air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide a compact air conditioning apparatus having high energy utilization efficiency capable of performing both dehumidification and humidification.SOLUTION: An air conditioning apparatus 1 performing indoor air conditioning comprises: a housing 10 having flow channels 11 and 15 adjacent to each other; a rotor 30 that is arranged to extend beyond a boundary between the channel 11 and the channel 15 and over the flow channels 11 and 15, rotates around a center shaft along the boundary, and not only captures moisture but also releases moisture; a first fan 21 that is disposed at the channel 11 and blows inside air in the channel 11 in such a way as to cause the inside air to pass the rotor 30; a second fan 25 that is disposed at the channel 15 and blows outside air in the channel 15 reversely to the passing direction of the inside air in such a way as to cause the outside air to pass the rotor 30; and a Peltier element 50 that partitions the channel 11 and the second channel 15 on the upstream side of the rotor 30 in the flow of the inside air and exchanges heat with the inside air and the outside air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner for air conditioning an indoor space.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation-type air conditioner that sends outdoor outside air into a room and sends indoor inside air outside. This air conditioner includes a total heat exchanger, a desiccant rotor, an exhaust heat exchanger, and a supply air heat exchanger. The total heat exchanger exchanges heat between the outside air and the inside air, the exhaust heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the inside air, the supply air heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the inside air, and the desiccant rotor exchanges moisture between the outside air and the inside air by its rotation. In the case of humidification operation, the inside air is cooled by the exhaust heat exchanger, the moisture of the inside air is absorbed by the desiccant rotor, the outside air is heated by the supply air heat exchanger, the moisture is released from the desiccant rotor to the outside air, and the outside air with increased humidity is supplied into the room. In the case of dehumidification operation, the inside air is heated by the exhaust heat exchanger, the moisture is released from the desiccant rotor to the inside air, the outside air is cooled by the supply air heat exchanger, the moisture of the outside air is absorbed by the desiccant rotor, and the outside air with decreased humidity is supplied into the room.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a non-ventilation-type dehumidification device that sucks in outdoor outside air and blows it outside, and sucks in indoor inside air and blows it inside the room. This dehumidification device includes a desiccant rotor, an inside air heat exchanger, and an outside air heat exchanger. The inside air heat exchanger cools the inside air by exchanging heat between cold water and the inside air, and the outside air heat exchanger heats the outside air by exchanging heat between a high-temperature heat medium and the outside air. When the cooled inside air passes through the desiccant rotor, the moisture of the inside air is absorbed by the desiccant rotor, and the dehumidified inside air returns to the room. When the heated outside air passes through the desiccant rotor, the desiccant rotor is regenerated by releasing moisture from the desiccant rotor to the outside air. The cold water circulates between the inside air heat exchanger and the chiller, and the cold water is heated in the inside air heat exchanger and cooled in the chiller. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-257099 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-034876 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] By the way, the dehumidifier disclosed in Patent Document 2 can dehumidify indoor air, but it cannot humidify it. The water cooler consumes a lot of power, and the energy utilization efficiency is poor. The water cooler is large, and this water cooler is a factor in the overall size of the dehumidifier. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide a compact air conditioning device with high energy efficiency that can perform both dehumidification and humidification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, for example, as shown in Figure 1, Air conditioning unit 1 that provides air conditioning for the indoors, A housing 10 having a first channel 11 and a second channel 15 adjacent to each other, A rotor 30 is positioned to extend beyond the boundary between the first channel 11 and the second channel 15, and to extend to both the first channel 11 and the second channel 15, and rotates around a central axis along the boundary to capture and release moisture. A first fan 21 is provided in the first flow path 11 and blows the internal air in the first flow path 11 to pass through the rotor 30, A second fan 25 is provided in the second passage 15 and blows outside air through the second passage 15 to the rotor 30 in the opposite direction to the direction of passage of the internal air. A Peltier element 50 partitions the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 15 upstream of the rotor 30 in the internal airflow, and exchanges heat between the internal air and the external air. Equipped with 、 In dehumidification mode, the Peltier element 50 absorbs heat from the internal air and radiates that heat to the outside air. In humidification mode, the Peltier element 50 absorbs heat from the outside air and radiates that heat back into the inside air.

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, when a voltage is applied to the Peltier element 50, heat moves within the Peltier element 50 from the first channel 11 to the second channel 15 or vice versa. The direction of heat transfer within the Peltier element 50 is determined based on the direction of the voltage applied to the Peltier element 50. Therefore, when the direction of the voltage in the Peltier element 50 is controlled, the direction of heat transfer is switched. When heat moves from the first channel 11 to the second channel 15 inside the Peltier element 50, the heat from the air inside the first channel 11 is absorbed by the Peltier element 50, the air is cooled, and the humidity of the air increases. As a result, when the air passes through the rotor, the rotor captures moisture from the air, and the air is dehumidified. When heat moves from the second channel 15 to the first channel 11 within the Peltier element 50, the heat is radiated from the Peltier element 50 to the internal air in the first channel 11, heating the internal air and reducing its humidity. As a result, when this internal air passes through the rotor, the rotor releases moisture into the internal air, humidifying it. Therefore, by employing the Peltier element 50, the air conditioning unit 1 can perform both humidification and dehumidification of the indoor air.

[0008] For the Peltier element 50 to exchange heat between the indoor and outdoor air, it is necessary to apply a voltage to the Peltier element 50, but it does not require a large thermal cycling device such as a heat pump. Therefore, the adoption of the Peltier element 50 contributes to the miniaturization of air conditioning equipment.

[0009] The Peltier element 50 exchanges heat between the indoor and outdoor air, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.

[0010] For humidifying the indoor air in the humidifying mode, the moisture in the outdoor air is utilized. Therefore, there is no hassle of preparing water separately.

[0013] According to the invention according to claim 2 as shown in FIG. 1 for example, According to claim 1 the air conditioner 1 described in is provided with a control unit 70 that applies a voltage to the Peltier element 50 and makes the direction of the voltage different between the dehumidifying mode and the humidifying mode. includes.

[0014] According to the invention according to claim 2 the air conditioner 1 can perform both humidifying and dehumidifying of the indoor air.

[0015] According to the invention according to claim 3 as shown in FIG. 1 for example According to claim 2 the air conditioner 1 described in is provided in the second flow path 15 upstream of the rotor 30 in the flow of the outdoor air, is turned on in the dehumidifying mode, and is turned off in the humidifying mode, and a heater 45. includes.

[0016] According to the invention according to claim 3 when the heater 45 is turned on in the dehumidifying mode, the outdoor air is heated by the heater 45, and the humidity of the outdoor air decreases. Therefore, when the outdoor air passes through the rotor 30, the moisture captured by the rotor 30 is released to the outdoor air. Therefore, the rotor 30 is regenerated into a state where it is easy to capture moisture.

[0017] According to the invention according to claim 4 as shown in FIG. 1 for example, According to claim 3 the air conditioner 1 described in is provided between the heat recovery device 91 and the heater 45, and includes a circulation fluid circuit 80 that circulates the heat medium between the heat recovery device 91 and the heater 45. The heat recovery device 91 heats the heat medium by recovering the exhaust heat in the energy conversion device 90 that converts the chemical energy of the fuel gas into electrical energy or thermal energy or both of these, The heater 45 is a heat exchanger that releases the heat of the heat medium supplied from the heat recovery device 91 to the outside air.

