air conditioner

Abstract

To improve dehumidification efficiency of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: An air conditioner equipped with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit includes: an absorber provided in the outdoor unit for absorbing moisture in outdoor air; a flow passage that passes through the absorber, through which outdoor air flows; a fan for sending outdoor air to the flow passage; a damper device for distributing the outdoor air flowing through the flow passage to the outside of the room and the indoor unit; a heater for heating outdoor air on an upstream side with respect to the absorber in the flow passage; and a control part for controlling the fan, the damper device, and the heater. The control part executes an adsorption operation for controlling the damper device to distribute outdoor air to the indoor unit, and rotationally drives the fan to send the outdoor air which is dried by its moisture being collected by the absorber, to the indoor unit, and a regeneration operation for controlling the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room, rotationally driving the fan, and operating the heater to dry the absorber by heated outdoor air. The operation time of the adsorption operation is longer than the operation time of the regeneration operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an air conditioner that is configured with an indoor unit that is placed inside a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit that is placed outside the room, as described in Patent Document 1. This air conditioner is configured so that humidified outdoor air can be supplied from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-91000 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, there is a need to improve the dehumidifying efficiency of air conditioners.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can improve dehumidification efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a flow path through which outdoor air flows, the flow path passing through the absorbent material; a fan for sending outdoor air to the flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the flow path between the outdoor area and the indoor unit; a heater that heats outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; a control unit that controls the fan, the damper device, and the heater; Equipped with The control unit an adsorption operation in which the damper device is controlled to distribute outdoor air to the indoor unit, the fan is driven to rotate, and the outdoor air that has been dried by capturing moisture in the absorbent material is sent to the indoor unit; a regeneration operation in which the damper device is controlled to distribute outdoor air to the outside of the room, the fan is driven to rotate, and the heater is operated to dry the absorbent material with heated outdoor air; Run The air conditioner is provided such that the operation time of the adsorption operation is longer than the operation time of the regeneration operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can improve dehumidification efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of ventilation system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during ventilation operation [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during humidification operation [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during dehumidification operation [Figure 6] Block diagram showing a configuration for controlling an air conditioner [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a portion of a first flow path P1 of a ventilation device; [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the overall operation from dehumidification operation ON to OFF [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the regeneration operation [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the adsorption operation [Figure 11] Timing chart for dehumidification operation control [Figure 12]A block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a first flow path P1 of a ventilation device according to a modified example. [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the operation of a modified regeneration operation [Figure 15] Flowchart showing the operation of the adsorption operation according to a modified example [Figure 16] Timing chart of dehumidification operation control according to a modified example DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit for absorbing moisture from outdoor air; a flow path through which outdoor air flows, the absorbent material being passed; a fan for sending outdoor air through the flow path; a damper device for distributing the outdoor air flowing through the flow path between the outdoors and the indoor unit; a heater for heating the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; and a control unit for controlling the fan, the damper device, and the heater; wherein the control unit performs an adsorption operation in which the damper device controls the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the indoor unit and rotate the fan to send the dried outdoor air that has had moisture captured by the absorbent material to the indoor unit; and a regeneration operation in which the damper device controls the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outdoors, rotate the fan, and operate the heater to dry the absorbent material with the heated outdoor air, and the operating time of the adsorption operation is longer than the operating time of the regeneration operation.

[0010] According to this aspect, the dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

[0011] For example, the operation time of the adsorption operation may be two to six times the operation time of the regeneration operation.

[0012] For example, the control unit may switch to the regeneration operation when the operation time of the adsorption operation has elapsed for a predetermined time.

[0013] For example, the control unit may switch to the adsorption operation when the operation time of the regeneration operation has elapsed for a predetermined time.

[0014] For example, the device may further include a motor that rotates the absorbent material, and the control unit may drive the motor to rotate the absorbent material.

[0015] For example, the absorbent material may be a polymeric sorbent material.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment has an indoor unit 20 arranged in a room Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 arranged in an outdoor room Rout.

[0019] The indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows the indoor air A1 into the room Rin after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0020] The outdoor unit 30 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows the outdoor air A2 out to the outdoor Rout after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32. The outdoor unit 30 is also provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

[0021] The indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 are each connected by a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows. In cooling operation and dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 38, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36. In heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 38, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36.

