Atmospheric Water Generator

Abstract

The objective is to reduce the size of the atmospheric water generating device. The atmospheric water generating device 100 includes refrigerant circuits 6A and 6B, each of which connects compressors 2A and 2B, condensers 4A and 4B, expansion valves 3A and 3B, and evaporators 1A and 1B with refrigerant pipes 5A and 5B, and an evaporator fan 7 for generating an airflow. The evaporators 1A and 1B condense water vapor in the airflow to extract water. The evaporators 1A and 1B, compressors 2A and 2B, condensers 4A and 4B, and evaporator fan 7 are arranged in a single housing 10. The housing 10 includes a partition plate 13 that separates a first space 11, in which the evaporators 1A and 1B are arranged, from a second space 12, in which the compressors 2A and 2B are arranged. The condensers 4A and 4B are arranged in the partition plate 13. The airflow taken into the first space 11 from outside the housing 10 by driving the evaporator fan 7 passes through the evaporators 1A and 1B and the condensers 4A and 4B, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the second space 12.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an atmospheric water generating device that extracts water by condensing water vapor in an air stream. [Background technology]

[0002] Atmospheric water generators are known that collect water vapor in the air and extract it as water (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such atmospheric water generators cool the air using an evaporator in a refrigerant circuit that has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, and extract the water present in the air by condensation. Water vapor is always present in the atmosphere, and atmospheric water generators can collect water vapor from the air and use it as water, so they are expected to be a means of alleviating the problem of water shortages.

[0003] The atmospheric water generating device of Patent Document 1 houses an evaporator that condenses water vapor in the air to collect water, and a condenser that exchanges heat between the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by a compressor and the surrounding air, in separate housings. For example, in a large-scale atmospheric water generating device that is installed outdoors, the condenser emits a large amount of heat, so the housing that houses the condenser and the housing that houses the evaporator are installed in separate locations.

[0004] However, in conventional atmospheric water generating devices, the condenser and the evaporator are housed in separate housings, which leads to an increase in the size of the device, and there is room for improvement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 7-11151 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to improve this situation, and has as its object to provide an atmospheric water generating apparatus that can be reduced in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The atmospheric water generating device of the present invention comprises a refrigerant circuit formed by connecting a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator with refrigerant piping, and a fan for generating an air flow, and extracts water by condensing water vapor in the air flow in the evaporator. The evaporator, compressor, condenser, and fan are arranged in a single housing. The housing is provided with a partition plate that separates a first space in which the evaporator is arranged from a second space in which the compressor is arranged. The condenser is arranged on the partition plate. The air flow taken into the first space from outside the housing by driving the fan passes through the evaporator and the condenser and is discharged to the outside of the housing through the second space.

[0008] The partition plate may be provided with an air flow control valve capable of discharging a portion of the air flow from the first space to the second space.

[0009] Furthermore, the fan may be provided on a partition wall that separates the first space into the evaporator side and the condenser side, and the air flow control valve may be provided downstream of the partition wall in the flow direction of the air flow.

[0010] The compressor may be arranged downstream in the flow direction of the air discharged from the air flow control valve.

[0011] The compressor may be arranged at a position where it is not hit by the airflow that has passed through the condenser.

[0012] The atmospheric water generating device of the present invention may also include a pair of the refrigerant circuits. The first evaporator of the first refrigerant circuit and the second evaporator of the second refrigerant circuit may be arranged in the first space so that the air flow that has passed through the first evaporator flows into the second evaporator. The first condenser of the first refrigerant circuit and the second condenser of the second refrigerant circuit may be arranged on the partition plate so that the air flow that has passed through the second evaporator flows into the first condenser and the second condenser, respectively.

