Dehumidifier

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier system which can perform effective utilization of compressed-air used for regeneration of absorbent.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier system comprises: absorbent containers 2A, 2B containing absorbents; selector valves 3A - 3E connected to the absorbent containers 2A, 2B; a controller 4 which switches steps of the respective absorbent containers between adsorption process and regeneration process through controlling the selector valves 3A - 3E; and a discharge passage 9 which discharges compressed-air flown out from the absorbent container for the regeneration process. The discharge passage 9 includes a heat recovery unit 16 which heats fluid through heat of the compressed-air flown out from the absorbent container for the regeneration process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier for dehumidifying compressed air. [Background technology]

[0002] The dehumidification device of Patent Document 1 includes first and second adsorbent containers containing adsorbents, and first and second switching valves (four-way valves) connected to the first and second adsorbent containers, and is configured to switch between the processes of the first and second adsorbent containers by switching the first and second switching valves.

[0003] The dehumidification device of Patent Document 1 includes a compressed air inlet path connected to one side of the first and second adsorbent containers via a first selector valve, a compressed air outlet path connected to the other side of the first and second adsorbent containers via a second selector valve, a regeneration air inlet path branched from the compressed air outlet path and connected to the other side of the first and second adsorbent containers via the second selector valve, and an air release path connected to one side of the first and second adsorbent containers via the first selector valve. The regeneration air inlet path has a heat exchanger and a heater that heats the compressed air.

[0004] For example, the first switching valve is switched to connect the first adsorbent container to the compressed air inlet path and the second adsorbent container to the air release path. The second switching valve is switched to connect the first adsorbent container to the compressed air outlet path and the second adsorbent container to the regeneration air inlet path. This allows the first adsorbent container to perform the adsorption process and the second adsorbent container to perform the regeneration process.

[0005] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows through the compressed air inlet path in the first adsorbent container, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the first adsorbent container is supplied to external equipment via the compressed air outlet path. Also, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the first adsorbent container is supplied to the regeneration air inlet path via the compressed air outlet path and heated. In the second adsorbent container, high-temperature compressed air flows through the regeneration air inlet path, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). Then, the compressed air flowing out from the second adsorbent container is released via the air release path.

[0006] For example, the first switching valve is switched to connect the second adsorbent container to the compressed air inlet path and the first adsorbent container to the air release path. The second switching valve is switched to connect the second adsorbent container to the compressed air outlet path and the first adsorbent container to the regeneration air inlet path. This allows the second adsorbent container to perform the adsorption process and the first adsorbent container to perform the regeneration process.

[0007] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows through the compressed air inlet path in the second adsorbent container, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the second adsorbent container is supplied to external equipment via the compressed air outlet path. Also, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the second adsorbent container is supplied to the regeneration air inlet path via the compressed air outlet path and heated. In the first adsorbent container, high-temperature compressed air flows through the regeneration air inlet path, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). Then, the compressed air flowing out from the second adsorbent container is released via the air release path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-088723 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The compressed air used to regenerate the adsorbent contains not only sensible heat due to its temperature but also latent heat due to the moisture contained in the compressed air. Depending on the temperature and relative humidity of the compressed air, the proportion of latent heat in the enthalpy of the compressed air can become larger than the proportion of sensible heat. Therefore, the compressed air released through the air release path has potential utility value.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to effectively utilize the compressed air used for regenerating the adsorbent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention applies the configurations described in the claims. The present invention includes a plurality of means for solving the above-mentioned problems, and one example thereof is a plurality of adsorbent containers containing adsorbent, Complex Number of switching valves a first path through which air flows, the first path being connected via the Controlling the plurality of switching valves The direction of the air flowing through the first path is changed to the front In the adsorbent container of circulating air an adsorption step in which moisture is adsorbed onto the adsorbent; ,before In the adsorbent container By the circulating air a control device for switching to a regeneration process in which moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent; General death Sky Release the air second In a dehumidifying device having a path, second The path is a flow path from the adsorbent vessel of the regeneration step. General death Sky It has a heat recovery device that heats the fluid using the heat of the air. The system includes a main path, a sub-path configured to have a lower pressure loss than the main path, and a control valve located at the branch point between the main path and the sub-path or in at least one of the main path and the sub-path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the compressed air used for regenerating the adsorbent can be effectively utilized.

