Dehumidification system

Abstract

A dehumidification system capable of appropriately adjusting the dew point temperature of air supplied to a dehumidification rotor in accordance with the dew point temperature of outside air. [Solution] Dehumidification system (1) includes a first regulating valve (51) that adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air, which has absorbed moisture from outside air taken in through second outside air port (OA2), to dry dehumidifier (100), a second regulating valve (52) that adjusts the flow rate of outside air taken in through first outside air port (OA1) to dehumidifier (100), and a third regulating valve (53) that adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air to an exhaust port (second exhaust port (EX2)). Dehumidification system (1) controls opening and closing of first regulating valve (51), second regulating valve (52), and third regulating valve (53) based on an outside air dew point temperature (DTE1) that indicates the dew point temperature of the outside air taken in through first outside air port (OA1) or second outside air port (OA2), a first air dew point temperature (DTE2) that indicates the dew point temperature of air flowing through first piping (131) downstream of connection point (a), and a second air dew point temperature (DTE3) that indicates the dew point temperature of air flowing through third piping (133).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidification system for controlling the dew point temperature of a low dew point room. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dehumidification system that supplies dehumidified air to a low dew point room. The dehumidification system is comprised of a first dehumidification unit that dehumidifies outside air using an outside air cooling heat exchanger, a second dehumidification unit that uses two adsorption heat exchangers by switching the air passage, and a third dehumidification unit that has an adsorption rotor (dehumidification rotor). The second dehumidification unit is equipped with a first flow path switching unit that switches the flow of air flowing into the two adsorption heat exchangers, and a second flow path switching unit that switches the flow of air that has flowed out of the two adsorption heat exchangers. Each flow path switching unit is composed of multiple open / close dampers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 046715 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The dew point temperature of the outside air supplied to the dehumidifying rotor varies depending on weather conditions, etc. Because the output of the dehumidifying rotor cannot be adjusted quickly, if the dew point temperature of the outside air suddenly rises while the output is suppressed, the moisture in the outside air cannot be sufficiently removed. For this reason, when the dew point temperature of the outside air rises, it is desirable to supply dehumidified outside air to the dehumidifying rotor. On the other hand, when the dew point temperature of the outside air drops, the moisture in the outside air decreases. Therefore, it is considered more appropriate to supply outside air directly to the dehumidifying rotor, as this reduces the processing load on the dehumidifying rotor and prevents unnecessary dehumidification processing.

