Dehumidifier

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier system which can be efficiently operated in the entire system of the dehumidifier system and enables reduction of a supply amount of make-up water when adopting a water-cooling method.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier system 1 includes: a refrigeration cycle 20 in which a refrigerant circulates; a dehumidification part 30 in which a cooling coil 21 of the refrigeration cycle is disposed and which cools and dehumidifies air taken thereinto by a fan 10; a heating part 31A which is disposed at the downstream side of the cooling coil of the dehumidification part and heats air; a cooling tower 40 connected to a condenser 23 of the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidification part; a first path 50 connecting the dehumidification part with the cooling tower; and a second path 60 connecting the cooling tower with the condenser.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various dehumidifiers have been developed to cool and dehumidify the air inside factories, gymnasiums, and the like in order to improve the environment in the summer.

[0003] Known examples of such dehumidifiers include a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator are connected in sequence by piping, through which a refrigerant circulates, and a blower that circulates air through an air path that returns from the space to be dehumidified to the space to be dehumidified via the evaporator and condenser (for example, Patent Document 1 listed below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 173120 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Such dehumidifiers are required to operate efficiently as a whole system. Furthermore, air-cooled systems are the mainstream for such dehumidifiers, but they have the drawback of being inefficient in energy consumption due to the need for water supply and equipment handling. Meanwhile, water-cooled systems are highly energy efficient, but consume a lot of water, resulting in the need for a large supply of makeup water.

[0006] The present invention has been invented to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a dehumidifier that can operate efficiently as an entire dehumidifier system and that can reduce the amount of makeup water supplied in a water-cooled system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The dehumidifying device according to the present invention, which achieves the above object, comprises a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates, a dehumidifying section in which a cooling coil of the refrigeration cycle is disposed and which cools and dehumidifies air taken in by a fan, a heating section disposed downstream of the cooling coil of the dehumidifying section and which heats the air, a cooling tower connected to the condenser of the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidifying section, and a cooling tower connecting the dehumidifying section and the cooling tower. At the same time, drain water generated in the dehumidifying section is flowed into the cooling tower. The first path is connected to the cooling tower and the condenser. At the same time, the cooling water cooled by mixing with the drain water is transferred to the condenser without heat exchange. and a second pathway. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the above-described dehumidifier, drain water generated in the dehumidification unit flows into the cooling tower via the first path and is mixed with cooling water circulating through the second path. The cooling water, which has been cooled by mixing with the drain water, is then moved to the condenser via the second path. Because drain water is generally at a lower temperature than cooling water, mixing with the drain water results in a lower-temperature liquid being supplied to the condenser. This allows the entire dehumidifier system to operate efficiently. Furthermore, because the drain water can be used as makeup water, the amount of makeup water supplied can be reduced in a water-cooled system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view showing a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a dehumidifier according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First Embodiment A dehumidifier 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. The dimensional proportions in the drawings have been exaggerated for the sake of explanation, and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment can cool and dehumidify air taken in by the fan 10. The location where the dehumidifier 1 is installed is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a factory or a gymnasium.

[0013] 1, the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment includes a fan 10, a refrigeration cycle 20 in which a refrigerant circulates, a dehumidification unit 30 that cools and dehumidifies the air taken in by the fan 10, a cooling tower 40, a first path 50 connecting the dehumidification unit 30 and the cooling tower 40, a second path 60 connecting the cooling tower 40 and the condenser 23, a third path 70 branching from the second path 60 and connected to the spray unit 33, and a fifth path 80 through which makeup water moves to the cooling tower 40. Each component will be described below.

[0014] 1, the fan 10 is provided upstream of the air flow of the cooling coil 21 of the refrigeration cycle 20. The fan 10 takes in air from inside a factory or the like or outside air (air to be treated), and blows it toward the cooling coil 21 of the refrigeration cycle 20.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle 20 includes a cooling coil 21, a compressor 22, a condenser 23, an expansion valve 24, and a circulation line 25.

