dehumidifier

Abstract

The dehumidifier comprises a refrigerant circuit in which a first heat exchanger (1), a pressure reducing device (5), a second heat exchanger (2), a flow path switching device (7), a third heat exchanger (3), a compressor (6), and a fourth heat exchanger (4) are sequentially connected by refrigerant piping (8), a first desiccant material (21), a second desiccant material (22), and a control unit (30). The first heat exchanger (1) and the second heat exchanger (2) are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the intake port (11a). The third heat exchanger (3) is positioned so as to overlap with the first heat exchanger (1) and the second heat exchanger (2) when viewed from the intake port (11a). The fourth heat exchanger (4) is positioned so as to overlap with the third heat exchanger (3) when viewed from the intake port (11a). The control unit (30) alternately switches between a first state in which the first heat exchanger (1) is used as a condenser and the second heat exchanger (2) is used as an evaporator, and a second state in which the second heat exchanger (2) is used as a condenser and the first heat exchanger (1) is used as an evaporator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2016 / 170592 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air conditioner as an example of a dehumidifier. The air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 enhances the dehumidification function by including a desiccant block.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, the desiccant material constituting the desiccant block has a limit in the amount of moisture that can be held. When the moisture amount reaches the limit, dehumidification cannot be performed.

[0005] Therefore, after the air conditioner operates in the adsorption mode in which the desiccant block adsorbs moisture, it operates in the desorption mode in which the desiccant block desorbs moisture. The air conditioner maintains the dehumidification effect by the desiccant block by alternately switching between these adsorption mode and desorption mode.

[0006] However, in the desorption mode, since the desiccant block releases moisture into the air, the dehumidification amount of the dehumidifier becomes less than that in the adsorption mode. That is, in the operation of the dehumidifier, a period with a small dehumidification amount occurs periodically.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a dehumidifier that can continuously operate while stabilizing the dehumidification amount while including a desiccant material.

[0008] This disclosure was made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a dehumidifier that is equipped with a desiccant material and can operate continuously while maintaining a stable dehumidification rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The dehumidifier for dehumidifying air according to this disclosure comprises a refrigerant circuit in which a first heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, a second heat exchanger, a flow path switching device, a third heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator, a compressor, and a fourth heat exchanger functioning as a condenser are sequentially connected by refrigerant piping; a housing that includes an air passage from an intake to an outlet, wherein at least the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger, and the fourth heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit are arranged on the air passage; a first desiccant material that adsorbs or desorbs moisture in accordance with the temperature change of the first heat exchanger; a second desiccant material that adsorbs or desorbs moisture in accordance with the temperature change of the second heat exchanger; a blower that creates an airflow in which air is taken in from the intake to the air passage and blown out from the outlet; and a control unit that controls the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are provided in positions that do not overlap in plan view from the intake. The third heat exchanger is located on the outlet side of the first and second heat exchangers, and is positioned so as viewed from the intake, it overlaps the first and second heat exchangers in plan. The fourth heat exchanger is located on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger, and is positioned so as viewed from the intake, it overlaps the third heat exchanger in plan. The control unit alternately switches the flow path switching device to alternately switch between a first state in which the refrigerant flows so that the first heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the second heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and a second state in which the refrigerant flows so that the second heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the first heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] A dehumidifier according to this disclosure comprises a first desiccant material that adsorbs or desorbs moisture in response to a change in the temperature of a first heat exchanger and a second desiccant material that adsorbs or desorbs moisture in response to a change in the temperature of a second heat exchanger, and alternately switches between a first state in which the refrigerant flows so that the first heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the second heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and a second state in which the refrigerant flows so that the second heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the first heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. Thus, according to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier that can operate continuously with a stable dehumidification amount while still being equipped with desiccant materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is an external view of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of a dehumidifier related to the comparative technology. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the refrigerant flow in the desorption mode related to the form of the comparative technology. [Figure 6] This figure shows the flow of the refrigerant in the adsorption mode related to the form of the comparative technology. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the flow of the refrigerant in the first state according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the flow of the refrigerant in the second state according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the configuration of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the configuration of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0013] Embodiment 1. <Configuration of the dehumidifier> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1. The dehumidifier 100 dehumidifies air. The dehumidifier 100 includes a refrigerant circuit, a desiccant material 21, a desiccant material 22, a housing 12, a cover 13, a blower 9, a temperature sensor 41, a temperature sensor 42, a temperature sensor 43, and a control unit 30.

[0014] The "desiccant material 21" and "desiccant material 22" in Embodiment 1 respectively correspond to the "first desiccant material" and "second desiccant material" in the present disclosure. Also, the "temperature sensor 41", "temperature sensor 42", and "temperature sensor 43" respectively correspond to the "first temperature sensor", "second temperature sensor", and "third temperature sensor" in the present disclosure.

