Dehumidification system

Abstract

This invention provides a dehumidification system that can stably control the dew point in a low-dew-point room based on weather conditions. [Solution] The dehumidification system estimates the predicted value of the outside air dew point at a predetermined date and time in the future based on weather forecast data. The dehumidification system also estimates the supply air inlet temperature, which indicates the temperature at the inlet of the supply air area, and the supply air inlet absolute humidity, which indicates the absolute humidity at the inlet of the supply air area, based on the inlet conditions of the supply air area. Then, based on the predicted value of the outside air dew point, the supply air inlet temperature, and the supply air inlet absolute humidity, the dehumidification system calculates the regeneration inlet target temperature, which indicates the target temperature at the inlet of the regeneration area at a predetermined date and time in the future. After calculating the regeneration inlet target temperature, the dehumidification system performs at least one of the following actions to bring the temperature of the regeneration heater closer to the regeneration inlet target temperature: temperature control of the regeneration heater, airflow control of the first fan installed on the inlet side of the supply air area in the first duct, and airflow control of the second fan installed on the outlet side of the regeneration area in the second duct.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dehumidification system for supplying low-dew-point air into a room. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dew point adjustment method for adjusting the dew point of drying air supplied to a drying device using a dry dehumidifier (dehumidifying rotor). The dew point adjustment method involves using a dehumidifying rotor to adjust the dew point of the circulating air from the drying device to a level lower than the steady-state supply dew point, and then supplying the drying air, which has been adjusted to the steady-state supply dew point by humidifying the outlet dew point of the dehumidifying rotor with a downstream supply-side humidifier, to the drying device. In the dew point adjustment method, the temperature of the regenerated air passing through the dehumidifying rotor is increased by a regenerated air heater (regenerated heater) within a certain period of time until the drying state becomes steady. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-061908 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Incidentally, the amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the dehumidifying rotor varies depending on the weather conditions of the outside air supplied to the dehumidifying rotor (e.g., outside air temperature, relative humidity). However, if the temperature of the regenerating heater is set to bring the dew point temperature in the low dew point chamber closer to the target dew point temperature without considering the weather conditions, the dew point temperature of the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidifying rotor may not be stable, and the dew point in the low dew point chamber may fluctuate wildly.

[0005] One object of this disclosure is to provide a dehumidification system that can stably control the dew point in a low-dew-point room based on weather conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a dehumidification system for supplying low-dew-point air into a room. The dehumidification system includes a dehumidifier including a dehumidifying rotor, a regeneration heater provided at the inlet of a regeneration area in a second duct for heating humid air, and a control device connected to the dehumidifier for storing weather forecast data. The dehumidifying rotor has an air supply area provided in a first duct connected to the room that adsorbs moisture contained in a mixed air including outside air and discharges the dehumidified air to the first duct, and a regeneration area provided in a second duct connected to an exhaust port that discharges the humid air containing the adsorbed moisture to the second duct. The control device estimates the predicted value of the outside air dew point at a predetermined date and time in the future based on weather forecast data. The control device also estimates the air supply inlet temperature, which indicates the temperature at the inlet of the air supply area, and the air supply inlet absolute humidity, which indicates the absolute humidity at the inlet of the air supply area, based on the inlet conditions of the air supply area. The control device then calculates a target regeneration inlet temperature, which indicates the target temperature at the regeneration area entrance at a predetermined date and time in the future, based on the predicted value of the outside air dew point, the air supply inlet temperature, and the air supply inlet absolute humidity. After calculating the target regeneration inlet temperature, the control device performs at least one of the following actions to bring the temperature of the regeneration heater closer to the target regeneration inlet temperature: controlling the temperature of the regeneration heater; controlling the airflow of a first fan, which is provided on the inlet side of the air supply area in the first duct and adjusts the airflow of the mixed air to increase or decrease the amount of dehumidified air being supplied; and controlling the airflow of a second fan, which is provided on the outlet side of the regeneration area in the second duct and adjusts the airflow that is sent towards the exhaust port to increase or decrease the amount of high-temperature, high-humidity air heated by the regeneration heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, based on weather forecast data, a predicted value of the outside air dew point at a future predetermined date and time is estimated, and based on the inlet conditions of the supply air area, a supply air inlet temperature indicating the inlet temperature of the supply air area and a supply air inlet absolute humidity indicating the inlet absolute humidity of the supply air area are estimated. Further, based on the predicted value of the outside air dew point, the supply air inlet temperature, and the supply air inlet absolute humidity, a regeneration inlet target temperature indicating the target temperature of the inlet of the regeneration area at a future predetermined date and time is calculated, and at least one of temperature control of the regeneration heater to bring the temperature of the regeneration heater close to the regeneration inlet target temperature, air volume control of the first fan, and air volume control of the second fan is performed. By performing temperature control of the regeneration heater in consideration of the weather conditions, the dew point temperature in the low dew point room can be brought close to the target dew point temperature, and the dew point in the low dew point room can be stably controlled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a dehumidification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of weather forecast data according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing a calculation model of a regeneration inlet target temperature according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the result of an approximate formula of a regeneration inlet target temperature according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a regeneration heater temperature control unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a regeneration heater temperature control unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a regeneration heater temperature control unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit according to a modification example of an embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A dehumidification system according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, elements common to each figure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] 1. Example of a dehumidification system configuration Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example configuration of a dehumidification system 1 according to an embodiment. The dehumidification system 1 supplies low-dew-point air to a low-dew-point chamber 20 (also simply referred to as the room 20). The low-dew-point chamber 20 is controlled to have a dew-point temperature range of, for example, -50°C DP to -30°C DP. Examples of low-dew-point chambers 20 include dry rooms, clean rooms, etc.