[0018] According to the invention according to claim 4 the exhaust heat in the energy conversion device 90 is effectively used for heating the outside air in the second flow path 15.

[0019] According to the invention according to claim 5 for example, as shown in FIG. 1, According to the invention according to claim 2 the air conditioner 1 described in a heater 41 provided in the first flow path 11 upstream of the rotor 30 in the flow of the inside air, which is turned on in the humidification mode and turned off in the dehumidification mode is provided.

[0020] According to the invention according to claim 5 the turning off of the heater 41 in the dehumidification mode does not impede the cooling of the inside air by the Peltier element 50. The turning off of the heater 41 contributes to suppressing the power consumption in the Peltier element 50 and energy saving. The turning on of the heater 41 in the humidification mode contributes to reinforcing the heating of the inside air by the Peltier element 50 and suppressing the power consumption in the Peltier element 50. Heating the inside air not only by the heater 41 but also by the Peltier element 50 in the humidification mode contributes to reducing the size of the heater 41.

[0021] According to the invention according to claim 6 for example, as shown in FIG. 1, According to the invention according to claim 5 the air conditioner 1 described in The system includes a heat recovery device 91 that heats a heat transfer medium by recovering waste heat from an energy conversion device 90 that converts the chemical energy of fuel gas into electrical energy, thermal energy, or both, and a circulating fluid circuit 80 provided between the heat recovery device 91 and the heater 41, which circulates the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device 91 and the heater 41. The heater 41 releases the heat from the heat transfer medium supplied by the heat recovery device 91 into the surrounding air. It is a heat exchanger that produces heat.

[0022] Claim 6 According to the invention, the waste heat from the energy conversion device 90 is effectively utilized to heat the internal air in the first flow path 11.

[0023] Claim 7 According to the invention relating to this invention, for example, as shown in Figure 1, Claim 2 The air conditioning system 1 described above is A first heat exchanger 41 is provided in the first flow path 11 upstream of the rotor 30 in the internal airflow, A second heat exchanger 45 is provided in the second flow path 15 upstream of the rotor in the aforementioned outside airflow, The system comprises a heat recovery device 91 and a circulating fluid circuit 80 provided between the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 45, The heat recovery device 91 heats the heat transfer medium by recovering the waste heat from the energy conversion device 90, which converts the chemical energy of the fuel gas into electrical energy, thermal energy, or both. The circulating fluid circuit 80 circulates the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device 91 and the second heat exchanger 45 in the dehumidification mode, but does not circulate the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device 91 and the first heat exchanger 41. The circulating fluid circuit 80 circulates the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device 91 and the first heat exchanger 41 in the humidification mode, but does not circulate the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device 91 and the second heat exchanger 45.

[0024] Claim 7 According to the invention described herein, when the heat transfer medium circulates between the heat recovery device 91 and the second heat exchanger 45 in the dehumidification mode, the outside air in the second flow path 15 is heated by the second heat exchanger 45. Therefore, the waste heat from the energy conversion device 90 is effectively utilized to heat the outside air in the second flow path 15. In dehumidification mode, when the outside air is heated by the second heat exchanger 45, the humidity of the outside air decreases. As a result, when the outside air passes through the rotor 30, the moisture captured by the rotor 30 is released into the outside air. Thus, the rotor 30 is regenerated to a state where it can easily capture moisture. In dehumidification mode, the heat transfer medium does not circulate between the heat recovery device 91 and the first heat exchanger 41, so the first heat exchanger 41 and the heat transfer medium do not obstruct the cooling of the internal air by the Peltier element 50. In addition, the wasteful use of exhaust heat from the energy conversion device 90 is reduced. In humidification mode, when the heat transfer medium circulates between the heat recovery device 91 and the first heat exchanger 41, the internal air is heated by the first heat exchanger 41. Therefore, the waste heat from the energy conversion device 90 is effectively utilized to heat the internal air in the first flow path 11. In humidification mode, heating the internal air with both the Peltier element 50 and the first heat exchanger 41 contributes to enhancing the heating of the internal air by the Peltier element 50 and suppressing power consumption in the Peltier element 50. In humidification mode, heating the internal air not only with the first heat exchanger 41 but also with the Peltier element 50 contributes to miniaturizing the heater 41.

[0025] Claim 8 According to the invention relating to this invention, for example, as shown in Figure 1, Claim 7 The air conditioning system 1 described above, The aforementioned circulating fluid circuit 80 A circulation pump 81 connected to the outlet of the heat recovery device 91, A first three-way valve 82 is connected to the circulation pump and to the inlets of the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 45, A second three-way valve 83 is connected to the outlets of the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 45, and is connected to the inlet of the heat recovery device 91, It has.

[0026] Claim 8 According to the invention, when the first and second three-way valves 82 and 83 switch the direction of the flow of the heat transfer medium, the path of the heat transfer medium is switched between two circulation paths. One of the two circulation paths is the circulation path between the first heat exchanger and the heat recovery device, and the other is the circulation path between the second heat exchanger and the heat recovery device.

[0027] Claim 9 According to the invention relating to this invention, for example, as shown in Figure 2, Claim 7 The air conditioning system 1 described above, The aforementioned circulating fluid circuit 80 A first three-way valve 82 is connected to the outlet of the heat recovery device 91 and to the inlets of the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 45, A second three-way valve 83 connected to the outlets of the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 45, A circulation pump 81 is connected to the second three-way valve 83 and to the inlet of the heat recovery device 91, It has.

[0028] Claim 9 According to the invention, when the first and second three-way valves 82 and 83 switch the direction of the flow of the heat transfer medium, the path of the heat transfer medium is switched between two circulation paths. One of the two circulation paths is the circulation path between the first heat exchanger 41 and the heat recovery device 91, and the other is the circulation path between the second heat exchanger 45 and the heat recovery device 91.

[0029] Claim 10 According to the invention relating to this invention, for example, as shown in Figure 1, Claim 1 The air conditioning system 1 described above is A heat sink 61 is joined to the Peltier element 50 within the first channel 11. It is equipped with.

[0030] Claim 10 According to the invention described herein, the heat sink 61 improves the heat exchange efficiency between the internal air in the first flow path and the Peltier element 50.

[0031] Claim 11 According to the invention relating to this invention, for example, as shown in Figure 1, Claim 1 The air conditioning system 1 described above, A heat sink 65 is joined to the Peltier element 50 within the second channel 15. It is equipped with.

[0032] Claim 11 According to the invention described herein, the heat sink 65 improves the heat exchange efficiency between the outside air in the second flow path and the Peltier element 50. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, the air conditioning system is compact, capable of both dehumidification and humidification, and also has high energy utilization efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the air conditioning system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a modified air conditioning system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a vertical cross-section of the actual air conditioning unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a vertical cross-section of the actual air conditioning unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a horizontal cross-section of the actual air conditioning system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and embodiments that are design modifications from the embodiments disclosed below without departing from the spirit of the invention are also included in the scope of the invention. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and therefore the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings.