[0013] The first space may be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the housing, and the space between the first space and the bottom surface of the housing may form a part of the second space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The atmospheric water generating device of the present invention has a first space and a second space separated by a partition plate within the housing, so that functions can be integrated into each of these spaces, and the size of the device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic layout diagram of an embodiment of an atmospheric water generating device viewed from the left side. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic layout diagram of the embodiment as seen from above. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic layout diagram of the embodiment cut along the line AA in FIG. 1 and viewed from the rear side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic layout diagram of the embodiment as seen from the rear side. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic layout diagram for explaining a refrigerant circuit of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram of another embodiment of the atmospheric water generating device, seen from the left side. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic layout diagram of the embodiment as seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram of yet another embodiment of the atmospheric water generating device, seen from the left side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An embodiment of the atmospheric water generating device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms such as "front-rear" and "left-right" are used to specify directions. The side of the housing on which the control device is located is defined as the front, the direction in which the two evaporators are stacked is defined as the front-rear direction, and directions perpendicular to the front-rear direction are defined as the left-right direction and the vertical direction. These terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0017] [Overall schematic configuration] Figures 1 to 4 are schematic layout diagrams showing one embodiment of an atmospheric water generating device, as viewed from the left side, top side, back side, and front side. Fig. 3 shows the layout as seen from the rear side, cut along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic layout diagram for explaining the refrigerant circuit. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the control system.

[0018] The atmospheric water generation device 100 includes two refrigerant circuits 6A and 6B, each consisting of compressors 2A and 2B, condensers 4A and 4B, expansion valves 3A and 3B, and evaporators 1A and 1B connected by refrigerant pipes 5A and 5B, and an evaporator fan 7 for generating an air flow. The atmospheric water generation device 100 extracts water by condensing water vapor in the air flow in the evaporators 1A and 1B. Note that the expansion valves 3A and 3B and the refrigerant pipes 5A and 5B are not shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0019] The evaporators 1A, 1B, compressors 2A, 2B, condensers 4A, 4B, and evaporator fan 7 are arranged in a single housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with a partition plate 13 that separates a first space 11 in which the evaporators 1A, 1B are arranged from a second space 12 in which the compressors 2A, 2B are arranged. The condensers 4A, 4B are arranged on the partition plate 13. An airflow (see arrows in FIG. 1 ) taken into the first space 11 from outside the housing 10 by driving the evaporator fan 7 passes through the evaporators 1A, 1B and condensers 4A, 4B, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the second space 12.

[0020] The atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a first space 11 and a second space 12 separated by a partition plate 13 in a housing 10, so that functions can be integrated into each of the spaces 11 and 12. As a result, the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 can accommodate components of the refrigerant circuits 6A and 6B and the evaporator fan 7 in one housing 10, and the size of the apparatus can be reduced. In addition, the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 directly applies cooled air dehumidified and cooled in the evaporators 1A and 1B to the condensers 4A and 4B, Condensers 4A and 4B By cooling the condensers 4A and 4B, the cooling efficiency of the condensers 4A and 4B can be improved, which allows the sizes of the condensers 4A and 4B to be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the device.In addition, the power consumption of the condenser fan 9 for cooling the condensers 4A and 4B can be reduced, which is environmentally friendly.

[0021] [Outline of the chassis] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the housing 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and includes a rear side surface 10a, a front side surface 10b, a left side surface 10c, a right side surface 10d, a top surface 10e, and a bottom surface 10f. A first air intake port 15 opens at an upper portion of the rear side surface 10a. An air exhaust port 16 opens at a front portion of the top surface 10e. A second air intake port 17 opens at a lower portion of the front side surface 10b. Although not shown, a filter mounting bracket and a filter may be installed in front of the first air intake port 15 (behind the evaporator 1A). For example, the filter may be provided as a horizontally sliding type that can be easily attached and detached and replaced with a finer filter depending on the application. The filter is also washable with water. By removing foreign matter such as dust using the filter, foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the evaporators 1A and 1B, stabilizing the capacity of the atmospheric water generating device 100 and also preventing foreign matter from mixing into the water condensed in the evaporators 1A and 1B.

[0022] [Outline of the partition board] The internal space of the housing 10 is divided into a first space 11 and a second space 12 by a partition plate 13. The partition plate 13 includes an upper partition plate 13a that is generally vertical and extends left-right in the approximate center of the front-rear direction of the housing 10, an intermediate partition plate 13b that is generally horizontal and extends rearward from the lower edge of the upper partition plate 13a, and a lower partition plate 13c that is generally vertical and extends downward from the rear edge of the intermediate partition plate 13b. The rear edge of the intermediate partition plate 13b and the lower partition plate 13c are disposed at a distance from the rear side surface 10a of the housing.