[0013] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the process flow of an adsorbent container in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a dehumidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the process flow of an adsorbent container in a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a dehumidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dehumidification device in this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the progress of processes in an adsorbent container in this embodiment. In Fig. 1, the closed state of a switching valve is shown in black, and the open state is shown in white.

[0016] The dehumidifier 1 of this embodiment includes adsorbent containers 2A and 2B containing adsorbents (specifically, activated alumina, silica gel, synthetic zeolite, or the like), switching valves (on-off valves) 3A to 3E connected to the adsorbent containers 2A and 2B, and a control device 4 that controls the switching valves 3A to 3E.

[0017] The dehumidification device 1 of this embodiment includes a compressed air inlet path 5 connected to one side of the adsorbent containers 2A and 2B via switching valves 3A and 3B, a compressed air outlet path 7 connected to the other side of the adsorbent containers 2A and 2B via check valves 6A and 6B, a regeneration air inlet path 8 branched from the compressed air outlet path 7 and connected to the other side of the adsorbent containers 2A and 2B via check valves 6C and 6D, an air release path 9 connected to one side of the adsorbent containers 2A and 2B via switching valves 3C and 3D, and a path 10 connected between one side of the adsorbent container 2A and one side of the adsorbent container 2B and provided with a switching valve 3E.

[0018] Low-temperature compressed air flows into the compressed air inlet path 5 from a compressor 11 via an air tank 12 and a filter 13. The regeneration air inlet path 8 has a variable throttle 14 and a fixed throttle 15 for adjusting the air flow rate.

[0019] The control device 4 includes, for example, a memory for storing programs and the like, and a processor for executing processes in accordance with the programs. The control device 4 controls the switching valves 3A to 3E to switch the process of each adsorbent container between an adsorption process, a regeneration process, and an equalization process (see FIG. 2). The details will be described below.

[0020] 1, the control device 4 controls the switching valves 3A and 3D to an open state and the switching valves 3B, 3C, and 3E to a closed state, thereby communicating the adsorbent container 2A with the compressed air inlet path 5 and communicating the adsorbent container 2B with the air release path 9. This causes the adsorbent container 2A to perform the adsorption process and the adsorbent container 2B to perform the regeneration process.

[0021] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows through the adsorbent container 2A from the compressed air inlet path 5, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2A is supplied to an external device (not shown) through the compressed air outlet path 7. Also, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2A (regeneration air) is supplied through the compressed air outlet path 7 to the regeneration air inlet path 8. In the adsorbent container 2B, low-temperature compressed air flows through the regeneration air inlet path 8, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). Then, the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2B is released through the air release path 9. As a result, the pressure inside the adsorbent container 2B decreases.

[0022] Thereafter, the controller 4 closes the switching valve 3D and opens the switching valve 3E to connect the adsorbent container 2B to the adsorbent container 2A. This causes the adsorbent container 2B to perform a pressurization step (pressurization step) while the adsorbent container 2A continues to perform the adsorption step. That is, the pressure in the adsorbent container 2B is increased until it becomes the same as the pressure in the adsorbent container 2A.

[0023] Thereafter, the control device 4 controls the switching valves 3B and 3C to an open state and the switching valves 3A, 3D, and 3E to a closed state, thereby communicating the adsorbent container 2B with the compressed air inlet path 5 and communicating the adsorbent container 2A with the air release path 9. This causes the adsorbent container 2B to perform the adsorption process and the adsorbent container 2A to perform the regeneration process.