[0015] The refrigerant circuit includes a heat exchanger 1, a pressure reducing device 5, a heat exchanger 2, a flow path switching device 7, a heat exchanger 3, a compressor 6, and a heat exchanger 4, which are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe 8. The "heat exchanger 1", "heat exchanger 2", "heat exchanger 3", and "heat exchanger 4" in Embodiment 1 respectively correspond to the "first heat exchanger", "second heat exchanger", "third heat exchanger", and "fourth heat exchanger" in the present disclosure.

[0016] The refrigerant pipe 8 conducts a gaseous or liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant is, for example, an HFC refrigerant such as R410A, R407C, R404A, a HCFC refrigerant such as R22, R124a, or a natural refrigerant such as hydrocarbon or helium.

[0017] The compressor 6 compresses the gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure state. The compressor 6 may have a fixed rotation speed and a constant capacity, or may have a controlled rotation speed and a variable capacity.

[0018] The heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, exchanging heat between the gaseous refrigerant and air to condense the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 4 is composed of, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger with multiple fins and heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows. That is, The flow path switching device 7 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit. The flow path switching device 7 is, for example, a four-way valve. Alternatively, the flow path switching device 7 may be configured to switch the direction of refrigerant flow by combining a solenoid valve and a check valve.

[0019] Each of heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2 functions as either a condenser that condenses the incoming refrigerant or an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant, depending on the state of the incoming refrigerant. Each of heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger equipped with multiple fins and heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows.

[0020] The pressure reducing device 5 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and causes it to expand. The pressure reducing device 5 is, for example, an electrically operated expansion valve that can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant based on instructions from the control unit 30. Alternatively, the pressure reducing device 5 may be a mechanical expansion valve with a diaphragm in the pressure-receiving part, or a capillary tube.

[0021] Heat exchanger 3 functions as an evaporator, exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air to evaporate the refrigerant. Heat exchanger 3 is composed of, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger with multiple fins and heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows.

[0022] Each of the desiccant materials 21 and 22 is an adsorbent having countless microscopic pores that hold moisture, and is composed of, for example, zeolite. The adsorbent can hold less moisture at higher temperatures and more moisture at lower temperatures. Therefore, each of the desiccant materials 21 and 22 desorbs moisture at high temperatures and adsorbs moisture at low temperatures.

[0023] Adsorbents have a limit to the amount of moisture they can hold, and if they hold the maximum amount of moisture, they cannot dehumidify. Therefore, each of the desiccant material 21 and desiccant material 22 needs to alternate between adsorption and desorption in order to maintain the dehumidifying effect.

[0024] In Embodiment 1, the desiccant material 21 is applied to the surface of the heat exchanger 1. In other words, the heat exchanger 1 and the desiccant material 21 constitute a coated heat exchanger. Furthermore, because the desiccant material 21 is applied to the surface of the heat exchanger 1, its temperature changes in accordance with the temperature change of the heat exchanger 1, and it adsorbs or desorbs moisture.

[0025] In Embodiment 1, the desiccant material 22 is applied to the surface of the heat exchanger 2. In other words, the heat exchanger 2 and the desiccant material 22 constitute a coated heat exchanger. Furthermore, because the desiccant material 22 is applied to the surface of the heat exchanger 2, its temperature changes in accordance with the temperature change of the heat exchanger 2, and it adsorbs or desorbs moisture.

[0026] The housing 12 includes an intake port 11a and an outlet port 11b, and an air passage 11 is formed from the intake port 11a to the outlet port 11b. In Embodiment 1, the refrigerant circuit includes a heat exchanger 1, a heat exchanger 2, a heat exchanger 3 that functions as an evaporator, and a heat exchanger 4 that functions as a condenser, all of which are arranged on the air passage 11. However, it is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the refrigerant circuit includes at least a heat exchanger 1, a heat exchanger 2, a heat exchanger 3 that functions as an evaporator, and a heat exchanger 4 that functions as a condenser, all of which are arranged on the air passage 11.

[0027] On the air passage 11, heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2 are positioned so that they do not overlap in plan when viewed from the intake port 11a. In Embodiment 1, heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2 are arranged side by side horizontally. Heat exchanger 3 is located on the outlet port 11b side of heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2, and is positioned so that it overlaps in plan with heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2 when viewed from the intake port 11a. Heat exchanger 4 is located on the outlet port 11b side of heat exchanger 3, and is positioned so that it overlaps in plan with heat exchanger 3 when viewed from the intake port 11a.

[0028] The blower 9 creates an airflow through which air is drawn in from the intake port 11a to the air passage 11 and blown out from the outlet port 11b. The blower 9 is a sirocco fan or centrifugal fan driven by a motor, such as a DC fan motor. In Embodiment 1, the blower 9 is positioned on the air passage 11.

