Dehumidifiers and dehumidification systems

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier and a dehumidifying system that can detect refrigerant leakage without using a conventional refrigerant leakage detection method such as current detection, temperature detection, or a refrigerant leakage sensor.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier according to the present disclosure comprises: a case; a refrigerant circuit provided in the case, and comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, an expander for expanding the refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant; an air blower for taking air into the case; dehumidification amount acquisition means for acquiring information related to the amount of water removed from air passed through the evaporator; and a control device for detecting refrigerant leakage of the refrigerant circuit on the basis of the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dehumidifiers and dehumidification systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Some low-GWP refrigerants are flammable. Patent Document 1 below discloses a home appliance that includes a current detector that detects the operating current of the refrigeration cycle, a control circuit that controls the operation of the compressor, and refrigerant leakage detection means that is provided in the control circuit and detects leakage of a flammable refrigerant with a leakage rate above a certain level that could pose a risk of explosion or other danger in the room where the home appliance is installed by comparing the detected decrease in operating current per hour with a reference value obtained through experiments, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-5548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology in Patent Document 1 has the problem that, for example, in models with a small absolute value of the current value, the absolute value of the decrease is also small, resulting in low detection accuracy. Also, while some models employ a method of detecting leakage using a refrigerant leakage sensor, there is a problem that refrigerant leakage detection sensors are expensive, leading to increased costs.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dehumidifier that can detect refrigerant leaks without using conventional refrigerant leak detection methods such as current detection, temperature detection, and refrigerant leak sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A dehumidifier according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a refrigerant circuit provided within the housing and having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, an expander for expanding the refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, a blower for drawing air into the housing, a dehumidification amount acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator, and a control device for detecting refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit based on the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means. The dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a weight sensor that detects weight, and further includes a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the air taken into the housing, and a humidity sensor that acquires the humidity of the air taken into the housing.The control device calculates a target value for the dehumidification amount using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that refrigerant is leaking if the dehumidification amount calculated from the weight detected by the weight sensor is less than the target value. In addition, the dehumidifier according to the present disclosure comprises a housing, a refrigerant circuit provided within the housing and having a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, an expander for expanding the refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, a blower for drawing air into the housing, a dehumidification amount acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator, and a control device for detecting refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit based on the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means, wherein the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a water level sensor for detecting the water level, and further comprises a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air drawn into the housing, and a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air drawn into the housing, and the control device calculates a target value for the dehumidification amount using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that refrigerant is leaking if the dehumidification amount calculated from the water level detected by the water level sensor is less than the target value. The dehumidification system according to the present disclosure also includes a refrigerant circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant. Inside the enclosure a dehumidifier equipped with an evaporator, a dehumidification amount acquisition means for acquiring information on the amount of water removed from air that has passed through an evaporator, a transmission means for transmitting the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means, and a refrigerant leakage determination means for determining whether or not there is a refrigerant leakage in the dehumidifier based on the information transmitted from the transmission means, The dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a weight sensor that detects weight, and further includes a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the air taken into the housing, and a humidity sensor that acquires the humidity of the air taken into the housing.The refrigerant leakage determination means calculates a target value for the dehumidification amount using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that refrigerant is leaking if the dehumidification amount calculated from the weight detected by the weight sensor is less than the target value. In addition, the dehumidification system according to the present disclosure comprises a dehumidifier equipped with a refrigerant circuit having a compressor that compresses refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant; a dehumidification amount acquisition means that acquires information regarding the amount of water removed from air that has passed through the evaporator; a transmission means that transmits the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means; and a refrigerant leakage determination means that determines whether there is a refrigerant leak in the dehumidifier based on the information transmitted from the transmission means, wherein the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a water level sensor that detects the water level, and further comprises a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the air taken into the housing, and a humidity sensor that acquires the humidity of the air taken into the housing, and the refrigerant leakage determination means calculates a target value for the dehumidification amount using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that there is a refrigerant leak if the dehumidification amount calculated from the water level detected by the water level sensor is less than the target value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier and a dehumidification system that can detect refrigerant leaks without using conventional refrigerant leak detection methods such as current detection, temperature detection, and refrigerant leak sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a refrigerant circuit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the change over time in weight of dehumidified water under normal conditions in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the change over time in weight of dehumidified water when refrigerant leaks in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of a control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a dehumidification system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Common or corresponding elements in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be simplified or omitted. The configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and may be combined with other known technologies, or multiple technical ideas described in the present disclosure may be combined. Furthermore, it is also possible to omit or modify part of the configuration without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. The dehumidifier according to this embodiment has a clothes drying mode. The left side of the page in FIG. 1 is the "front" of the dehumidifier 100, and the right side of the page in FIG. 1 is the "rear" of the dehumidifier 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit provided in the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the outlet 4 is formed in the upper part of the housing 1. The blower 5 that takes air into the housing 1 is provided in the center of the housing 1 in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 1. For example, the blower 5 includes a blower fan and a motor. The rotation axis of the blower 5 is parallel to the front-to-rear axis of the dehumidifier 100 in the center of the housing 1. The rotation axis of the blower 5 is oriented horizontally. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , a humidity sensor 12 is provided on one side of the housing 1 at the bottom of the housing 1. The humidity sensor 12 detects the humidity of the air taken into the housing 1. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , a temperature sensor 13 is provided on one side of the housing 1 at the bottom of the housing 1. The temperature sensor 13 detects the temperature of the air taken into the housing 1.