[0024] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows from compressed air inlet path 5 through adsorbent container 2B, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from adsorbent container 2B is supplied to external equipment via compressed air outlet path 7. Also, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from adsorbent container 2B (regeneration air) is supplied to regeneration air inlet path 8 through compressed air outlet path 7. In adsorbent container 2A, low-temperature compressed air flows from regeneration air inlet path 8, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). Then, the compressed air flowing out from adsorbent container 2A is released through air release path 9. As a result, the pressure inside adsorbent container 2A decreases.

[0025] Thereafter, the controller 4 closes the switching valve 3C and opens the switching valve 3E to connect the adsorbent container 2A to the adsorbent container 2B. This causes the adsorbent container 2A to perform a pressurization step (pressurization step) while the adsorbent container 2B continues to perform the adsorption step. That is, the pressure in the adsorbent container 2A is increased until it becomes the same as the pressure in the adsorbent container 2B.

[0026] The control device 4 switches the processes of the adsorbent containers 2A, 2B described above, based on, for example, a preset time or on the detection results of a humidity sensor (not shown) and / or a pressure sensor (not shown) provided in the adsorbent containers 2A, 2B, etc. If the detection results of the humidity sensor and / or the pressure sensor are abnormal, the control device 4 issues an alarm using a display or buzzer (not shown), etc.

[0027] Here, the enthalpy of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container in the regeneration process increases depending on the relative humidity. Therefore, as a feature of this embodiment, the air release path 9 has a heat recovery device 16 that heats a fluid (specifically, water, oil, coolant liquid, refrigerant gas, or the like) using the heat of the compressed air. In addition, the air release path 9 has a condensed water separator 17 arranged downstream of the heat recovery device 16 and separating condensed water from the compressed air, a flow rate regulator 18 that adjusts the air flow rate, and a silencer 19 arranged at the outlet of the air release path 9.

[0028] In the present embodiment described above, the fluid is heated by the heat recovery device 16 in the air release path 9 using the compressed air used for regenerating the adsorbent. Therefore, the compressed air used for regenerating the adsorbent can be effectively utilized.

[0029] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dehumidifier in this embodiment. In this embodiment, parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0030] The dehumidifier 1 of this embodiment includes another air release path 20 and a control valve (three-way valve) 21 that selects one of the air release path 9 and the other air release path 20 and communicates with the downstream side of the switching valves 3C, 3D. Like the air release path 9, the other air release path 20 has a flow regulator 18 and a silencer 19. However, the other air release path 20 does not have the heat recovery device 16 and the condensed water separator 17, and is configured to have a lower pressure loss than the air release path 9.

[0031] The dehumidification device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a fluid sensor 22 that detects the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the heat recovery device 16, a fluid temperature sensor 23 that detects the temperature of the fluid supplied to the heat recovery device 16, and a compressed air temperature sensor 24 that is provided downstream of the switching valves 3C, 3D and upstream of the control valve 21 and detects the temperature of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container in the regeneration process.

[0032] The control device 4 determines whether the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent vessel in the regeneration process can be effectively utilized based on the detection results of the fluid sensor 22, the fluid temperature sensor 23, and the compressed air temperature sensor 24. Specifically, the control device 4 determines whether the fluid is being supplied to the heat recovery device 16 based on whether the flow rate of the fluid detected by the fluid sensor 22 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The control device 4 also determines whether the temperature of the fluid detected by the fluid temperature sensor 23 is less than a predetermined value. The control device 4 also determines whether the temperature of the compressed air detected by the compressed air temperature sensor 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0033] If fluid is supplied to heat recovery device 16, the temperature of the fluid detected by fluid temperature sensor 23 is less than a predetermined value, and the temperature of the compressed air detected by compressed air temperature sensor 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, control device 4 determines that the compressed air flowing out of the adsorbent container in the regeneration process can be effectively utilized. In this case, control valve 21 is controlled to connect the downstream sides of switching valves 3C and 3D to air release path 9. This causes the compressed air flowing out of the adsorbent container in the regeneration process to be released via air release path 9.