[0036] <First Embodiment> [1. Air conditioner] Figure 1 is a drawing of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0037] Air conditioning unit 1 is installed in buildings such as houses, apartment buildings, and office buildings. Air conditioning unit 1 may be installed either inside or outside the building. For example, air conditioning unit 1 may be installed in the building's machine room, rooftop, balcony, or attic. This air conditioning unit 1 is a non-ventilating type of air conditioning unit that does not exchange the air inside the building with the air outside. In the following, the air inside the building will be referred to as "inside air," and the air outside the building will be referred to as "outside air."

[0038] The air conditioning unit 1 draws in indoor air from the area to be air-conditioned through the first duct and draws in outside air from the outside through the second duct. The air conditioning unit 1 dehumidifies or humidifies the indoor air by exchanging moisture between the drawn-in indoor air and the outside air. The air conditioning unit 1 blows the dehumidified or humidified indoor air into the area to be air-conditioned indoors through the third duct and blows the humidified or dehumidified outside air outside through the fourth duct. The area to be air-conditioned refers to the area that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning unit 1. The area to be air-conditioned is a partitioned space within a building, such as a room, living room, dining room, storage room, workshop, office, conference room, kitchen, toilet, bathroom, corridor, stairwell, entrance hall, etc.

[0039] The air conditioning unit 1 operates in a mode selected from dehumidification mode and humidification mode. When the air conditioning unit 1 is operated in dehumidification mode, it dehumidifies the indoor air by transferring moisture from the indoor air to the outside air. When the air conditioning unit 1 is operated in humidification mode, it humidifies the indoor air by transferring moisture from the outside air to the indoor air. Dehumidification mode is mainly used in summer or the rainy season, and humidification mode is mainly used in winter or the dry season.

[0040] The air conditioning unit 1 comprises a housing 10, a fan 21 for blowing in internal air, a fan 25 for blowing in external air, a moisture intake / dehydration rotor 30, a rotary drive unit 35, a heater 41 for heating internal air, a heater 45 for heating external air, a Peltier element 50, heat sinks 61 and 65, a control unit 70, a circulation pump 81, and three-way valves 82 and 83. These components will be described in detail below.

[0041] [2. Enclosure] The housing 10 has an internal air passage 11 and an external air passage 15 inside the housing 10. The passages 11 and 15 are defined by the housing 10 and separated by a partition plate of the housing 10 between them. The passages 11 and 15 are adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel. The internal air passage 11 has an intake port 12 at one end and an outlet port 13 at the other end. The external air passage 15 has an intake port 16 at one end and an outlet port 17 at the other end. The direction of internal air flow in passage 11 is opposite to the direction of external air flow in passage 15.

[0042] The intake port 12 is connected to the indoor air-conditioned area via the first duct. The intake port 16 leads to the outdoors via the second duct. The outlet port 13 is connected to the air-conditioned area via the third duct. The outlet port 17 leads to the outdoors via the fourth duct.

[0043] [3. Fans] Fans 21 and 25 may be axial fans such as propeller fans, or centrifugal fans such as sirocco fans, turbo fans, and mixed-flow fans. Fan 21 for internal air is installed in the flow path 11, more specifically near the intake port 12. Fan 21 imparts kinetic energy to the internal air, causing it to flow from the intake port 12 to the outlet port 13. Fan 25 for external air is installed in the flow path 15, more specifically near the outlet port 17. Fan 25 imparts kinetic energy to the external air, causing it to flow from the intake port 16 to the outlet port 17. Fans 21 and 22 are also referred to as blowers or air blowers.

[0044] Control of fans 21 and 22, such as operation, stopping, and speed adjustment, is performed by the control unit 70.

[0045] [4. Moisture absorption / release rotor] The desiccant rotor 30 has a disc-shaped outer form. Air can pass through the desiccant rotor 30 from its front side to its back side and vice versa. If the air passing through the desiccant rotor 30 is highly humid, the rotor 30 captures moisture from the air, thereby dehumidifying it. If the air passing through the desiccant rotor 30 is less humid, the rotor 30 releases moisture into the atmosphere, thereby humidifying the air. The moisture captured or released by the desiccant rotor 30 is mainly water vapor. The desiccant rotor 30 is also referred to as a desiccant rotor.

[0046] The moisture absorption and release rotor 30 comprises a disc-shaped substrate having a honeycomb or corrugated structure, and an adsorbent or sorbent material supported on the substrate, or both. An adsorbent material is a material that adsorbs water on its surface and absorbs it into its interior. On the surface of the adsorbent material, an adsorption phenomenon occurs in which water molecules bind to the adsorbent material, and inside the adsorbent material, an absorption phenomenon occurs in which water molecules penetrate. The phenomenon of water molecules detaching from the adsorbent material is called desorption. As an adsorbent material, there is a polymer adsorbent material made of hydrophilic polymer chains. An adsorbent material is a material that adsorbs water on its surface, and is preferably porous in order to increase the water adsorption efficiency. As adsorbents, there are inorganic adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, and polymer adsorbents. In this specification, the collective term for the adsorption, absorption, and sorbing of moisture to the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is "capture." In other words, moisture capture refers to the adsorption, absorption, or sorbing of moisture, or a combination of two or more of these. Moisture release refers to the separation, evaporation, dissipation, or desorption of moisture, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0047] The moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is positioned to extend beyond the boundary between the internal air passage 11 and the external air passage 15, into these passages 11 and 15. One half of the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is positioned in the internal air passage 11, and the other half is positioned in the external air passage 15.

[0048] As the internal air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 in the flow path 11, the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 captures or releases moisture from the internal air. Here, the humidity of the internal air increases as it is cooled by the Peltier element 50 before it comes into contact with the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, which leads to efficient moisture capture by the moisture absorption / release rotor 30. The humidity of the internal air decreases as it is heated by the Peltier element 50 and the heater 41 before it comes into contact with the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, which leads to the release of moisture by the moisture absorption / release rotor 30.

[0049] As outside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 within the flow path 15, the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 captures moisture from the outside air or releases moisture into the inside air. Here, the humidity of the outside air decreases as it is heated by the heater 45 before it comes into contact with the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, which triggers the release of moisture by the moisture absorption / release rotor 30.

[0050] The moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is positioned such that its central axis aligns with the boundary between the internal air passage 11 and the external air passage 15. More specifically, the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is positioned such that its central axis is parallel to the internal and external air flows in the passages 11 and 15. The central axis of the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 may be eccentric toward either the internal air passage 11 or the external air passage 15 from the boundary between the internal air passage 11 and the external air passage 15.

[0051] The moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is held in a cage such as a bearing that receives radial and axial loads from the moisture absorption and release rotor 30. The moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is held by the cage so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction about the central axis of the moisture absorption and release rotor 30.

[0052] [5. Rotary drive machines] The rotary drive unit 35 is connected to the center of the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30. The rotary drive unit 35 has a motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the motor to the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30. The rotary drive unit 35 rotates the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30 at a low speed, for example, 3 to 15 revolutions / hour. The rotary drive unit 35 may also be connected to the outer circumference of the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 130 on the radially outer side of the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30.

[0053] When the rotary drive 35 drives the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30, the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30 is displaced in the circumferential direction. As a result, the portion of the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30 exposed to the internal air passage 11 shifts circumferentially as the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30 rotates, and the portion of the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30 exposed to the external air passage 15 also shifts circumferentially as the moisture absorption / decompression rotor 30 rotates.