[0023] The partition plates 13a, 13b, and 13c are each disposed from the left side surface 10c to the right side surface 10d of the housing 10. The upper edge of the upper partition plate 13a is connected to the top surface 10e of the housing. The lower edge of the lower partition plate 13c is connected to the bottom surface 10f of the housing. In a side view, the first space 11 is generally inverted L-shaped, and the second space 12 is generally L-shaped.

[0024] Condensers 4A and 4B are attached to the upper partition plate 13a of the partition plate 13. The condensers 4A and 4B are arranged side by side, one above the other. The first condenser 4A is attached to an opening provided in an upper portion of the upper partition plate 13a. The second condenser 4B is attached to an opening provided in a lower portion of the upper partition plate 13a. The condensers 4A and 4B may be arranged side by side, with the second condenser 4B on top, or side by side.

[0025] A bypass passage 22 is connected to an opening provided in the upper partition plate 13a. The bypass passage 22 is provided to allow communication between the front first space 11b and the second space 12. The bypass passage 22 is connected to the opening in the upper partition plate 13a at a position different from that of the condensers 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, the opening in the upper partition plate 13a to which the bypass passage 22 is connected is provided to the left of the opening to which the second condenser 4B is attached. However, the position of this opening is not particularly limited, and it may be provided, for example, to the right of or below the opening to which the second condenser 4B is attached. Furthermore, an opening connecting the bypass passage 22 may be formed in the intermediate partition plate 13b.

[0026] [Schematic configuration of the first space] The housing 10 is provided with a partition wall 14 that separates the first space 11 into a front and a rear space. The partition wall 14 is disposed in a substantially vertical position along the upper edge of the lower partition plate 13c. The partition wall 14 divides the first space 11 into a rear first space 11a and a front first space 11b.

[0027] The evaporators 1A, 1B and a drain receiving tray 21 are disposed in the rear first space 11a. The first evaporator 1A is disposed along the rear side surface 10a of the housing so as to face the first air intake port 15. The second evaporator 1B is disposed along the first evaporator 1A on the front side thereof. The drain receiving tray 21 receives water that condenses and drips in the evaporators 1A, 1B, and is disposed below the evaporators 1A, 1B. As shown in FIG. 1, the water collected in the drain receiving tray 21 is taken out of the housing 10 through a faucet 21a.

[0028] An evaporator fan 7 is attached to an opening provided in the partition wall 14. The evaporator fan 7 is disposed behind the second evaporator 1B and generates an air flow from the rear first space 11a toward the front first space 11b. In this embodiment, the evaporator fan 7 is disposed in the front first space 11b. The evaporator fan 7 may be attached to the partition wall 14 so as to protrude into the rear first space 11a.

[0029] [Schematic configuration of the second space] Compressors 2A and 2B, a condenser fan 9, a bypass passage 22, and a control device 23 are disposed in the second space 12. The compressors 2A and 2B are installed side by side on the bottom surface 10f of the housing, facing a second air intake port 17 provided on the front side surface 10b of the housing. The condenser fan 9 is attached to an air exhaust port 16 on the top surface 10e of the housing.

[0030] One end of the bypass passage 22 is connected to an opening provided in the upper partition plate 13a, and the other end of the bypass passage 22 is disposed toward the compressors 2A, 2B. An air flow control valve 8 is provided in the bypass passage 22. The air flow control valve 8 is provided so as to be able to adjust the amount of air circulating between the front first space 11b and the second space 12. The air flow control valve 8 may be disposed in an opening provided in the upper partition plate 13a or the intermediate partition plate 13b.

[0031] The control device 23 is configured, for example, as a control panel, and is attached to the front side surface 10b of the housing above the second air intake port 17. The control device 23 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes various arithmetic processes and controls, a storage device including a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores control programs and various data and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores the control programs and various data, a terminal block, various switches, a display device, etc. The control device 23 is provided so as to be accessible from outside the housing 10 via an opening / closing door provided on the front side surface 10b of the housing.