[0022] In addition to air conditioning operation using a refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 also performs air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is introduced into the room Rin. To this end, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation system.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent material 52 therein through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 passes.

[0025] The absorbent material 52 is a member through which air can pass and which collects moisture from the air passing through it or adds moisture to the air passing through it. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is disk-shaped and rotates around a rotation center line C1 that passes through the center of the absorbent material 52. The absorbent material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54.

[0026] The absorbent 52 is preferably a polymeric adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air. The polymeric adsorbent is, for example, composed of cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymeric adsorbent absorbs a larger amount of moisture per volume, can desorb moisture at a low heating temperature, and can retain moisture for a long period of time.

[0027] Inside the ventilation device 50, a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 are provided, through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through the absorbent material 52. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions. The first flow path P1 corresponds to the "flow path" in this disclosure.

[0028] The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 flows toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 via a ventilation duct 56.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a, P1b on the upstream side of the absorbent material 52. In this specification, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with respect to the flow of air.

[0030] The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P2a join together upstream of the absorbent material 52. The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P1b are provided with first and second heaters 58, 60, respectively, that heat the outside air A3.

[0031] The first and second heaters 58, 60 may have the same heating capacity or different heating capacities. Furthermore, the first and second heaters 58, 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, thereby preventing excessive increases in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current continues to flow, so the temperature must be monitored. In the case of PTC heaters, the heaters themselves adjust the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, eliminating the need to monitor the heating temperature.

[0032] A first fan 62 is provided in the first flow path P1 to generate a flow of outdoor air A3 toward the indoor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the first fan 62 is arranged downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the first fan 62 is operated, the outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52. The first fan 62 corresponds to the "fan" in this disclosure.

[0033] The first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 that distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In the present embodiment, the damper device 64 is disposed downstream of the first fan 62. The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 and is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24.

[0034] The second flow path P2 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A4 flows. Unlike the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 does not head toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 passes through the absorbent material 52 and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0035] A second fan 66 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the present embodiment, the second fan 66 is disposed downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the second fan 66 is operated, the outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent material 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0036] The ventilation device 50 selectively performs ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation by selectively using an absorbent material 52, a motor 54, a first heater 58, a second heater 60, a first fan 62, a damper device 64, and a second fan 66.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during ventilation operation.

[0038] Ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is supplied directly to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) via the ventilation duct 56. As shown in FIG. 3, during ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, thereby causing no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur through the second flow path P2.

[0039] According to this ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24. According to this ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied as is to the room Rin, and the room Rin is ventilated.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during humidification operation.

[0041] The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 4, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0042] In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can remove a larger amount of moisture from the absorbent 52 than when the outdoor air A3 is not heated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a larger amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carried a larger amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a larger amount of moisture is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is humidified.

[0043] In addition, by turning off either the first heater 58 or the second heater 60, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 removes from the absorbent material 52 can be reduced, i.e., a weak humidification operation can be performed in which the amount of humidification of the indoor air Rin is reduced.

[0044] As moisture is removed by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, i.e., the absorbent 52 dries. When the absorbent 52 dries, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 cannot remove moisture from the absorbent 52. To address this, the absorbent 52 removes moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2. This keeps the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 approximately constant, allowing the humidification operation to continue.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during dehumidification operation.

[0046] The dehumidifying operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is dehumidified and the dehumidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Fig. 5, in the dehumidifying operation, the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0047] The adsorption operation is an operation in which moisture contained in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed onto the absorbent material 52, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in FIG. 5, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, thereby causing no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur through the second flow path P2.

[0048] During this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent 52. This reduces the amount of moisture carried by the outdoor air A3, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and is then distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is then blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. During this adsorption operation, the dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is dehumidified.

[0049] As the adsorption operation continues, the amount of water held by the absorbent 52 continues to increase, resulting in a decrease in the absorbent 52's ability to adsorb the moisture contained in the outdoor air A3. In order to recover the adsorption ability, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent 52.

[0050] During regeneration operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is ON and causes the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout rather than to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is OFF and causes no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur in the second flow path P2.