[0011] The dehumidification system 1 includes a low dew point chamber 20, a dry dehumidifier 100, and a control device 30. The dry dehumidifier 100 generates air to be supplied to the low dew point chamber 20. The dry dehumidifier 100 includes, for example, a first duct 131, a second duct 132, a dehumidifying rotor 101, a first fan 112, a second fan 124, a regenerating heater 121, a precooler 111, an aftercooler 114, and an afterheater 115. The dry dehumidifier 100 is also referred to as a "dehumidifying device".

[0012] The first duct 131 has one end connected to an outside air inlet and the other end connected to the low dew point chamber 20. The second duct 132 has one end connected to an outside air inlet and the other end connected to an exhaust port. The outside air inlet connected to the first duct 131 and the outside air inlet connected to the second duct 132 may be the same or different. The dehumidification system 1 is also provided with a third duct 133. The third duct 133 is a pipe for bringing return air from the low dew point chamber 20 into the dry dehumidifier 100 and exhausting it to an exhaust port. One end of the third duct 133 is connected to connection point a in the first duct 131 between the low dew point chamber 20 and the outlet side of the supply air area of ​​the dehumidification rotor 101, and to the low dew point chamber 20, and the other end is connected to the exhaust port and the first duct 131. The exhaust port connected to the third duct 133 and the exhaust port connected to the second duct 132 may be the same or different.

[0013] The dehumidifying rotor 101 has a rotation mechanism that rotates in one direction and can rotate at any rotational speed. The dehumidifying rotor 101 is equipped with a power converter 102 (also simply called an inverter 102) for driving and controlling the rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism is driven and controlled based on commands from the inverter 102. The inverter 102 is controlled by the control device 30.

[0014] The dehumidifying rotor 101 has an air supply area, a regeneration area, and a purge area. The air supply area has the function of adsorbing moisture contained in the mixed air, which includes outside air drawn in from the outside air inlet via the first filter 110 and return air from the low dew point chamber 20, and discharging dehumidified air. The regeneration area has the function of discharging humid air, which includes the adsorbed moisture and outside air drawn in from the outside air inlet via the second filter 120. The humid air may include the mixed air (outside air and return air) drawn into the first duct 131. The purge area is provided between the air supply area and the regeneration area. Air supplied to the first branch duct 131A passes through the purge area. One end of the first branch duct 131A is connected to the inlet side of the air supply area in the first duct 131, and the other end is connected to the inlet side of the regeneration area in the second duct 132. The air supplied to the first branch duct 131A is the mixed air (outside air and return air) drawn into the first duct 131. Therefore, the purge area adsorbs moisture contained in the mixed air flowing into the first branch duct 131A and discharges the dehumidified air toward the second duct 132.