[0032] [Outline of refrigerant circuit] As shown in Fig. 5, the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 includes two refrigerant circuits 6A and 6B. The first refrigerant circuit 6A connects a first compressor 2A, a first condenser 4A, a first expansion valve 3A, and a first evaporator 1A via a first refrigerant piping 5A. The second refrigerant circuit 6B connects a second compressor 2B, a second condenser 4B, a second expansion valve 3B, and a second evaporator 1B via a second refrigerant piping 5B. Note that Fig. 5 illustrates the compressors 2A and 2B arranged in front of and behind each other for convenience.

[0033] The expansion valves 3A and 3B are connected to the middle of refrigerant pipes 5A and 5B that connect the evaporators 1A and 1B to the condensers 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, the expansion valves 3A and 3B are disposed in the front first space 11b, but may be disposed in the rear first space 11a or the second space 12.

[0034] The refrigerant circuits 6A, 6B are equipped with compressor inlet pressure gauges 24A, 24B, compressor outlet pressure gauges 25A, 25B, and condenser outlet refrigerant liquid temperature sensors 26A, 26B, which are connected to the refrigerant pipes 5A, 5B. For example, an accumulator, a receiver tank, a dryer, a sight glass, a valve, a thermometer, and the like are connected to the refrigerant pipes 5A, 5B, but these devices are not shown in Fig. 5. Also, high and low pressure switches (not shown) for compressor protection are connected to the refrigerant pipes 5A, 5B before and after the compressors 2A, 2B.

[0035] [Outline of control system] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 23 is electrically connected to the compressors 2A and 2B, the evaporator fan 7, the air flow control valve 8, and the condenser fan 9. The control device 23 controls the operation of these devices. The control device 23 is also electrically connected to pressure gauges 24A, 24B, 25A, and 25B and refrigerant liquid temperature sensors 26A and 26B. As also shown in FIG. 5, the atmospheric water generating device 100 includes an outside air temperature sensor 27, first-space temperature sensors 28A and 28B, and a second-space temperature sensor 29 to measure the temperature of the air flowing through the housing 10. The outside air temperature sensor 27 is provided in the first air intake 15 and measures the temperature of the intake air. The first first-space temperature sensor 28A is provided in the front first space 11b and measures the temperature of the air flowing into the first condenser 4A. The second first-space temperature sensor 28B measures the temperature of the air flowing into the second condenser 4B. The second space temperature sensor 29 is disposed on the inlet side of the condenser fan 9 and measures the temperature of the second space 12. The control device 23 is electrically connected to these temperature sensors 27, 28A, 28B, and 29. Note that the temperature sensors 27, 28A, 28B, and 29 are not shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0036] [Explanation of operation] 1, when the fans 7 and 9 are driven under the control of the control device 23, an airflow is generated in which external air is taken in from the first air intake 15 into the rear first space 11a, passes through the first space 11 and the second space 12, and is discharged from the air discharge port 16. Specifically, the airflow taken in from the first air intake 15 passes through the first evaporator 1A, the second evaporator 1B, the evaporator fan 7, the condensers 4A and 4B, and the condenser fan 9, and is discharged from the air discharge port 16.

[0037] When the compressors 2A and 2B are driven under the control of the control device 23, the water vapor in the airflow taken in from the outside is condensed in the evaporators 1A and 1B to extract water. The extracted water is stored in the drain tray 21.

[0038] The cooled air dehumidified and cooled in the evaporators 1A and 1B passes through the evaporator fan 7 and is sent to the condensers 4A and 4B. The cooled air removes heat from the refrigerant as it passes through the condensers 4A and 4B, and is then discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the air outlet 16 via the condenser fan 9. In this way, the atmospheric water generating device 100 does not directly blow the cooled air dehumidified and cooled in the evaporators 1A and 1B onto the condensers 4A and 4B, Condensers 4A and 4B Since cooling is possible, the size of the condensers 4A and 4B can be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the device.

[0039] 1, when the condenser fan 9 is driven, external air is taken in through the second air inlet 17 into the second space 12, and an airflow is generated that passes through the second space 12 and is discharged from the air outlet 16. The airflow taken in through the second air inlet 17 cools the compressors 2A and 2B, then flows upward, passes through the condenser fan 9, and is discharged from the air outlet 16.