[0012] The housing 1 includes a display / operation device 7 and a water tank 8. The display / operation device 7 is provided on the top of the housing 1. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the display / operation device 7 includes an operation unit and a display unit. The water tank 8 is provided on the bottom of the housing 1. The water tank 8 can be removed from the dehumidifier 100.

[0013] The housing 1 has an air inlet 9 at the rear. The air inlet 9 is provided at the top of the housing 1.

[0014] The dehumidifier 100 includes a control device 10. The control device 10 is provided at the front inside the housing 1. The control device 10 controls the operation of the blower 5 based on the operating state of the operation section of the display / operation device 7 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 12. The motor of the blower 5 rotates at a rotation speed according to the control by the control device 10. As a result, indoor air A is sucked horizontally into the housing through the air inlet 9. The air A then passes through the evaporator 31 and the condenser 33. The blower 5 then expels air B upward from the air outlet 4 into the room.

[0015] The control device 10 controls the operation of the compressor 32 based on the operating state of the operation section of the display / operation device 7 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 12. The compressor 32 compresses the refrigerant at a frequency specified by the control of the control device 10. The condenser 33 cools the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 32. The pressure reducing device 34 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant cooled by the condenser 33. The pressure reducing device 34 corresponds to an expander that expands the refrigerant. The evaporator 31 removes moisture contained in the air A by absorbing heat into the refrigerant reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing device 34. As a result, dehumidified air B is generated. The moisture removed from the air A is stored in the water storage tank 8. The weight scale 14 corresponds to a weight sensor that measures the weight of the water storage tank 8.

[0016] The dehumidifier 100 includes a dehumidifying means. The dehumidifying means is used to remove moisture from the air. The dehumidifying means is configured by a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit is a circuit through which a refrigerant circulates. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant circuit of this embodiment is formed by an evaporator 31, a compressor 32, a condenser 33, and a pressure reducing device 34.

[0017] A refrigerant flows through the evaporator 31, the compressor 32, the condenser 33, and the pressure reducing device 34. The evaporator 31, the compressor 32, the condenser 33, and the pressure reducing device 34 are connected in a circular fashion via piping through which the refrigerant flows.

[0018] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 33 are heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air. The compressor 32 is a device for compressing the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device 34 is a device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device 34 is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0019] The evaporator 31, the compressor 32, the condenser 33 and the pressure reducing device 34 each have an inlet and an outlet for the refrigerant.

[0020] An outlet of the evaporator 31 is connected to an inlet of the compressor 32. The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 31 flows into the compressor 32. The compressor 32 compresses the refrigerant that has flowed into the compressor 32. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 32 flows out from the outlet of the compressor 32 in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state.

[0021] An outlet of the compressor 32 is connected to an inlet of the condenser 33. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 32 flows into the condenser 33. The refrigerant dissipates heat in the condenser 33 and flows out from the outlet of the condenser 33 as a high-pressure liquid.

[0022] The outlet of the condenser 33 is connected to the inlet of the pressure reducing device 34. The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 33 flows into the pressure reducing device 34. The pressure reducing device 34 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has flowed into the pressure reducing device 34. The refrigerant that has been reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing device 34 expands and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure, gas-liquid two-phase state, and flows out from the outlet of the pressure reducing device 34.

[0023] The outlet of the pressure reducing device 34 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 31. The refrigerant decompressed by the pressure reducing device 34 flows into the evaporator 31. The refrigerant absorbs heat in the evaporator 31 and flows out from the outlet of the evaporator 31 in a low-pressure gaseous state.