[0015] The first fan 112 is located in the first duct 131 on the inlet side of the air supply area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor 101. It draws in outside air from the outside air port and return air from the low dew point chamber 20 to produce a mixed air, which is then sent towards the inlet side of the air supply area. The mixed air is also sent towards the second duct 132 via the first branch duct 131A. The first fan 112 is equipped with a power converter 113 (also simply referred to as an inverter 113) for driving the fan. The inverter 113 is controlled by the control device 30. The first fan 112 is also referred to as a "processing fan".

[0016] The second fan 124 is located in the second duct 132 on the outlet side of the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor 101. It draws in outside air from the outside air port and sends it towards the inlet side of the regeneration area, while exhausting hot, humid air heated by the regeneration heater 121 from the outlet side of the regeneration area and sending it towards the exhaust port. The second fan 124 is equipped with a power conversion device 125 (also simply called an inverter 125) for driving the fan. The inverter 125 is controlled by the control device 30. The second fan 124 is also called the "regeneration fan". The first fan 112 and the second fan 124 are collectively referred to as the "fan".

[0017] The regeneration heater 121 is located in the second duct 132 on the inlet side of the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor 101 and heats the humid air. The regeneration heater 121 is equipped with a thyristor 122 that adjusts the heater's power. The thyristor 122 is controlled by the control device 30. The temperature of the humid air heated by the regeneration heater 121 is monitored by the control device 30. The temperature of the humid air is measured, for example, by a thermometer 123 (also referred to as thermometer T1) located in the second duct 132 on the inlet side of the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor 101.

[0018] The precooler 111 is installed in the first duct 131 between the first filter 110 and the first fan 112. The precooler 111 cools the outside air drawn in from the outside air inlet, or the mixed air containing the outside air from the outside air inlet and the return air from the low dew point chamber 20. In this case, the precooler 111 may be supplied with chilled water to cool the outside air or the mixed air. The precooler 111 is also referred to as the "cooler".

[0019] The aftercooler 114 cools the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidifying rotor 101. This suppresses the temperature rise of the dehumidified air. In this case, the aftercooler 114 may be supplied with chilled water to cool the dehumidified air.

[0020] The afterheater 115 heats the dehumidified air cooled by the aftercooler 114. This further improves the drying effect of the dehumidified air.

[0021] The control device 30 is connected to the dry dehumidifier 100 and controls the dry dehumidifier 100 to supply low dew point air to the low dew point chamber 20. Specifically, the control device 30 acquires various information. This information includes, for example, a second dew point temperature 22 (also referred to as the second dew point temperature DP2) indicating the dew point temperature of the low dew point chamber 20 (indoors), a first dew point temperature 11 (also referred to as the first dew point temperature DP1) indicating the dew point temperature of the dehumidified air supplied to the low dew point chamber 20, the temperature at the inlet of the regeneration area acquired by thermometer 123 (thermometer T1), the temperature at the inlet of the supply air area acquired by thermometer 2 (thermometer T2), and the humidity at the inlet of the supply air area acquired by hygrometer 3 (hygrometer H). The hygrometer 3 may be, for example, an absolute hygrometer that measures absolute humidity, or a relative hygrometer that measures relative humidity. If the hygrometer 3 is a relative hygrometer, the control device 30 may calculate the absolute humidity based on the relative humidity measured by the relative hygrometer.

[0022] The control device 30 controls various devices based on various information. These devices include a first fan 112, a second fan 124, a regenerative heater 121, and a dehumidifying rotor 101. When adjusting the airflow of the first fan 112, the control device 30 generates airflow setting information for the first fan 112 based on various information. Based on the airflow setting information for the first fan 112, the control device 30 generates and outputs a drive control signal (e.g., frequency [Hz], PWM signal) to the inverter 113. When adjusting the airflow of the second fan 124, the control device 30 generates airflow setting information for the second fan 124 based on various information. Based on the airflow setting information for the second fan 124, the control device 30 generates and outputs a drive control signal (e.g., frequency [Hz], PWM signal) to the inverter 125. When adjusting the temperature of the regenerative heater 121, the control device 30 generates temperature setting information for the regenerative heater 121 based on various information. Based on the temperature setting information of the regenerative heater 121, the control device 30 generates and outputs a control signal for the thyristor 122. When adjusting the rotation speed of the dehumidifying rotor 101, the control device 30 generates rotation speed setting information for the dehumidifying rotor 101 based on various information. Based on the rotation speed setting information for the dehumidifying rotor 101, the control device 30 generates and outputs a drive control signal (e.g., frequency [Hz], PWM signal) for the inverter 102.

