air conditioning equipment

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of suppressing the dew condensation of humidified air inside or near a connection member thereof while suppressing power consumption.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system comprises a humidifying unit (4), and a connection member (7). The humidifying unit for supplying humidified air to an object space has a humidifying rotor (41), a first passage (45), a first heater (42), and a second heater (47). The connection member is provided between the humidifying unit and the object space, and humidified air flows inside the connection member. The humidifying rotor uses a polymeric material for generating the humidified air with the sorption and desorption of moisture included in outside air. The first heater is arranged upstream of the humidifying rotor in the first passage. The second heater is arranged downstream of the humidifying rotor for heating humidified air flowing into the connection member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This relates to air conditioning equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-60872 A) discloses an air conditioner equipped with a humidifying unit that uses a humidifying rotor having a polymeric sorbent material. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Humidification units that use polymer adsorbents as the sorption material in the humidification rotor can reduce power consumption because they can desorb moisture and generate humidified air at lower heating temperatures than sorption materials that use silica gel, zeolite, etc. On the other hand, humidification units that use polymer adsorbents in the humidification rotor generate humidified air at a lower temperature, which can lead to condensation inside connecting members such as the air intake hose that connects the humidification unit to the utilization unit and / or around the air intake duct from which the humidified air is blown out of the utilization unit.

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can suppress condensation of humidified air inside or near a connecting member while suppressing power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An air conditioner according to a first aspect comprises a humidifying unit and a connecting member.

[0006] The humidifying unit supplies humidified air to the target space. The humidifying unit has a humidifying rotor, a first path, a first heater, and a second heater. The connecting member is provided between the humidifying unit and the target space, and the humidified air flows through the connecting member.

[0007] The humidifying rotor is made of a polymer material that generates humidified air by sorption and desorption of moisture contained in the outside air. The first heater is located upstream of the humidifying rotor in the first path. The second heater is located downstream of the humidifying rotor and heats the humidified air that flows into the connecting member.

[0008] In this air conditioning device, the second heater is disposed downstream of the first path, so the second heater can heat the humidified air before it flows into the connecting member, thereby reducing the relative humidity of the humidified air flowing into the connecting member.

[0009] According to this air conditioner, condensation of humidified air inside or near the connecting member is suppressed while power consumption is suppressed.

[0010] An air conditioner according to a second aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the second heater is provided outside the target space.

[0011] According to this air conditioning device, the humidification unit is installed outside the target space, such as outdoors, so that even if the temperature of the connecting member is prone to drop, power consumption is reduced and condensation of humidified air inside the connecting member is prevented.

[0012] An air conditioner according to a third aspect is the air conditioner according to the first or second aspect, wherein the humidifying unit further comprises a casing that houses the humidifying rotor and the second heater. The second heater is provided inside the casing.

[0013] According to this air conditioning device, the humidifying rotor and the second heater are housed in a casing, so that even when the temperature of the humidified air and the temperature inside the connecting member are high, condensation of the humidified air inside the connecting member is suppressed while reducing power consumption.

[0014] An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, in which the first heater is a PTC heater.

[0015] According to this air conditioner, control of the first heater is prevented from becoming complicated.

[0016] An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the second heater is a PTC heater.

[0017] According to this air conditioner, control of the second heater is prevented from becoming complicated.

[0018] An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the maximum output of the second heater is greater than the maximum output of the first heater.

[0019] According to this air conditioner, condensation of humidified air inside or near the connecting member is effectively suppressed.

[0020] An air conditioner according to a seventh aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the humidifying unit further has a humidifying fan, a supply path, and an exhaust path.

[0021] The humidifying fan is provided at the downstream end of the first path. The supply path directs the airflow generated by the humidifying fan into the connecting member. The exhaust path discharges the airflow generated by the humidifying fan to the outside. The second heater is provided in the supply path.

[0022] The present air conditioner can further perform a regenerative operation.

[0023] An air conditioner according to an eighth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the humidifying unit is installed outside the building so as to face a wall of the building that contains the target space.

[0024] According to this air conditioner, condensation of humidified air inside the connecting member is effectively suppressed.

[0025] An air conditioner of a ninth aspect is the air conditioner of any of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a control unit. After starting a humidification operation in which the control unit controls the first heater and the humidification rotor to cause the humidification rotor to produce humidified air, if the rate of increase per hour in the temperature or humidity of the humidified air produced by the humidification rotor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold and the temperature of the humidified air that has passed through the connecting member and been supplied to the target space is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold based on the dew point temperature of the humidified air produced by the humidification rotor, the control unit starts a condensation suppression operation in which the second heater is activated and its output is controlled.