[0034] If the supply of fluid to the heat recovery device 16 has stopped, or the temperature of the fluid detected by the fluid temperature sensor 23 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or the temperature of the compressed air detected by the compressed air temperature sensor 24 is lower than a predetermined value, the control device 4 determines that the compressed air flowing out of the adsorbent container in the regeneration process cannot be effectively utilized. In this case, the control device 4 controls the control valve 21 to connect the downstream sides of the switching valves 3C and 3D to the other air release path 20. This causes the compressed air flowing out of the adsorbent container in the regeneration process to be released via the other air release path 20.

[0035] In the present embodiment described above, when the downstream sides of the switching valves 3C, 3D are connected to the air release path 9, the compressed air used for regenerating the adsorbent can be effectively utilized, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the downstream sides of the switching valves 3C, 3D are connected to another air release path 20, the pressure loss of the other air release path 20 is lower than the pressure loss of the air release path 9, so the load on the upstream equipment can be reduced.

[0036] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dehumidification device in this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the progress of processes for an adsorbent container in this embodiment. In this embodiment, parts equivalent to those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0037] In this embodiment, the regeneration air inlet path 8 further includes a check valve 6E arranged downstream of the variable throttle 14 and the fixed throttle 15, a heater 25 arranged downstream of the check valve 6E to heat the compressed air (regeneration air), a bypass path 26 that bypasses the check valve 6E and the heater 25, and a switching valve 3F arranged in the bypass path 26.

[0038] The control device 4 controls the switching valves 3A to 3F to switch the process of each adsorbent container to an adsorption process, a regeneration process, a cooling process, and an equalization process (see FIG. 5). The details will be described below.

[0039] First, as shown in Fig. 4, the control device 4 controls the switching valves 3A and 3D to an open state and the switching valves 3B, 3C, 3E, and 3F to a closed state, thereby communicating the adsorbent container 2A with the compressed air inlet path 5 and communicating the adsorbent container 2B with the air release path 9 (or another air release path 20).This causes the adsorbent container 2A to perform the adsorption process and the adsorbent container 2B to perform the regeneration process.

[0040] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows through the compressed air inlet path 5 into the adsorbent container 2A, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2A is supplied to an external device via the compressed air outlet path 7. Also, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2A (regeneration air) is supplied to the regeneration air inlet path 8 via the compressed air outlet path 7. At this time, because the switching valve 3F is closed and the flow rate of compressed air passing through the heater 25 is high, the compressed air supplied to the adsorbent container 2B is high temperature. In the adsorbent container 2B, high-temperature compressed air flows through the regeneration air inlet path 8, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). Accordingly, the temperature inside the adsorbent container 2B rises. Then, the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2B is released via the air release path 9 (or another air release path 20). Accordingly, the pressure inside the adsorbent container 2B decreases.

[0041] Thereafter, the controller 4 opens the switching valve 3F, increasing the flow rate of the compressed air passing through the bypass path 26 and lowering the temperature of the compressed air supplied to the adsorbent container 2B. This causes the adsorbent container 2B to perform the cooling process while the adsorbent container 2A continues to perform the adsorption process. In other words, the temperature inside the adsorbent container 2B is lowered.

[0042] Thereafter, the controller 4 closes the switching valve 3D and opens the switching valve 3E to connect the adsorbent container 2B to the adsorbent container 2A. This causes the adsorbent container 2B to perform a pressurization step (pressurization step) while the adsorbent container 2A continues to perform the adsorption step. That is, the pressure in the adsorbent container 2B is increased until it becomes the same as the pressure in the adsorbent container 2A.

[0043] Thereafter, the control device 4 controls the switching valves 3B and 3C to an open state and the switching valves 3A, 3D, 3E, and 3F to a closed state, thereby connecting the adsorbent container 2B to the compressed air inlet path 5 and connecting the adsorbent container 2A to the air release path 9. This causes the adsorbent container 2B to perform the adsorption process and the adsorbent container 2A to perform the regeneration process.