[0029] The temperature sensor 41 acquires the temperature value of the heat exchanger 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first temperature"). The temperature sensor 41 is, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor 41 is attached, for example, to the heat transfer tube of the heat exchanger 1.

[0030] The temperature sensor 42 acquires the temperature value of the heat exchanger 2 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second temperature"). The temperature sensor 42 is, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor 42 is attached, for example, to the heat transfer tube of the heat exchanger 2.

[0031] The temperature sensor 43 acquires the temperature value of the air taken into the air passage 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the "third temperature"). The temperature sensor 43 is, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor 43 is attached, for example, to the intake port 11a.

[0032] The control unit 30 acquires the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature. The control unit 30 also controls the flow of refrigerant by switching the flow path switching device 7. The control unit 30 includes a processor, memory, and input / output interfaces for inputting and outputting various signals. The memory includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor loads the program stored in ROM into RAM and executes it. The program stored in ROM is a program that describes the processing procedure of the control unit 30. The ROM also stores data used to control the flow of refrigerant. The control unit 30 performs processing based on these programs and data. The processing is not limited to software; it can also be performed using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0033] The cover 13 forms a case that includes the housing 12, the control unit 30, and the compressor 6. The cover 13 is made of, for example, sheet metal.

[0034] Figure 2 is an external view of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the cover 13 includes openings 13a and 13b. Air enters the dehumidifier 100 through opening 13a and exits the dehumidifier 100 through opening 13b.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the dehumidifier 100 has all its components integrated within the cover 13. However, it is not limited to this, and the dehumidifier may, for example, have a compressor 6 that is separate from the other components.

[0036] <Operating the dehumidifier> To explain the operation of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1, we will first describe a dehumidifier in the form of a comparative technology. As an example of a dehumidifier equipped with the desiccant material described above, a dehumidifier in the form of a comparative technology described below is known.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the configuration of a dehumidifier 101 relating to a comparative technology. The dehumidifier 101 comprises a refrigerant circuit, a housing 12, a cover 13, a desiccant block 24, a blower 9, and a control unit (not shown). The desiccant block 24 is formed from a block of desiccant material.

[0038] In the refrigerant circuit of the comparative technology, a heat exchanger 1a, a pressure reducing device 5, a heat exchanger 2a, a flow path switching device 7, a compressor 6, and a heat exchanger 4 that functions as a condenser are sequentially connected by refrigerant piping 8.

[0039] Each of the heat exchangers, 1a and 2a, becomes either a condenser that condenses the refrigerant or an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant, depending on the state of the refrigerant flowing into it. Each of the heat exchangers, 1a and 2a, is composed of, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger with multiple fins and heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows.

[0040] In the air passage 11 of the comparative technology, heat exchangers 1a, 2a, and 4 are arranged in the refrigerant circuit. On the air passage 11, heat exchanger 1a is positioned closest to the intake port 11a. The desiccant block 24 is located on the outlet port 11b side of heat exchanger 1a and is positioned so as to overlap with heat exchanger 1a in plan when viewed from the intake port 11a. Heat exchanger 2a is located on the outlet port 11b side of desiccant block 24 and is positioned so as to overlap with desiccant block 24 in plan when viewed from the intake port 11a. Heat exchanger 4 is located on the outlet port 11b side of heat exchanger 2a and is positioned so as to overlap with heat exchanger 2a in plan when viewed from the intake port 11a.

[0041] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the flow of refrigerant and air during the operation of the dehumidifier 101 according to the comparative technology will be explained. The dehumidifier 101 according to the comparative technology operates by alternately switching between a desorption mode, in which the refrigerant flows so that heat exchanger 1a acts as a condenser and heat exchanger 2a acts as an evaporator, and an adsorption mode, in which the refrigerant flows so that heat exchanger 2a acts as a condenser and heat exchanger 1a acts as an evaporator.

[0042] Figure 5 shows the flow of refrigerant in the desorption mode according to the comparative technology configuration. In the desorption mode, the refrigerant flows in the following order: compressor 6, heat exchanger 4, flow path switching device 7, heat exchanger 1a, pressure reducing device 5, heat exchanger 2a, flow path switching device 7, and then flows back into compressor 6.

[0043] The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor 6 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 4.

[0044] The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with air in the heat exchanger 4, which functions as a condenser. This causes a portion of the refrigerant to condense, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure, two-phase gaseous refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure, two-phase gaseous refrigerant then flows into the heat exchanger 1a via the flow path switching device 7.

[0045] In the heat exchanger 1a, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous-liquid two-phase refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with air, causing the remaining gaseous refrigerant to condense and become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Thus, in desorption mode, the heat exchanger 1a becomes a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the pressure reducing device 5.