[0026] According to this air conditioner, condensation of humidified air inside the connecting member is suppressed while power consumption is effectively suppressed.

[0027] An air conditioner of a tenth aspect is the air conditioner of the ninth aspect, wherein the humidification unit further has a humidification fan provided at a downstream end of the first path, and the control unit further controls the output of the humidification fan based on the output of the second heater during condensation prevention operation.

[0028] According to this air conditioner, the amount of humidified air supplied can be increased compared to when the rotation speed of humidifying fan 43 is constant.

[0029] An air conditioner of an eleventh aspect is the air conditioner of the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the humidifying unit further has a humidifying fan provided at the downstream end of the first path, and the control unit executes a drying operation in which the second heater is activated without activating the first heater, and the output of the humidifying fan is controlled.

[0030] According to this air conditioning apparatus, a drying operation can be performed to dry the inside of the connection member.

[0031] An air conditioner according to a twelfth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, in which the total output of the first heater and the second heater is 1 kW or less.

[0032] According to this air conditioner, condensation of humidified air inside or near the connecting member is suppressed while power consumption is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of an air conditioning device 100. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning device 100. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioning device 100. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of a condensation suppression operation. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning apparatus 100 according to Modification G. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] (1) Overall structure Fig. 1 is an external view of an air conditioner 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 uses a vapor compression refrigerant cycle to air condition the indoor space (not shown) of a building or the like, which is the target space. The air conditioner 100 mainly has a heat source unit 2, a utilization unit 3, a humidification unit 4, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, a gas refrigerant connection pipe 6, an air supply hose 7, a remote control 8, and a control unit 9.

[0035] The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3. The equipment and refrigerant piping in the heat source unit 2, the equipment and refrigerant piping in the utilization unit 3, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circuit 10. The refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with refrigerant.

[0036] The air intake hose 7 connects the humidifying unit 4 and the usage unit 3. The air intake hose 7 is a member that supplies humidified outside air (humidified air) from the humidifying unit 4 to the usage unit 3, and is provided between the humidifying unit 4 and the target space (usage unit 3), with the humidified air flowing inside. The air intake hose 7 is an example of a connecting member.

[0037] Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls each device of the air conditioner 100 to perform air conditioning operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, humidification operation, and condensation suppression operation.

[0038] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Heat source unit The heat source unit 2 is installed outdoors (on the roof of a building, near the exterior wall of a building, etc.). The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 23, a heat source heat exchanger 24, a heat source expansion valve 25, a heat source fan 26, and a first sensor 27.

[0039] (2-1-1) Compressor In the refrigerant circuit 10, the compressor 21 draws low-pressure refrigerant from a refrigerant pipe 21a on the suction side, compresses it to a high pressure, and then discharges it to a refrigerant pipe 21b on the discharge side.

[0040] (2-1-2) Four-way switching valve The four-way switching valve 23 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 10. The four-way switching valve 23 has a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4. The four-way switching valve 23 is switched by the control unit 9 between a first state (a state indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1) in which the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 are in communication with each other and the second port P2 and the third port P3 are in communication with each other, and a second state (a state indicated by solid lines in FIG. 1) in which the first port P1 and the second port P2 are in communication with each other and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 are in communication with each other.

[0041] The first port P1 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 21b on the discharge side of the compressor 21. The second port P2 is connected to the gas side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The third port P3 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 21a on the suction side of the compressor 21. The fourth port P4 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6.

[0042] (2-1-3) Heat source heat exchanger The heat source heat exchanger 24 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the refrigerant circuit 10. One end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the heat source expansion valve 25. The other end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way switching valve 23.

[0043] (2-1-4) Heat source expansion valve The heat source expansion valve 25 is an expansion mechanism that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10. The heat source expansion valve 25 is provided between the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5 and the liquid side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source expansion valve 25 is an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled. The opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0044] (2-1-5) Heat source fan The heat source fan 26 generates an airflow and supplies outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source fan 26 supplies outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24, thereby promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant in the heat source heat exchanger 24 and the outdoor air. The heat source fan 26 is rotationally driven by a heat source fan motor 26a. The airflow rate of the heat source fan 26 is controlled by the control unit 9 changing the rotation speed of the heat source fan motor 26a.

[0045] (2-1-6) First sensor The first sensor 27 detects the temperature To of the outdoor air. In this embodiment, the first sensor 27 is disposed near the heat source fan 26. The first sensor 27 may be housed in the humidifying unit 4.