[0024] In this embodiment, the refrigerant passes through the evaporator 31, compressor 32, condenser 33, and pressure reducing device 34 in that order. After passing through the pressure reducing device 34, the refrigerant flows again through the evaporator 31. In this manner, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit in this embodiment.

[0025] The dehumidifier 100 includes a dehumidification amount acquisition means for acquiring information about the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator 31, and a control device 10 for detecting a refrigerant leak in the refrigerant circuit based on the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means. The dehumidification amount acquisition means in this embodiment includes a weigh meter 14. According to the dehumidifier 100 of the present disclosure, by measuring the amount of dehumidified water with the weigh meter 14, it is possible to determine whether the dehumidifier 100 is dehumidifying normally and to detect a refrigerant leak, which is the main abnormality. This embodiment does not use an expensive refrigerant leak sensor, thereby reducing costs.

[0026] The amount of dehumidified water may be measured by measuring the weight of the water storage tank 8 or by measuring the weight of the entire dehumidifier 100. In this embodiment, by using a weight sensor that detects weight, the amount of dehumidified water can be measured inexpensively and with high accuracy.

[0027] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing a time series of measurement results of weighing scale 14 in embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a time series change in the weight of dehumidified water under normal conditions. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a time series change in the weight of dehumidified water when a refrigerant leaks.

[0028] Target weight W tis determined from the rated dehumidification capacity [L / d], humidity [%] obtained from the humidity sensor 12, and room temperature [°C] obtained from the temperature sensor 13, and is updated periodically.

[0029] After T0 [s] has elapsed since the start of dehumidification operation, the weight of water W0 is measured and the rate of increase in the weight of water W is calculated from the rated dehumidification capacity [L / d], the humidity [%] obtained from the humidity sensor 12, and the room temperature [°C] obtained from the temperature sensor 13. a Determine [g / s]. The target weight value and the rate of weight increase are determined based on the rated dehumidifying capacity. For example, a table may be prepared to correct the dehumidifying capacity based on the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor 12 and the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 13, and the target weight value and the rate of weight increase may be corrected and determined based on the temperature and humidity.

[0030] From the above results, the target weight of water W t is calculated using the following formula: where T1 [s] is the time elapsed since the start of dehumidification operation. W t =W0+W a ×(T1-T0) (1)

[0031] If the time when the humidity [%] obtained from the humidity sensor 12 or the room temperature [°C] obtained from the temperature sensor 13 changes by a certain amount is defined as a change point, the values ​​are updated to the following values ​​at the change point. T0: Time elapsed from the start of dehumidification operation to the change point [s] W0: Weight of water at the change point obtained from the weight scale 14 [g] W a : Recalculated from the humidity [%] obtained from the humidity sensor 12 and the room temperature [℃] obtained from the temperature sensor 13

[0032] When the current water weight W obtained from the weighing scale 14 satisfies the following formula, it is determined that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage, and the control device 10 switches from normal operation to operation during refrigerant leakage. W t -α>W (2)

[0033] where α is the rate of water weight increase due to individual differences Wa This likelihood is determined taking into consideration the variation in the number of samples and the prevention of false positives.

[0034] (W t -α) corresponds to the target value of the dehumidification amount. The fact that formula (2) is true means that the actual dehumidification amount calculated from the weight of the water tank 8 is less than the target value. Therefore, formula (2) can be used to determine whether or not the refrigerant is leaking.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 10 detects refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit based on the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 13, the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor 12, and the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means. This makes it possible to accurately detect refrigerant leakage with a simple configuration.

[0036] Furthermore, the control device 10 calculates a target value for the amount of dehumidification using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 13 and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor 12, and determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred if the amount of dehumidification calculated from the weight detected by the weighing scale 14 is less than the target value. This makes it possible to accurately detect a refrigerant leak with a simple configuration.

[0037] In the event of a refrigerant leak, the compressor 32 may be stopped and only the blower 5 may be operated. This operation allows the leaked refrigerant to be diffused and the concentration of the refrigerant to be reduced. By reducing the concentration of the refrigerant, the risk of fire can be reduced.

[0038] In the event of a refrigerant leak, the compressor 32 and the blower 5 may be stopped and a warning may be issued. The warning may be an error message or an audio message. The warning allows the user to recognize an abnormality in the dehumidifier 100 and take appropriate action, such as requesting repairs. Regarding the warning of a refrigerant leak, if the dehumidifier 100 is connected to a network, when the dehumidifier 100 detects a refrigerant leak, it may transmit information indicating the detection of a refrigerant leak to a communication terminal carried by the user or an external server. In addition, the dehumidifier 100 may also issue a warning (e.g., an error message). The dehumidifier 100 may be used for continuous dehumidification (e.g., dehumidifying a room during a long vacation or a vacation home), and the user may not be present when the dehumidifier 100 issues a warning. This allows the user or an administrator to be immediately notified of a refrigerant leak even when the user is not near the dehumidifier 100.