[0054] The control unit 70 controls the operation, stopping, and speed adjustment of the rotary drive unit 35.

[0055] [6. Heater] The heater 41 is positioned in the internal air passage 11 between the intake port 12 and the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 30, closer to the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 30. Therefore, the internal air flowing through the internal air passage 11 comes into contact with the heater 41.

[0056] The heater 45 is positioned in the airflow channel 15 for outside air, closer to the airflow channel 30, between the intake port 16 and the airflow channel 30. Therefore, the outside air flowing through the airflow channel 15 comes into contact with the heater 45.

[0057] Heaters 41 and 45 are of the heat exchange type. In other words, heaters 41 and 45 consist of heat exchangers such as radiators.

[0058] When the air conditioning unit 1 is operated in dehumidification mode, the heated heat transfer medium is not supplied to the heater 41, so the heater 41 is turned off, whereas the heated heat transfer medium is supplied to the heater 45, so the heater 45 is turned on. The heater 45 heats the outside air and cools the heat transfer medium by exchanging heat between the heat transfer medium and the outside air. When the outside air is heated by the heater 45, the temperature of the outside air rises and the humidity of the outside air decreases. Therefore, as the outside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, the moisture captured by the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 is released into the outside air. This regenerates the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 so that it can easily capture moisture.

[0059] When the air conditioning unit 1 is operated in humidification mode, the heated heat transfer medium is not supplied to the heater 45, so the heater 45 is turned off, whereas the heated heat transfer medium is supplied to the heater 41, so the heater 41 is turned on. The heater 41 heats the indoor air and cools the heat transfer medium by exchanging heat between the heat transfer medium and the outside air. When the indoor air is heated by the heater 41, the temperature of the indoor air rises and the humidity of the indoor air decreases. Therefore, as the indoor air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, the moisture captured by the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 is released into the indoor air. As a result, the humidity of the indoor air increases.

[0060] Note that the "on" state of heaters 41 and 45 refers to a state in which heaters 41 and 45 can heat, and the "off" state of heaters 41 and 45 refers to a state in which heaters 41 and 45 cannot heat.

[0061] [7. Heat energy source for the heater] In dehumidification mode, the heat transfer medium is circulated between the heater 45 and the heat recovery device 91, but not between the heater 41 and the heat recovery device 91. In humidification mode, the heat transfer medium is circulated between the heater 41 and the heat recovery device 91, but not between the heater 45 and the heat recovery device 91. The kinetic energy of the heat transfer medium for circulation is generated by the circulation pump 81. The selection between circulation between the heater 45 and the heat recovery device 91 and circulation between the heater 41 and the heat recovery device 91 is made by three-way valves 82 and 83.

[0062] The circulation pump 81 is connected to the outlet of the heat recovery device 91, the three-way valve 82 is connected to the circulation pump 81, and the inlets of the heaters 41 and 45 are connected to the three-way valve 82. The outlets of the heaters 41 and 45 are connected to the three-way valve 83, and the three-way valve 83 is connected to the inlet of the heat recovery device 91. The fluid circuit 80, which has the circulation pump 81, the three-way valves 82 and 83 and the piping connecting them, is a circulating fluid circuit.

[0063] The circulation pump 81 imparts kinetic energy to the heat transfer medium, sending it from the heat recovery device 91 to the three-way valve 82. The control unit 70 controls the operation, stopping, and speed adjustment of the circulation pump 81.

[0064] The three-way valve 82 switches the direction of the flow of the heat transfer medium supplied from the heat recovery device 91 and the circulation pump 81 between the heater 45 and the heater 41. In dehumidification mode, the three-way valve 82 allows the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heat recovery device 91 to the heater 45 and obstructs the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heat recovery device 91 to the heater 41. In humidification mode, the three-way valve 82 allows the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heat recovery device 91 to the heater 41 and obstructs the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heat recovery device 91 to the heater 45.

[0065] The three-way valve 83 switches the direction of the flow of the heat transfer medium sent to the heat recovery device 91 between the heater 45 and the heater 41. In dehumidification mode, the three-way valve 83 allows the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heater 45 to the heat recovery device 91 and obstructs the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heater 41 to the heat recovery device 91. In humidification mode, the three-way valve 83 allows the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heater 41 to the heat recovery device 91 and obstructs the flow of the heat transfer medium from the heater 45 to the heat recovery device 91.

[0066] The three-way valves 82 and 83 are solenoid valves, and the switching control of the three-way valves 82 and 83 is performed by the control unit 70.

[0067] The heat recovery device 91 is located inside the energy conversion device 90. The energy conversion device 90 is a device that converts the chemical energy of the fuel gas supplied to it into another type of energy. In the process in which the chemical energy of the fuel gas is converted into another type of energy by the energy conversion device 90, waste heat is generated, and the heat recovery device 91 recovers this waste heat and uses it to heat the heat transfer medium.

[0068] In addition to the heat recovery device 91, the energy conversion device 90 includes, for example, a fuel cell system 92, a boiler 93, and a hot water storage tank 94.

[0069] The fuel cell system 92 converts the chemical energy of fuel gas into electrical energy. The fuel cell system 92 includes, for example, a reformer and a fuel cell stack. The reformer reforms the fuel gas into hydrogen, and the fuel cell stack generates electrical energy from the hydrogen. Heat is generated during the process of generating electrical energy from fuel gas, and this heat is recovered by the heat recovery device 91 and transferred to a heat transfer medium.

[0070] The boiler 93 converts the chemical energy of fuel gas into the thermal energy of water. In other words, the boiler 93 burns fuel gas and heats water with the heat of combustion. Heat that is not used to heat the water is recovered by the heat recovery device 91 and transferred to a heat transfer medium. The water heated by the boiler 93 is supplied to various parts of the building and to the hot water storage tank 94. The water supplied to the boiler 93 is either tap water or water from the hot water storage tank 94.

[0071] The hot water storage tank 94 stores water with a temperature gradient. The heat recovered by the heat recovery device 91 is also used to heat the water in the hot water storage tank 94. The water in the hot water storage tank 94 is heated by the boiler 93 as needed, or mixed with tap water as needed, and then supplied to various parts of the building. The waste heat generated in the hot water storage tank 94 is recovered by the heat recovery device 91 and transferred to a heat transfer medium. In addition, the heat recovered by the heat recovery device 91 from the fuel cell system 92 and the boiler 93 may also be used to heat the water in the hot water storage tank 94.

[0072] [8. Peltier element] The Peltier element 50 is plate-shaped and has one front surface and the other back surface. The Peltier element 50 is located between the intake port 12 and the outlet port 17 and the moisture absorption / discharge rotor 30, and is positioned along the boundary between the internal air passage 11 and the external air passage 15. The Peltier element 50 separates the internal air passage 11 and the external air passage 15, with one surface of the Peltier element 50 facing the internal air passage 11 and the other surface facing the external air passage 15. The Peltier element 50 exchanges heat between the internal air in the passage 11 and the external air in the passage 15, and the direction of heat transfer in the Peltier element 50 differs between the dehumidification mode and the humidification mode.