[0046] (2-2) Usage unit The utilization unit 3 is a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner that is installed on a wall in a room that is a target space. The utilization unit 3 mainly has a utilization heat exchanger 31, a utilization fan 32, an intake air duct 38, and a second sensor 39.

[0047] (2-2-1) Heat exchanger used The utilization heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the refrigerant circuit 10. One end of the utilization heat exchanger 31 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5. The other end of the utilization heat exchanger 31 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6. The utilization heat exchanger 31 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger made up of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins, but is not limited thereto. The utilization heat exchanger 31 is arranged in the flow path of the airflow generated by the utilization fan 32.

[0048] (2-2-2) Fans in use The utilization fan 32 is a blower that generates an airflow. When the utilization fan 32 generates an airflow, the indoor air passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31. When the indoor air passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31, heat exchange between the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor air is promoted.

[0049] The utilization fan 32 is a cross-flow fan. The utilization fan 32 is rotationally driven by a utilization fan motor 32a. The air volume of the utilization fan 32 is controlled by the control unit 9 by changing the rotation speed of the utilization fan motor 32a.

[0050] When the utilization fan 32 is activated, indoor air is sucked into the casing from the space above the utilization unit 3, passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31 for heat exchange, and then flows into the room through an air outlet formed at the bottom of the casing.

[0051] (2-2-3) Air supply duct The air intake duct 38 is a member that supplies humidified air supplied from the humidification unit 4 via the air intake hose 7 to a space near the utilization heat exchanger 31 in the utilization unit 3. One end of the air intake duct 38 is connected to the air intake hose 7, and the opening at the other end of the air intake duct 38 faces the utilization heat exchanger 31.

[0052] (2-2-4) Second sensor Second sensor 39 detects temperature T2 of the humidified air or outside air supplied to the target space through air supply hose 7. Second sensor 39 is disposed at the opening at the other end of air supply duct .

[0053] (2-3) Humidification unit The humidifying unit 4 is a device that humidifies outside air and supplies the humidified air to the target space via the utilization unit 3. The humidifying unit 4 is installed outdoors (on the roof of a building, near the exterior wall of a building, etc.) together with the heat source unit 2. The heat source unit 2 and the humidifying unit 4 may be integrated.

[0054] The humidification unit 4 mainly includes a resin casing 40, a humidification rotor 41, a first heater 42, a humidification fan 43, a sorption fan 44, a first path 45, a second path 46, a second heater 47, and a third sensor 48. The humidification rotor 41, the first heater 42, the humidification fan 43, the sorption fan 44, the second heater 47, etc. are fixed or supported within the casing 40, and the first path 45 and the second path 46 are formed within the casing 40.

[0055] (2-3-1) Humidification rotor The humidifying rotor 41 is a humidity control rotor made of a polymer material that generates humidified air by sorption (adsorption, absorption) and desorption (release) of moisture contained in the outside air. The humidifying rotor 41 is disposed in an annular area A0 provided in the casing 40. The humidifying rotor 41 has a honeycomb structure and a substantially disc-shaped outer shape. The polymer material used for the humidifying rotor 41 is a temperature-responsive polymer material whose affinity for water reversibly changes in response to heat. The temperature-responsive polymer material used for the humidifying rotor 41 is a polymer having a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Polymers with an LCST become hydrophilic at low temperatures below the LCST and sorb moisture from the outside air, but become hydrophobic at temperatures above the LCST and desorb the moisture they have absorbed. The LCST of the temperature-responsive polymer material used for the humidifying rotor 41 is adjusted to be 60 to 100°C.

[0056] Temperature-responsive polymer materials can desorb moisture at lower heating temperatures than sorption materials using silica gel, zeolite, etc.

[0057] The humidification rotor 41 is disposed inside the humidification unit 4 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The humidification rotor 41 is rotated by a third motor 41a. The third motor 41a is an inverter-controlled motor with a variable rotation speed, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0058] The annular region A0 is a space within the casing 40 where the humidifying rotor 41 is disposed. The left half of the annular region A0 is a first region A1, and the right half of the annular region A0 is a second region A2. The second region A2 is further divided into a rear-side region A21 located on the rear side of the casing 40 and a front-side region A22 located on the front side of the casing 40. The first region A1 is a region where outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41 from bottom to top. In the first region A1, the humidifying rotor 41 sorbs moisture contained in the outside air. The second region A2 is a region where the moisture held by the humidifying rotor 41 is desorbed into the outside air to generate humidified air. In the rear-side region A21, outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41 from bottom (the first inlet 45a side) to top (the first heater 42 side). In the front area A22, outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41 from above (the first heater 42 side) to below (the humidification fan 43 side). The first area A1 is part of a second path 46, which will be described later. The second area A2 is part of a first path 45, which will be described later.