[0046] The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing device 5, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 2a.

[0047] The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates in the heat exchanger 2a through heat exchange with air, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Thus, in desorption mode, the heat exchanger 2a becomes an evaporator. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant then flows back into the compressor 6.

[0048] Next, the airflow in the detachment mode relating to the comparative technology will be described. Air taken into the air passage 11 from the intake port 11a is sent to the heat exchanger 1a. The air sent to the heat exchanger 1a is heated by the heat exchanger 1a, which is a condenser.

[0049] The air that has passed through the heat exchanger 1a is sent to the desiccant block 24. Because the air sent to the desiccant block 24 is hot, its temperature rises, and moisture is desorbed from the air. In other words, the air sent to the desiccant block 24 is humidified.

[0050] The air that has passed through the desiccant block 24 is sent to the heat exchanger 2a. The air sent to the heat exchanger 2a is cooled by heat exchange with the heat exchanger 2a, which is an evaporator. Through this cooling, the air cooled to below the dew point temperature is dehumidified.

[0051] The air that has passed through heat exchanger 2a is sent to heat exchanger 4. The air sent to heat exchanger 4 is heated, its temperature rises, its relative humidity decreases, and it is released from outlet 11b.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the flow of the refrigerant in the adsorption mode according to the comparative technology configuration. In the adsorption mode, the flow path switching device 7 is switched compared to the desorption mode shown in Figure 5. As a result, in the adsorption mode, the refrigerant flows in the following order: compressor 6, heat exchanger 4, flow path switching device 7, heat exchanger 2a, pressure reducing device 5, heat exchanger 1a, flow path switching device 7, and then flows back into the compressor 6. Thus, in the adsorption mode, the order in which the refrigerant flows is reversed between heat exchanger 1a and heat exchanger 2a compared to the desorption mode. As a result, in the adsorption mode, contrary to the desorption mode, heat exchanger 2a becomes the condenser and heat exchanger 1a becomes the evaporator.

[0053] Next, we will explain the differences between the adsorption mode and the desorption mode, mainly regarding the airflow in the form of the comparative technology.

[0054] In adsorption mode, the heat exchanger 1a acts as an evaporator, cooling and dehumidifying the air. In other words, the air sent into the heat exchanger 1a is dehumidified.

[0055] Because the air supplied to the desiccant block 24 is at a low temperature, its temperature drops, and it adsorbs moisture from the air. In other words, the air supplied to the desiccant block 24 is dehumidified.

[0056] Furthermore, since the heat exchanger 2a is a condenser, the air sent into the heat exchanger 2a is heated, causing its temperature to rise and its relative humidity to decrease.

[0057] These desorption and adsorption modes are alternately switched by the control unit, which alternately switches the flow path switching device 7. This allows the desiccant block 24 to alternate between desorption and adsorption, maintaining its dehumidifying effect.

[0058] Here, we consider the amount of dehumidification during operation of the dehumidifier 101 according to the comparative technology. In the desorption mode and the adsorption mode, the evaporator and condenser of heat exchanger 1a and heat exchanger 2a are swapped. That is, during operation of the dehumidifier 101, one of heat exchanger 1a and heat exchanger 2a is always the evaporator and the other is always the condenser. Therefore, during operation of the dehumidifier 101, the total amount of dehumidification by heat exchanger 1a and heat exchanger 2a does not fluctuate.

[0059] On the other hand, the desiccant block 24 humidifies in the detachment mode and dehumidifies in the adsorption mode. As a result, the amount of dehumidification by the dehumidifier 101 is less in the detachment mode than in the adsorption mode. Thus, in the form of the comparative technology, the dehumidifier 101 will periodically experience periods of low dehumidification during operation.

[0060] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the flow of refrigerant and air during the operation of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 operates by alternately switching between a first state in which the refrigerant flows so that heat exchanger 1 acts as a condenser and heat exchanger 2 acts as an evaporator, and a second state in which the refrigerant flows so that heat exchanger 2 acts as a condenser and heat exchanger 1 acts as an evaporator.

[0061] Figure 7 shows the flow of the refrigerant in the first state according to Embodiment 1. In the first state, the refrigerant flows in the following order: compressor 6, heat exchanger 4, flow path switching device 7, heat exchanger 1, pressure reducing device 5, heat exchanger 2, flow path switching device 7, heat exchanger 3, and then flows back into compressor 6.

[0062] The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor 6 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 4.

[0063] The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with air in the heat exchanger 4, which functions as a condenser. This causes a portion of the refrigerant to condense, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure, two-phase gaseous refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure, two-phase gaseous refrigerant then flows into the heat exchanger 1 via the flow path switching device 7.