[0051] According to this regeneration operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 removes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent 52. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. At the same time, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, that is, the absorbent 52 dries and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is diverted by the damper device 64 to the outdoor Rout and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, during the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

[0052] By alternately performing the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation in this manner, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained, and the dehumidification operation can be carried out continuously.

[0053] The above-mentioned air conditioning operations using the refrigeration cycle (cooling operation, dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) and the air conditioning operations using the ventilation device 50 (ventilation operation, humidifying operation, dehumidifying operation) can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, if the dehumidifying operation using the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidifying operation using the ventilation device 50 are performed simultaneously, it is possible to dehumidify the room Rin while maintaining the room temperature constant.

[0054] The user selects the air conditioning operation to be performed by the air conditioner 10. For example, when the user performs a selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 10 performs the air conditioning operation corresponding to that operation.

[0055] Up to this point, we have given an overview of the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will explain further features of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the air conditioner. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the first flow path P1 of the ventilation device.

[0057] 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 10 is provided with a first temperature sensor 82 that is disposed downstream of the absorbent 52 and detects the temperature of the outdoor air A3. The downstream side of the absorbent 52 refers to the portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent 52 and the first fan 62 (see FIG. 5).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 , the components of the air conditioner 10 are controlled by a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes, for example, a memory that stores programs and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The functions of the control unit 90 may be configured solely by hardware, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 90 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in the memory and performing various arithmetic processing. In the present embodiment, the control unit 90 controls the motor 54, the first heater 58, the second heater 60, the first fan 62, the damper device 64, the second fan 66, and the first temperature sensor 82.

[0059] <Dehumidification operation flow> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the overall operation from dehumidification operation ON to OFF. The processing shown in Fig. 8 is performed by the control unit 90 controlling the components of the air conditioner 10. The processing shown in Fig. 8 is an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the processing shown in Fig. 8. For example, the processing of dehumidification start control and heater residual heat removal control shown in Fig. 8 may be omitted.

[0060] The process shown in FIG. 8 starts when the dehumidifying operation is turned on by a user's selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in FIG. 1, for example.

[0061] 8, in step S10, the control unit 90 determines whether or not the start condition is met. If the control unit 90 determines that the start condition is met, the process proceeds to step S20. If the control unit 90 determines that the start condition is not met, the process repeats step S10.

[0062] The start conditions are conditions for starting the dehumidification operation, and may include, for example, at least one of the operation mode, operation frequency, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, and the presence or absence of an abnormality.

[0063] In step S20, the control unit 90 performs dehumidification start-up control. In the dehumidification start-up control, cleaning control for removing foreign matter from inside the air conditioner 10 and heater cooling control are performed.

[0064] In the dehumidification start control, in step S21, the control unit 90 performs clean control. Clean control is control to remove foreign matter from inside the air conditioner 10. For example, if the ventilation device 50 is placed outdoors, foreign matter may accumulate inside the ventilation device 50. By performing clean control, foreign matter from inside the ventilation device 50 can be removed and the inflow of foreign matter into the room can be suppressed. Examples of foreign matter include dust, pollen, allergens, mold, bacteria, viruses, PM2.5, NOx, SOx, harmful substances, and pests.

[0065] In the clean control, the control unit 90 closes the damper device 64, distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout, and rotates the first fan 62. In this way, the outdoor air A3 is discharged from the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and insects adhering to the first flow path P1 and the absorbent material 52 is discharged to the outdoor Rout by the outdoor air A3 blown from the first fan 62.

[0066] Next, in step S22, the control unit 90 performs heater cooling control, which is control for turning off the heaters 58 and 60 to cool the heaters.

[0067] In the heater cooling control, the control unit 90 turns off the heaters 58, 60 to stop heating by the heaters 58, 60 while the damper device 64 is closed and the first fan 62 is rotating. The heaters 58, 60 are cooled by the outside air A3 blown by the first fan 62.

[0068] When the dehumidification start-up control is completed, the control unit 90 performs dehumidification operation control in step S30. In this embodiment, the dehumidification operation control alternates between the regeneration operation and the adsorption operation.

[0069] The dehumidification operation control will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the regeneration operation. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the adsorption operation. Fig. 11 is a timing chart of the dehumidification operation control. Fig. 11(a) shows temperature information of the outdoor air downstream of the absorbent. Fig. 11(b) shows control of the rotation speed of the first fan. Fig. 11(c) shows control of opening and closing of the damper device. Fig. 11(d) shows ON / OFF control of the motor that rotates the absorbent. Fig. 11(e) shows ON / OFF control of the heater.

