in the adsorbent intermediate 1p can be suppressed. In addition, the occurrence of cracks due to a temperature change of the adsorbent 1 during the use of the adsorption heat pump 10 can also be similarly suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in thermal conductivity between the adsorbent 1 and the heat exchanger 5 can be suppressed. As a result, the dissipation of heat generated by the adsorption of water vapor in the adsorbent 1 to the heat exchanger 5 can be suppressed, and the rate of the adsorption reaction of water vapor by the adsorbent 1 can be suppressed from decreasing.

[0050] Moreover, in the adsorbent 1 of this embodiment, carbon fibers are used as the fibers F. Carbon fibers have the effect of improving thermal conductivity, so the adsorbent 1 can suppress a decrease in structural strength and can improve thermal conductivity.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the adsorbent of this embodiment, the long linear first adsorbent 11a and second adsorbent 12a are formed by extruding the adsorbent-forming material using the nozzle 19 of the 3D printer, so that the fibers F can be easily oriented approximately parallel to the lamination surface 11S of the first adsorbent layer 11 and the second adsorbent layer 12. Similarly, the fibers F can be easily oriented approximately parallel to the wall surface that forms the flow path of the adsorbent.

[0052] The adsorption heat pump 10 of this embodiment also includes an adsorbent 1. As described above, the adsorbent 1 has improved utilization efficiency and can suppress a decrease in thermal conductivity between the adsorbent and the heat exchanger, so that the amount of adsorption of the adsorbate can be increased. Therefore, the adsorption heat pump 10 of this embodiment can improve the output of the adsorption heat pump.

[0053] <Second embodiment> 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a heat exchanger 5A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger 5A of this embodiment includes a cylindrical heat transfer wall 5a and an adsorbent 2 formed on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall 5a, and water flows as a heat medium inside the heat transfer wall 5a. The adsorbent 2 of this embodiment has a different shape from the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment.

[0054] The adsorbent 2 includes a first adsorbent layer 21 and a second adsorbent layer 22 laminated on the first adsorbent layer 21, and is formed in a cylindrical shape along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall 5a.

[0055] The first adsorption layer 21 includes a plurality of first flow paths 21b and a plurality of first adsorbents 21a located between the plurality of first flow paths 21b. The first adsorbents 21a are made of a material containing silica gel and fiber F, and are formed in a linear (thread-like) shape with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The first adsorbents 21a are formed along the outer periphery of the heat transfer wall 5a in a direction in which the longitudinal direction intersects with the central axis C5 of the heat transfer wall 5a. A part of the first adsorbents 21a is formed in a spiral shape on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall 5a. The interval between the adjacent first adsorbents 21a and the interval between the spirals are constant, and in this embodiment, for example, are 50 μm or more and 2 mm or less. In this way, a first flow path 21b through which the gas to be adsorbed by the adsorbent 2 flows is formed between the adjacent first adsorbents 21a. Since the first flow paths 21b are gaps between adjacent first adsorbents 21a, the gas diffusion resistance in the first flow paths 21b is lower than the gas diffusion resistance in the first adsorbents 21a.

[0056] The second adsorption layer 22 includes a plurality of second flow paths 22b and a plurality of second adsorbents 22a located between the plurality of second flow paths 22b. The second adsorbents 22a are made of a material containing silica gel and fiber F, similar to the first adsorbent 21a, and are formed in a rectangular linear (thread-like) cross-sectional shape similar to that of the first adsorbent 21a. The second adsorbents 22a are formed along the outer periphery of the heat transfer wall 5a so that their longitudinal direction intersects with the central axis C5 of the heat transfer wall 5a and intersects with the longitudinal direction of the first adsorbent 21a. A part of the second adsorbents 22a is formed in a spiral shape on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall 5a, similar to the first adsorbent 21a. The interval between the adjacent second adsorbents 22a and the interval between the spirals are constant, and in this embodiment, are the same as the interval in the first adsorbent 21a. In this manner, a second flow path 22b through which the gas to be adsorbed by the adsorbent 2 flows is formed between the adjacent second adsorbents 22a. Since the second flow paths 22b are gaps between adjacent second adsorbents 22a, the gas diffusion resistance in the second flow paths 22b is lower than the gas diffusion resistance in the second adsorbent 22a.