[0005] According to Patent Document 1, air that has passed through multiple heat exchangers is supplied to the dehumidification rotor regardless of the dew point temperature of the outside air. Therefore, dehumidification occurs even when the dew point temperature of the outside air is low, which increases the amount of heat generated by the regenerative heater and the airflow rate of the fan, potentially increasing energy consumption.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a dehumidification system that can appropriately adjust the dew point temperature of the air supplied to the dehumidification rotor in accordance with the dew point temperature of the outside air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dehumidification system, which includes a dehumidifier having a dehumidifying rotor that supplies low dew point air to a low dew point chamber, a first pipe having one end connected to the low dew point chamber via the dehumidifier and the other end connected to a first outside air outlet, a second pipe having one end connected to the first pipe between the dehumidifier and the first outside air outlet and the other end connected to a second outside air outlet, a moisture absorbent material provided in the second pipe that absorbs moisture in outside air taken into the second outside air outlet and discharges dehumidified air, and a moisture absorbent material provided in the second pipe between the connection point of the first pipe, the second pipe, and the moisture absorbent material. the first regulating valve is connected to the first piping between the connection point and the first outside air port and regulates the flow rate of the outside air taken into the first outside air port to the dehumidifier; a third piping having one end connected to the second piping between the moisture absorbent material and the first regulating valve and the other end connected to the exhaust port; the third regulating valve is connected to the third piping and regulates the flow rate of the dehumidified air to the exhaust port; and a control device connected to the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve. The control device controls the opening and closing of the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve based on an outside air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the outside air taken into the first outside air port or the second outside air port, a first air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the first piping downstream of the connection point, and a second air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the third piping.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dehumidification system, which includes a dehumidifier having a dehumidifying rotor that supplies low dew point air to a low dew point chamber, a first pipe having one end connected to the low dew point chamber via the dehumidifier and the other end connected to an outside air outlet, a second pipe having one end connected to a first connection point of the first pipe between the dehumidifier and the outside air outlet and the other end connected to a second connection point of the first pipe between the outside air outlet and the first connection point, a moisture absorbent material provided in the second pipe and discharging dehumidified air that has absorbed moisture in outside air taken into the outside air outlet, and a second connection point between the first connection point and the moisture absorbent material. The air conditioner includes a first adjusting valve provided in the second pipe for adjusting the flow rate of dehumidified air to the dehumidifier, a second adjusting valve provided in the first pipe between the first connection point and the second connection point for adjusting the flow rate of outside air taken in through an outside air port to the dehumidifier, a third pipe having one end connected to the second pipe between the moisture absorbent and the first adjusting valve and the other end connected to an exhaust port, a third adjusting valve provided in the third pipe for adjusting the flow rate of dehumidified air to the exhaust port, and a control device connected to the first adjusting valve, the second adjusting valve, and the third adjusting valve. The control device controls the opening and closing of the first adjusting valve, the second adjusting valve, and the third adjusting valve based on an outside air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the outside air taken in through the outside air port, a first air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of air flowing through the first pipe downstream of the first connection point, and a second air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of air flowing through the third pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a dehumidification system includes a first adjusting valve that adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air, which has absorbed moisture from outside air taken into an outside air inlet (second outside air inlet), to a dehumidifier; a second adjusting valve that adjusts the flow rate of outside air taken into the outside air inlet (first outside air inlet) to the dehumidifier; and a third adjusting valve that adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air to an exhaust port. The dehumidification system controls the opening and closing of the first adjusting valve, the second adjusting valve, and the third adjusting valve based on an outside air dew point temperature that indicates the dew point temperature of the outside air taken into the outside air inlet (first outside air inlet or second outside air inlet), a first air dew point temperature that indicates the dew point temperature of air flowing through a first pipe downstream of a connection point, and a second air dew point temperature that indicates the dew point temperature of air flowing through a third pipe. As a result, when the outside air dew point temperature is high, dehumidified air is supplied to the dehumidification rotor, and when the outside air dew point temperature is low, outside air is directly supplied to the dehumidification rotor. In other words, the supply path to the dehumidifier is switched by controlling the opening and closing of each adjustment valve (first adjustment valve, second adjustment valve, third adjustment valve) depending on the dew point temperature of the outside air. Therefore, the dew point temperature of the air supplied to the dehumidification rotor can be appropriately adjusted depending on the dew point temperature of the outside air. This reduces energy consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a dehumidification system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of opening and closing control of each regulating valve according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing state transitions of an operation mode (load absorption operation mode) of the dehumidification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing state transitions of an operation mode (load discharge operation mode) of the dehumidification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a dehumidification system according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of opening and closing control of each regulating valve according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A dehumidification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements common to the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] 1. Dehumidification system 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a dehumidification system 1 according to a first embodiment. The dehumidification system 1 supplies low dew point air to a low dew point room 20 (also simply referred to as a room 20). The low dew point room 20 is managed within a dew point temperature range of, for example, -50°C DP to -30°C DP. Examples of the low dew point room 20 include a dry room and a clean room.

[0013] The dehumidification system 1 includes a low dew point chamber 20, a dry dehumidifier 100, a flow path switching unit 200, and a control device 30. The dry dehumidifier 100 generates air to be supplied to the low dew point chamber 20. The dry dehumidifier 100 includes, for example, a first pipe 131, a fourth pipe 134, a dehumidification rotor 101, a first fan 112, a second fan 124, a regenerative heater 121, a precooler 111, an aftercooler 114, and an afterheater 115. The dry dehumidifier 100 is also simply referred to as a "dehumidifier."

[0014] One end of the first pipe 131 is connected to the low dew point chamber 20 via the dry dehumidifier 100, and the other end is connected to the outside air port (first outside air port OA1). One end of the fourth pipe 134 is connected to the outside air port (third outside air port OA3), and the other end is connected to the exhaust port (first exhaust port EX1).

[0015] The dehumidifying rotor 101 has a rotation mechanism that rotates in one direction at an arbitrary rotation speed. The dehumidifying rotor 101 is equipped with a power conversion device 102 (also simply referred to as an inverter 102) for driving and controlling the rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism is driven and controlled based on commands from the inverter 102. The inverter 102 is controlled by the control device 30.

[0016] The dehumidification rotor 101 has an air intake area, a regeneration area, and a purge area. The air intake area adsorbs moisture contained in a mixed air containing inflow air (e.g., outside air) supplied through the first filter 110 and return air from the low dew point chamber 20, and discharges the dehumidified air. The regeneration area discharges humid air containing the adsorbed moisture and outside air drawn in from the third outside air port OA3 through the second filter 120. The humid air may contain the mixed air (outside air and return air) drawn in to the first pipe 131. The purge area is provided between the air intake area and the regeneration area. Air supplied to the first branch pipe 131A passes through the purge area. One end of the first branch pipe 131A is connected to the inlet side of the air intake area of ​​the first pipe 131, and the other end is connected to the inlet side of the regeneration area of ​​the fourth pipe 134. The air supplied to the first branch pipe 131A is mixed air (outside air and return air) taken into the first pipe 131. Therefore, the purge area absorbs moisture contained in the mixed air flowing into the first branch pipe 131A, dehumidifies the air, and discharges the dehumidified air toward the fourth pipe 134.