[0023] Here, we consider a method for controlling the second dew point temperature 22 in the low dew point chamber 20 to approach the target dew point temperature (e.g., -50°C DP). For example, when mixed air containing outside air flows into the dehumidifying rotor 101, moisture (water) contained in the mixed air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent material of the dehumidifying rotor 101. The amount of water adsorbed onto the adsorbent material of the dehumidifying rotor 101 changes depending on the weather conditions (e.g., outside air temperature, relative humidity). Therefore, it is preferable to desorb the water adsorbed onto the adsorbent material of the dehumidifying rotor 101 according to the weather conditions so that the first dew point temperature 11 discharged from the dehumidifying rotor 101 and supplied to the low dew point chamber 20 becomes the target dew point temperature. This makes it possible to bring the second dew point temperature 22 in the low dew point chamber 20 closer to the target dew point temperature.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the dehumidification system 1 (control device 30) stores weather forecast data 51. The weather forecast data 51 includes, for example, the outside air temperature and relative humidity for a future date and time (month, day, hour), as shown in Figure 2. Based on the weather forecast data 51, the control device 30 estimates the predicted value of the outside air dew point for a predetermined future date and time. The control device 30 then estimates the intake air inlet temperature, which indicates the temperature at the intake air area, and the intake air inlet absolute humidity, which indicates the absolute humidity at the intake air area, based on the inlet conditions of the intake air area of ​​the dehumidification rotor 101. Furthermore, based on the predicted value of the outside air dew point, the intake air inlet temperature, and the intake air inlet absolute humidity, the control device 30 calculates the regeneration inlet target temperature, which indicates the target temperature of the regeneration area inlet for a predetermined future date and time. After calculating the regeneration inlet target temperature, the control device 30 controls the temperature of the regeneration heater so that the temperature of the regeneration heater approaches the regeneration inlet target temperature. This allows the moisture adsorbed onto the adsorbent material of the dehumidifying rotor 101 to be desorbed according to weather conditions, making it possible to bring the second dew point temperature 22 in the low dew point chamber 20 closer to the target dew point temperature. Therefore, the dew point in the low dew point chamber 20 can be stably controlled. Furthermore, by using weather forecast data 51, the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 can be optimized in anticipation of sudden weather changes, thus preventing drastic fluctuations in the dew point in the low dew point chamber 20. Moreover, by optimizing according to the temperature and humidity conditions, the amount of power required for the regenerative heater 121 can be reduced. Details of the various controls performed by the control device 30 will be described later.

[0025] 2. Example of Control Device Functional Configuration Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control device 30 according to an embodiment. The control device 30 has hardware that realizes various functions. The hardware includes a storage device 50 and a processor 40. The processor 40 includes a general-purpose processor and a dedicated control processor. The general-purpose processor is, for example, a CPU capable of arithmetic processing. The dedicated control processor is, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) capable of sequence control.

[0026] The storage device 50 stores weather forecast data 51. The processor 40 performs various controls. Specifically, the controls performed by the processor 40 include an outside air dew point estimation unit 41, an air intake temperature and humidity estimation unit 42, a regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43, and a regeneration heater temperature control unit 44. The weather forecast data 51 is weather forecast data acquired by the dehumidification system 1 and is received via a communication device (not shown). The weather forecast data 51 is updated periodically.

[0027] The outdoor dew point estimation unit 41 extracts the predicted outdoor temperature and predicted relative humidity based on the weather forecast data 51 read from the storage device 50. The predicted outdoor temperature is the predicted temperature of the outdoor air at a predetermined date and time, and the predicted relative humidity is the predicted value of the relative humidity of the outdoor air at a predetermined date and time.

[0028] The outdoor dew point estimation unit 41 then estimates a predicted value for the outdoor dew point based on the predicted outdoor temperature and predicted relative humidity. The predicted value for the outdoor dew point may be calculated, for example, based on a known formula for calculating the dew point temperature, or it may be calculated using a psychrometric chart in which the horizontal axis represents the dry-bulb temperature and the vertical axis represents the absolute humidity.

[0029] The air intake temperature and humidity estimation unit 42 estimates the air intake temperature, which indicates the temperature at the entrance of the air intake area, and the air intake absolute humidity, which indicates the absolute humidity at the entrance of the air intake area, based on the inlet conditions (also referred to as air intake conditions) of the air intake area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor 101.