[0057] As described above, the first flow paths 21b of the first adsorption layer 21 and the second flow paths 22b of the second adsorption layer 22 are laminated so as to intersect with each other, so that the adsorbent 2 is formed in a mesh shape as shown in the figure.

[0058] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the adsorbent 2 of the second embodiment. Like the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment, the adsorbent 2 of this embodiment is also formed into a shape by a 3D printer using the same material as the adsorbent-forming material of the first embodiment.

[0059] Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the nozzle 19 is moved from one end 5b of the heat transfer wall 5a to the other end 5c of the heat transfer wall 5a (white arrow F23 in FIG. 13(a)) while rotating the heat transfer wall 5a around the central axis C5 of the heat transfer wall 5a (white arrow F21, F22 in FIG. 13(a)). The adsorbent forming material extruded from the moving nozzle 19 adheres to the outer wall surface of the heat transfer wall 5a, thereby forming a first adsorbent intermediate 21ap disposed obliquely with respect to the central axis C5 as shown in FIG. 13(a). After one first adsorbent intermediate 21ap is formed, another first adsorbent intermediate 21ap is formed in the same manner with a gap therebetween. In this way, a first adsorbent layer intermediate 21p is formed. At this time, the gap becomes the first flow path 21b of the first adsorbent layer 21.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the nozzle 19 is moved from the other end 5c of the heat transfer wall 5a toward one end 5b (white arrow F26 in FIG. 13(b)) while rotating the heat transfer wall 5a around the central axis C5 of the heat transfer wall 5a (white arrow F24, F25 in FIG. 13(b)). The adsorbent forming material extruded from the moving nozzle 19 adheres to the outer surface of the first adsorbent layer intermediate 21p to form a second adsorbent intermediate 22ap disposed obliquely with respect to the central axis C5 as shown in FIG. 13(b). After one second adsorbent intermediate 22ap is formed, another second adsorbent intermediate 22ap is formed in the same manner with a gap therebetween. In this way, the second adsorbent layer intermediate 22p is formed. At this time, the gap becomes the second flow path 22b of the second adsorbent layer 22. The first adsorbent intermediate 21p and the second adsorbent intermediate 22p are laminated together to form the adsorbent intermediate 2p (FIG. 13(b)). The adsorbent intermediate 2p is dried to complete the adsorbent 2.

[0061] As described above, the adsorbent 2 of this embodiment is formed with a plurality of first flow paths 21b and a plurality of second flow paths 22b extending in directions intersecting each other. Therefore, similar to the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment, the utilization rate of the adsorbent 1 can be improved, and the amount of water vapor adsorbed in the adsorbent 2 can be increased. As a result, the amount of heat absorbed and released in the heat exchanger 5A can be increased, and the performance of the heat exchanger 5A can be improved.

[0062] In the heat exchanger 5A of this embodiment, the adsorbent 2 is disposed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the cylindrical heat transfer wall 5a, thereby enabling the adsorbent 2 to efficiently exchange heat with the water flowing inside the heat transfer wall 5a, thereby increasing the amount of heat absorbed and released in the heat exchanger 5A.

[0063] The adsorbent 2 of this embodiment also contains the fiber F, like the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment. In the case where the adsorbent intermediate 2p formed in a mesh-like cylindrical shape like the adsorbent 2 of this embodiment does not contain the fiber F, as described in the first embodiment, when a crack occurs in a part where the structure is weak as the adsorbent intermediate 2p dries while warping from the crack, the crack may extend in a direction along the central axis C5, and the adsorbent intermediate 2p may crack and open. In contrast, the adsorbent-forming material of this embodiment contains the fiber F, and the adhesive effect is enhanced by the fiber F and the binder, so that the occurrence of cracks due to drying of the adsorbent intermediate 2p can be suppressed. Therefore, the decrease in thermal conductivity between the adsorbent 2 and the heat transfer wall 5a can be suppressed. As a result, the heat dissipation to the heat medium of the heat generated by the adsorption of water vapor in the adsorbent 2 can be improved, and the decrease in the rate of the adsorption reaction of water vapor by the adsorbent 2 can be suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the heat exchanger 5A of the present embodiment, the adsorbent 2 can be formed directly on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall 5a by forming a plurality of first adsorbents 21a and a plurality of second adsorbents 22a with gaps between them on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall 5a. This makes it possible to relatively easily form the adsorbent 2 on the outer periphery of the cylindrical heat transfer wall 5a.