[0044] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows through the compressed air inlet path 5 into the adsorbent container 2B, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2B is supplied to an external device via the compressed air outlet path 7. Also, a portion of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2B (regeneration air) is supplied to the regeneration air inlet path 8 via the compressed air outlet path 7. At this time, because the switching valve 3F is closed and the flow rate of compressed air passing through the heater 25 is high, the compressed air supplied to the adsorbent container 2A is high temperature. In the adsorbent container 2A, high-temperature compressed air flows through the regeneration air inlet path 8, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). Accordingly, the temperature inside the adsorbent container 2A rises. Then, the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2A is released via the air release path 9 (or another air release path 20). Accordingly, the pressure inside the adsorbent container 2A decreases.

[0045] Thereafter, the controller 4 opens the switching valve 3F, increasing the flow rate of the compressed air passing through the bypass path 26 and lowering the temperature of the compressed air supplied to the adsorbent vessel 2A. This causes the adsorbent vessel 2A to perform the cooling process while the adsorbent vessel 2B continues to perform the adsorption process. In other words, the temperature inside the adsorbent vessel 2A is lowered.

[0046] Thereafter, the controller 4 closes the switching valve 3C and opens the switching valve 3E to connect the adsorbent container 2A to the adsorbent container 2B. This causes the adsorbent container 2A to perform a pressurization step (pressurization step) while the adsorbent container 2B continues to perform the adsorption step. That is, the pressure in the adsorbent container 2A is increased until it becomes the same as the pressure in the adsorbent container 2B.

[0047] In the present embodiment described above, similarly to the second embodiment, when the downstream sides of the switching valves 3C, 3D are connected to the air release path 9, it is possible to effectively utilize the compressed air used for regenerating the adsorbent. On the other hand, when the downstream sides of the switching valves 3C, 3D are connected to another air release path 20, the pressure loss of the other air release path 20 is lower than the pressure loss of the air release path 9, so it is possible to reduce the load on the upstream equipment.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the compressed air supplied to the adsorbent container in the regeneration step is heated, so the amount of air required to regenerate the adsorbent can be reduced, and the amount of air released via the air release path 9 or another air release path 20 can be reduced. Furthermore, the compressed air used in the heat recovery device 16 of the air release path 9 not only becomes hotter than in the first embodiment but also contains more moisture, resulting in a larger enthalpy. Therefore, this embodiment has high utility value.

[0049] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dehumidifier in this embodiment. In this embodiment, parts equivalent to those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0050] The dehumidifier 1 of this embodiment includes a regeneration air inlet path 8A that is connected to join the regeneration air inlet path 8 downstream. The regeneration air inlet path 8A includes a blower 27 that supplies regeneration air, a check valve 6E that is located downstream of the blower 27, and a heater 25 that is located downstream of the check valve 6E and heats the regeneration air. The regeneration air inlet path 8 further includes a switching valve 3F that is located downstream of the variable throttle 14 and the fixed throttle 15.

[0051] The control device 4 controls the switching valves 3A to 3F and also controls the blower 27 to switch the process of each adsorbent container to the adsorption process, regeneration process, cooling process, and equalization process (see FIG. 5 above). The details will be described below.

[0052] First, as shown in Fig. 6, the control device 4 controls the switching valves 3A and 3D to an open state and the switching valves 3B, 3C, 3E, and 3F to a closed state, thereby communicating the adsorbent container 2A with the compressed air inlet path 5 and communicating the adsorbent container 2B with the air release path 9 (or another air release path 20). The control device 4 also drives the blower 27. This causes the adsorbent container 2A to perform the adsorption process and the adsorbent container 2B to perform the regeneration process.

[0053] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows through the compressed air inlet path 5 in the adsorbent container 2A, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2A is supplied to an external device through the compressed air outlet path 7. In the adsorbent container 2B, high-temperature air flows through the regeneration air inlet path 8A, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). As a result, the temperature inside the adsorbent container 2B rises. Then, the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2B is released through the air release path 9 (or another air release path 20). As a result, the pressure inside the adsorbent container 2B decreases.