[0030] The air intake conditions can vary. For example, the air intake conditions may be temperature and humidity information obtained at the current time by a thermometer 2 and a hygrometer 3 installed at the inlet of the air intake area (first condition), or information on the mixing ratio indicating the ratio of mixed air obtained by mixing outside air and return air from inside the low dew point chamber 20 at the current time (second condition), or information on the outlet temperature of a precooler 111 installed at the inlet of the air intake area to cool the mixed air at the current time (third condition). In other words, the air intake conditions include at least one of the first, second, and third conditions. The outlet temperature of the precooler 111 may be the same as the temperature obtained by thermometer 2, or it may be a temperature obtained by a thermometer not shown.

[0031] The regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43 calculates a regeneration inlet target temperature, which indicates the target temperature of the regeneration area inlet of the dehumidifier rotor 101 at a predetermined date and time in the future, based on the predicted value of the outside air dew point estimated by the outside air dew point estimation unit 41 and the supply air inlet temperature and supply air inlet absolute humidity estimated by the supply air inlet temperature and humidity estimation unit 42, so as to bring the first dew point temperature 11 closer to the target dew point temperature. Details of the regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43 will be described later.

[0032] The regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 controls the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 to reduce the difference between the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 and the target regeneration inlet temperature. Specifically, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 changes the temperature set value Tr of the regeneration heater 121 to bring it closer to the target regeneration inlet temperature, based on the temperature set value Tr of the regeneration heater 121 and the target regeneration inlet temperature. Then, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 generates and outputs a control signal to the thyristor 122 based on the temperature setting information (temperature set value Tr) of the regeneration heater 121. As a result, the first dew point temperature 11, which indicates the outlet temperature of the supply air area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor 101, can be brought closer to the target dew point temperature, and the second dew point temperature 22 in the low dew point chamber 20 can also be brought closer to the target dew point temperature. Details of the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 will be described later.

[0033] Furthermore, the predicted value of the outside air dew point may be included in the weather forecast data 51. When the weather forecast data 51 includes the predicted outside air temperature, the predicted relative humidity, and the predicted value of the outside air dew point, the outside air dew point estimation unit 41 shown in FIG. 3 may be omitted. In this case, the weather forecast data 51 is input to the regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43.

[0034] 3. Specific Example of the Regeneration Inlet Target Temperature Calculation Unit The regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43 calculates the regeneration inlet target temperature using a predetermined calculation formula. The calculation formula for the regeneration inlet target temperature is represented by, for example, the following formula (1). T H is the regeneration inlet target temperature, and the unit of the regeneration inlet target temperature T H is represented in [°C]. T do is the predicted value of the outside air dew point, and the unit of the predicted value of the outside air dew point T do is represented in [°C DP]. T i is the supply air inlet temperature, and the unit of the supply air inlet temperature T i is represented in [°C]. x i is the supply air inlet absolute humidity, and the unit of the supply air inlet absolute humidity x i is represented in [kg / kg]. A ijk is an approximation coefficient, and the approximation coefficient A ijk is a coefficient value consisting of (l + 1) × (m + 1) × (n + 1) terms. Incidentally, the coefficient values of each term of the approximation coefficient A ijk are different numerical values from each other.

[0035]

Equation

[0036] Here, consider the case where l and m are 1, and n is 3. In this case, the approximation coefficient A ijk is a coefficient value consisting of 16 terms (A000, A001, A002, A003, A010, A011, A012, A013, A100, A101, A102, A103, A110, A111, A112, A113). Also, Equation (1) is a linear function of the predicted value T do of the outside air dew point, a linear function of the supply air inlet temperature T i and a linear function of the supply air inlet absolute humidity xi The approximate formula is based on a cubic function of . Note that the regeneration inlet target temperature T calculated by equation (1) H An approximate value of this is, for example, the regeneration inlet target temperature T calculated based on a computational model. H This will be equal to the calculated value.