[0065] <Third embodiment> FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the adsorbent 3 of the third embodiment. FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view of the adsorbent 3, and FIG. 14(b) is a top view of the adsorbent 3. In FIG. 14(b), in order to clearly show the first flow path 32, the parts other than the first flow path 32 are shown with oblique hatching, and the fibers F are omitted. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 14, the direction in which the openings of the first flow path 32 are formed is the z-axis direction, the direction in which the openings of the second flow path 33 are formed is the y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the z-axis and y-axis is the x-axis direction. In FIG. 14, the size of the flow path and the like are changed from the actual ratio in order to make the structure of the adsorbent 3 easier to understand.

[0066] The adsorbent 3 of the third embodiment has a different shape from the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), but is made of the same material as the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the adsorbent 3 contains fibers F. The adsorbent 3 of this embodiment has a plurality of first flow paths 32 and a plurality of second flow paths 33 formed therein, and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0067] The first flow paths 32 are flow paths that extend in the z-axis direction and penetrate the adsorbent 3 in the z-axis direction. In this embodiment, nine first flow paths 32 are formed. The first flow paths 32 are arranged at equal intervals in each of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. The z-axis direction in this embodiment is also referred to as the "first direction."

[0068] The second flow paths 33 extend in the y-axis direction and penetrate the adsorbent 3 in the y-axis direction. In this embodiment, eight second flow paths 33 are formed. The second flow paths 33 are arranged at equal intervals in each of the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction. The y-axis direction in this embodiment is also referred to as the "second direction."

[0069] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the adsorbent 3 will be described. First, an adsorbent having through holes formed in the z-axis direction is molded, for example, by extrusion molding. In this case, the through holes formed along the z-axis direction become the first flow paths 32. In the extrusion molding, since the material is extruded in the z-axis direction, the fibers F are oriented approximately parallel to the z-axis direction (FIG. 14(a)). A through hole is formed in the y-axis direction in the adsorbent molded by this extrusion molding using a drill. The through hole formed by this drill becomes the second flow path 33. In this way, the adsorbent 3 is completed. Note that, although the through hole is formed by using a drill here, the through hole may be formed by another method.

[0070] As described above, the adsorbent 3 of the third embodiment is formed with a plurality of first flow paths 32 and a plurality of second flow paths 33 extending in directions intersecting each other. This allows water vapor to be diffused over a wider range, and the surface area inside the adsorbent 3 is increased, making it easier for the adsorbent 3 to adsorb water vapor. Therefore, the amount of water vapor adsorbed by the adsorbent 3 can be increased.

[0071] Furthermore, although the adsorbent 3 of this embodiment has some parts that are sparsely structured due to the formation of a plurality of flow paths, the adsorbent 3 contains the fibers F, and therefore the structural strength can be improved.

[0072] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the adsorbent 4 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15(a) is a perspective view of the adsorbent 4, and FIG. 15(b) is a top view of the adsorbent 4. In FIG. 15(b), in order to clearly show the first flow path 42, the first flow path 32 and other parts are shown with oblique hatching, and the fibers F are omitted. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 15, the direction in which the opening of the first flow path 42 is formed is the x-axis direction, the direction in which the opening of the second flow path 43 is formed is the y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the z-axis and the y-axis is the z-axis direction. In FIG. 15, the size of the flow path and the like are changed from the actual ratio in order to make the structure of the adsorbent 3 easier to understand.

[0073] The adsorbent 4 of the fourth embodiment has a different shape from the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), but is made of the same material as the adsorbent 1 of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the adsorbent 4 contains fibers F. The adsorbent 4 of the present embodiment has a plurality of first flow paths 42 and a plurality of second flow paths 43 formed therein, and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0074] The first flow paths 42 are flow paths that extend in the x-axis direction and penetrate the adsorbent 4 in the x-axis direction. In this embodiment, six first flow paths 42 are formed. The first flow paths 42 are arranged at equal intervals in both the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the x-axis direction is also referred to as the "first direction."