[0070] 8, the control unit 90 first performs regeneration operation. In the regeneration operation, the damper device 64 is controlled to distribute the outdoor air A3 to the outdoor Rout, the first fan 62 is driven to rotate, and the heaters 58 and 60 are operated to dry the absorbent 52 with the heated outdoor air A3. By performing the regeneration operation at the beginning of the dehumidification operation control, the absorbent 52 can be dried.

[0071] The regeneration operation will be described with reference to Fig. 9. When the regeneration operation is started, in step S311, the control unit 90 performs damper "close" control. The control unit 90 closes the damper device 64 and distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the outdoor air Rout.

[0072] In step S312, the control unit 90 turns on the heaters 58 and 60. The control unit 90 turns on the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, which heat the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 in the first flow path P1, to heat the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1.

[0073] In step S313, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. For example, if the heaters 58, 60 are PTC heaters, the control unit 90 may control the rotation speed of the first fan 62 so that the rotation speed of the first fan is reduced at the start of the regeneration operation and then reaches a predetermined rotation speed, as shown in Fig. 11. By reducing the rotation speed of the first fan at the start of the regeneration operation, it is possible to prevent the reduction in the rotation speed from affecting the control of the opening and closing of the damper.

[0074] Furthermore, in step S314, the control unit 90 turns on the motor 54 to rotate the absorbent material 52.

[0075] In step S315, the control unit 90 acquires temperature information of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52, detected by the first temperature sensor 82. Note that the control unit 90 continues to acquire the temperature information until the regeneration operation is completed.

[0076] In step S316, the control unit 90 determines whether or not to terminate the regeneration operation. If the control unit 90 determines to terminate the regeneration operation, the process proceeds to step S32 in FIG. 8. That is, if the control unit 90 determines to terminate the regeneration operation, the control unit 90 switches from the regeneration operation to the adsorption operation. If the control unit 90 determines not to terminate the regeneration operation, the process repeats step S316.

[0077] For example, the control unit 90 determines whether to terminate the regeneration operation based on the temperature information of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 acquired in step S315. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, when the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (first threshold value) L1, the control unit 90 determines to terminate the regeneration operation and switch to the adsorption operation.

[0078] As the outdoor air A3 heated by the heaters 58 and 60 passes through the absorbent 52, the moisture contained in the absorbent 52 is absorbed by the outdoor air A3. At this time, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 heated by the heaters 58 and 60 decreases due to the heat of vaporization when the outdoor air A3 passes through the absorbent 52 and absorbs moisture. As the absorbent 52 becomes drier with continued regeneration operation, the amount of moisture absorbed by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent 52 decreases, and the temperature of the outdoor air A3 heated by the heaters 58 and 60 passes through the absorbent 52 without decreasing significantly. Therefore, as the absorbent 52 becomes drier, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 gradually increases. When the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 exceeds a predetermined first threshold L1, the absorbent 52 becomes too dry to absorb any more moisture from the outdoor air A3, so the control unit 90 terminates the regeneration operation and switches to adsorption operation.

[0079] In this way, by switching from regeneration operation to adsorption operation based on temperature information of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52, it is possible to prevent the absorbent 52 from becoming overly dry and reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0080] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may determine to terminate the regeneration operation and switch to the adsorption operation when the operation time of the regeneration operation has elapsed for a predetermined period of time.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 8, when the regeneration operation is completed, the control unit 90 performs an adsorption operation in step S32.

[0082] The adsorption operation will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the adsorption operation, the damper device 64 is controlled to distribute the outdoor air A3 to the indoor air Rin, the first fan 62 is driven to rotate, and the outdoor air A3, which has had moisture captured by the absorbent material 52 and is now dried, is sent to the indoor unit 20. When the adsorption operation starts, in step S321 the control unit 90 turns off the heaters 58 and 60.

[0083] Next, in step S322, the control unit 90 performs damper "open" control. The control unit 90 opens the damper device 64 to distribute the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the ventilation duct 56. The ventilation duct 56 connects the first flow path P1 and the indoor unit 20 via the damper device 64. Therefore, the control unit 90 can control the damper device 64 to distribute the outdoor air A3 to the ventilation duct 56.