[0064] In the heat exchanger 1, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous-liquid two-phase refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with air, causing the remaining gaseous refrigerant to condense and become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Thus, in the first state, the heat exchanger 1 functions as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the depressurization device 5.

[0065] The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing device 5, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 2.

[0066] In the heat exchanger 2, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with air, causing a portion of it to evaporate and become a low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. Thus, in the first state, the heat exchanger 2 functions as an evaporator. The low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows through the flow path switching device 7 into the heat exchanger 3, which functions as an evaporator.

[0067] The low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gaseous refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with air in the heat exchanger 3, which functions as an evaporator. As a result, the remaining liquid refrigerant evaporates, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant then flows back into the compressor 6.

[0068] Next, we will explain the airflow in the first state. The air taken into the air passage 11 from the intake port 11a is divided into air sent to heat exchanger 1 and air sent to heat exchanger 2.

[0069] The air supplied to the heat exchanger 1 is heated by the heat exchanger 1, which acts as a condenser. Here, the desiccant material 21 coated on the heat exchanger 1 becomes hot due to the high temperature of the heat exchanger 1, and dehydrates the air. In other words, the air supplied to the heat exchanger 1 is humidified.

[0070] On the other hand, the air supplied to the heat exchanger 2 is dehumidified by the heat exchanger 2, which acts as an evaporator. Here, the desiccant material 22 coated on the heat exchanger 2 becomes cold because the heat exchanger 2 is cold, and it adsorbs moisture from the air. In other words, the air supplied to the heat exchanger 2 is dehumidified by the heat exchanger 2 and the desiccant material 22.

[0071] Both the air humidified in heat exchanger 1 and the air dehumidified in heat exchanger 2 are sent to heat exchanger 3 for cooling. The air humidified in heat exchanger 1 is cooled and dehumidified for the first time in heat exchanger 3. On the other hand, the air dehumidified in heat exchanger 2 is dehumidified in heat exchanger 3 if some moisture remains.

[0072] The air that has passed through heat exchanger 3 is sent to heat exchanger 4. The air sent to heat exchanger 4 is heated, its temperature rises, its relative humidity decreases, and it is released from outlet 11b.

[0073] Figure 8 shows the flow of the refrigerant in the second state according to Embodiment 1. In the second state, the flow path switching device 7 is switched compared to the first state shown in Figure 7. As a result, in the second state, the refrigerant flows in the following order: compressor 6, heat exchanger 4, flow path switching device 7, heat exchanger 2, pressure reducing device 5, heat exchanger 1, flow path switching device 7, heat exchanger 3, and then flows back into compressor 6. Thus, in the second state, the order in which the refrigerant flows through heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2 is reversed compared to the first state. As a result, in the second state, contrary to the first state, heat exchanger 2 becomes the condenser and heat exchanger 1 becomes the evaporator.

[0074] Next, we will explain the differences between the airflow in the second state and the first state. In the second state, the heat exchanger 2 acts as a condenser and heats the air. As a result, the desiccant material 22 coated on the heat exchanger 2 becomes hotter and dehydrates the air. In other words, the air supplied to the heat exchanger 2 is humidified.

[0075] Meanwhile, the heat exchanger 1 acts as an evaporator, dehumidifying the air. The desiccant material 21 coated on the heat exchanger 1 becomes colder and adsorbs moisture from the air. In other words, the air sent into the heat exchanger 1 is dehumidified.

[0076] These first and second states are alternately switched by the control unit 30 by alternately switching the flow path switching device 7. As a result, the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 each alternately perform desorption and adsorption, maintaining the dehumidifying effect.

[0077] Now, let's consider the amount of dehumidification during the operation of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1. In the heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2, the evaporator and condenser are swapped between the first state and the second state. Therefore, the total amount of dehumidification by heat exchanger 1 and heat exchanger 2 does not change during the operation of the dehumidifier 100.

[0078] Furthermore, the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 switch between desorption and adsorption between the first and second states. That is, during the operation of the dehumidifier 100, one of the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 is always desorbing, and the other is always adsorbing. Therefore, during the operation of the dehumidifier 100, the total amount of dehumidification by the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 does not fluctuate.

[0079] Based on these findings, the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with a desiccant material and can operate continuously while maintaining a stable dehumidification rate.

[0080] The desiccant material 21 according to Embodiment 1 is applied to the surface of the heat exchanger 1. Therefore, the desiccant material 21 is directly affected by the temperature changes of the heat exchanger 1, and its temperature changes accordingly.