[0075] The second flow paths 43 extend in the y-axis direction and penetrate the adsorbent 4 in the y-axis direction. In this embodiment, six second flow paths 43 are formed. The second flow paths 43 are arranged at equal intervals in each of the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction. The y-axis direction in this embodiment is also referred to as the "second direction."

[0076] In this embodiment, the first flow path 42 and the second flow path 43 overlap and communicate with each other. Therefore, a third flow path 44 extending in the z-axis direction is formed (FIG. 15(b)). In the fourth embodiment, the first flow path 42, the second flow path 43, and the third flow path 44 are perpendicular to each other.

[0077] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the adsorbent 4 will be described. First, an adsorbent having through holes formed in the x-axis direction is molded, for example, by extrusion molding. In this case, the through holes formed along the x-axis direction become the first flow paths 42. In the extrusion molding, since the material is extruded in the x-axis direction, the fibers F are oriented approximately parallel to the x-axis direction (FIG. 15(a)). In the adsorbent molded by this extrusion molding, through holes are formed in the y-axis direction using a drill. The through holes formed by this drill become the second flow paths 43. At this time, the third flow paths 44 are formed by forming through holes so that the first flow paths 42 and the second flow paths 43 communicate with each other. Note that the third flow paths 44 may be formed by forming through holes in the z-axis direction using a drill in the adsorbent having through holes formed in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. At this time, the drill forms the through holes so that the through holes pass through both the through holes formed in the x-axis direction and the through holes formed in the y-axis direction. Here, the through holes are formed using a drill, but the through holes may be formed by another method.

[0078] As described above, the adsorbent 4 of the fourth embodiment has a plurality of first flow paths 42 and a plurality of second flow paths 43 arranged in directions intersecting each other. This allows water vapor to be diffused over a wider range, and the surface area inside the adsorbent 4 is increased, making it easier for the adsorbent 4 to adsorb water vapor. Therefore, the amount of water vapor adsorbed by the adsorbent 4 can be increased.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the adsorbent 4 of the present embodiment, the first flow path 42 and the second flow path 43 are in communication with each other, so that water vapor, which is an adsorbate, can diffuse evenly inside the adsorbent 4. This makes it easier for water vapor to come into contact with the adsorbent 4, which makes it easier for the adsorbent 4 to adsorb water vapor, thereby increasing the amount of water vapor adsorbed by the adsorbent 4.

[0080] Moreover, since the adsorbent 4 of this embodiment also contains the fibers F, the structural strength of the adsorbent 4 can be improved.

[0081] <Modifications of this embodiment> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the first direction in which the first flow path extends and the second direction in which the second flow path extends are perpendicular to each other, but the first and second directions do not have to be perpendicular to each other as long as they intersect. This allows water vapor to flow through one of the flow paths inside the adsorbent, where the other flow path cannot. This improves the utilization rate of the adsorbent and increases the amount of water vapor adsorbed by the adsorbent.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the adsorbent has a first flow path extending in a first direction and a second flow path extending in a second direction, but a plurality of types of flow paths extending in different directions may be formed. For example, a third flow path may be formed that extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction at an angle of 45°.

[0084] In the above embodiment, silica gel is exemplified as an example of a material having an adsorption ability, but this is not limited to this. For example, activated carbon or zeolite capable of adsorbing water may be used. In addition, the gas adsorbed by the adsorbent is not limited to water vapor. For example, the adsorbent may be configured to adsorb ammonia, methanol, ethanol, etc.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the first adsorbent 11a and the second adsorbent 12a have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the adsorbent is not limited to a rectangular shape, and the adsorbent may have various shapes, such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the first adsorbent 11a and the second adsorbent 12a are formed in a linear planar shape, but this is not limiting. For example, the planar shape may be formed in various linear shapes, such as a wavy line, a curved line, or a zigzag line. When the planar shape is such a shape, the direction of the center line (average line) can be determined as the direction in which the adsorbent extends.

[0087] The method of manufacturing the adsorbent is not limited to the above embodiment, and the adsorbent can be manufactured by various known manufacturing methods. For example, the adsorbent can be manufactured by a fused deposition modeling method using a 3D printer. In this case, a material in which a heat-soluble resin is mixed with the adsorbent, heat conductive assistant, and fiber is used, and the material is melted and laminated by heating with a nozzle. In this case, since the adsorbent has fibers, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of cracks due to shrinkage caused by cooling of the adsorbent intermediate.