[0040] The condenser fan 9 generates an airflow that discharges air taken in through the first air inlet 15 and passed through the condensers 4A and 4B, and an airflow that discharges air taken in through the second air inlet 17. In this embodiment, the condenser fan 9 is attached to the top surface 10e of the housing, and the condensers 4A and 4B are disposed at a distance from the bottom surface 10f of the housing. Meanwhile, the compressors 2A and 2B are disposed on the bottom surface 10f of the housing at a distance from the condensers 4A and 4B. The airflow that passes through the condensers 4A and 4B flows toward the condenser fan 9 attached to the top surface 10e of the housing and does not hit the compressors 2A and 2B. This prevents a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the compressors 2A and 2B due to the airflow that passes through the condensers 4A and 4B, even though the compressors 2A and 2B and the condensers 4A and 4B are disposed in the second space 12.

[0041] The control device 23 controls the opening degree of the air flow control valve 8 as necessary while the compressors 2A, 2B and the fans 7, 9 are operating. For example, the control device 23 monitors electrical signals from the pressure gauges 24A, 24B, 25A, 25B and the temperature sensors 26A, 26B, 27, 28A, 28B, 29, and controls the air flow control valve 8 based on these electrical signals.

[0042] In the atmospheric water generating device 100, for example, when the heat load (intake air temperature ≒ low outside air temperature) is low, the temperature of the air flowing through the evaporators 1A and 1B further decreases, causing the outlet refrigerant liquid temperature of the condensers 4A and 4B to decrease. This also decreases the outlet refrigerant gas temperatures of the evaporators 1A and 1B and the compressors 2A and 2B, resulting in a tendency for the refrigerant temperature to decrease. To prevent this from happening, the expansion valves 3A and 3B adjust their valve openings to reduce the refrigerant flow rate and prevent the outlet refrigerant gas temperature of the evaporators 1A and 1B from decreasing too much. This process not only reduces the cooling capacity due to the drop in evaporation temperature, but also promotes or accelerates frost formation on the evaporators 1A and 1B (especially frost formation on evaporator 1B).

[0043] 1 to 5, the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 is provided with an air flow control valve 8 on the partition plate 13, which is capable of discharging a portion of the air flow from the first space 11 to the second space 12. The air flow control valve 8 is closed when the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 starts operating. For example, the control device 23 monitors the refrigerant liquid temperature detected by the condenser outlet-side refrigerant liquid temperature sensors 26A and 26B and the air flow temperature in the front first space 11b detected by the first-space temperature sensors 28A and 28B. When the air flow temperature in the front first space 11b is equal to or lower than a set threshold, and one or both of the refrigerant liquid temperatures on the outlet sides of the condensers 4A and 4B fall below the set threshold, the air flow control valve 8 is controlled to open. When the air flow control valve 8 opens, part of the cooling air that has been dehumidified and cooled in the evaporators 1A, 1B and passed through the evaporator fan 7 to flow into the front first space 11b does not pass through the condensers 4A, 4B but flows into the second space 12 through the bypass passage 22. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant circuits 6A, 6B due to excessive cooling of the condensers 4A, 4B, and also to suppress the occurrence and promotion of frost formation on the evaporators 1A, 1B.

[0044] The control device 23 may be configured to control the opening of the air flow control valve 8 depending on the magnitude of the difference between the refrigerant liquid temperature detected by the condenser outlet side refrigerant liquid temperature sensors 26A, 26B and a set threshold value. This allows the flow rate of cooling air passing through the condensers 4A, 4B to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the amount of heat removed from the refrigerant in the condensers 4A, 4B and adjusting the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant circuits 6A, 6B.

[0045] The atmospheric water generating device 100 can prevent the condensers 4A, 4B from becoming too cold without reducing the flow rate of the air flow passing through the evaporators 1A, 1B by adjusting the opening of the air flow control valve 8 so that part of the cooling air does not hit the condensers 4A, 4B.

[0046] Note that, when controlling the aperture of the air flow control valve 8, the control device 23 may use, for example, the magnitude of the difference in pressure detected by the first compressor inlet side pressure gauge 24A and the first compressor outlet side pressure gauge 25A. Alternatively, the control device 23 may control the aperture of the air flow control valve 8 in accordance with the magnitude of the difference in pressure detected by the second compressor inlet side pressure gauge 24B and the second compressor outlet side pressure gauge 25B. Alternatively, when controlling the aperture of the air flow control valve 8, the control device 23 may use detection signals from the pressure gauges 24A, 24B, 25A, 25B and temperature sensors 27, 28A, 28B, 29 provided in the refrigerant circuits 6A, 6B.