[0017] The first fan 112 is provided on the first piping 131 at the inlet side of the air supply area of ​​the dehumidification rotor 101, and sends out mixed air obtained by drawing in inflow air (e.g., outside air) to the dry dehumidifier 100 and return air from the low dew point chamber 20 toward the inlet side of the air supply area, and also sends out the mixed air toward the fourth piping 134 via the first branch piping 131A. The first fan 112 is equipped with a power conversion device 113 (also simply referred to as inverter 113) for driving the fan. The inverter 113 is controlled by the control device 30.

[0018] The second fan 124 is provided on the fourth pipe 134 on the outlet side of the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidification rotor 101, and draws in outside air from the third outside air port OA3 and sends it out toward the entrance side of the regeneration area, and also sends out high-temperature, humid air that is exhausted from the exit side of the regeneration area and heated by the regeneration heater 121 toward the first exhaust port EX1. The second fan 124 is equipped with a power conversion device 125 (also simply referred to as inverter 125) for driving the fan. The inverter 125 is controlled by the control device 30. The second fan 124 is also referred to as regeneration fan 124.

[0019] The regeneration heater 121 is provided on the fourth pipe 134 on the inlet side of the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidification rotor 101, and heats the humid air. The regeneration heater 121 is equipped with a thyristor 122 that adjusts the power of the heater. The thyristor 122 is controlled by the control device 30. The temperature of the humid air heated by the regeneration heater 121 is monitored by the control device 30. The temperature of the humid air is measured, for example, by a thermometer 123 (also referred to as thermometer T) provided on the fourth pipe 134 on the inlet side of the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidification rotor 101.

[0020] The precooler 111 is provided in the first pipe 131 between the first filter 110 and the first fan 112. The precooler 111 cools the air flowing into the dry dehumidifier 100 or a mixture of the air flowing into the dry dehumidifier 100 and the return air from the low dew point chamber 20. In this case, the precooler 111 may be supplied with cold water for cooling the air flowing into the dry dehumidifier 100 or the mixture of the air.

[0021] The aftercooler 114 cools the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidification rotor 101. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the dehumidified air. In this case, the aftercooler 114 may be supplied with cold water for cooling the dehumidified air.

[0022] The afterheater 115 heats the dehumidified air cooled by the aftercooler 114. This can further improve the drying effect of the dehumidified air.

[0023] The flow path switching unit 200 switches the inflow air to the dry dehumidifier 100 (dehumidification rotor 101). Specifically, the flow path switching unit 200 includes a first pipe 131, a second pipe 132, a third pipe 133, a moisture absorbent 40, a third fan 150, a first adjustment valve 51, a second adjustment valve 52, and a third adjustment valve 53. The first pipe 131 is as described above. One end of the second pipe 132 is connected to a connection point a of the first pipe 131 between the dry dehumidifier 100 and the first outside air port OA1, and the other end is connected to a second outside air port OA2. The third pipe 133 has one end connected to a connection point b of the second pipe 132 between the moisture absorbent 40 and the first adjustment valve 51, and the other end is connected to an exhaust port (second exhaust port EX2).

[0024] The moisture absorbent 40 is provided in the second pipe 132 and discharges dehumidified air that has absorbed moisture from the outside air drawn into the second outside air port OA2. The moisture absorbent 40 is, for example, a desiccant material such as silica gel. The third fan 150 is provided in the second pipe 132 between the second outside air port OA2 and the moisture absorbent 40 and takes in outside air from the second outside air port OA2 and sends it to the moisture absorbent 40. The third fan 150 is equipped with a power conversion device 151 (also simply referred to as an inverter 151) for driving the fan. The inverter 151 is controlled by the control device 30.

[0025] The first adjusting valve 51 is provided on the second pipe 132 between the connection point a and the moisture absorbent 40. That is, the first adjusting valve 51 is provided on the second pipe 132 between the connection point a and the connection point b. The first adjusting valve 51 adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air flowing out from the moisture absorbent 40 to the dry dehumidifier 100. The second adjusting valve 52 is provided on the first pipe 131 between the connection point a and the first outside air port OA1. The second adjusting valve 52 adjusts the flow rate of outside air taken in to the second outside air port OA2 to the dry dehumidifier 100. The third adjusting valve 53 is provided on the third pipe 133. The third adjusting valve 53 adjusts the flow rate (i.e., exhaust volume) of dehumidified air flowing out from the moisture absorbent 40 to the second exhaust port EX2.