[0059] (2-3-2) First heater The first heater 42 heats the air (outside air taken into the casing 40) flowing toward the humidifying rotor 41. Specifically, the first heater 42 is disposed upstream of the humidifying rotor 41 in the first path 45, and heats the outside air that enters the casing 40 through a first inlet 45a formed on the back surface of the casing 40 and passes through the humidifying rotor 41 in the back area A21. The heated outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41 in the front area A22 and is drawn into the humidifying fan 43.

[0060] The first heater 42 has a variable output, and the amount of heating is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0061] (2-3-3) Humidification fan The humidifying fan 43 is a blower that causes outside air to flow from the first inlet 45a into the first path 45 inside the casing 40 and supplies the outside air to the air intake hose 7. The humidifying fan 43 generates an airflow in the rear-side area A21 and the front-side area A22 of the second area A2 such that the outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41, and humidifies the outside air with moisture desorbed from the humidifying rotor 41. The humidifying fan 43 is provided at the downstream end of the first path 45. The humidified outside air flows as humidified air from the outlet 43b of the humidifying fan 43 to the second heater 47.

[0062] The humidifying fan 43 is rotated by a second motor 43a. The second motor 43a is an inverter-controlled motor with a variable rotation speed, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0063] (2-3-4) Sorption fan The sorption fan 44 is a blower that draws outside air from the second inlet 46a into the second path 46 inside the casing 40 and directs the outside air to the humidification rotor 41. As described above, when the sorption fan 44 rotates, the outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41 from bottom to top in the first region A1.

[0064] The sorption fan 44 is rotated by a first motor 44a. The first motor 44a is an inverter-controlled motor with a variable rotation speed, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0065] (2-3-5) Route 1 The first path 45 is an air passage formed inside the casing 40 that supplies outside air that has passed through the humidifying rotor 41 to the humidifying fan 43. The humidifying rotor 41 is provided midway through the first path 45, and outside air that desorbs moisture sorbed by the humidifying rotor 41 and humidified air containing the moisture flow through the first path 45. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first path 45 is a path that connects the first intake port 45a, the rear side area A21, the first heater 42, the front side area A22, and the first exhaust port 45b in this order.

[0066] The first inlet 45a is an opening formed on the rear surface of the casing 40. Outside air flows into the first path 45 through the first inlet 45a.

[0067] The outside air passing through the humidification rotor 41 in the rear side area A21 is slightly heated here. The outside air heated by the first heater 42 then passes through the humidification rotor 41 in the front side area A22, and moisture adsorbed on the humidification rotor 41 is desorbed into the passing air. The first outlet 45b is connected to the humidification fan 43. The outside air humidified by the moisture desorbed from the humidification rotor 41 flows into the humidification fan 43 through the first outlet 45b.

[0068] (2-3-6) Route 2 The second path 46 is an air passage formed inside the casing 40, which causes moisture contained in the incoming outside air to be sorbed by the humidification rotor 41. The humidification rotor 41 is provided midway along the second path 46, and the outside air flows through the second path 46, causing the moisture contained therein to be sorbed by the humidification rotor 41. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the second path 46 is a path that connects the second inlet 46a, the first area A1, the sorption fan 44, and the second outlet 46b in this order.

[0069] The second inlet 46a is an opening formed on the back surface of the casing 40. Outside air flows into the second path 46 through the second inlet 46a. Note that the second inlet 46a may also be formed on the front surface of the casing 40.

[0070] In the first region A1, the outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41. At this time, moisture contained in the outside air is sorbed by the humidification rotor 41. The second outlet 46b is an opening formed on the left side of the front of the casing 40. The air with moisture sorbed by the humidification rotor 41 passes through the sorption fan 44 and further through the second outlet 46b to be blown out of the casing 40 from the second path 46.

[0071] (2-3-7) Second heater The second heater 47 is disposed downstream of the humidification rotor 41 and heats the humidified air flowing into the air intake hose 7. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment the second heater 47 is disposed downstream of the air outlet 43b of the humidification fan 43. The heated humidified air from the second heater 47 flows into the air intake hose 7. The second heater 47 is provided inside the casing 40. In other words, the second heater 47 is provided outside the target space.

[0072] The second heater 47 has a variable output, and the amount of heat it generates is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0073] (2-3-8) Third sensor The third sensor 48 detects the temperature T3 or the temperature T3 and humidity H3 of the humidified air generated by the humidification rotor 41. The third sensor 48 is disposed in the first path 45 between the humidification rotor 41 and the first outlet 45b.