[0037] The calculation model is configured to estimate the change in temperature and humidity at the outlet of the supply air area based on the amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent of the dehumidifying rotor 101, based on, for example, the absolute humidity at the regeneration inlet, which indicates the absolute humidity at the inlet of the regeneration area, and the supply air inlet temperature and supply air inlet absolute humidity. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, based on a minute region (radius r, angle Δθ, width ΔZ) when the dehumidifying rotor 101 is represented in cylindrical coordinates, the calculation model is configured to calculate the humidity change and temperature change for each minute region using predetermined equations. The predetermined equations are, for example, equations that represent the moisture balance and heat balance. By using this calculation model, the regeneration inlet target temperature T required to desorb a predetermined amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent of the dehumidifying rotor 101 so that the first dew point temperature 11, which indicates the outlet temperature of the supply air area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor 101, approaches the target dew point temperature H This can be calculated. The absolute humidity at the regeneration inlet can be calculated, for example, by plotting the outside conditions (predicted outside temperature, predicted relative humidity) on a psychrometric chart.

[0038] Figure 5 shows the target regeneration inlet temperature T according to the embodiment. H This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the result of the approximation formula. As shown in Figure 5, the regeneration inlet target temperature T calculated by formula (1) H The approximate value is the regeneration inlet target temperature T calculated based on the calculation model. H Since this is equal to the calculated value, using equation (1), the regeneration inlet target temperature T H It can approximate this with high accuracy.

[0039] 4. Specific Examples of Regenerative Heater Temperature Control Units Figures 6, 7, and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 6 shows the temperature setting range for the regeneration heater 121, Figure 7 shows an example of linearly changing the temperature setting of the regeneration heater 121, and Figure 8 shows an example of stepwise (e.g., 5 steps) changing the temperature setting of the regeneration heater 121. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 at the start of control is 80°C, and the regeneration inlet target temperature T H When the temperature is 120°C, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 sets the temperature at the start of control and the regeneration inlet target temperature T H The temperature setting range is determined based on this. Then, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 sets the regeneration inlet target temperature T corresponding to that temperature setting range. H The calculated value or the regeneration inlet target temperature T H Extract an approximate value. Extracted regeneration inlet target temperature T H Based on the information, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 sets the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 at the start of control to the regeneration inlet target temperature T H To raise the temperature, as shown in Figure 7, the temperature setpoint Tr of the regeneration heater 121 is set to increase linearly. This raises the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 to the regeneration inlet target temperature T H By bringing it closer to the target dew point temperature, the first dew point temperature 11, which is the outlet temperature of the air supply area, can be brought closer to the target dew point temperature.

[0040] As another example, as shown in Figure 8, the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 at the start of control is set to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H When raising the temperature, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 sets the temperature set value Tr of the regeneration heater 121 to increase in steps. For example, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 may set the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 to increase in steps of 10°C. This raises the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H By bringing it closer to the target dew point temperature, the first dew point temperature 11, which is the outlet temperature of the air supply area, can be brought closer to the target dew point temperature. For example, the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 at the start of control and the target temperature T of the regenerative inlet. HIf the difference is large, the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 can be changed in stages to suppress fluctuations in the first dew point temperature 11, which is the outlet temperature of the supply air area, while bringing the first dew point temperature 11 closer to the target dew point temperature. This also helps to suppress fluctuations in the second dew point temperature 22 in the low dew point chamber 20, and allows for stable control of the dew point in the low dew point chamber 20. The temperature of the regenerative heater 121 is set to increase in stages of 10°C, but is not limited to this. For example, the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 may be set to increase in stages of values ​​less than 10°C, or it may be set to increase in stages of values ​​greater than 10°C.

[0041] In the example described above, the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 at the start of control is set to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H An example of raising the temperature is shown, but the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 at the start of control is set to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H It is also possible to lower the temperature to the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44. In this case, the regeneration heater temperature control unit 44 sets the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 at the start of control to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H The temperature setpoint Tr of the regeneration heater 121 is set to decrease linearly or stepwise so that the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 is lowered to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H By bringing it closer to the target dew point temperature, the first dew point temperature 11, which is the outlet temperature of the air supply area, can be brought closer to the target dew point temperature. Furthermore, when gradually lowering the temperature set value Tr of the regenerative heater 121, the regenerative heater temperature control unit 44 may, for example, set the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 to be lowered in increments of 10°C, or set the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 to be lowered in increments of less than 10°C, or set the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 to be lowered in increments of more than 10°C.