[0026] Consider the air flowing into the dry dehumidifier 100. The air flowing into the dry dehumidifier 100 changes depending on the open / close state of each regulating valve (first regulating valve 51, second regulating valve 52, third regulating valve 53). Specifically, the air flowing into the dry dehumidifier 100 is either outside air taken in through the first outside air port OA1, or dehumidified air obtained by dehumidifying the outside air taken in through the second outside air port OA2, or a mixture of both. Each regulating valve is connected to the control device 30. The opening and closing of each regulating valve is controlled by the control device 30.

[0027] The control device 30 controls the dry dehumidifier 100 so as to supply low dew point air to the low dew point chamber 20. Specifically, the control device 30 controls at least one of the rotation speed of the dehumidification rotor 101, the temperature of the regenerative heater 121, the air volume of the first fan 112, and the air volume of the second fan 124 based on a second dew point temperature 22 (also referred to as the second dew point temperature DP2) indicating the dew point temperature of the low dew point chamber 20 (room) and a first dew point temperature 11 (also referred to as the first dew point temperature DP1) indicating the dew point temperature of the dehumidified air to be supplied to the low dew point chamber 20.

[0028] For example, consider a case where the airflow rate of the first fan 112 is adjusted so that the second dew-point temperature 22 approaches a target dew-point temperature (e.g., −50° C. DP). If the first dew-point temperature 11 changes while control to adjust the airflow rate of the first fan 112 is being executed, the airflow rate of the first fan 112 may repeatedly increase and decrease, which may cause the control of the control device 30 to become unstable. For this reason, when adjusting the airflow rate of the first fan 112, it is preferable that the first dew-point temperature 11 be constant. Therefore, to keep the first dew-point temperature 11 constant, the control device 30 adjusts at least one of the airflow rate of the second fan 124, the temperature of the regeneration heater 121, and the rotation speed of the dehumidification rotor 101. This makes it possible to maintain the first dew-point temperature 11 constant even when the airflow rate of the first fan 112 is adjusted.

[0029] When adjusting the air volume of the first fan 112, the control device 30 generates and outputs a drive control signal (e.g., PWM signal) for the inverter 113 based on air volume setting information for the first fan 112. When adjusting the air volume of the second fan 124, the control device 30 generates and outputs a drive control signal (e.g., PWM signal) for the inverter 125 based on air volume setting information for the second fan 124. When adjusting the temperature of the regenerative heater 121, the control device 30 generates and outputs a control signal for the thyristor 122 based on temperature setting information for the regenerative heater 121. When adjusting the rotation speed of the dehumidifying rotor 101, the control device 30 generates and outputs a drive control signal (e.g., PWM signal) for the inverter 102 based on rotation speed setting information for the dehumidifying rotor 101.

[0030] Furthermore, the control device 30 adjusts the air that flows into the dry dehumidifier 100. Specifically, the control device 30 measures an outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 that indicates the dew point temperature of the outdoor air taken in through the first outdoor air port OA1 or the second outdoor air port OA2. The control device 30 also measures a first air dew point temperature DTE2 that indicates the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the first pipe 131 downstream of the connection point a, and measures a second air dew point temperature DTE3 that indicates the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the third pipe 133. The control device 30 performs opening and closing control of the first regulating valve 51, the second regulating valve 52, and the third regulating valve 53 based on the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1, the first air dew point temperature DTE2, and the second air dew point temperature DTE3. The opening and closing control of each regulating valve will be described in detail below.

[0031] The control device 30 may perform opening and closing control of the first regulating valve 51, the second regulating valve 52, and the third regulating valve 53 based on information only about the outside air dew point temperature DTE1. For example, the control device 30 may perform opening and closing control of the first regulating valve 51, the second regulating valve 52, and the third regulating valve 53 based on the deviation between the outside air dew point temperature DTE1 and a reference dew point temperature when the deviation exceeds a reference value.

[0032] The dehumidification system 1 is also provided with a fifth pipe 135. The fifth pipe 135 is a pipe for allowing return air from the low dew point chamber 20 to flow into the dry dehumidifier 100 and for discharging the air to an exhaust port (third exhaust port EX3). One end of the fifth pipe 135 is connected to the low dew point chamber 20, and the other end is connected to the third exhaust port EX3 and the first pipe 131. The first outside air port OA1, the second outside air port OA2, and the third outside air port OA3 may be the same or different. The first exhaust port EX1, the second exhaust port EX2, and the third exhaust port EX3 may be the same or different.