[0073] In dehumidification mode, a forward voltage is applied to the Peltier element 50. This causes the Peltier element 50 to transfer heat from one side to the other, creating a temperature difference between the two sides. As a result, one side of the Peltier element 50 becomes the heat-absorbing surface, and the other side becomes the heat-dissipating surface. In other words, the Peltier element 50 absorbs heat from the internal air in the flow path 11 and releases heat to the outside air in the flow path 15. Consequently, the temperature of the internal air decreases and the humidity of the internal air increases, making the internal air more susceptible to dehumidification. The internal air is then dehumidified as it passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, which removes moisture from it.

[0074] In humidification mode, a reverse voltage is applied to the Peltier element 50. This causes the Peltier element 50 to transfer heat from one side to the other, creating a temperature difference between the two sides. As a result, one side of the Peltier element 50 becomes the heat-dissipating surface, and the other side becomes the heat-absorbing surface. In other words, the Peltier element 50 releases heat into the internal air in the flow path 11 and absorbs heat from the outside air in the flow path 15. Consequently, the temperature of the internal air rises and the humidity of the internal air decreases, making the internal air more receptive to moisture absorption. This internal air is then humidified as it passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, which absorbs moisture from the rotor 30.

[0075] The voltage applied to the Peltier element 50 is controlled by the control unit 70.

[0076] [9. Heatsink] The heat sink 61 is bonded to one side of the Peltier element 50. The heat sink 61 is positioned in the internal air channel 11 between the intake port 12 and the moisture absorption / dehydration rotor 30. The heat sink 61 is made of a heat transfer material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, specifically stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. The heat sink 61 exchanges heat between the internal air in contact with it and the Peltier element 50. In other words, in dehumidification mode, one side of the Peltier element 50 becomes cold, so the heat sink 61 is cooled by the Peltier element and absorbs heat from the internal air in the channel 11. In humidification mode, one side of the Peltier element 50 becomes hot, so the heat sink 61 is heated by the Peltier element 50 and radiates heat to the internal air in the channel 11.

[0077] The heat sink 61 has a base 62 and a plurality of fins 63. The base 62 is provided in the shape of a plate. The base 62 is surface-bonded to one surface of the Peltier element 50. The plurality of fins 63 are integrated with the base 62 so as to protrude from the base 62. These fins 63 are provided in the shape of a plate and are arranged parallel to each other. These fins 63 are spaced apart from each other, and internal air passes between these fins 63 while in contact with them. Because the surface area of ​​the heat sink 61 is greatly increased by the fins 63, the heat dissipation efficiency and heat absorption efficiency of the heat sink 61 are improved. Note that the fins 63 may be provided in the shape of a rod instead of a plate.

[0078] The heat sink 65 is bonded to the other side of the Peltier element 50. The heat sink 65 is positioned in the airflow channel 15 for outside air, between the air outlet 17 and the moisture absorption / dehydration rotor 30. The heat sink 65 is made of a heat transfer material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, specifically stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. The heat sink 65 exchanges heat between the outside air in contact with it and the Peltier element 50. In other words, in dehumidification mode, the other side of the Peltier element 50 becomes hot, so the heat sink 65 is heated by the Peltier element 50 and radiates heat to the outside air in the airflow channel 15. In humidification mode, the other side of the Peltier element 50 becomes cold, so the heat sink 65 is cooled by the Peltier element 50 and absorbs heat from the outside air in the airflow channel 15.

[0079] The heat sink 65 has a base 66 and a plurality of fins 67. The base 66 is provided in the shape of a plate. The base 66 is surface-bonded to the other surface of the Peltier element 50. The plurality of fins 67 are integrated with the base 66 so as to protrude from the base 66. These fins 67 are provided in the shape of a plate and are arranged parallel to each other. These fins 67 are spaced apart from each other, and outside air passes between these fins 67 while in contact with them. Because the surface area of ​​the heat sink 65 is greatly increased by the fins 67, the heat dissipation efficiency and heat absorption efficiency of the heat sink 65 are improved. Note that the fins 67 may be provided in the shape of a rod instead of a plate.

[0080] A "heat sink" is typically used to dissipate heat from the equipment to which it is attached. In this embodiment, heat sinks 61 and 65 are used not only for dissipating heat from the Peltier element 50, but also for absorbing heat into the Peltier element 50.

[0081] [10. Control Unit] The control unit 70 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a power conversion circuit. The power conversion circuit is a power supply circuit such as a switching power supply and a regulator.

[0082] The control unit 70 is connected to an input unit such as a push-button switch. Based on the signal output by the input unit, the control unit 70 selects the operating mode of the air conditioner 1 from dehumidification mode and humidification mode.

[0083] In both dehumidification and humidification modes, the control unit 70 controls the speed of the fans 21 and 25. This allows the internal air to flow through the flow path 11 from the intake port 12 to the outlet port 13, and the external air to flow through the flow path 15 from the intake port 16 to the outlet port 17, thereby adjusting the flow rates of the internal and external air.

[0084] In both dehumidification and humidification modes, the control unit 70 controls the speed of the circulation pump 81. This circulates the heat transfer medium and adjusts its flow rate.

[0085] In dehumidification mode, the control unit 70 controls the three-way valve 82 to switch the direction of the heat transfer medium flow from the heat recovery device 91 to the heater 45, and controls the three-way valve 83 to switch the direction of the heat transfer medium flow from the heater 45 to the heat recovery device 91. As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates between the heater 45 and the heat recovery device 91, but does not circulate between the heater 41 and the heat recovery device 91. Therefore, the heater 45 exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium inside it and the outside air, and the outside air is heated by the heater 45. The inside air is not heated by the heater 41.

[0086] In humidification mode, the control unit 70 controls the three-way valve 82 to switch the direction of the heat transfer medium flow from the heat recovery device 91 to the heater 41, and also controls the three-way valve 83 to switch the direction of the heat transfer medium flow from the heater 41 to the heat recovery device 91. As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates between the heater 41 and the heat recovery device 91, but does not circulate between the heater 45 and the heat recovery device 91. Therefore, the heater 41 exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium inside it and the surrounding air, and the surrounding air is heated by the heater 41. The outside air is not heated by the heater 45.

[0087] In dehumidification mode, the control unit 70 applies a forward voltage to the Peltier element 50 and adjusts the voltage level. As a result, one side of the Peltier element 50 becomes cooler than the other side. Therefore, the internal air is cooled by one side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 61, while the external air is heated by the other side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 65.

[0088] In humidification mode, the control unit 70 applies a reverse voltage to the Peltier element 50 and adjusts the voltage level. As a result, one side of the Peltier element 50 becomes hotter than the other side. Therefore, the internal air is heated by one side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 61, while the external air is cooled by the other side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 65.

[0089] Alternatively, one or more temperature sensors and humidity sensors may be provided in the flow paths 11 and 15, and the control unit 70 may control the speed of the fans 21 and 25, the speed of the rotary drive unit 35, and the voltage of the Peltier element 50 based on the detection results of the temperature sensors and humidity sensors.

[0090] [11. Summary of Dehumidification Mode] In dehumidification mode, outside air is heated by the heater 45 before passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, while inside air is not heated by the heater 41. Also, inside air is cooled by one side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 61 before passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, while outside air is heated by the other side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 65 after passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30.