[0047] 1 to 5, in this embodiment, the evaporator fan 7 is provided on a partition wall 14 that separates the first space 11 into an evaporator 1A, 1B side and a condenser 4A, 4B side. The air flow control valve 8 is provided downstream of the partition wall 14 in the air flow direction.

[0048] In the atmospheric water generating device 100, the evaporator fan 7 is arranged between the evaporators 1A, 1B and the condensers 4A, 4B, so that the evaporators 1A, 1B can be arranged on one side of the housing 10, making it easier to access the evaporators 1A, 1B and improving maintainability.

[0049] 1 to 5, the compressors 2A, 2B are arranged downstream in the flow direction of the air discharged from the air flow control valve 8. This allows the atmospheric water generating apparatus 100 to cool the compressors 2A, 2B with the cooling air discharged from the air flow control valve 8, thereby reducing breakdowns of the compressors 2A, 2B and extending their lifespans.

[0050] 1 to 5, compressors 2A and 2B are disposed in positions where they are not exposed to the airflow that has passed through condensers 4A and 4B. This prevents compressors 2A and 2B from being heated by the airflow that has passed through condensers 4A and 4B, reducing breakdowns in compressors 2A and 2B and extending their lifespans.

[0051] 1 to 5, the atmospheric water generation device 100 includes a pair of refrigerant circuits 6A and 6B. The first evaporator 1A of the first refrigerant circuit 6A and the second evaporator 1B of the second refrigerant circuit 6B are arranged in a first space 11 so that the air flow that has passed through the first evaporator 1A flows into the second evaporator 1B. The first condenser 4A of the first refrigerant circuit 6A and the second condenser 4B of the second refrigerant circuit 6B are arranged on a partition plate 13 so that the air flow that has passed through the second evaporator 1B flows into the first condenser 4A and the second condenser 4B, respectively.

[0052] In the atmospheric water generating device 100 of this embodiment, water vapor that was not condensed in one of the first evaporators 1A and the second evaporator 1B can be condensed in the other evaporator 1B, thereby ensuring extraction of water vapor from the airflow. Furthermore, by arranging the first condenser 4A and the second condenser 4B side by side, these condensers 4A and 4B can be cooled evenly.

[0053] 1 to 5, the first space 11 is formed at a distance from the housing bottom surface 10f of the housing 10. The space between the first space 11 and the housing bottom surface 10f forms a part of the second space 12. In this embodiment, the partition plate 13 includes an upper partition plate 13a in a substantially vertical position on which the condensers 4A and 4B are disposed, and an intermediate partition plate 13b in a substantially horizontal position that is connected to the lower edge of the upper partition plate 13a and separates the lower part of the first space 11. The intermediate partition plate 13b is disposed at a distance from the housing bottom surface 10f of the housing 10 in the vertical direction.

[0054] In the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 of this embodiment, space can be secured between the intermediate partition plate 13b that separates the lower part of the first space 11 and the housing bottom surface 10f to arrange some of the equipment that constitutes the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, an embodiment will be described as an example in which the space between the first space 11 and the housing bottom surface 10f is effectively utilized.

[0055] [Other embodiments] 7 and 8 are schematic layout diagrams showing another embodiment of the atmospheric water generating apparatus. In the description of this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] In the atmospheric water generating apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the control device 23 is disposed in the second space 12 below the intermediate partition plate 13b, i.e., below the front first space 11b. An operation panel 30 is electrically connected to the control device 23. The operation panel 30 is provided, for example, on the left side surface 10c of the housing. The operation panel 30 is provided with a display device and various switches (which may be display buttons). The operation panel 30 may be provided at any location on the side surface 10a, 10b, 10c, or 10d of the housing 10.