[0016] In the cooling coil 21, the refrigerant evaporated by the heat of the air taken in by the fan 10 is compressed by the compressor 22, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is cooled and condensed in the condenser 23. The condensed refrigerant is sent to the expansion valve 24 where it is expanded, and the expanded refrigerant is sent to the cooling coil 21 and used to cool and dehumidify the air taken in by the fan 10.

[0017] 1, the cooling coil 21 is disposed inside a housing 31 of the dehumidifying unit 30. The compressor 22 is driven by a motor M.

[0018] The refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 20 is ammonia or CO 2、 So-called green refrigerants such as HFO or fluorocarbon refrigerants can be used, and there are no particular limitations.

[0019] The dehumidifying unit 30 can cool and dehumidify the air taken in by the fan 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the dehumidifying unit 30 has a cooling coil 21 of the refrigeration cycle 20 disposed therein. As shown in Fig. 1, the dehumidifying unit 30 has a housing 31, a circulation unit 32 in which water or antifreeze liquid circulates, and a spray unit 33.

[0020] The cooling coil 21 is disposed inside the housing 31. The housing 31 is preferably constructed with a heat-insulating wall.

[0021] The circulation section 32 has a first heat exchange section 32A located on the right side within the housing 31, a second heat exchange section 32B located on the left side within the housing 31, a pump 32C, and a circulation line 32D.

[0022] The first heat exchanger 32A (corresponding to a heating unit) has the function of supplying air at a more comfortable temperature and humidity by heating the air cooled by the cooling coil 21. That is, in the first heat exchanger 32A, the temperature of the medium (water or antifreeze) circulating inside the first heat exchanger 32A is lowered by heat exchange with the air cooled by the cooling coil 21. At this time, the first heat exchanger 32A warms the air cooled by the cooling coil 21, lowering the relative humidity and allowing the air to be supplied at a more comfortable temperature. The medium with the lowered temperature is then moved to the second heat exchanger 32B (corresponding to a cooling unit) where it exchanges heat with relatively high-temperature air taken in by the fan 10, cooling the air and increasing the temperature of the medium. The medium with the increased temperature is then moved to the first heat exchanger 32A by the pump 32C. By providing the circulation section 32 in this manner, the temperature of the air at the inlet side of the cooling coil 21 can be lowered, reducing the cooling load, and the temperature of the air at the outlet side of the cooling coil 21 can be raised, allowing air to be supplied at a comfortable temperature.

[0023] The spray unit 33 sprays the liquid that has traveled from the cooling tower 40 through the second path 60 and the third path 70 into the inside of the housing 31 of the dehumidifier 30. The configuration of the spray unit 33 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of spraying water. The spray unit 33 is arranged to spray the liquid horizontally. This configuration makes it possible to effectively remove dirt from the air taken in by the fan 10. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which water is sprinkled, spraying can more effectively utilize the latent heat of evaporation of water, thereby further improving the pre-cooling effect.

[0024] The cooling tower 40 cools the cooling water circulating through the second path 60. The cooling water circulating through the second path 60 is sprayed from the spray unit 41 as shown in FIG.

[0025] A level sensor 42 for measuring the level of cooling water inside the cooling tower 40 is disposed inside the cooling tower 40 .

[0026] The first path 50 connects the dehumidifier 30 and the cooling tower 40. In the dehumidifier 30, drain water generated when the high-temperature, high-humidity air taken in by the fan 10 is cooled and dehumidified moves to the cooling tower 40 via the first path 50. This allows the drain water to be used as makeup water for the cooling tower 40, thereby reducing the amount of makeup water supplied. Furthermore, by supplying the relatively low-temperature drain water to the cooling tower 40, the temperature of the cooling water can be lowered, and low-temperature cooling water can be supplied to the condenser 23, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0027] The second path 60 connects the cooling tower 40 and the condenser 23. Cooling water whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water circulates through the second path 60. A pump 61 for circulating the cooling water is disposed on the second path 60.

[0028] In this way, the cooling water whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water circulates through the second path 60, and the cooling water whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water is supplied to the condenser 23, thereby increasing the efficiency of the condenser 23 and reducing the load on the motor M for driving the compressor 22.