[0091] As indoor air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 in the indoor air channel 11, moisture in the indoor air is captured by the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, thus dehumidifying the indoor air. The return of the dehumidified indoor air to the air-conditioned area contributes to a decrease in humidity in the air-conditioned area. As the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 rotates at a low speed, the captured moisture moves from the indoor air channel 11 to the outdoor air channel 15. The captured moisture is released into the outside air as it passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, thereby regenerating the moisture absorption / release rotor 30. The moisture released into the outside air flows outdoors with the outside air.

[0092] [12. Summary of Humidification Modes] In humidification mode, the internal air is heated by the heater 41 before passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, whereas the external air is not heated by the heater 45. Also, the internal air is heated by one side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 61 before passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, while the external air is cooled by the other side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 65 after passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30.

[0093] As outside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 in the outside air channel 15, moisture in the outside air is captured by the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, thus dehumidifying the outside air. As the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 rotates at a low speed, the captured moisture moves from the outside air channel 15 to the inside air channel 11. The captured moisture is released into the inside air as it passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30. This humidifies the inside air. The moisture released into the inside air flows into the building along with the inside air. The return of the humidified inside air to the air-conditioned area of ​​the building contributes to an increase in the humidity of the air-conditioned area.

[0094] [13. Technically advantageous effects] (1) By employing the Peltier element 50, the internal air is both heated and cooled before passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30. When the internal air is cooled, its humidity increases, so as the internal air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, the moisture in the internal air is captured by the rotor 30. When the internal air is heated, its humidity decreases, so as the internal air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, the moisture is released from the rotor 30 into the internal air. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 1 can both humidify and dehumidify the internal air.

[0095] (2) The control unit 70 switches the direction of the voltage of the Peltier element 50 between forward and reverse directions, thereby enabling switching between heating and cooling of the indoor air before it passes through the moisture absorption / dehumidification rotor 30. Thus, the air conditioning unit 1 can perform both humidification and dehumidification of the indoor air.

[0096] (3) The heat sink 61 is in contact with the interior air over a wide area, and heat is easily exchanged between the interior air and the heat sink 61. Since such a heat sink 61 is surface-bonded to one side of the Peltier element 50, the heat exchange efficiency between one side of the Peltier element 50 and the interior air is high. Similarly, the heat sink 65 improves the heat exchange efficiency between the other side of the Peltier element 50 and the outside air.

[0097] (4) The circulating fluid circuit 80 has a circulation pump 81 and three-way valves 82 and 83. When the three-way valves 82 and 83 switch the direction of the flow of the heat transfer medium, the path of the heat transfer medium is switched between the circulation path in dehumidification mode and the circulation path in humidification mode. The circulation path in dehumidification mode is the path between the heater 45 and the heat recovery device 91, and the circulation path in humidification mode is the path between the heater 41 and the heat recovery device 91.

[0098] (5) In dehumidification mode, the heat recovery device 91 heats the heat transfer medium, and the heated heat transfer medium is supplied to the heater 45, which turns on the heater 45, so that the outside air is heated by the heater 45. As a result, the humidity of the outside air decreases, and the outside air becomes more receptive to moisture from other sources. When such outside air passes through the moisture absorption and release rotor 30, moisture is released from the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 into the outside air. As a result, the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is regenerated to a state that is more receptive to capturing moisture. As the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 rotates in this state, the inside air is dehumidified over a long period of time.

[0099] (4) In dehumidification mode, the heat transfer medium circulates between the heat recovery device 91 and the heater 45, so the waste heat from the energy conversion device 90 is effectively used to heat the outside air in the second flow path 15.

[0100] (5) In dehumidification mode, the heat transfer medium does not circulate between the heat recovery device 91 and the heater 41, so the heater 41 and the heat transfer medium do not obstruct the cooling of the internal air by the Peltier element 50. In addition, the wasteful use of exhaust heat from the energy conversion device 90 is reduced.

[0101] (6) In dehumidification mode, when outside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 30, the outside air becomes highly humid. As the outside air is heated by the other side of the Peltier element 50 and the heat sink 65, the humidity of the outside air decreases. Therefore, condensation of the outside air is suppressed upstream of the moisture absorption / release rotor 30 in the flow of outside air.

[0102] (7) In humidification mode, the heat recovery device 91 heats the heat transfer medium, and the heated heat transfer medium is supplied to the heater 41, which turns on the heater 41, so the internal air is heated by the heater 41. As a result, the humidity of the internal air decreases, and the internal air becomes more receptive to moisture from other sources. When such internal air passes through the moisture absorption and release rotor 30, moisture is released from the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 into the internal air. This humidifies the internal air. When moisture is released from the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 into the internal air, the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 is regenerated to a state that is more receptive to capturing moisture. As the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 rotates in this state, moisture from the outside air is captured by the moisture absorption and release rotor 30 even if the outside air is not cooled. In addition, the internal air is humidified over a long period of time.

[0103] (8) In humidification mode, the heat transfer medium circulates between the heat recovery device 91 and the heater 41, so that the waste heat from the energy conversion device 90 is effectively used to heat the internal air in the first flow path 11.

[0104] (9) In humidification mode, the heater 41 also heats the internal air in addition to the Peltier element 50, so the heating of the internal air by the Peltier element 50 is enhanced by the heater 41. Even if the power consumption of the Peltier element 50 is low, the internal air is sufficiently heated by the heater 41 and the Peltier element 50.

[0105] (10) In humidification mode, not only the heater 41 but also the Peltier element 50 heats the internal air, so the internal air is sufficiently heated by the heater 41 and the Peltier element 50 without the heater 41 being enlarged to improve heating performance.

[0106] (11) In recent years, there has been a growing demand for the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of carbon neutrality, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to virtually zero, and for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the construction industry, efforts are also being made to use wood, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions, for buildings. This air conditioning system 1 effectively utilizes the waste heat from the energy conversion device 90 to humidify and dehumidify the indoor air. The power consumption of the Peltier element 50 is kept to a minimum. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 can contribute to the promotion of carbon neutrality, the realization of a decarbonized society, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

[0107] [14. Example of changes] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the three-way valve 82 may be connected to the outlet of the heat recovery device 91, the inlets of the heaters 41 and 45 may be connected to the three-way valve 82, the outlets of the heaters 41 and 45 may be connected to the three-way valve 83, the three-way valve 83 may be connected to the circulation pump 81, and the circulation pump 81 may be connected to the inlet of the heat recovery device 91.

[0108] <Second Embodiment> Figures 3 and 4 are vertical cross-sectional views of the air conditioning unit 101. Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit 101. The cross-section shown in Figure 3 is the plane along line III-III in Figure 5. The cross-section shown in Figure 4 is the plane along line IV-IV in Figure 5. The viewing directions in Figure 3 and Figure 4 are opposite to each other. The cross-section shown in Figure 5 is the plane along line VV in Figures 3 and 4.

[0109] The air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment is a more detailed version of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment. The reference numerals of the corresponding components of the air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment and the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment share the same last two digits.