[0084] In step S323, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. For example, if the heaters 58, 60 are PTC heaters, the control unit 90 may control the rotation speed of the first fan 62 so that the rotation speed of the first fan is reduced at the start of the adsorption operation and then reaches a predetermined rotation speed, as shown in FIG.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S324, the control unit 90 turns on the motor 54 to rotate the absorbent material 52.

[0086] In step S325, the control unit 90 acquires temperature information of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52, detected by the first temperature sensor 82. Note that the control unit 90 continues to acquire the temperature information until the adsorption operation is completed.

[0087] In step S326, the control unit 90 determines whether or not to terminate the adsorption operation. If the control unit 90 determines to terminate the adsorption operation, the control unit 90 terminates the adsorption operation and performs the regeneration operation of step S31 in Fig. 8 again. That is, if the control unit 90 determines to terminate the adsorption operation, it switches from the adsorption operation to the regeneration operation. If the control unit 90 determines not to terminate the adsorption operation, the process repeats step S326.

[0088] For example, the control unit 90 determines whether to terminate the adsorption operation based on the temperature information of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 acquired in step S325. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, when the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 falls below a predetermined threshold (second threshold) L2, the control unit 90 determines to terminate the adsorption operation and switch to the regeneration operation.

[0089] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may determine to end the adsorption operation and switch to the regeneration operation when the operation time of the adsorption operation has elapsed for a predetermined period of time.

[0090] When the outdoor air A3 passes through the absorbent material 52, the moisture contained in the outdoor air A3 is removed by the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heat of adsorption increases the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 increases by removing moisture from the outdoor air A3, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 decreases, and it becomes difficult for the heat of adsorption to increase the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent material. Therefore, when the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent material 52 falls below the second threshold value L2, the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 is saturated and the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is reduced, so the control unit 90 switches from adsorption operation to regeneration operation.

[0091] In this way, by switching from the adsorption operation to the regeneration operation based on the temperature information of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent material 52, it is possible to suppress the humidity from returning to the room Rin.

[0092] 11, the control unit 90 alternately performs the regeneration operation and the adsorption operation while performing the dehumidification operation control. At this time, the operation times t21 and t22 of the adsorption operation are shorter than the operation times t11, t12, and t13 of the regeneration operation.

[0093] This is because the time it takes for the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 to reach saturation in the adsorption operation is longer than the time it takes for the absorbent 52 to dry in the regeneration operation. In the regeneration operation, the heaters 58 and 60 are used to dry the absorbent 52, so the absorbent 52 can be dried in a shorter time than in the adsorption operation. Therefore, by making the operation time t21-t22 of the adsorption operation longer than the operation time t11-t13 of the regeneration operation, the dehumidification efficiency of the room Rin can be improved. For example, the operation time t21-t22 of the adsorption operation is preferably two to six times the operation time t11-t13 of the regeneration operation. More preferably, the operation time t21-t22 of the adsorption operation is preferably approximately three times the operation time t11-t13 of the regeneration operation.

[0094] By switching between the regeneration operation and the adsorption operation when the respective operation times have elapsed a predetermined time, the operation time t21 to t22 of the adsorption operation can be controlled to be longer than the operation time t11 to t13 of the regeneration operation.

[0095] In step S40, the control unit 90 determines whether or not to terminate the dehumidification operation control. If the control unit 90 determines to terminate the dehumidification operation control, the process proceeds to step S50. If the control unit 90 determines not to terminate the dehumidification operation control, the process repeats step S30.

[0096] For example, the dehumidification operation control is ended when the dehumidification operation is turned off by a user's selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the end of the dehumidification operation control may be determined based on the same conditions as the start conditions.

[0097] In step S50, the control unit 90 performs heater residual heat removal control. The heater residual heat removal control is control to remove residual heat from the heaters 58, 60. The control unit 90 closes the damper device 64, distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout, and rotates the first fan 62. Thereafter, the control unit 90 turns off the heaters 58, 60 to stop heating by the heaters 58, 60. The heaters 58, 60 are cooled by the outdoor air A3 blown from the first fan 62.