[0029] The third path 70 branches off from the second path 60 and is connected to the spray unit 33. The cooling water, whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water, is sprayed from the spray unit 33 onto the air taken in by the fan 10, thereby pre-cooling the air taken in by the fan 10. This reduces the cooling load on the cooling coil 21.

[0030] When the cooling water from the cooling tower 40, whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water, is supplied to the spray unit 33, bacteria (Legionella bacteria) may grow in the cooling water if the outside temperature is high in summer. Therefore, it is preferable that an ultraviolet lamp is disposed in the third path 70 to sterilize bacteria in the cooling water, whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water.

[0031] The fifth path 80 is a path for supplying makeup water to the cooling tower 40. As shown in FIG. 1 , the fifth path 80 is provided with an adjustment valve 81 for adjusting the amount of makeup water supplied to the cooling tower 40.

[0032] Next, a method of using the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The temperature and humidity values ​​given in the description of the method of use are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these values.

[0033] The dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment takes in air to be treated (temperature 30°C, relative humidity 75%) and supplies it to a factory, gymnasium, etc. as cooled and dehumidified air (temperature 20°C, relative humidity 70%).

[0034] First, the fan 10 takes in air to be treated (temperature: 30° C., relative humidity: 75%) and blows it toward the cooling coil 21 of the refrigeration cycle 20.

[0035] Then, the air is pre-cooled by the water sprayed from the spray unit 33 (to a temperature of 29.8°C).

[0036] The air to be treated is then cooled (temperature 27°C, relative humidity 100%) by heat exchange with first heat exchange section 32A, and is further cooled and dehumidified (temperature 10°C, relative humidity 100%) in cooling coil 21. At this time, drain water (temperature 5°C) is generated inside dehumidification section 30 and stored in the lower part of housing 31.

[0037] The air cooled by the cooling coil 21 is heated in the first heat exchange section 32A (temperature 20°C, relative humidity 70%) and then supplied to a factory, gymnasium, or the like.

[0038] Furthermore, the drain water generated in the dehumidifying section 30 is sent to the cooling tower 40 via the first path 50. Then, in the cooling tower 40, the drain water is mixed with the cooling water (temperature 31.3°C) circulating through the second path 60, and the cooling water is cooled by the drain water (temperature 31.2°C). Since the drain water is supplied to the cooling tower 40 via the first path 50 in this manner, it is possible to suitably prevent a shortage of cooling water inside the cooling tower 40.

[0039] The cooling water cooled by the drain water then flows through the second path 60 and moves to the condenser 23 of the refrigeration cycle 20. In this way, the cooling water whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water circulates through the second path 60 and is supplied to the condenser 23, thereby increasing the efficiency of the condenser 23 and reducing the heat of condensation, thereby reducing the load on the motor M that drives the compressor 22. Furthermore, because the drain water can be used as make-up water for the cooling tower 40, the amount of make-up water supplied to the cooling tower 40 can be reduced, resulting in water conservation.

[0040] The cooling water cooled by the drain water travels to the spray unit 33 via the second path 60 and the third path 70, and is then sprayed in mist form from the spray unit 33. The cooling water, whose temperature has been lowered by the drain water, is sprayed from the spray unit 33 onto the air taken in by the fan 10, thereby pre-cooling the air taken in by the fan 10.

[0041] As described above, the dehumidifier 1 according to this embodiment includes the refrigeration cycle 20 in which a refrigerant circulates, the dehumidification unit 30 in which the cooling coil 21 of the refrigeration cycle 20 is disposed and which cools and dehumidifies air taken in by the fan 10, the first heat exchange unit 32A disposed downstream of the cooling coil of the dehumidification unit and which heats air, the cooling tower 40 connected to the condenser 23 of the refrigeration cycle 20 and the dehumidification unit 30, the first path 50 connecting the dehumidification unit 30 and the cooling tower 40, and the second path 60 connecting the cooling tower 40 and the condenser 23. According to the dehumidification unit 1 configured in this manner, drain water generated in the dehumidification unit 30 flows into the cooling tower 40 via the first path 50 and is mixed with cooling water circulating through the second path 60. The cooling water, which has been cooled by being mixed with the drain water, is then transferred to the condenser 23 via the second path 60. Drain water is generally at a lower temperature than cooling water, so by mixing the drain water, a lower temperature liquid is supplied to the condenser 23. This allows the entire system of the dehumidifier 1 to operate efficiently. In addition, because the drain water can be used as make-up water, the amount of make-up water supplied can be reduced in a water-cooled system.