[0057] An air outlet 16 for discharging air inside the second space 12 to the outside is provided in an upper portion of the front side surface 10b of the housing. The condenser fan 9 is attached to the air outlet 16 provided in the front side surface 10b of the housing. The air outlet 16 and the condenser fan 9 may be provided in any location on the side surface 10b, 10c, or 10d of the housing 10.

[0058] The atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 of this embodiment discharges air inside the second space 12 laterally from the air outlet 16. As a result, the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 can take in outside air into the housing 10 from the first air intake 15 and exhaust it from the air outlet 16 even when a structure such as a roof or ceiling is placed close to the top surface 10e of the housing.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, a water purification device 35 is provided below the drain receiving tray 21 in the rear first space 11a of the first space 11. The water purification device 35 includes a bypass pipe 31 connected to the pipe between the drain receiving tray 21 and the faucet 21a, and an on-off valve 32. The on-off valve 32 can be switched between an open state and a closed state to switch whether the water accumulated in the drain receiving tray 21 reaches the faucet 21a via the bypass pipe 31 or without passing through the bypass pipe 31.

[0060] The water purification device 35 includes a filter device 33 and a sterilizer 34 connected to the bypass pipe 31. The filter device 33 removes foreign matter from the water accumulated in the drain receiving tray 21. The sterilizer 34 sterilizes the water that has passed through the filter device 33, for example, by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. The water accumulated in the drain receiving tray 21 is taken out of the housing 10 from the faucet 21a with or without being filtered and sterilized, depending on the switching of the on-off valve 32. The filtered and sterilized water can be used directly as safe drinking water.

[0061] The configuration of the piping between the drain receiving tray 21 and the faucet 21a can be changed as appropriate. For example, the filter device 33 and the sterilizer 34 of the water purification device 35 may be provided in the piping between the drain receiving tray 21 and the faucet 21a. In this case, the water collected in the drain receiving tray 21 always passes through the water purification device 35 before reaching the faucet 21a.

[0062] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be embodied in various forms. The configuration of each part is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configurations described in the above-described embodiments and modified examples (notes, etc.) may be combined, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible.

[0063] For example, the atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 may be configured to include only one of the two refrigerant circuits 6A, 6B. The atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 may also be configured not to include the air flow control valve 8 and the bypass passage 22. The atmospheric water generation apparatus 100 may also be configured to include only one of the fans 7, 9 as a fan for generating an air flow circulating within the housing 10. For example, the evaporator fan 7 may be omitted, and the air flow generated by driving the condenser fan 9 may draw outside air into the first space 11 through the first air intake port 15, pass through the evaporators 1A, 1B and condensers 4A, 4B, and be discharged from the air outlet 16 through the second space.

[0064] Furthermore, the partition plate 13 is not limited to being formed by three partition plates 13a, 13b, and 13c, and is not particularly limited in its arrangement or shape as long as it can separate the housing 10 into a first space 11 in which the evaporators 1A and 1B are disposed and a second space 12 in which the compressors 2A and 2B are disposed. For example, the lower partition plate 13c may not be provided, and the drain receiving tray 21 may constitute a part of the partition plate. Furthermore, the partition plate 13 may be formed by a single partition plate.

[0065] Furthermore, the expansion valves 3A, 3B and part of the refrigerant pipes 5A, 5B of the refrigerant circuits 6A, 6B may be arranged outside the first space 11 and the second space 12, for example, in a space separated from the first space 11 and the second space 12 within the housing 10, or outside the housing 10. For example, the expansion valves 3A, 3B may be disposed in the empty space (second space 12) below the intermediate partition plate 13b.

[0066] In addition, a water treatment device such as a water tank for storing water received in the drain receiving tray 21, a water purification device for purifying the water, or a water pump may be disposed in the empty space below the intermediate partition plate 13b. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower partition plate 13c may not be provided, and the drain receiving tray 21 may form part of the partition plate, so that the second space 12 extends to below the drain receiving tray 21. This facilitates connection of a water treatment device (not shown) disposed below the intermediate partition plate 13b with the drain receiving tray 21 and faucet 21a. The mounting position of the faucet 21a on the housing 10 can be changed as appropriate.

[0067] Furthermore, water treatment devices such as a water storage tank, a water purification device, and a water pump may be disposed below drain receiving tray 21, or may be disposed between below drain receiving tray 21 and below intermediate partition plate 13b. Furthermore, similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 7, water treatment devices such as a water storage tank, a water purification device, and a water pump may be disposed below drain receiving tray 21 in first space 11.