[0098] As described above, the control unit 90 carries out steps S10 to S50 from when the dehumidifying operation is turned on until when it is turned off.

[0099] Note that the process shown in Fig. 8 is an example, and the overall operation from turning the dehumidification operation on to off is not limited to this. For example, the process shown in Fig. 8 may further include additional steps, or steps may be deleted, integrated, and / or divided.

[0100] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which switching between the regeneration operation and the adsorption operation is performed based on temperature information about the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 90 may control the heaters 58, 60 to stop based on temperature information about the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52. For example, the control unit 90 may turn off the heaters 58, 60 when the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 exceeds a first threshold value L1. In this way, it is possible to prevent the absorbent 52 from becoming overly dry.

[0101] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may control the torque of the motor 54 when the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 exceeds the first threshold value L1. For example, if the rotation of the absorbent 52 stops unexpectedly, the absorbent 52 may become partially over-dried. At this time, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 continues to rise. If the rotation of the absorbent 52 stops for some reason, the torque of the motor 54 can be increased to forcibly rotate the absorbent 52 and prevent over-drying. For example, if the motor 54 is a stepping motor, the torque can be increased by decreasing the pulse rate (PPS).

[0102] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the first fan 62 is controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed during adsorption operation, but this is not limiting. For example, the rotation speed of the first fan 62 may be controlled based on the temperature of the room Rin. The temperature of the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 increases due to the heat of adsorption. Therefore, if the temperature of the room Rin drops too much due to dehumidification operation, the rotation speed of the first fan 62 can be increased to send more outdoor air A3 to the room Rin, thereby adjusting the sensible heat load of the room Rin and maintaining an appropriate room temperature.

[0103] Furthermore, by turning on the heaters 58, 60 during adsorption operation, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 can be raised, and outdoor air A3 with a higher sensible heat load can be sent to the room Rin. In this way, the sensible heat load of the room Rin can be adjusted by combining the first fan 62 and the heaters 58, 60.

[0104] Next, a dehumidifying operation control of a modified example will be described. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner of the modified example. Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the first flow path P1 of the ventilation device of the modified example.

[0105] 12 and 13, in this modification, the air conditioner 10 further includes a second temperature sensor 84 arranged upstream of the absorbent material 52. The upstream side of the absorbent material 52 refers to the upstream side of the heaters 58, 60 in the first flow path P1. In other words, the second temperature sensor 84 acquires temperature information about the outdoor air A3 before it is heated by the heaters 58, 60.

[0106] The control unit 90 switches between the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation based on temperature information on the downstream side of the absorbent 52 acquired by the first temperature sensor 82 and temperature information on the upstream side of the absorbent 52 acquired by the second temperature sensor 84. The second temperature sensor 84 detects the temperature of the outdoor air A3 before it passes through the absorbent 52. That is, the second temperature sensor 84 can detect the air temperature of the outdoor Rout.

[0107] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the regeneration operation of the modified example. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the adsorption operation of the modified example. FIG. 16 is a timing chart of the dehumidification operation control of the modified example. FIG. 16(a) shows the temperature difference between the outdoor air downstream of the absorbent and the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent. FIG. 16(b) shows the control of the rotation speed of the first fan. FIG. 16(c) shows the opening and closing control of the damper device. FIG. 16(d) shows the ON / OFF control of the motor that rotates the absorbent. FIG. 16(e) shows the ON / OFF control of the heater.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 14, the regeneration operation of the modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in that it includes step S315A in which the control unit 90 acquires temperature information on the upstream side of the absorbent 52. In this case, the determination of whether to terminate the regeneration operation in step S316 is made based on temperature information on the upstream side and temperature information on the downstream side of the absorbent 52. Specifically, the control unit 90 calculates a temperature difference between the temperature of the outdoor air A3 on the upstream side of the absorbent 52 acquired by the second temperature sensor 84 and the temperature of the outdoor air A3 on the downstream side of the absorbent 52 acquired by the first temperature sensor 82. Based on the calculated temperature difference, the control unit 90 determines whether to terminate the regeneration operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined threshold (third threshold) L3, the control unit 90 determines to terminate the regeneration operation and switch to the adsorption operation.