[0081] In contrast, another possible configuration for the desiccant material 21 is one in which the desiccant material 21 is provided separately from the heat exchanger 1. Specifically, as in the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2 described later, the desiccant material 21 is made into a block and placed on the outlet 11b side of the heat exchanger 1, and in a position that overlaps with the heat exchanger 1 in a planar manner when viewed from the intake 11a. In this case, the temperature of the air that has passed through the heat exchanger 1 changes first due to the change in the temperature of the heat exchanger 1. Then, the temperature of the desiccant material 21 changes as the air that has passed through the heat exchanger 1 is supplied to it.

[0082] Therefore, the temperature of the desiccant material 21 changes more significantly when it is applied to the surface of the heat exchanger 1, as in Embodiment 1, than when it is provided separately from the heat exchanger 1. The same applies to the desiccant material 22.

[0083] As mentioned above, the desiccant material can retain less moisture at higher temperatures and more moisture at lower temperatures. Therefore, the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 can dehumidify more than the case in which the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 are provided separately from the heat exchanger 1 and the heat exchanger 2, respectively.

[0084] Furthermore, if the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 are provided separately from the heat exchanger 1 and the heat exchanger 2, respectively, then it is necessary to provide space for each of the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 on the air passage 11.

[0085] In contrast, in the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1, since the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 are applied to the heat exchanger 1 and the heat exchanger 2 respectively, there is no need to provide space for the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 on the air passage 11. As a result, the air passage 11 of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 can be made smaller, and the entire dehumidifier can be made smaller.

[0086] In the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1, the control unit 30 switches between the first state and the second state based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. This will be explained in detail below.

[0087] Preferably, the switch between the first and second states is performed when the desiccant material 21 or desiccant material 22 that is desorbing has desorbed the maximum amount of moisture. This is because a desiccant material that has desorbed the maximum amount of moisture can adsorb more moisture when it starts adsorbing after the switch between the first and second states.

[0088] While the desiccant material is desorbing, moisture evaporates from it, causing the desiccant material to lose heat of vaporization. Since the desiccant material is installed in the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger also loses heat of vaporization. When the desiccant material has desorbed moisture to its limit, the evaporation of moisture stops, and neither the desiccant material nor the heat exchanger loses heat of vaporization. The control unit 30 according to Embodiment 1 utilizes this characteristic to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0089] First, let's explain the case of switching from the first state to the second state. In the first state, the heat exchanger 1 is hot because high-temperature refrigerant is flowing into it. Therefore, the desiccant material 21 installed in the heat exchanger 1 is deconverted. While the desiccant material 21 is deconverting, the temperature of the heat exchanger 1 is lower due to the loss of heat of vaporization. When the desiccant material 21 has deconverted to its limit, the heat exchanger 1 no longer loses heat of vaporization, so its temperature becomes higher than when the desiccant material 21 was deconverting. Note that in both cases, both when the desiccant material 21 is deconverting and when it has deconverted to its limit, the temperature of the heat exchanger 1 is higher than the temperature of the air taken into the air passage 11.

[0090] Based on this, the control unit 30 switches to the second state when, in the first state, the difference between the first temperature, which indicates the temperature of the heat exchanger 1, and the third temperature, which indicates the temperature of the air taken into the air passage 11, becomes greater than or equal to the first temperature difference. This first temperature difference is set so that when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit, the difference between the first temperature and the third temperature becomes greater than or equal to the first temperature difference. As a result, the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 can switch to the second state at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The first temperature difference is stored in the memory of the control unit 30 in advance.

[0091] The same applies when switching from the second state to the first state. When in the second state, the control unit 30 switches to the first state when the difference between the second temperature, which indicates the temperature of the heat exchanger 2, and the third temperature, which indicates the temperature of the air taken into the air passage 11, becomes greater than or equal to the second temperature difference. This second temperature difference is set so that when the desiccant material 22 has desorbed moisture to its limit, the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature becomes greater than or equal to the second temperature difference. As a result, the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 can switch to the first state at the timing when the desiccant material 22 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The second temperature difference is also stored in the memory of the control unit 30.

[0092] In the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1, the heat exchanger 1 and the heat exchanger 2 are arranged horizontally side by side on the air passage 11. This makes it possible to make the vertical dimension of the housing 12 shorter than the horizontal dimension. As a result, the vertical dimension of the dehumidifier 100 can be made shorter than the horizontal dimension.

[0093] [Example 1] In the above embodiment of the dehumidifier 100, the case in which a temperature sensor 41, a temperature sensor 42, and a temperature sensor 43 are provided has been described. However, the dehumidifier is not limited to this, and may not have a temperature sensor 43, and may only have a temperature sensor 41 and a temperature sensor 42.

[0094] In this case, we will first explain the case of switching from the first state to the second state. When the control unit 30 is in the first state, it switches to the second state when the first temperature becomes equal to or above the first reference temperature. This first reference temperature is set so that the first temperature becomes equal to or above the first reference temperature when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the second state at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The first reference temperature is stored in the memory of the control unit 30 in advance.