[0074] (2-4) Remote Control The remote control 8 receives instructions from the user to perform air conditioning operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, humidification operation, and condensation prevention operation, instructions to stop the air conditioner 100, and setting values ​​such as the set humidity, and transmits the received results as control signals to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 records the received setting values ​​in a storage device.

[0075] (2-5) Control unit 3 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 100. The control unit 9 is mainly connected to the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat-source expansion valve 25, the heat-source fan motor 26a, the first sensor 27, the utilization fan motor 32a, the second sensor 39, the third motor 41a, the first heater 42, the second motor 43a, the first motor 44a, the second heater 47, the third sensor 48, and the remote control 8.

[0076] As will be described in detail later, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant circuit 10 by controlling the operation of the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat source expansion valve 25, the heat source fan motor 26a, and the utilization fan motor 32a.

[0077] The control unit 9 is typically realized by a computer including a control and arithmetic device and a storage device (both not shown). The control and arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control and arithmetic device reads a control program stored in the storage device and controls operation in accordance with this control program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic device can write calculation results to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the control program.

[0078] The control unit 9 is composed of an outdoor control unit provided inside the heat source unit 2 and an indoor control unit provided inside the utilization unit 3, which are connected by a communication line capable of sending and receiving control signals to each other.

[0079] (3) Air conditioning operation Next, the air conditioning operations performed by the control unit 9, that is, the heating operation, the cooling operation, the humidifying operation, and the condensation suppression operation, will be described.

[0080] (3-1) Heating operation The control unit 9 starts the heating operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 instructing it to perform the heating operation. During the heating operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the first state (see the dashed line in FIG. 2). Furthermore, the control unit 9 sets the heat source expansion valve 25 to an opening corresponding to the set temperature received from the remote control 8, operates the compressor 21, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. As a result, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the utilization heat exchanger 31 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant.

[0081] (3-2) Cooling operation The control unit 9 starts the cooling operation when it receives a control signal from the remote controller 8 instructing it to perform the cooling operation. During the cooling operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the second state (see the solid line in FIG. 2). Furthermore, the control unit 9 sets the heat source expansion valve 25 to an opening corresponding to the set temperature received from the remote controller 8, operates the compressor 21, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. As a result, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as a refrigerant condenser, and the utilization heat exchanger 31 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0082] (3-3) Humidification operation Humidification operation is an air conditioning operation that humidifies the room, which is the space to be air-conditioned, using humidified air obtained by humidifying outside air. The control unit 9 starts the humidification operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 instructing it to perform the humidification operation. During the humidification operation, the control unit 9 causes the humidification fan 43 and the sorption fan 44 to blow air, causes the first heater 42 to heat the outside air flowing through the first path 45, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. While the humidification operation is being performed, the refrigerant circuit 10 can perform heating operation or cooling operation.

[0083] During humidification operation, the humidification unit 4 functions as follows.

[0084] As the sorption fan 44 rotates, outside air flows into the second path 46 from the second inlet 46a. The outside air that has flowed into the second path 46 passes through the rotating humidification rotor 41 in the first area A1. As the outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41, moisture contained in the outside air is sorbed by the humidification rotor 41. The outside air with moisture sorbed by the humidification rotor 41 is discharged to the outside of the humidification unit 4 from the second outlet 46b.

[0085] Meanwhile, as the humidifying fan 43 rotates, outside air flows into the first path 45 from the first inlet 45a. The outside air that flows into the first path 45 passes through the humidifying rotor 41 in the rear area A21, is heated by the first heater 42, and then passes through the rotating humidifying rotor 41 in the front area A22. As the heated outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41, moisture sorbed on the humidifying rotor 41 is desorbed. As a result, the outside air that has passed through the humidifying rotor 41 is humidified to become humidified air, which then flows into the humidifying fan 43. The humidified air that flows into the humidifying fan 43 flows through the air intake hose 7 into the air intake duct 38 of the utilization unit 3, and then passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31 to be supplied into the room. The utilization fan 32 of the utilization unit 3 generates an airflow within the utilization unit 3 while humidified air is being supplied from the humidifying unit 4. The humidified air supplied to the utilization unit 3 from the air supply hose 7 is combined with the air flow passing through the utilization heat exchanger 31 and is blown out from the air outlet of the utilization unit 3 into the room.

[0086] The outside air that flows into the first path 45 from the first inlet 45a is mainly humidified in the front area A22, but is also slightly humidified in the rear area A21.