[0109] As the absorbent 52 dries during the regeneration operation, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 is less likely to decrease due to the heat of vaporization as the outdoor air passes through the absorbent 52. As the regeneration operation continues, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 gradually increases. On the other hand, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 is approximately equal to the air temperature of the outdoor Rout and is less likely to change significantly. Therefore, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 after being heated by the heaters 58, 60 and passing through the absorbent 52 (the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream) becomes higher than the temperature of the outdoor air A3 upstream. Therefore, as the driesness of the absorbent 52 progresses, the temperature difference between the temperature of the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 and the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 increases. Therefore, when the temperature difference exceeds a third threshold, the control unit 90 determines to terminate the regeneration operation.

[0110] By switching from regeneration operation to moisture absorption operation based on the temperature difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the absorbent 52, it is possible to prevent the absorbent 52 from becoming overly dry and to prevent unnecessary power input.

[0111] 15, the adsorption operation of the modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in that it includes step S325A in which the control unit 90 acquires temperature information on the upstream side of the absorbent 52. In this case, the determination of whether to terminate the adsorption operation in step S326 is made based on temperature information on the upstream side and temperature information on the downstream side of the absorbent 52. Specifically, the control unit 90 calculates a temperature difference between the temperature of the outdoor air A3 on the upstream side of the absorbent 52 acquired by the second temperature sensor 84 and the temperature of the outdoor air A3 on the downstream side of the absorbent 52 acquired by the first temperature sensor 82. Based on the calculated temperature difference, the control unit 90 determines whether to terminate the adsorption operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the temperature difference falls below a predetermined threshold (fourth threshold) L4, the control unit 90 determines to terminate the adsorption operation and switch to the regeneration operation.

[0112] As the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 increases due to the adsorption operation, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 is less likely to rise due to the heat of adsorption when passing through the absorbent 52. As the adsorption operation continues, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 gradually decreases. On the other hand, the temperature of the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 is approximately equal to the air temperature of the outdoor Rout and is less likely to change significantly. Therefore, as the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 increases, the temperature difference between the temperature of the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 and the temperature of the outdoor air A3 downstream of the absorbent 52 decreases. For this reason, when the temperature difference exceeds the fourth threshold value L4, the control unit 90 determines to end the adsorption operation.

[0113] By switching from adsorption operation to regeneration operation based on the temperature difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the absorbent 52, the adsorption operation can be terminated before the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 becomes saturated, thereby preventing humidity from returning to the indoor Rin.

[0114] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the temperature information of the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 is acquired by the second temperature sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. The temperature information of the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 may be acquired from information outside the air conditioner 10, such as air temperature information on the outdoor Rout.

[0115] It should be noted that, in this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of such features. [Industrial Applicability]

[0116] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 Air conditioner 20 Indoor unit 30 Outdoor unit 40 Four-way valve 50 Ventilation Equipment 52 Absorbent material 54 Motor 56 Ventilation duct 58 First heater 60 Second heater 62 Fan (First Fan) 64 Damper device 66 Second Fan 70 Remote Controller 82 First temperature sensor 84 Second temperature sensor 90 Control Unit P1 flow path (first flow path) P2 Second flow path

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a flow path through which outdoor air flows, the flow path passing through the absorbent material; a fan for sending outdoor air to the flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the flow path between the outdoor area and the indoor unit; a heater that heats outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; a control unit that controls the fan, the damper device, and the heater; Equipped with The control unit an adsorption operation in which the damper device is controlled to distribute outdoor air to the indoor unit, the fan is driven to rotate, and the outdoor air that has been dried by capturing moisture in the absorbent material is sent to the indoor unit; a regeneration operation in which the damper device is controlled to distribute outdoor air to the outside of the room, the fan is driven to rotate, and the heater is operated to dry the absorbent material with heated outdoor air; Run The operation time of the adsorption operation is longer than the operation time of the regeneration operation. Air conditioner.

2. The operation time of the adsorption operation is from 2 to 6 times the operation time of the regeneration operation. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. the control unit switches to the regeneration operation when the operation time of the adsorption operation has elapsed a predetermined time.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control unit switches to the adsorption operation when the operation time of the regeneration operation has elapsed a predetermined time. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further provided is a motor that rotates and drives the absorber, The control unit drives the motor to rotate the absorber. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The absorbent material is a polymeric sorbent material. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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