[0042] The dehumidifier 1 further includes a third path 70 through which drain water generated in the dehumidifier 30 moves to the sprayer 33 disposed upstream of the dehumidifier 30. The dehumidifier 1 configured in this manner can pre-cool the air taken in by the fan 10.

[0043] Additionally, the third path 70 is formed to branch off from the second path 60. According to the dehumidifier 1 configured in this manner, the cooling water mixed with the drain water is supplied to the spray unit 33, so that the liquid sprayed from the spray unit 33 can be prevented from running out.

[0044] Furthermore, the drain water is sprayed horizontally in the spray section 33. According to the dehumidifier 1 configured in this manner, if dirt is attached to the air taken in by the fan 10, it can be suitably removed.

[0045] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a dehumidifier 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a dehumidifier 2 according to a second embodiment. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only features unique to the second embodiment will be explained. Note that the same members as those in the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fourth path 170 branches off from the first path 50, for example.

[0047] 2, the dehumidifier 2 according to the second embodiment includes a fan 10, a refrigeration cycle 20 through which a refrigerant circulates, a dehumidification unit 30 that cools and dehumidifies the air taken in by the fan 10, a cooling tower 40, a first path 50 connecting the dehumidification unit 30 and the cooling tower 40, a second path 60 connecting the cooling tower 40 and the condenser 23, a fourth path 170 branching from the first path 50 and connected to the spray unit 33, a fifth path 80 through which makeup water is supplied to the cooling tower 40, and a tank 90 located at the point where the first path 50 branches into the fourth path 170. The configurations of the fan 10, the refrigeration cycle 20, the dehumidification unit 30, the cooling tower 40, the first path 50, the second path 60, and the fifth path 80 are the same as those of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0048] The fourth path 170 is formed so as to branch off from the first path 50. A pump 171 is disposed in the fourth path 170 to move the drain water flowing through the first path 50 to the spray unit 33.

[0049] 2, the tank 90 is disposed at a location where the fourth path 170 branches off from the first path 50. The tank 90 is provided with a level sensor 91 that can detect the water level of the drain water in the tank 90.

[0050] Next, a method of using the dehumidifier 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. The same method of using the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] The air taken in by the fan 10 is cooled and dehumidified in the cooling coil 21. At this time, drain water is generated inside the dehumidifying unit 30 and stored in the lower part of the housing 31.

[0052] The drain water is then sent to the tank 90 via the first path 50. Before the tank 90 in its initial state is filled with the drain water, the drain water in the tank 90 is moved by the pump 171 to the spray unit 33 and sprayed from the spray unit 33 to pre-cool the air.

[0053] Then, the drain water is supplied to the cooling tower 40 through the first path 50. The method of use thereafter is the same as that of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] As described above, in the dehumidifier 2 according to the second embodiment, the fourth path 170 is formed to branch off from the first path 50. According to the dehumidifier 2 configured in this manner, the drain water is not mixed with the cooling water circulating through the second path 60, and the cold drain water is directly used for precooling, so that the air taken in by the fan 10 can be precooled more effectively.

[0055] <Modification of the second embodiment> Next, the configuration of a dehumidifier 3 according to a modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, a dehumidifier 3 according to a modified example of the second embodiment includes a fan 10, a refrigeration cycle 20 in which a refrigerant circulates, a dehumidification section 30 that cools and dehumidifies the air taken in by the fan 10, a cooling tower 40, a first path 50 connecting the dehumidification section 30 and the cooling tower 40, a second path 60 connecting the cooling tower 40 and the condenser 23, a fourth path 170 branching off from the first path 50 and connected to the spray section 33, a fifth path 80 through which makeup water is supplied to the cooling tower 40, a tank 90 located at the point where the first path 50 branches off to the fourth path 170, and a sixth path 100.