[0042] 5. Variations 5-1. First variation In the embodiment described above, the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 is controlled, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 30 may, instead of controlling the temperature of the regenerative heater 121, control the airflow rate of a fan (at least one of the first fan 112 and the second fan 124) to bring the first dew point temperature 11 closer to the target dew point temperature, or it may control the airflow rate of a fan (at least one of the first fan 112 and the second fan 124) in addition to controlling the temperature of the regenerative heater 121. In other words, the control device 30 performs at least one of the following: temperature control of the regenerative heater 121, airflow control of the first fan 112, and airflow control of the second fan 124. The airflow rate of the fan may be controlled to change linearly or in steps, similar to the temperature control of the regenerative heater 121. The set value of the fan airflow rate may be calculated based on the predicted value of the outside air dew point and the air supply inlet conditions, similar to the temperature setting of the regenerative heater 121.

[0043] As an example of airflow control, let's consider the case of controlling the airflow of the second fan 124 (regeneration fan 124). The regeneration airflow Q of the regeneration fan 124 is calculated, for example, based on equation (2) below. Equation (2) is the same calculation formula as equation (1) above, so its explanation is omitted here. The unit of the regeneration airflow Q is [m 3 It is expressed as [ / h]. In airflow control using the second fan 124, the airflow rate sent towards the exhaust port is adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of high-temperature, high-humidity air heated by the regenerative heater 121. The airflow rate of the first fan 112 may also be calculated based on equation (2). In airflow control using the first fan 112, the airflow rate of the mixed air is adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of dehumidified air sent.

[0044]

number

[0045] As another example, while the temperature control of the regenerative heater 121 is being performed, the airflow of the fan may be controlled to output a constant airflow. By controlling the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 and the airflow of the fan in this way, it becomes possible to control the dew point in the low dew point chamber 20 more stably.

[0046] 5-2. Second variation The temperature of the regeneration heater 121 is set to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H The temperature control of the regenerative heater 121, which brings the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 closer to the regenerative inlet target temperature T, may be performed when the current date and time coincide with a predetermined date and time in the future. As another example, the temperature control of the regenerative heater 121 may bring the temperature of the regenerative heater 121 closer to the regenerative inlet target temperature T during the period from the current date and time to a predetermined date and time in the future. H It may be carried out in a way that gradually approaches the goal.

[0047] The temperature of the regeneration heater 121 is set to the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H As an example of gradually approaching the target temperature, the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 may be changed in stages, as shown in Figure 8, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control device 30 (regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43) calculates the regeneration inlet target temperature T H This can be changed in stages.

[0048] Regeneration inlet target temperature T H A specific example of gradually changing the temperature will be explained based on Figure 9. Specifically, if the weather forecast data 51 includes the outside temperature and relative humidity for the current date and time, the control device 30 (regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43) will set the regeneration inlet target temperature T H After the calculation, the outside air dew point temperature at the current date and time is estimated based on the outside air temperature and relative humidity (step S100). Then, the regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43 calculates the difference between the predicted value of the outside air dew point and the outside air dew point temperature (step S110). The regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43 determines whether the difference is greater than or equal to a threshold (step S120), and if the difference is greater than or equal to the threshold, the regeneration inlet target temperature T for the period from the current date and time to a predetermined future date and time is set. H The value is changed in stages (step S130). If the difference is less than the threshold, the regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit 43 calculates the regeneration inlet target temperature T for the period from the current date and time to a predetermined future date and time. H The value is changed linearly (step S140).

[0049] Regeneration inlet target temperature T HAfter being set to change in stages, the control device 30 (regeneration heater temperature control unit 44) sets the regeneration inlet target temperature T such that the temperature of the regeneration heater 121 changes in stages. H Control is performed to follow the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H The temperature of the regeneration heater 121 is changed in stages to reach the regeneration inlet target temperature T. H By controlling the system to follow this pattern, fluctuations in the first dew point temperature 11, which is the outlet temperature of the air supply area, can be suppressed while bringing the first dew point temperature 11 closer to the target dew point temperature. Consequently, fluctuations in the second dew point temperature 22 in the low dew point chamber 20 can also be suppressed, and the dew point in the low dew point chamber 20 can be stably controlled. Therefore, the same effects as those of the embodiment described above can be obtained. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1…Dehumidification system, 11…First dew point temperature, 20…Low dew point chamber, 30…Control device, 40…Processor, 41…Outside air dew point estimation unit, 42…Air supply inlet temperature and humidity estimation unit, 43…Regeneration inlet target temperature calculation unit, 44…Regeneration heater temperature control unit, 50…Storage device, 51…Weather forecast data, 100…Dry dehumidifier, 101…Dehumidification rotor, 102…Inverter, 110…First filter, 111…Precooler, 112…First fan, 113…Inverter, 114…Aftercooler, 115…Afterheater, 120…Second filter, 121…Regeneration heater, 122…Thyristor, 123…Thermometer, 124…Second fan, 125…Inverter, 131…First duct, 131A…First branch duct, 132…Second duct, 133…Third duct