[0054] Thereafter, the control device 4 switches the switching valve 3F to the open state and stops the blower 27. As a result, the adsorbent vessel 2B is caused to perform the cooling process while the adsorbent vessel 2A continues to perform the adsorption process. That is, part of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent vessel 2A is supplied to the adsorbent vessel 2B via the compressed air outlet path 7 and the regeneration air inlet path 8, thereby lowering the temperature inside the adsorbent vessel 2B.

[0055] Thereafter, the controller 4 closes the switching valve 3D and opens the switching valve 3E to connect the adsorbent container 2B to the adsorbent container 2A. This causes the adsorbent container 2B to perform a pressurization step (pressurization step) while the adsorbent container 2A continues to perform the adsorption step. That is, the pressure in the adsorbent container 2B is increased until it becomes the same as the pressure in the adsorbent container 2A.

[0056] Thereafter, the control device 4 controls the switching valves 3B and 3C to an open state and the switching valves 3A, 3D, 3E, and 3F to a closed state, thereby connecting the adsorbent container 2B to the compressed air inlet path 5 and connecting the adsorbent container 2A to the air release path 9. The control device 4 also drives the blower 27. This causes the adsorbent container 2B to perform the adsorption process and the adsorbent container 2A to perform the regeneration process.

[0057] More specifically, low-temperature compressed air flows through the compressed air inlet path 5 in the adsorbent container 2B, and moisture in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Then, the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2B is supplied to an external device through the compressed air outlet path 7. In the adsorbent container 2A, high-temperature air flows through the regeneration air inlet path 8A, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent (i.e., the adsorbent is regenerated). As a result, the temperature inside the adsorbent container 2A rises. Then, the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent container 2A is released through the air release path 9 (or another air release path 20). As a result, the pressure inside the adsorbent container 2A drops.

[0058] Thereafter, the controller 4 switches the switching valve 3F to the open state and stops the blower 27. As a result, the adsorbent vessel 2A is caused to perform the cooling process while the adsorbent vessel 2B continues to perform the adsorption process. That is, part of the compressed air flowing out from the adsorbent vessel 2B is supplied to the adsorbent vessel 2A via the compressed air outlet path 7 and the regeneration air inlet path 8, thereby lowering the temperature inside the adsorbent vessel 2A.

[0059] Thereafter, the controller 4 closes the switching valve 3C and opens the switching valve 3E to connect the adsorbent container 2A to the adsorbent container 2B. This causes the adsorbent container 2A to perform a pressurization step (pressurization step) while the adsorbent container 2B continues to perform the adsorption step. That is, the pressure in the adsorbent container 2A is increased until it becomes the same as the pressure in the adsorbent container 2B.

[0060] In the present embodiment described above, similarly to the second and third embodiments, when the downstream sides of the switching valves 3C, 3D are connected to the air release path 9, it is possible to effectively utilize the compressed air used for regenerating the adsorbent. On the other hand, when the downstream sides of the switching valves 3C, 3D are connected to another air release path 20, the pressure loss of the other air release path 20 is lower than the pressure loss of the air release path 9, so it is possible to reduce the load on the upstream equipment.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the air supplied to the adsorbent container in the regeneration step is heated, so the amount of air required to regenerate the adsorbent can be reduced, and the amount of air released via the air release path 9 or another air release path 20 can be reduced. Furthermore, the compressed air used in the heat recovery device 16 of the air release path 9 not only becomes hotter than in the first embodiment but also contains more moisture, resulting in a larger enthalpy. Therefore, this embodiment has high utility value.

[0062] In the second to fourth embodiments, the dehumidifier is described as having the control valve (three-way valve) 21 that selects either the air release path 9 or the other air release path 20 and communicates with the downstream side of the switching valves 3C, 3D, but is not limited to this. The dehumidifier may be provided with a control valve (on / off valve) arranged in at least one of the air release path 9 or the other air release path 20, instead of the control valve (three-way valve) 21.