[0087] (3-4) Condensation suppression operation The condensation suppression operation is an operation that suppresses condensation of humidified air inside or near the air supply hose 7. After starting the humidification operation, the control unit 9 starts the condensation suppression operation by activating the second heater 47 and controlling its output when the rate of increase per hour of the temperature T3 or humidity H3 of the humidified air generated by the humidification rotor 41 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold Pth and the temperature T2 of the humidified air passed through the air supply hose 7 and supplied to the target space becomes equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold Tth based on the dew-point temperature Tdp of the humidified air generated by the humidification rotor 41. During the condensation suppression operation, the control unit 9 causes the second heater 47 to heat the humidified air while performing the humidification operation. While the humidification operation is being performed, the refrigerant circuit 10 can perform either the heating operation or the cooling operation.

[0088] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control flow of the condensation suppression operation, which is started together with the humidification operation (start).

[0089] In step S100, the control unit 9 determines whether the rate of increase per hour of the temperature T3 or humidity H3 of the humidified air generated by the humidifying rotor 41 has become equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold value Pth. Specifically, if the rate of increase per hour of the temperature T3 or humidity H3 detected by the third sensor 48 has become equal to or less than the first threshold value Pth (YES), the control unit 9 proceeds to step S110, and if the rate of increase per hour of the temperature T3 or humidity H3 is not equal to or less than the first threshold value Pth (NO), the control unit 9 repeats step S100. For example, if the control unit 9 detects the end of the humidification operation while executing step S100, the control unit 9 may end the condensation prevention operation.

[0090] In step S110, the control unit 9 determines whether the temperature T2 of the humidified air supplied to the target space through the air supply hose 7 is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold value Tth based on the dew-point temperature Tdp of the humidified air generated by the humidifying rotor 41. Specifically, the control unit 9 compares the temperature T2 of the humidified air detected by the second sensor 39 with the second threshold value Tth, which is a temperature calculated based on the temperature T3 of the humidified air detected by the third sensor 48 and the humidity H3, with a predetermined margin above the dew-point temperature Tdp. The second threshold value Tth may be the same as the dew-point temperature Tdp. If the temperature T2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value Tth (YES), the control unit 9 proceeds to step S120. If the temperature T2 is not equal to or less than the second threshold value Tth (NO), the control unit 9 repeats step S110. For example, if the control unit 9 detects the end of the humidification operation during execution of step S110, the control unit 9 may terminate the condensation suppression operation.

[0091] In step S120, if the second heater 47 is not activated, the control unit 9 activates the second heater 47 and controls the output, and if the second heater 47 is activated, the control unit 9 continues to control the second heater 47, and then proceeds to step S130.

[0092] In step S130, the control unit 9 determines whether the temperature T2 is greater than the second threshold value Tth. Specifically, if the temperature T2 is greater than the second threshold value Tth (Yes), the control unit 9 stops the second heater 47 and ends the control flow (End), and if the temperature T2 is not greater than the second threshold value Tth (No), the control unit 9 proceeds to step S110. Note that the conditions for ending the control flow are not limited to these. The control flow may also be ended based on other conditions. For example, if the control unit 9 detects the end of the humidification operation while executing step S130, the control unit 9 may stop the second heater 47 and end the control flow.

[0093] (4) Features (4-1) The air conditioning apparatus 100 includes a humidifying unit 4 and an air intake hose 7. The humidifying unit 4 supplies humidified air to the target space. The air intake hose 7 is provided between the humidifying unit 4 and the target space, and the humidified air flows through the inside of the hose.

[0094] The humidification unit 4 has a humidification rotor 41, a first path 45, a first heater 42, and a second heater 47. The humidification rotor 41 is made of a polymer material that generates humidified air by sorption and desorption of moisture contained in outside air. The humidification rotor 41 is provided midway through the first path 45, through which outside air and humidified air flow. The first heater 42 is disposed upstream of the humidification rotor 41 on the first path 45. The second heater 47 is disposed downstream of the humidification rotor 41 and heats the humidified air flowing into the air intake hose 7.

[0095] A humidification unit 4 that uses a polymer adsorbent as the sorption material in the humidification rotor 41 can generate humidified air by desorbing moisture at a lower heating temperature than sorption materials that use silica gel, zeolite, etc., and therefore can reduce power consumption. On the other hand, a humidification unit that uses a polymer adsorbent in the humidification rotor 41 generates humidified air at a lower temperature, so there is a risk of condensation forming inside connecting members such as the air intake hose 7 that connects the humidification unit to the utilization unit 3 and / or around the air intake duct 38 from which humidified air is blown out of the utilization unit 3.