Claims

1. A dehumidification system that supplies low-dew-point air into a room, A dehumidifying device comprising: a dehumidifying rotor having an air supply area provided in a first duct connected to the room and adsorbing moisture contained in a mixed air including outside air and discharging dehumidified air to the first duct; a regeneration area provided in a second duct connected to an exhaust port and discharging humid air containing the adsorbed moisture to the second duct; and a regeneration heater provided at the inlet of the regeneration area in the second duct and heating the humid air; A control device connected to the dehumidifier and storing weather forecast data, Equipped with, The control device is Based on the aforementioned weather forecast data, the predicted value of the outdoor dew point at a predetermined date and time in the future is estimated. The inlet conditions for the air supply area are defined as at least one of the following: temperature and humidity information obtained at the current time by a thermometer and hygrometer installed at the inlet of the air supply area; mixing ratio information indicating the ratio of mixed air obtained by mixing outside air and return air from the room at the current time; and outlet temperature information of a cooler installed at the inlet of the air supply area to cool the mixed air at the current time. Based on the inlet conditions, the absolute humidity at the inlet of the air supply area at the current date and time is estimated. The temperature information is acquired as the air intake inlet temperature, which indicates the inlet temperature of the air intake area at the current date and time, or the air intake inlet temperature is estimated based on at least one of the mixing ratio information and the cooler outlet temperature information. Based on the predicted value of the outside air dew point, the supply air inlet temperature, and the supply air inlet absolute humidity, the regeneration inlet target temperature, which indicates the target temperature of the inlet of the regeneration area at a predetermined date and time in the future, is calculated. The system is configured to perform at least one of the following: temperature control of the regeneration heater so that the temperature of the regeneration heater approaches the target temperature of the regeneration inlet; airflow control of a first fan provided on the inlet side of the supply air area in the first duct, which adjusts the airflow rate of the mixed air to increase or decrease the amount of dehumidified air being supplied; and airflow control of a second fan provided on the outlet side of the regeneration area in the second duct, which adjusts the airflow rate of the fan that sends out the high-temperature, high-humidity air heated by the regeneration heater toward the exhaust port to increase or decrease the amount of humid air. A dehumidification system characterized by the following features.

2. A dehumidification system according to claim 1, The aforementioned weather forecast data includes information on predicted outside temperature and information on predicted relative humidity. The control device is Extract the predicted outside temperature and predicted relative humidity for the predetermined date and time in the future. The system is configured to estimate the predicted value of the outdoor dew point based on the predicted outdoor temperature and the predicted relative humidity. A dehumidification system characterized by the following features.

3. A dehumidification system according to claim 1, The control device, in controlling the temperature of the regenerative heater, The system is configured to change the temperature of the regeneration heater linearly or stepwise, based on the difference between the temperature of the regeneration heater and the target temperature of the regeneration inlet, so as to bring it closer to the target temperature of the regeneration inlet. A dehumidification system characterized by the following features.

4. A dehumidification system according to claim 1, The control device, in controlling the temperature of the regenerative heater, When the current date and time coincide with the predetermined future date and time, the temperature of the regeneration heater is controlled to bring its temperature closer to the target regeneration inlet temperature. The system is configured such that if the current date and time do not coincide with the predetermined future date and time, the temperature control of the regenerative heater is not performed. A dehumidification system characterized by the following features.

5. A dehumidification system according to Claim 1, The aforementioned weather forecast data includes the outside temperature and relative humidity at the current date and time. The control device, in calculating the regeneration inlet target temperature, further, Based on the aforementioned outside air temperature and relative humidity, the outside air dew point temperature at the current date and time is estimated. If the difference between the predicted value of the outside air dew point and the outside air dew point temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold, the regeneration inlet target temperature is configured to change in stages during the period from the current date and time to the predetermined future date and time. A dehumidification system characterized by the following features.

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