[0033] 2. Opening and closing control of regulating valves 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the opening and closing control of each regulating valve according to the embodiment. The opening and closing control of each regulating valve (first regulating valve 51, second regulating valve 52, third regulating valve 53) is adjusted based on fluctuations in the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1. Fluctuations in the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 are classified into, for example, three cases (case 1, case 2, and case 3). Each case will be described in detail below.

[0034] Case 1 is a case where the operating mode of the dehumidification system 1 is the normal operation mode. Conditions for establishing the normal operation mode (Case 1) include the difference between the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the first air dew point temperature DTE2 being less than a threshold value, and the difference between the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the second air dew point temperature DTE3 being less than a threshold value. In this case, it is considered more appropriate to directly supply outdoor air to the dehumidification rotor 101, as this reduces the processing load on the dehumidification rotor 101 and prevents unnecessary dehumidification processing.

[0035] According to Case 1, the control device 30 controls the first adjusting valve 51 in the closing direction, the second adjusting valve 52 in the opening direction, and the third adjusting valve 53 in the closing direction. As a result, only the outside air taken into the first outside air port OA1 flows through the first piping 131 downstream of the connection point a. Therefore, the outside air from the first outside air port OA1 can be supplied directly to the dry dehumidifier 100.

[0036] Case 2 is a case where the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 is the load absorption operation mode. For example, if the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 suddenly rises due to a sudden shower or the like while the output of the dehumidification rotor 101 is being suppressed, the dehumidification rotor 101 cannot sufficiently remove moisture from the outdoor air. In this case, it is desirable to supply dehumidified air obtained by dehumidifying the outdoor air to the dehumidification rotor 101. Therefore, the condition for establishing the load absorption operation mode is when the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 rises and exceeds the first air dew point temperature DTE2. Note that the condition for the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 to rise may be, for example, when the rate of rise per hour is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0037] In Case 2, the control device 30 controls the first adjusting valve 51 in the opening direction, the second adjusting valve 52 in the closing direction, and the third adjusting valve 53 in the closing direction. As a result, only dehumidified air obtained by dehumidifying the outside air taken in through the second outside air port OA2 flows through the first piping 131 downstream of the connection point a. Therefore, the dehumidified air obtained by dehumidifying the outside air can be supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101.

[0038] Case 3 is a case where the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 is the load discharge operation mode. For example, when the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 drops and becomes lower than the second air dew point temperature DTE3, the outdoor air can be passed through the moisture absorbent 40 to regenerate the moisture absorbent 40. Therefore, the conditions for establishing the load discharge operation mode include the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 dropping and becoming lower than the second air dew point temperature DTE3.

[0039] According to Case 3, the control device 30 controls the first adjusting valve 51 in a closing direction and the third adjusting valve 53 in an opening direction. When the conditions for establishing the load discharge operation mode include the difference between the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the first air dew point temperature DTE2 being less than a threshold, the control device 30 controls the first adjusting valve 51 in a closing direction, the second adjusting valve 52 in an opening direction, and the third adjusting valve 53 in an opening direction. As a result, only outdoor air taken into the first outdoor air port OA1 flows through the first piping 131 downstream of the connection point a. Meanwhile, dehumidified air obtained by dehumidifying outdoor air taken into the second outdoor air port OA2 flows through the third piping 133. Therefore, the outdoor air can be supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101 while the absorbent material 40 is regenerated without providing a heater for regenerating the absorbent material 40. This reduces the cost and energy consumption of the dehumidification system 1.

[0040] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing state transitions of the operation mode (load absorption operation mode) of the dehumidification system 1 according to the embodiment. When the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 rises and exceeds the first air dew point temperature DTE2, the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 switches from the normal operation mode to the load absorption operation mode. Thereafter, when the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the first air dew point temperature DTE2 match, or when the difference between the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the first air dew point temperature DTE2 is less than the threshold, the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 returns from the load absorption operation mode to the normal operation mode. In this case, the control device 30 controls the first adjustment valve 51 in the closing direction, controls the second adjustment valve 52 in the opening direction, and maintains the third adjustment valve 53 in the closing direction.

[0041] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing state transitions of the operation mode (load discharge operation mode) of the dehumidification system 1 according to the embodiment. When the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 drops and becomes lower than the second air dew point temperature DTE3, the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 switches from the normal operation mode to the load discharge operation mode. Thereafter, when the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the second air dew point temperature DTE3 match, or when the difference between the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the second air dew point temperature DTE3 is less than the threshold, the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 returns from the load discharge operation mode to the normal operation mode. In this case, the control device 30 maintains the first adjustment valve 51 in the closed direction, maintains the second adjustment valve 52 in the open direction, and controls the third adjustment valve 53 in the closed direction.