[0096] In the air conditioning apparatus 100, the second heater 47 is disposed downstream of the first path 45, and therefore the second heater 47 can heat the humidified air before it flows into the air intake hose 7. This allows the second heater 47 to reduce the relative humidity of the humidified air that flows into the air intake hose 7.

[0097] According to the air conditioner 100, condensation of humidified air inside the air supply hose 7 and in its vicinity (more specifically, around the opening at the other end of the air supply duct 38) is suppressed while power consumption is suppressed.

[0098] (4-2) The second heater 47 is provided outside the target space.

[0099] According to the air conditioning device 100, the humidification unit 4 is installed outside the target space, such as outdoors, so that even when the temperature of the air intake hose 7 is prone to drop, condensation of humidified air inside the air intake hose 7 is suppressed while reducing power consumption.

[0100] (4-3) The humidifying unit 4 further includes a casing 40 that houses the humidifying rotor 41 and a second heater 47. The second heater 47 is provided inside the casing 40.

[0101] According to the air conditioning device 100, the humidifying rotor 41 and the second heater 47 are housed in the casing 40, so that even when the temperature of the humidified air and the temperature inside the air supply hose 7 are high, condensation of the humidified air inside the air supply hose 7 is suppressed while reducing power consumption. (4-4) The air conditioning apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 9. After starting a humidification operation in which the control unit 9 controls the first heater 42 and the humidification rotor 41 to cause the humidification rotor 41 to generate humidified air, if the rate of increase per hour of the temperature T3 or humidity H3 of the humidified air generated by the humidification rotor 41 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold value Pth and the temperature T2 of the humidified air supplied to the target space after passing through the air supply hose 7 is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold value Tth based on the dew-point temperature Tdp of the humidified air generated by the humidification rotor 41, the control unit 9 starts a condensation suppression operation in which the second heater 47 is activated and its output is controlled.

[0102] As a result, the air conditioner 100 can start the condensation suppression operation only at times when condensation is likely to occur in the air supply hose 7, thereby reducing the number of times the second heater 47 needs to be started.

[0103] According to the air conditioner 100, condensation of humidified air inside the air supply hose 7 is suppressed while effectively suppressing power consumption.

[0104] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation A Either the first heater 42 or the second heater 47 may be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater. When either the first heater 42 or the second heater 47 is a PTC heater, the heater itself adjusts the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, so the control unit 9 does not need to control the output of the first heater 42 or the second heater 47.

[0105] According to the air conditioning apparatus 100 of Modification A, the control of either the first heater 42 or the second heater 47 is prevented from becoming complicated.

[0106] (5-2) Variation example B The maximum output of the second heater 47 may be greater than the maximum output of the first heater 42. The first heater 42 has a limit on its maximum output because it is necessary to prevent the polymer material from deteriorating at high temperatures. In contrast, the second heater 47 is disposed downstream of the humidifying rotor 41 and is therefore not subject to such a limit, allowing it to sufficiently heat the humidified air with high output and suppress the occurrence of condensation.

[0107] According to the air conditioner 100 of Modification B, condensation of humidified air inside the air supply hose 7 and in its vicinity is effectively suppressed.

[0108] (5-3) Variation C The casing 40 may be installed outside the building so as to face the wall of the building that contains the target space. This allows the length of the air supply hose 7 to be set shorter than when the casing 40 is installed away from the target space, for example, by placing an item between the casing 40 and the wall of the building.

[0109] According to the air conditioner 100 of Modification C, condensation of humidified air inside the air supply hose 7 is effectively suppressed.

[0110] (5-4) Variation D In the condensation suppression operation, the control unit 9 may further control the output of the humidification fan 43 based on the output of the second heater 47. Specifically, the control unit 9 increases the rotation speed of the humidification fan 43 as the output of the second heater 47 increases.

[0111] According to the air conditioner 100 of Modification D, the amount of humidified air supplied can be increased compared to when the rotation speed of the humidification fan 43 is constant.

[0112] (5-5) Variation E The control unit 9 may execute a drying operation in which the second heater 47 is activated without activating the first heater 42 and the output of the humidifying fan 43 is controlled. During the drying operation, the first heater 42 is not activated, and therefore moisture is not adsorbed or desorbed from the humidifying rotor 41. Therefore, almost unhumidified outside air is sent from the humidifying fan 43, and the unhumidified outside air flows into the air intake hose 7 after being heated by the second heater 47, thereby drying the inside of the air intake hose 7. The control unit 9 may execute a drying operation during an air supply operation in which unhumidified outside air is supplied to the target space.