[0110] The air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment will be described in terms of its more specific features compared to the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0111] The enclosure 110 is provided in the shape of a rectangular box. The internal space of the enclosure 110 is surrounded by the top plate 110a, bottom plate 110b, side plates 110c, 110d, front plate 110e, and rear plate 110f. The internal space of the enclosure 110 is divided into front and rear sections by a partition plate 110g, with the space in front of the partition plate 110g being the internal air passage 111 and the space behind the partition plate 110g being the external air passage 115. The partition plate 110g is positioned between the front plate 110e and the rear plate 110f and stands parallel to the front plate 110e and the rear plate 110f. The passages 111 and 115 are adjacent to each other with the partition plate 110g placed between them.

[0112] As shown in Figure 3, the internal air passage 111 is divided into a lower space 111c and an upper space by a partition plate 110h, and the upper space is divided by the partition plate 110h into a region 111a proximal to the side plate 110c and a region 111b distal to the side plate 110c. The partition plate 110h is positioned between the upper plate 110a and the lower plate 110b and is provided parallel to the upper plate 110a and the lower plate 110b. The partition plate 110j is positioned between the upper plate 110a and the partition plate 110h, and between the side plate 110c and the side plate 110d, and is provided parallel to the side plates 110c and 110d.

[0113] The upper plate 110a has an intake port 112 facing the region 111a of the airflow channel 111 for indoor air. The upper plate 110a has an outlet port 113 facing the region 111b of the airflow channel 111. The intake port 112 and the outlet port 113 penetrate the upper plate 110a. The intake port 112 is connected to the indoor air-conditioned area via a first duct, and the outlet port 113 is connected to the indoor air-conditioned area via a third duct.

[0114] The partition plate 110h has a communication opening 111d at a position facing region 111a of the internal air passage 111. The partition plate 110h has a communication opening 111e at a position facing region 111b of the passage 111. The communication opening 111d penetrates the partition plate 110h at a position proximal to the side plate 110c, connecting region 111a and the lower space 111c. The communication opening 111e penetrates the partition plate 110h at a position distal to the side plate 110c, connecting region 111b and the lower space 111c.

[0115] Therefore, the internal air passage 111 is divided into region 111a, lower space 111c, and region 111b. The internal air passes sequentially through the intake port 112, region 111a, communication port 111d, lower space 111c, communication port 111e, region 111b, and outlet port 113. The kinetic energy of such internal air flow is generated by the internal air blowing fan 121. The fan 121 is connected to the intake port 112 within region 111a. The fan 121 draws in internal air from the intake port 112 and blows out the outside air into region 111a.

[0116] As shown in Figure 4, the airflow channel 115 for outside air is divided into a lower space 115c and an upper space by a partition plate 110k, and the upper space is divided by a partition plate 110m into a region distal to the side plate 110c 115a and a region proximal to the side plate 110c 115b. The partition plate 110k is positioned between the upper plate 110a and the lower plate 110b and is provided parallel to the upper plate 110a and the lower plate 110b. The partition plate 110m is positioned between the upper plate 110a and the partition plate 110h, and between the side plate 110c and the side plate 110d, and is provided parallel to the side plates 110c and 110d.

[0117] The upper plate 110a has an intake port 116 facing the area 115a of the airflow channel 115 for outside air. The upper plate 110a has an outlet port 117 facing the area 115b of the airflow channel 115. The intake port 116 and the outlet port 117 penetrate the upper plate 110a. The intake port 116 is connected to the outside via a second duct, and the outlet port 117 is connected to the outside via a fourth duct.

[0118] The partition plate 110k has a communication opening 111d at a position facing region 115a of the airflow channel 115 for outside air. The partition plate 110k has a communication opening 111e at a position facing region 115b of the airflow channel 115. The communication opening 111d penetrates the partition plate 110k at a position proximal to the side plate 110d, connecting region 115a and the lower space 115c. The communication opening 111e penetrates the partition plate 110k at a position distal to the side plate 110d, connecting region 115b and the lower space 115c.

[0119] Therefore, the airflow channel 115 for outside air is divided into region 115a, lower space 115c, and region 115b. The outside air passes sequentially through the intake port 116, region 115a, communication port 115d, lower space 115c, communication port 115e, region 115b, and outlet port 117. The kinetic energy of such outside air flow is generated by the outside air blowing fan 125. The fan 125 is connected to the intake port 116 within region 115a of the airflow channel 115. The fan 125 draws in outside air from the intake port 116 and blows that outside air into region 115a.

[0120] The area of ​​partition plate 110g below partition plates 110k and 110h and near side plate 110c is largely cut out in a roughly rectangular shape. Specifically, the area occupied by the heat sink 161, heater 141, moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130, and rotary drive 135 in Figure 3 is cut out, and the opening 111p is formed in that area. In Figures 3 to 5, the leader line labeled "111p" points to the edge of the opening 111p. The opening 111p leads to the lower space 111c of the flow path 111 and the lower space 115c of the flow path 115.

[0121] As shown in Figure 5, the opening 111p is partially closed by a plate-shaped Peltier element 150. Specifically, the portion of the opening 111p proximal to the side plate 110c is closed by the Peltier element 150. The Peltier element 150 is positioned between the front plate 110e and the rear plate 110f, and is positioned parallel to the front plate 110e and the rear plate 110f. The Peltier element 150 is also positioned flush with the partition plate 110g. This Peltier element 150 partitions the lower space 111c of the internal air channel 111 and the lower space 115c of the external air channel 115, with one side of the Peltier element 150 facing the lower space 111c and the other side facing the lower space 115c.

[0122] The moisture absorption / release rotor 130 is inserted into the portion of the opening 111p distal to the side plate 110c. The moisture absorption / release rotor 130 is positioned to extend beyond the opening 111p to the lower space 111c of the internal air channel 111 and the lower space 115c of the external air channel 115. One half of the moisture absorption / release rotor 130 is positioned in the lower space 111c of the internal air channel 111, and the other half is positioned in the lower space 115c of the external air channel 115. The lower spaces 111c and 115c of the channels 111 and 115 are divided by the moisture absorption / release rotor 130 into a region proximal to the side plate 110c and a region distal to the side plate 110c.

[0123] The moisture absorption and release rotor 130 is positioned such that its central axis extends from the side plate 110c towards the side plate 110d. More specifically, the position of the central axis of the moisture absorption and release rotor 130 in the front-rear direction is aligned with the positions of the partition plate 110g and the Peltier element 150 in the front-rear direction, and the central axis of the moisture absorption and release rotor 130 is provided parallel to the upper plate 110a and the lower plate 110b. The position of the central axis of the moisture absorption and release rotor 130 in the front-rear direction may be shifted forward or backward from the positions of the partition plate 110g and the Peltier element 150 in the front-rear direction.

[0124] The moisture absorption and release rotor 130 is held in a cage so as to be rotatable around its central axis, and the radial and axial loads of the moisture absorption and release rotor 130 are supported by the cage. The center of the moisture absorption and release rotor 130 is connected to a rotary drive unit 135. The rotary drive unit 135 rotates the moisture absorption and release rotor 130 around its central axis. Alternatively, the rotary drive unit 135 may be connected to the outer circumference of the moisture absorption and release rotor 130 at its radially outer side.

[0125] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the heater 141 is positioned in the lower space 111c of the flow path 111, between the side plate 110c and the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130. The heater 141 is positioned closer to the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130 than to the communication port 111d. The heater 141 consists of a heat exchanger.