[0042] 3. Processing example FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control device 30 according to the embodiment.

[0043] In step S100, the control device 30 acquires various dew-point temperatures (outside air dew-point temperature DTE1, first air dew-point temperature DTE2, second air dew-point temperature DTE3), after which the process proceeds to step S110.

[0044] In step S110, the control device 30 estimates the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1. The operation mode is one of the normal operation mode, the load absorption operation mode, and the load release operation mode. The conditions for establishing the various operation modes are as described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0045] In step S120, the control device 30 determines whether the estimated operation mode is the normal operation mode. If it is determined that the operation mode is the normal operation mode (step S120; Yes), the process proceeds to step S130. Otherwise (step S120; No), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0046] In step S130, the controller 30 controls the first adjusting valve 51 in the closing direction, the second adjusting valve 52 in the opening direction, and the third adjusting valve 53 in the closing direction. Then, the process ends.

[0047] In step S140, the control device 30 determines whether the operation mode is the load absorption operation mode. If it is determined that the operation mode is the load absorption operation mode (step S140; Yes), the process proceeds to step S150. Otherwise (step S140; No), the process proceeds to step S170.

[0048] In step S150, controller 30 controls first adjusting valve 51 in the opening direction, controls second adjusting valve 52 in the closing direction, and controls third adjusting valve 53 in the closing direction. Then, the process proceeds to step S160.

[0049] In step S160, the control device 30 determines whether the relationship between the outside air dew point temperature DTE1 and the first air dew point temperature DTE2 satisfies the first return condition. If it is determined that the relationship satisfies the first return condition (step S160; Yes), the process proceeds to step S130. Otherwise (step S160; No), the process returns to step S150.

[0050] The first recovery condition includes that the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the first air dew point temperature DTE2 are the same, or that the difference between the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the first air dew point temperature DTE2 is less than a threshold. Furthermore, if the process proceeds to step S130, the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 switches from the load absorption operation mode to the normal operation mode. In this case, the control device 30 controls the first adjustment valve 51 in the closing direction, controls the second adjustment valve 52 in the opening direction, and maintains the third adjustment valve 53 in the closing direction.

[0051] Step S170 is performed when the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 is the load discharge operation mode. In step S170, the control device 30 controls the first adjusting valve 51 to closed and the second adjusting valve 52 Openand the third adjusting valve 53 Open Then, the process proceeds to step S180.

[0052] In step S180, the control device 30 determines whether the relationship between the outside air dew point temperature DTE1 and the second air dew point temperature DTE3 satisfies the second return condition. If it is determined that the relationship satisfies the second return condition (step S180; Yes), the process proceeds to step S130. Otherwise (step S180; No), the process returns to step S170.

[0053] The second recovery condition includes that the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the second air dew point temperature DTE3 are the same, or that the difference between the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 and the second air dew point temperature DTE3 is less than a threshold. Furthermore, if the process proceeds to step S130, the operation mode of the dehumidification system 1 switches from the load discharge operation mode to the normal operation mode. In this case, the control device 30 maintains the first adjustment valve 51 in the closing direction, maintains the second adjustment valve 52 in the opening direction, and controls the third adjustment valve 53 in the closing direction.

[0054] 4.Effects According to the present disclosure, dehumidification system 1 is provided with a first regulating valve 51 that adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air, which has absorbed moisture from outside air taken in through second outside air port OA2, to dry dehumidifier 100, a second regulating valve 52 that adjusts the flow rate of outside air taken in through first outside air port OA1 to dry dehumidifier 100, and a third regulating valve 53 that adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air to an exhaust port (second exhaust port EX2). In dehumidification system 1, opening and closing control is performed to open and close first regulating valve 51, second regulating valve 52, and third regulating valve 53 based on an outside air dew point temperature DTE1 that indicates the dew point temperature of the outside air taken in through first outside air port OA1 or second outside air port OA2, a first air dew point temperature DTE2 that indicates the dew point temperature of air flowing through first piping 131 downstream of connection point a, and a second air dew point temperature DTE3 that indicates the dew point temperature of air flowing through third piping 133. As a result, when the outdoor air dew-point temperature DTE1 is high, dehumidified outdoor air is supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101, and when the outdoor air dew-point temperature DTE1 is low, outdoor air is directly supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101. In other words, the supply path to the dehumidification rotor 101 is switched by controlling the opening and closing of each adjustment valve (first adjustment valve 51, second adjustment valve 52, third adjustment valve 53) according to the outdoor air dew-point temperature DTE1. Therefore, the dew-point temperature of the air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101 can be appropriately adjusted according to the outdoor air dew-point temperature DTE1. This allows for a reduction in energy consumption.