[0113] According to the air conditioner 100 of Modification E, a drying operation can be performed to dry the inside of the air supply hose 7.

[0114] (5-5) Variation F The total output of the first heater 42 and the second heater 47 may be limited to 1 kW or less. This prevents the output consumption of the humidifying unit 4 from exceeding the power consumption of a conventional humidifying unit that does not use a polymer material for the humidifying rotor 41.

[0115] According to the air conditioner 100 of Modification F, condensation of humidified air inside the air supply hose 7 or in its vicinity is suppressed while power consumption is suppressed.

[0116] (5-6) Variation G The humidification unit 4 may further include a supply path 49a, a discharge path 49b, and a damper 49c. The supply path 49a allows humidified air flowing out from the air outlet 43b of the humidification fan 43 to flow into the second heater 47. The discharge path 49b discharges the airflow generated by the humidification fan 43 to the outside. The damper 49c is provided downstream of the air outlet 43b of the humidification fan 43 and switches the path along which the humidified air flowing out from the humidification fan 43 flows between the supply path 49a and the discharge path 49b. In an air conditioner 100 including such a humidification unit 4, the second heater 47 is provided in the supply path 49a. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 100 according to Modification G. The difference between the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to the embodiment and the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to variant G is that the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to variant G further includes a supply path 49a, a discharge path 49b, and a damper 49c.

[0117] The humidifying unit 4 can exhaust humidified air to the outside via the exhaust path 49b by switching the damper 49c. This allows the air conditioning apparatus 100 to dry the humidifying rotor 41 without supplying humidified air to the utilization units 3, thereby performing a regeneration operation to regenerate the moisture collection ability of the humidifying rotor 41.

[0118] (5-7) Variation H The conditions for activating the second heater 47 during condensation prevention operation are not limited to the above. The control unit 9 may activate the second heater 47 when the difference between the outdoor air temperature To detected by the first sensor 27 and the temperature T2 of the humidified air or outside air supplied to the target space detected by the second sensor 39 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0119] (5-8) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 4 Humidification unit 7 Air supply hose (connecting part) 9 Control Unit 40 Casing 41 Humidification rotor 42 First heater 43 Humidification fan 45 Route 1 47 Second heater 49a Supply Channel 49b Excretion route 100 Air conditioning equipment Pth First threshold Tth Second threshold [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0121] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-60872

Claims

1. a humidification unit (4) that supplies humidified air to a target space; a connecting member (7) provided between the humidifying unit and the target space, through which the humidified air flows; Equipped with The humidification unit comprises: a humidifying rotor (41) made of a polymer material that generates humidified air by sorption and desorption of moisture contained in outside air; a first path (45) in which the humidifying rotor is provided and through which the outside air and the humidified air flow; a first heater (42) disposed in the first path upstream of the humidification rotor; a second heater (47) disposed downstream of the humidifying rotor and configured to heat the humidified air flowing into the connecting member; and The maximum output of the second heater is greater than the maximum output of the first heater. An air conditioning device (100).

2. The second heater is Provided outside the target space, The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The humidification unit comprises: The humidifying device further includes a casing (40) that houses the humidifying rotor and the second heater, The second heater is provided inside the casing, The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The first heater is It is a PTC heater. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The second heater is It is a PTC heater. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The humidification unit comprises: a humidification fan (43) provided at the downstream end of the first path; a supply path (49a) through which the airflow generated by the humidifying fan flows into the connecting member; an exhaust path (49b) for exhausting the airflow generated by the humidifying fan to the outside; and The second heater is Provided in the supply path, The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The humidification unit comprises: The target space is installed on the outside of the building so as to face a wall of the building including the target space. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

8. Further comprising a control unit (9), The control unit and after starting a humidification operation in which the first heater and the humidification rotor are controlled to cause the humidification rotor to generate the humidified air, if the rate of increase per hour in temperature or humidity of the humidified air generated by the humidification rotor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold (Pth) and the temperature of the humidified air supplied to the target space after passing through the connecting member is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold (Tth) based on the dew point temperature of the humidified air generated by the humidification rotor, start a condensation suppression operation in which the second heater is further activated and its output is controlled. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The humidification unit comprises: The apparatus further includes a humidifying fan (43) provided at the downstream end of the first path, The control unit In the condensation suppression operation, an output of the humidifying fan is further controlled based on an output of the second heater. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The humidification unit comprises: The apparatus further includes a humidifying fan (43) provided at the downstream end of the first path, The control unit a drying operation is performed in which the second heater is activated without activating the first heater and the output of the humidification fan is controlled; The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 8.

11. The total output of the first heater and the second heater is 1 kW or less, The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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