[0039] In this embodiment, the amount of dehumidified water is detected by weight meter 14, but the dehumidification amount acquisition means is not limited to a configuration including a weight sensor. As a modified example, the dehumidification amount acquisition means may have a water level sensor that detects the water level in water storage tank 8 as a configuration for detecting the amount of dehumidified water. In this case, control device 10 may calculate a target value for the dehumidification amount using the temperature acquired by temperature sensor 13 and the humidity acquired by humidity sensor 12, and if the dehumidification amount calculated from the water level detected by the water level sensor is less than the target value, determine that there is a refrigerant leak and switch to operation during refrigerant leakage.

[0040] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to a configuration including the temperature sensor 13 and the humidity sensor 12. For example, a threshold value of the dehumidification amount for determining whether a refrigerant leaks may be set in advance based on the rated capacity (the dehumidification amount during rated operation).

[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the control device 10 in the first embodiment. Each function of the control device 10 is realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 600. The processing circuit may include a processor 601 and a memory 602. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as the dedicated hardware 600, and the processing circuit may further include the processor 601 and the memory 602. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a part of the processing circuit is formed as the dedicated hardware 600. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the processing circuit further includes the processor 601 and the memory 602 in addition to the dedicated hardware 600.

[0042] The processing circuitry of which at least one portion is dedicated hardware 600 may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0043] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 601 and at least one memory 602, the functions of each part of the control device 10 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0044] The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 602. The processor 601 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 602. The processor 601 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 602 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, or a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisk, DVD, etc.

[0045] In this way, the processing circuit can realize the functions of the control device 10 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. Note that each function of the control device 10 may be realized by multiple devices working together, or by a single device. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control device 10 may be implemented in a server or the like on an external network.

[0046] Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7, focusing on differences from the first embodiment described above, and explanations of commonalities will be simplified or omitted. Elements common to or corresponding to the elements described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a dehumidification system according to embodiment 2. The dehumidification system shown in Fig. 7 includes a dehumidifier 101 equipped with a refrigerant circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant, a dehumidification amount acquisition means that acquires information about the amount of water removed from air that has passed through the evaporator, a transmission means that transmits the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means, and a refrigerant leakage determination means that determines whether there is a refrigerant leak in the dehumidifier based on the information transmitted from the transmission means.

[0048] The dehumidifier 101 is capable of communicating with an external server 102 managed by a maintenance company or the like via a communication network 200. The dehumidifier 101 is also capable of communicating with a communication terminal 103, such as a smartphone or a wearable terminal carried by a user, via the communication network 200. For example, the dehumidifier 101 has a dehumidification amount acquisition means and a transmission means, and the external server 102 has a refrigerant leakage determination means. The external server 102 determines a refrigerant leakage using information such as the dehumidification amount, temperature, and humidity transmitted from the dehumidifier 101. That is, the external server 102 remotely monitors the operating state of the dehumidifier 101 and determines whether or not a refrigerant leakage has occurred. If it is determined that a refrigerant leakage has occurred, the external server 102 transmits a signal to the dehumidifier 101 to stop operation of the dehumidifier 101 or change the operating mode, or to trigger an alarm in the dehumidifier 101, or to contact the user's communication terminal 103.

[0049] One way to use dehumidifier 101 is for continuous dehumidification (dehumidifying a room while away on vacation for an extended period of time, dehumidifying a vacation home, etc.), and there are cases where the user is not present when an alarm is issued by the main body of dehumidifier 101. By doing as described above, even if the user is not near dehumidifier 101, the user or a manager can be notified of a refrigerant leak immediately.

[0050] The dehumidification system of this embodiment is not limited to one in which the external server 102 has the refrigerant leakage determination means, and for example, the refrigerant leakage determination means may be included in a terminal device carried by a maintenance company. In this case, the terminal device communicates with the dehumidifier 101, receives information stored in the dehumidifier 101 such as the dehumidification amount, temperature, and humidity, and uses the refrigerant leakage determination means to determine whether or not there is a refrigerant leakage in the dehumidifier 101.