[0055] 5. Other embodiments FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a dehumidification system 1A according to another embodiment. The first outside air port OA1 and the second outside air port OA2 described above may be configured as either one of them. For example, when the outside air port OA is configured as either the first outside air port OA1 or the second outside air port OA2, as shown in FIG. 6, one end of the first pipe 131B is connected to the low dew point chamber 20 via the dry dehumidifier 100, and the other end is connected to the outside air port OA. The second pipe 132A has one end connected to a connection point a (also referred to as a first connection point) of the first pipe 131B between the dry dehumidifier 100 and the outside air port OA, and the other end connected to a connection point c (also referred to as a second connection point) of the first pipe 131B between the outside air port OA and the connection point a.

[0056] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of opening and closing control of each regulating valve according to another embodiment. The opening and closing control of each regulating valve (first regulating valve 51, second regulating valve 52, third regulating valve 53) is adjusted based on fluctuations in the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1. Fluctuations in the outdoor air dew point temperature DTE1 are classified into, for example, three cases (case 1, case 2, case 3). The opening and closing control examples for each case are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the dehumidification system 1A is configured with one of the first and second outdoor air ports OA1 and OA2. Specifically, the dehumidification system 1A includes a dry dehumidifier 100 having a dehumidification rotor 101 that supplies low dew point air to the low dew point chamber 20, a first pipe 131B having one end connected to the low dew point chamber 20 via the dry dehumidifier 100 and the other end connected to the outdoor air port OA, a second pipe 132A having one end connected to a connection point a of the first pipe 131B between the dry dehumidifier 100 and the outdoor air port OA and the other end connected to a connection point c of the first pipe 131B between the outdoor air port OA and the connection point a, a moisture absorbent 40 that is provided on the second pipe 132A and that discharges dehumidified air that has absorbed moisture in outdoor air taken into the outdoor air port OA, and a second pipe 132A between the connection point a and the moisture absorbent 40. The system is equipped with: a first adjustment valve 51 provided in the second pipe 132A and adjusting the flow rate of dehumidified air to the dry dehumidifier 100; a second adjustment valve 52 provided in the first pipe 131B between connection point a and connection point c and adjusting the flow rate of outside air taken into the outside air port OA to the dry dehumidifier 100; a third pipe 133 having one end connected to the second pipe 132A between the moisture absorbent material 40 and the first adjustment valve 51 and the other end connected to the second exhaust port EX2; the third adjustment valve 53 provided in the third pipe 133 and adjusting the flow rate of dehumidified air to the second exhaust port EX2; and a control device 30 connected to the first adjustment valve 51, the second adjustment valve 52 and the third adjustment valve 53.

[0058] The control device 30 controls the opening and closing of the first regulating valve 51, the second regulating valve 52, and the third regulating valve 53 based on an outside air dew-point temperature DTE1 indicating the dew-point temperature of the outside air taken in through the outside air port OA, a first air dew-point temperature DTE2 indicating the dew-point temperature of the air flowing through the first pipe 131B downstream of the connection point a, and a second air dew-point temperature DTE3 indicating the dew-point temperature of the air flowing through the third pipe 133. As a result, when the outside air dew-point temperature DTE1 is high, dehumidified outside air is supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101, and when the outside air dew-point temperature DTE1 is low, outside air is directly supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101. In other words, the supply path to the dehumidification rotor 101 is switched by controlling the opening and closing of each regulating valve (the first regulating valve 51, the second regulating valve 52, and the third regulating valve 53) depending on the outside air dew-point temperature DTE1. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the dew-point temperature of the air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 101 in accordance with the outside air dew-point temperature DTE1, thereby reducing energy consumption. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1,1A...dehumidification system, 11...first dew point temperature, 20...low dew point chamber, 22...second dew point temperature, 30,40...moisture absorbent, 51...first adjusting valve, 52...second adjusting valve, 53...third adjusting valve, 100...dry dehumidifier, 101...dehumidification rotor, 102...inverter, 110...first filter, 111...precooler, 112...first fan, 113...inverter, 114...aftercooler 115...after heater, 120...second filter, 121...regenerative heater, 122...thyristor, 123...thermometer, 124...second fan, 125...inverter, 131, 131B...first pipe, 131A...first branch pipe, 132, 132A...second pipe, 133...third pipe, 134...fourth pipe, 135...fifth pipe, 150...third fan, 151...inverter