[0063] Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments, the fluid sensor 22 detects the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the heat recovery device 16, but this is not limiting. The fluid sensor 22 may detect, for example, the differential pressure of the fluid between the upstream side and downstream side of the heat recovery device 16 as a state quantity corresponding to the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the heat recovery device 16. In this case, the control device 4 may determine whether the fluid is being supplied to the heat recovery device 16 based on whether the differential pressure of the fluid detected by the fluid sensor 22 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0064] Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments, the dehumidifier has been described as being equipped with a fluid sensor 22, a fluid temperature sensor 23, and a compressed air temperature sensor 24, but this is not limited to this, and the dehumidifier may be equipped with any one or two of the fluid sensor 22, the fluid temperature sensor 23, and the compressed air temperature sensor 24.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the dehumidification device has been described as including a path 10 connected between multiple adsorbent containers and a switching valve 3E arranged in the path 10 (in other words, configured to perform a pressure equalization process for each adsorbent container), but this is not limited to this, and the path 10 and the switching valve 3E may not be included.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the dehumidifier has been described as having a plurality of on-off valves as a plurality of switching valves connected to a plurality of adsorbent containers, but this is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a plurality of three-way valves or a plurality of four-way valves. Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the dehumidifier has been described as having two adsorbent containers, but this is not limited thereto and may be three or more adsorbent containers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1... dehumidifier, 2A, 2B... adsorbent container, 3A to 3F... switching valve, 4... control device, 9... air release path, 16... heat recovery device, 20... other air release path, 21... control valve, 22... fluid sensor, 23... fluid temperature sensor, 24... compressed air temperature sensor, 25... heater

Claims

1. a plurality of adsorbent containers containing adsorbents; a first path connected to the plurality of adsorbent containers via a plurality of switching valves and through which air flows; a control device that controls the plurality of switching valves to switch the direction of air flowing through the first path, thereby switching between an adsorption process in which moisture in the air flowing through the adsorbent container is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and a regeneration process in which moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent by the air flowing through the adsorbent container; a second passage for discharging the air that has flowed through the adsorbent container in the regeneration step, The second pathway is a main passage having a heat recovery device that heats a fluid using heat of the air circulating from the adsorbent vessel in the regeneration step; a sub-path configured to have a lower pressure loss than the main path; a control valve disposed at a branch point of the main path and the sub-path, or in at least one of the main path and the sub-path.

2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, a fluid sensor for detecting a flow rate of the fluid supplied to the heat recovery device or a state quantity corresponding thereto; When the control device determines that the supply of fluid to the heat recovery device has stopped based on the detection result of the fluid sensor, the control device controls the control valve so that air circulating from the adsorbent container in the regeneration process is circulated to the secondary path.

3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, a fluid temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the fluid supplied to the heat recovery device; The control device controls the control valve so that air circulating from the adsorbent container in the regeneration process is circulated through the secondary path when the temperature of the fluid detected by the fluid temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

4. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, an air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air circulating from the adsorbent container in the regeneration step; The control device controls the control valve so that the air circulating from the adsorbent container in the regeneration process flows through the secondary path when the temperature detected by the air temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined value.

5. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, A dehumidification apparatus comprising a heater for heating air supplied to the adsorbent container in the regeneration step.

6. In the dehumidifying device according to claim 2, The dehumidifying device is characterized in that the fluid sensor detects, as the state quantity, a differential pressure of the fluid between the upstream side and the downstream side of the heat recovery device.

7. In the dehumidifying device according to claim 1, a humidity sensor or a pressure sensor provided in the plurality of adsorbent containers; The dehumidifying device is characterized in that the control device controls the plurality of switching valves based on the detection results of the humidity sensor or the pressure sensor.

8. In the dehumidifying device according to claim 7, Equipped with a display or buzzer, The dehumidifying device is characterized in that the control device issues an alarm using the display or the buzzer when the detection result of the humidity sensor or the pressure sensor is abnormal.

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