[0057] The configurations of the fan 10, refrigeration cycle 20, dehumidification section 30, cooling tower 40, first path 50, second path 60, fourth path 170, fifth path 80, and tank 90 are the same as those of the dehumidification device 2 of the second embodiment described above, so explanations will be omitted.

[0058] 3, the sixth path 100 branches off from the fifth path 80 and merges with the fourth path 170. The sixth path 100 is provided with an adjustment valve 101 for adjusting the amount of makeup water flowing through the sixth path 100.

[0059] Next, a method of using the dehumidifier 3 according to the modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] In a dehumidifier 3 according to a modified example of the second embodiment, when the temperature of the air to be treated is higher than the temperature of the makeup water, the adjustment valve 81 of the fifth path 80 is closed and the adjustment valve 101 of the sixth path 100 is opened, so that the makeup water is mixed with the drain water flowing through the fourth path 170 and sprayed from the spray section 33 to pre-cool the air taken in by the fan 10.

[0061] On the other hand, when the temperature of the air to be treated is lower than the temperature of the makeup water, the regulating valve 81 of the fifth path 80 is opened and the regulating valve 101 of the sixth path 100 is closed, and the makeup water is supplied to the cooling tower 40 via the fifth path 80.

[0062] According to the dehumidifier 3 relating to the modified example of the second embodiment, when the temperature of the air to be treated is higher than that of the make-up water, a large amount of low-temperature water mixed with make-up water and drain water can be sprayed from the spray section 33, thereby more efficiently pre-cooling the air taken in by the fan 10.

[0063] The configurations of the dehumidifiers 1, 2, and 3 have been described above through the embodiments and modifications, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0064] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the dehumidifier 1 had a third path 70 through which drain water generated in the dehumidifier section 30 moves to the spray section 33 located upstream of the dehumidifier section 30, but it is not necessary to have a third path.

[0065] In the first embodiment described above, the drain water is sprayed horizontally in the spray section 33. However, the drain water does not have to be sprayed horizontally in the spray section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1, 2, 3 dehumidifier, 10 fans, 20 refrigeration cycles, 21 cooling coil, 22 compressor, 23 condenser, 24 Expansion valve, 30 Dehumidification section, 32 Circulation Department, 33 Spraying section, 40 cooling tower, 50 Route 1, 60 Second Route, 70 Third Route, 80 5th Route, 90 tanks, 100 Route 6, 170 Route 4.

Claims

1. a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates; a dehumidification unit in which the cooling coil of the refrigeration cycle is disposed and which cools and dehumidifies the air taken in by the fan; a heating unit disposed downstream of the cooling coil of the dehumidifying unit and configured to heat air; a cooling tower connected to a condenser of the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidification unit; a first passage connecting the dehumidifying unit and the cooling tower and allowing drain water generated in the dehumidifying unit to flow into the cooling tower; a second passage connecting the cooling tower and the condenser and for transferring the cooling water cooled by mixing with the drain water to the condenser without heat exchange.

2. Further, the device has a circulation section through which a medium, which is water or an antifreeze liquid, circulates; 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the circulation unit comprises: the heating unit; a cooling unit that is arranged upstream of the cooling coil of the dehumidifying unit and that cools the air; and a pump that circulates the medium.

3. 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a spray unit disposed in an air flow path between the fan and the cooling coil, the spray unit being configured to spray water into the air.

4. The dehumidifier according to claim 3 , further comprising a third passage branched from the second passage and configured to move the cooling water from the cooling tower to the spray section.

5. The dehumidifying device according to claim 3 , further comprising a fourth path through which at least a portion of the drain water generated in the dehumidifying section moves to the spray section.

6. The dehumidifier according to claim 5 , wherein the fourth path is formed so as to branch off from the first path.

7. a fifth passage through which makeup water is supplied to the cooling tower; The dehumidifier according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: a sixth path branching from the fifth path and joining the fourth path.

8. The dehumidifying device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the water is sprayed horizontally in the spray section.

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