[0088] In the first and second embodiments, the first and second adsorption layers are formed from the same material, but the first and second adsorption layers may be formed from different materials. For example, adsorption layers made of different materials using different types of adsorbents may be stacked.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example in which carbon fiber is used as fiber F has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may include at least one type of fiber, such as inorganic fibers, such as metal fibers, glass fibers, and carbon fibers, and mineral fibers, such as asbestos. For example, carbon fibers and glass fibers may be used as fiber F. Glass fibers are less expensive than carbon fibers, and can provide the effect of improving the structural strength of the adsorbent. Therefore, by including two types of fibers, carbon fibers and glass fibers, as fiber F, costs can be reduced compared to the case in which only carbon fibers are used.

[0090] In the above first and second embodiments, the fibers F are included in all the adsorbents, but it is sufficient that the fibers F are included in at least one of the adsorbents. For example, the fibers F may be included only in the first adsorbent layer 11 arranged on the uppermost surface. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of cracks in the first adsorbent layer intermediate 11p that dries and shrinks first, and therefore it is possible to suppress warping of the adsorbent 1. Furthermore, the fibers F may be included only in one of the first adsorbent materials 11a of the first adsorbent layer 11 arranged on the uppermost surface. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress breakage of the adsorbent.

[0091] In the above first embodiment, an example was shown in which the fibers F are oriented substantially parallel to the stacking surface 11S and substantially parallel to the wall surface 11W, but the fibers F do not have to be oriented. As long as the fibers F are contained in the adsorbent, the structural strength can be improved even if the fibers F are not oriented.

[0092] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, but the above-mentioned embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1, 2, 3, 4, 90...adsorbent 1p, 2p, 80p…Adsorbent intermediate 5, 5A...Heat exchanger 5a…Heat transfer wall 6, 7…Reactor 6a, 7a...Reaction vessel 8…Evaporative condenser 8a…Water piping 8b…Storage container 9…Evaporative condenser 9a…Water piping 9b…Storage container 10…Adsorption heat pump 11, 21...first adsorption layer 11S…Laminated surface 11W…Wall 11a, 21a...first adsorbent 11ap, 21ap, 81ap...First adsorbent intermediate 11b, 21b, 32, 42, ... first flow path 11p, 21p, 81p...first adsorption layer intermediate 12, 22...Second adsorption layer 12a, 22a...Second adsorbent 12ap, 22ap, 82ap…Second adsorbent intermediate 12b, 22b, 33, 43...Second flow path 12p, 22p, 82p...second adsorption layer intermediate 16…Communication part 18…Stage 19…Nozzle 44…Third flow path 92...Flow path C5…Central axis F…fiber

Claims

1. An adsorbent that adsorbs a gas, A plurality of flow paths are formed, each of which has a gas diffusion resistance lower than that of the adsorbent, The plurality of flow paths include a plurality of first flow paths extending in a first direction and a plurality of second flow paths extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The adsorbent comprises one or more types of fibers, The adsorbent further includes a third flow path formed by contacting the first flow path and the second flow path, extending in a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and penetrating the adsorbent. Adsorbent.

2. The adsorbent according to claim 1 , a first adsorption layer including the plurality of first flow paths and a plurality of adsorbents positioned between the plurality of first flow paths; a second adsorption layer laminated on the first adsorption layer and including the second flow paths and a plurality of adsorbents located between the second flow paths; The fibers are included in at least one of the plurality of adsorbents and are oriented substantially parallel to a lamination plane of the first adsorbent layer and the second adsorbent layer. Adsorbent.

3. The adsorbent according to claim 2, The fibers are oriented approximately parallel to the wall surfaces that form the flow paths of the adsorbent. Adsorbent.

4. 1. A heat exchanger comprising: An adsorbent according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a heat transfer wall, the adsorbent being disposed on one side and a heat transfer medium flowing on the other side; heat exchanger.

5. A heat exchanger as claimed in claim 4, The heat transfer wall is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the heat medium flows inside the heat transfer wall. The adsorbent is disposed on the outer surface of the heat transfer wall along the circumferential direction. heat exchanger.

6. An adsorption heat pump comprising a heat exchanger as described in claim 4 or claim 5.

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