[0068] Furthermore, a plurality of bypass passages 22 and air flow control valves 8 may be provided, which are connected to the partition plate 13. Furthermore, the locations of the compressors 2A, 2B in the second space 12 are not particularly limited. For example, the compressors 2A, 2B may be provided in the empty space below the intermediate partition plate 13b. In this case, if an opening provided in the partition plate 13 and connected to the bypass passage 22 is formed in the intermediate partition plate 13b, the piping of the bypass passage 22 becomes easy and simple.

[0069] An accumulator (liquid separator) that separates liquid refrigerant that is not evaporated in the evaporators 1A, 1B may be connected to the refrigerant pipes 5A, 5B between the evaporators 1A, 1B and the compressors 2A, 2B. A receiver tank that stores liquid refrigerant, a filter drier that removes moisture and foreign matter from the refrigerant, or the like may be connected to the refrigerant pipes 5A, 5B between the condensers 4A, 4B and the expansion valves 3A, 3B. The accumulator, receiver tank, and filter drier may be disposed, for example, in the second space 12.

[0070] The condensers 4A and 4B may be configured by stacking a plurality of condensers connected in series, which is a compact configuration and yet allows the path for releasing the heat of the refrigerant to be long. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 housing, 1A first evaporator, 1B second evaporator, 2A first compressor, 2B second compressor, 3A first expansion valve, 3B second expansion valve, 4A first condenser, 4B second condenser, 5A first refrigerant piping, 5B second refrigerant piping, 6A first refrigerant circuit, 6B second refrigerant circuit, 7 evaporator fan, 8 air flow control valve, 9 condenser fan, 10 housing, 10a rear side of housing, 10b front side of housing, 10c left side of housing, 10d right side of housing, 10e top of housing, 10f bottom of housing, 11 first space, 11a rear first space, 11b front first space, 12 second space, 13 partition plate, 13a upper partition plate, 13b middle partition plate, 13c lower partition plate, 14 partition wall, 15 first air intake port, 16 Air outlet, 17 second air intake, 21 drain receiving tray, 21a faucet, 22 bypass passage, 23 control device, 100 atmospheric water generating device

Claims

1. An atmospheric water generating device comprising: a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator connected by refrigerant piping; and a fan for generating an air flow, wherein the air flow is cooled by the evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant, and water vapor in the air flow is condensed to extract water, the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, and the fan are disposed in one housing; the housing includes a partition plate that separates a first space in which the evaporator is disposed and a second space in which the compressor is disposed, The condenser for condensing the refrigerant is disposed on the partition plate, The airflow taken into the first space from outside the housing by driving the fan passes through the evaporator, then passes through the condenser, and is discharged to the outside of the housing through the second space, The air flow is dehumidified and cooled when passing through the evaporator, and removes heat from the refrigerant when passing through the condenser. Atmospheric water generator.

2. an air flow control valve capable of discharging a portion of the air flow from the first space to the second space is provided on the partition plate; The atmospheric water generating device of claim 1 .

3. the fan is provided on a partition wall that separates the first space into the evaporator side and the condenser side, the air flow control valve is provided downstream of the partition wall in the direction of the air flow; The atmospheric water generating device according to claim 2 .

4. The compressor is disposed downstream in the flow direction of the air flow discharged from the air flow control valve. The atmospheric water generating device according to claim 2 .

5. The compressor is disposed at a position where it is not hit by the air flow that has passed through the condenser. The atmospheric water generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A pair of the refrigerant circuits is provided, a first evaporator of the first refrigerant circuit and a second evaporator of the second refrigerant circuit are disposed in the first space so that air flow passing through the first evaporator flows into the second evaporator; The first condenser of the first refrigerant circuit and the second condenser of the second refrigerant circuit are arranged on the partition plate so that the air flow that has passed through the second evaporator flows into the first condenser and the second condenser, respectively. The atmospheric water generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The first space is formed at a distance from a bottom surface of the housing, A space between the first space and the bottom surface of the housing forms a part of the second space. The atmospheric water generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

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