[0095] The same applies when switching from the second state to the first state. When the control unit 30 is in the second state, it switches to the first state when the second temperature becomes equal to or above the second reference temperature. This second reference temperature is set so that the second temperature becomes equal to or above the second reference temperature when the desiccant material 22 has desorbed moisture to its limit. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the first state at the moment when the desiccant material 22 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The second reference temperature is also stored in the memory of the control unit 30 in advance.

[0096] As described above, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch between the first and second states based on the first and second temperatures, rather than on the third temperature. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can be configured without a temperature sensor 43, and the number of temperature sensors can be reduced compared to the dehumidifier 100 according to the embodiment.

[0097] [Differentiation 2] In the dehumidifier according to the above modified example 1, the case where there is no temperature sensor 43, and only temperature sensors 41 and 42 have been described. However, the dehumidifier may further omit temperature sensors 42 and 43, and only have temperature sensor 41. In this case, the switching between the first state and the second state is performed at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit, and at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit.

[0098] First, let's explain the case of switching from the first state to the second state. Similar to the modified example 1 above, the control unit switches to the second state when the first temperature becomes equal to or above the first reference temperature while in the first state. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the second state at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The "first reference temperature" is also referred to as the "desorption temperature".

[0099] Next, we will explain the case of switching from the second state to the first state. In the second state, the heat exchanger 1 is cold because a low-temperature refrigerant flows into it. Therefore, the desiccant material 21 provided in the heat exchanger 1 adsorbs the refrigerant.

[0100] While the desiccant material 21 is adsorbing moisture, heat of adsorption is generated as moisture from the air is adsorbed onto the desiccant material 21. Since the desiccant material 21 is installed in the heat exchanger 1, the heat of adsorption is transferred to the heat exchanger 1. In other words, while the desiccant material 21 is adsorbing moisture, the temperature of the heat exchanger 1 is elevated by the amount of heat transferred.

[0101] When the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit, adsorption stops, and no heat is generated from adsorption. As a result, the heat exchanger 1 no longer receives heat from adsorption, and its temperature becomes lower than when the desiccant material 21 was adsorbing.

[0102] Based on this, the control unit switches to the first state when the first temperature falls below the adsorption completion temperature while in the second state. This adsorption completion temperature is set so that the first temperature falls below the adsorption completion temperature when the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the first state at the moment when the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit. The adsorption completion temperature is also stored in the control unit's memory beforehand.

[0103] As described above, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch between the first and second states based on the first temperature, rather than on the second and third temperatures. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can be configured without temperature sensors 42 and 43, and the number of temperature sensors can be further reduced compared to the dehumidifier 100 according to Modification 1.

[0104] [Difference 3] In the dehumidifier 100 according to the above embodiment, the case in which the heat exchanger 1 and the heat exchanger 2 are arranged horizontally on the air passage 11 has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the heat exchanger 1 and the heat exchanger 2 may be arranged vertically on the air passage 11, for example. This makes the horizontal dimension of the housing 12 shorter than the vertical dimension. As a result, the horizontal dimension of the dehumidifier 100 can be made shorter than the vertical dimension.

[0105] [Differentiation Example 4] In the dehumidifier 100 according to the above embodiment, the case in which there is one heat exchanger 1 and one heat exchanger 2 has been described. However, the dehumidifier is not limited to this and may have multiple heat exchangers 1 or multiple heat exchangers 2. In this case, the multiple heat exchangers 1 may be arranged in positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the intake port 11a, or they may be arranged in positions that overlap each other. This makes it possible to reduce the size of each of the multiple heat exchangers 1. The same applies to the multiple heat exchangers 2.

[0106] Embodiment 2. Figure 9 shows the configuration of the dehumidifier 100a according to Embodiment 2. Compared to Embodiment 1, the dehumidifier 100a according to Embodiment 2 has different forms for the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22.

[0107] In the dehumidifier 100a according to Embodiment 2, the desiccant material 21 is provided in a block shape on the outlet 11b side of the heat exchanger 1, and at a position that overlaps with the heat exchanger 1 in a planar manner when viewed from the intake 11a. Similarly, the desiccant material 22 is provided in a block shape on the outlet 11b side of the heat exchanger 2, and at a position that overlaps with the heat exchanger 2 in a planar manner when viewed from the intake 11a.

[0108] In this case, the temperature of the heat exchanger 1 changes, first, the temperature of the air that has passed through the heat exchanger 1 changes. Then, the temperature of the desiccant material 21 changes as the air that has passed through the heat exchanger 1 is supplied to it. As a result, the desiccant material 21 performs adsorption or desorption. The same applies to the desiccant material 22.