Claims

1. a dehumidifier including a dehumidifying rotor that supplies low dew point air to the low dew point chamber; a first pipe having one end connected to the low dew point chamber via the dehumidifier and the other end connected to a first outside air port; a second pipe having one end connected to the first pipe between the dehumidifier and the first outside air port and the other end connected to a second outside air port; a moisture absorbent material provided in the second pipe for absorbing moisture in the outside air taken into the second outside air port and discharging dehumidified air; a first adjusting valve provided in the second pipe between the connection point of the first pipe and the second pipe and the moisture absorbent material, the first adjusting valve adjusting the flow rate of the dehumidified air to the dehumidifier; a second adjusting valve provided in the first pipe between the connection point and the first outside air port, for adjusting the flow rate of outside air taken into the first outside air port to the dehumidifier; a third pipe having one end connected to the second pipe between the moisture absorbent material and the first adjusting valve and the other end connected to an exhaust port; a third adjusting valve provided in the third pipe and configured to adjust the flow rate of the dehumidified air to the exhaust port; a control device connected to the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve; Equipped with The control device performing opening and closing control for opening and closing the first adjustment valve, the second adjustment valve, and the third adjustment valve based on an outside air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the outside air taken into the first outside air port or the second outside air port, a first air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the first pipe downstream of the connection point, and a second air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the third pipe; In the opening / closing control, at least when the outside air dew point temperature decreases, the difference between the outside air dew point temperature and the first air dew point temperature is less than a threshold value, and the outside air dew point temperature is less than the second air dew point temperature, the first adjusting valve is controlled in a closing direction, the second adjusting valve is controlled in an opening direction, and the third adjusting valve is controlled in an opening direction. A dehumidification system characterized by:

2. 10. The dehumidification system of claim 1, The control device, in the opening and closing control, When the difference between the outside air dew point temperature and the first air dew point temperature is less than the threshold value and the difference between the outside air dew point temperature and the second air dew point temperature is less than the threshold value, the first adjustment valve is controlled in a closing direction, the second adjustment valve is controlled in an opening direction, and the third adjustment valve is controlled in a closing direction; When the outside air dew point temperature rises and exceeds the first air dew point temperature, the first adjusting valve is controlled in an opening direction, the second adjusting valve is controlled in a closing direction, and the third adjusting valve is controlled in a closing direction. A dehumidification system characterized by:

3. A dehumidification system according to claim 2, The control device When the outside air dew point temperature increases and exceeds the first air dew point temperature, and then the outside air dew point temperature and the first air dew point temperature become equal, or when a difference between the outside air dew point temperature and the first air dew point temperature becomes less than the threshold value, the first adjustment valve is controlled in a closing direction, the second adjustment valve is controlled in an opening direction, and the third adjustment valve is maintained in a closing direction. A dehumidification system characterized by:

4. 3. The dehumidification system of claim 2, The control device When the outside air dew point temperature decreases and becomes lower than the second air dew point temperature, and then the outside air dew point temperature and the second air dew point temperature become equal, or when a difference between the outside air dew point temperature and the second air dew point temperature becomes lower than the threshold value, the first adjustment valve is maintained in a closing direction, the second adjustment valve is maintained in an opening direction, and the third adjustment valve is controlled in a closing direction. A dehumidification system characterized by:

5. a dehumidifier including a dehumidifying rotor that supplies low dew point air to the low dew point chamber; a first pipe having one end connected to the low dew point chamber via the dehumidifier and the other end connected to an outside air port; a second pipe having one end connected to a first connection point of the first pipe between the dehumidifier and the outside air outlet and the other end connected to a second connection point of the first pipe between the outside air outlet and the first connection point; a moisture absorbent material provided in the second pipe for absorbing moisture in the outside air taken into the outside air port and discharging dehumidified air; a first adjusting valve provided in the second pipe between the first connection point and the moisture absorbent, the first adjusting valve adjusting the flow rate of the dehumidified air to the dehumidifier; a second adjusting valve provided in the first pipe between the first connection point and the second connection point, the second adjusting valve adjusting the flow rate of the outside air taken into the outside air port to the dehumidifier; a third pipe having one end connected to the second pipe between the moisture absorbent material and the first adjusting valve and the other end connected to an exhaust port; a third adjusting valve provided in the third pipe and configured to adjust the flow rate of the dehumidified air to the exhaust port; a control device connected to the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve; Equipped with The control device performing opening and closing control for opening and closing the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve based on an outside air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the outside air taken into the outside air port, a first air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the first piping downstream of the first connection point, and a second air dew point temperature indicating the dew point temperature of the air flowing through the third piping; In the opening / closing control, at least when the outside air dew point temperature decreases, the difference between the outside air dew point temperature and the first air dew point temperature is less than a threshold value, and the outside air dew point temperature is less than the second air dew point temperature, the first adjusting valve is controlled in a closing direction, the second adjusting valve is controlled in an opening direction, and the third adjusting valve is controlled in an opening direction. A dehumidification system characterized by:

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