[0126] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heater 145 is positioned in the lower space 115c of the flow path 115, between the side plate 110d and the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130. The heater 145 is positioned closer to the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130 than to the communication port 115d. The heater 145 consists of a heat exchanger.

[0127] Similar to the first embodiment, in humidification mode, two three-way valves switch the circulation path to the path between the heater 141 and the heat recovery device, and the heat transfer medium is circulated between the heater 141 and the heat recovery device by a circulation pump. In this case, the path between the heater 145 and the heat recovery device is blocked by the two three-way valves, so the heat transfer medium is not circulated between the heater 145 and the heat recovery device. In dehumidification mode, two three-way valves switch the circulation path to the path between the heater 145 and the heat recovery device, and the heat transfer medium is circulated between the heater 145 and the heat recovery device by a circulation pump. In this case, the path between the heater 141 and the heat recovery device is blocked by the two three-way valves, so the heat transfer medium is not circulated between the heater 141 and the heat recovery device. The heat recovery device and the energy conversion device in which it is provided are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0128] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the heat sink 161 is bonded to one side of the Peltier element 150. The heat sink 161 is positioned between the side plate 110c and the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130 in the lower space 115c of the airflow channel 111 for outside air.

[0129] As shown in Figure 5, the heat sink 161 has a plate-shaped base 162 and a plurality of rod-shaped fins 163. The base 162 is surface-bonded to one side of the Peltier element 150. The plurality of fins 163 are integrated with the base 162 so as to protrude from the base 162. These fins 163 are distributed in a region between the heater 141 and the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130, and in a region between the heater 141 and the side plate 110c.

[0130] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heat sink 165 is bonded to the other side of the Peltier element 150. The heat sink 165 is positioned between the side plate 110c and the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130 in the lower space 115c of the flow path 115.

[0131] As shown in Figure 5, the heat sink 165 has a plate-shaped base 166 and a plurality of rod-shaped fins 167. The base 166 is surface-bonded to the other surface of the Peltier element 150. The plurality of fins 167 are integrated with the base 166 so as to protrude from the base 166. These fins 167 are distributed in the region between the side plate 110c and the moisture absorption / desorption rotor 130.

[0132] In dehumidification mode, the internal air is cooled by one side of the Peltier element 150 and the heat sink 161 before passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 130. As the internal air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 130, moisture in the internal air is captured by the rotor 130, thus dehumidifying the internal air. The outside air is heated by the heater 145 before passing through the moisture absorption / release rotor 130. As the heated outside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 130, moisture is released from the rotor 130 into the outside air, thus regenerating the rotor 130.

[0133] In humidification mode, when outside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 130, moisture in the outside air is captured by the moisture absorption / release rotor 130. Before the inside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 130, it is heated by the heater 141, one side of the Peltier element 150, and the heat sink 161. When the heated inside air passes through the moisture absorption / release rotor 130, moisture is released from the moisture absorption / release rotor 130 into the inside air, thus humidifying the inside air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1,101 Air conditioning equipment 10,110 units 11,111 First channel 15,115 Second flow path 21,121 First Fan 25,125 Second Fan 30,130 Moisture-absorbing and releasing rotor 41,141 Heater, first heat exchanger 45,145 Heater, second heat exchanger 50,150 Peltier elements 61,161 Heatsinks 65,165 Heatsink 70 Control Unit 80 Circulating fluid circuit 81 Circulation pump 82 First three-way valve 83 Second three-way valve 90 Energy conversion device 91 Heat Recovery System

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for conditioned indoors, A housing having a first channel and a second channel adjacent to each other, A rotor is positioned to extend beyond the boundary between the first and second flow paths and into both the first and second flow paths, and rotates around a central axis along the boundary, capturing and releasing moisture. A first fan is provided in the first flow path and blows the internal air in the first flow path through to the rotor, A second fan is provided in the second flow path and blows outside air through the second flow path to the rotor in the opposite direction to the direction of passage of the internal air. A Peltier element is provided to partition the first and second airflow channels upstream of the rotor in the aforementioned internal airflow, and to exchange heat between the internal air and the external air. Equipped with, In dehumidification mode, the Peltier element absorbs heat from the internal air and radiates that heat to the outside air. In humidification mode, the Peltier element absorbs heat from the outside air and radiates that heat into the inside air. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

2. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, A control unit that applies a voltage to the Peltier element and changes the direction of the voltage between the dehumidification mode and the humidification mode. An air conditioning system characterized by comprising the following features.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 2, A heater provided in the second flow path upstream of the rotor in the aforementioned outside airflow, which is turned on in the dehumidification mode and turned off in the humidification mode. An air conditioning system characterized by comprising the following features.

4. An air conditioning system according to claim 3, A heat recovery device is provided between the heater and the heat recovery device, and a circulating fluid circuit is provided for circulating a heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device and the heater. The heat recovery device heats the heat transfer medium by recovering waste heat from an energy conversion device that converts the chemical energy of the fuel gas into electrical energy, thermal energy, or both. The heater is a heat exchanger that releases the heat from the heat transfer medium supplied from the heat recovery device to the outside air. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

5. An air conditioning system according to claim 2, A heater provided in the first airflow channel upstream of the rotor in the aforementioned internal airflow, which is turned on in the humidification mode and turned off in the dehumidification mode. An air conditioning system characterized by comprising the following features.

6. An air conditioning system according to claim 5, A heat recovery device is provided between the heater and the heat recovery device, and a circulating fluid circuit is provided for circulating a heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device and the heater. The heat recovery device heats the heat transfer medium by recovering waste heat from an energy conversion device that converts the chemical energy of the fuel gas into electrical energy, thermal energy, or both. The heater is a heat exchanger that releases the heat from the heat transfer medium supplied from the heat recovery device into the surrounding air. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

7. An air conditioning system according to claim 2, The first flow path is provided upstream of the rotor in the internal airflow. First heat exchanger, A second heat exchanger is provided in the second flow path upstream of the rotor in the aforementioned outside airflow, The system comprises a heat recovery device and a circulating fluid circuit provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, The heat recovery device heats the heat transfer medium by recovering waste heat from an energy conversion device that converts the chemical energy of fuel gas into electrical energy, thermal energy, or both. The circulating fluid circuit circulates the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device and the second heat exchanger in the dehumidification mode, but does not circulate the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device and the first heat exchanger. The circulating fluid circuit circulates the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device and the first heat exchanger in the humidification mode, but does not circulate the heat transfer medium between the heat recovery device and the second heat exchanger. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

8. An air conditioning system according to claim 7, The aforementioned circulating fluid circuit, A circulation pump connected to the outlet of the heat recovery device, A first three-way valve connected to the circulation pump and connected to the inlets of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, A second three-way valve is connected to the outlets of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is connected to the inlet of the heat recovery device, An air conditioning system characterized by having the following features.

9. An air conditioning system according to claim 7, The aforementioned circulating fluid circuit, A first three-way valve connected to the outlet of the heat recovery device and connected to the inlets of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, A second three-way valve connected to the outlets of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, A circulation pump connected to the second three-way valve and connected to the inlet of the heat recovery device, An air conditioning system characterized by having the following features.

10. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, A heat sink bonded to the Peltier element within the first channel An air conditioning system characterized by comprising the following features.

11. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, A heat sink bonded to the Peltier element within the second channel An air conditioning system characterized by comprising the following features.

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