[0051] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0052] (Appendix 1) The housing and a refrigerant circuit provided within the housing, the refrigerant circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant; a blower that draws air into the housing; a dehumidification amount acquiring means for acquiring information about the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator; a control device that detects refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit based on the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means; A dehumidifier equipped with (Appendix 2) 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a weight sensor that detects weight. (Appendix 3) a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air taken into the housing; a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air taken into the housing; Equipped with The control device detects the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit is detected based on information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means. (Appendix 4) the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a weight sensor that detects weight, a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air taken into the housing; a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air taken into the housing; Equipped with The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the control device calculates a target value for the amount of dehumidification using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that the refrigerant is leaking if the amount of dehumidification calculated from the weight detected by the weight sensor is less than the target value. (Appendix 5) 5. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the compressor is stopped and the blower is operated. (Appendix 6) The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the dehumidifier stops operation and issues an alarm indicating the refrigerant leak. (Appendix 7) 7. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a water level sensor that detects a water level. (Appendix 8) the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a water level sensor that detects a water level; a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air taken into the housing; a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air taken into the housing; Equipped with The dehumidifier described in Appendix 1, wherein the control device calculates a target value for the dehumidification amount using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that a refrigerant leak is occurring if the dehumidification amount calculated from the water level detected by the water level sensor is less than the target value. (Appendix 9) a dehumidifier including a refrigerant circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant; a dehumidification amount acquiring means for acquiring information about the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator; a transmitting means for transmitting the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquiring means; a refrigerant leakage determination means for determining whether or not a refrigerant leaks from the dehumidifier based on the information transmitted from the transmission means; A dehumidification system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 housing, 4 outlet, 5 blower, 7 display operation device, 8 water tank, 9 suction port, 10 control device, 12 humidity sensor, 13 temperature sensor, 14 weighing scale, 31 evaporator, 32 compressor, 33 condenser, 34 pressure reducing device, 50 control unit, 100 dehumidifier, 101 dehumidifier, 102 external server, 103 communication terminal, 600 dedicated hardware, 601 processor, 602 memory

Claims

1. The housing and a refrigerant circuit provided within the housing and including a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant; a blower that draws air into the housing; a dehumidification amount acquiring means for acquiring information about the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator; a control device that detects refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit based on the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means; Equipped with the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a weight sensor that detects weight, a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air taken into the housing; a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air taken into the housing; Furthermore, The control device calculates a target value for the amount of dehumidification using the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor and the humidity obtained by the humidity sensor, and determines that the refrigerant is leaking if the amount of dehumidification calculated from the weight detected by the weight sensor is less than the target value.

2. A housing, a refrigerant circuit provided within the housing and including a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant; a blower that draws air into the housing; a dehumidification amount acquiring means for acquiring information about the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator; a control device that detects refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit based on the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquisition means; Equipped with the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a water level sensor that detects a water level; a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air taken into the housing; a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air taken into the housing; Furthermore, The control device calculates a target value for the amount of dehumidification using the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor and the humidity obtained by the humidity sensor, and determines that the refrigerant is leaking if the amount of dehumidification calculated from the water level detected by the water level sensor is less than the target value.

3. 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein when a refrigerant leak is detected, the compressor is stopped and the blower is operated.

4. 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the dehumidifier stops operation and issues an alarm indicating the refrigerant leak.

5. a dehumidifier including a refrigerant circuit in a housing, the refrigerant circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant; a dehumidification amount acquiring means for acquiring information about the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator; a transmitting means for transmitting the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquiring means; a refrigerant leakage determination means for determining whether or not a refrigerant leaks from the dehumidifier based on the information transmitted from the transmission means; Equipped with the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a weight sensor that detects weight, a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air taken into the housing; a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air taken into the housing; Furthermore, The refrigerant leakage determination means calculates a target value for the amount of dehumidification using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that the refrigerant is leaking if the amount of dehumidification calculated from the weight detected by the weight sensor is less than the target value.

6. A dehumidifier having a refrigerant circuit in a housing, the refrigerant circuit having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, an expander for expanding the refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant; a dehumidification amount acquiring means for acquiring information about the amount of water removed from the air that has passed through the evaporator; a transmitting means for transmitting the information acquired by the dehumidification amount acquiring means; a refrigerant leakage determination means for determining whether or not a refrigerant leaks from the dehumidifier based on the information transmitted from the transmission means; Equipped with the dehumidification amount acquisition means includes a water level sensor that detects a water level; a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air taken into the housing; a humidity sensor for acquiring the humidity of the air taken into the housing; Furthermore, The refrigerant leakage determination means calculates a target value for the amount of dehumidification using the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor, and determines that the refrigerant is leaking if the amount of dehumidification calculated from the water level detected by the water level sensor is less than the target value.

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