[0109] In other words, during the operation of the dehumidifier 100a according to Embodiment 2, one of the desiccant material 21 and the other desiccant material 22 is always detached and the other is always adsorbed. Therefore, during the operation of the dehumidifier 100a, the total amount of dehumidification by the desiccant material 21 and the desiccant material 22 does not fluctuate. Thus, the dehumidifier 100a according to Embodiment 2 can operate continuously with a stable amount of dehumidification, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0110] Furthermore, in the dehumidifier 100a according to Embodiment 2, the desiccant material 21 does not need to be applied to the heat exchanger 1 as in Embodiment 1, and can simply be provided separately from the heat exchanger 1. The same applies to the desiccant material 22. Therefore, the dehumidifier 100a according to Embodiment 2 is easier to manufacture than Embodiment 1.

[0111] Embodiment 3. Figure 10 shows the configuration of the dehumidifier 100b according to Embodiment 3. The dehumidifier 100b according to Embodiment 3 has a different sensor configuration compared to Embodiment 1. The dehumidifier 100b according to Embodiment 3 includes a humidity sensor 51 and a humidity sensor 52. The "humidity sensor 51" and "humidity sensor 52" in Embodiment 3 correspond to the "first humidity sensor" and "second humidity sensor" in this disclosure, respectively.

[0112] The humidity sensor 51 acquires the humidity value of the air that has passed through the desiccant material 21 (hereinafter also referred to as "first humidity"). The humidity sensor 51 is located on the outlet 11b side of the desiccant material 21 and is positioned so as to overlap the desiccant material 21 in a planar manner when viewed from the intake 11a.

[0113] The humidity sensor 52 acquires the humidity value of the air that has passed through the desiccant material 22 (hereinafter also referred to as "second humidity"). The humidity sensor 52 is located on the outlet 11b side of the desiccant material 22 and is positioned so as to overlap the desiccant material 22 in a planar manner when viewed from the intake 11a.

[0114] In the dehumidifier 100b according to Embodiment 3, the control unit 30 switches between the first state and the second state based on the first humidity and the second humidity. This will be explained in detail below.

[0115] While the desiccant material is desorbing moisture, the air that passes through the desiccant material has a higher humidity due to the amount of moisture the desiccant material is desorbing. When the desiccant material has desorbed moisture to its limit, desorption stops, and the air that passes through the desiccant material becomes less humid than it was while the desiccant material was desorbing. The control unit in this modified form utilizes this characteristic to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0116] First, let's explain the case of switching from the first state to the second state. In the first state, the desiccant material 21 is desorbed. While the desiccant material 21 is desorbing, the air that passes through the desiccant material 21 has a higher humidity level by the amount that the desiccant material 21 is desorbing. Then, when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit, the air that passes through the desiccant material 21 has a lower humidity level than when the desiccant material 21 was desorbing.

[0117] Based on this, the control unit 30 switches to the second state when the first humidity, which indicates the humidity of the air that has passed through the desiccant material 21, falls below the first reference humidity when the control unit is in the first state. This first reference humidity is set so that the first humidity falls below the first reference humidity when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the second state at the moment when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The first reference humidity is stored in the memory of the control unit 30 in advance.

[0118] The same applies when switching from the second state to the first state. When in the second state, the control unit 30 switches to the first state when the second humidity, which indicates the humidity of the air that has passed through the desiccant material 22, falls below the second reference humidity. This second reference humidity is set so that when the desiccant material 22 has desorbed moisture to its limit, the second humidity falls below the second reference temperature. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the first state at the moment when the desiccant material 22 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The second reference humidity is also stored in the memory of the control unit 30.

[0119] [Difference 5] In the dehumidifier 100b according to Embodiment 3 described above, the case in which a humidity sensor 51 and a humidity sensor 52 are provided has been explained. However, the dehumidifier is not limited to this, and may have only a humidity sensor 51 and no humidity sensor 52. In this case, the switching between the first state and the second state is performed at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit and at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit.

[0120] First, let's explain the case of switching from the first state to the second state. Similar to Embodiment 3 described above, the control unit switches to the second state when the first humidity falls below the first reference humidity while in the first state. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the second state at the timing when the desiccant material 21 has desorbed moisture to its limit. The "first reference humidity" is also referred to as the "desorption completion humidity."

[0121] Next, we will explain the case of switching from the second state to the first state. In the second state, the heat exchanger 1 is cold because a low-temperature refrigerant flows into it. Therefore, the desiccant material 21 provided in the heat exchanger 1 adsorbs the refrigerant.

[0122] While the desiccant material 21 is adsorbing moisture, the air passing through it has lower humidity due to the moisture adsorbed by the desiccant material 21. When the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit, adsorption stops, and the air passing through it has higher humidity than when the desiccant material 21 was desorbing.

[0123] Based on this, the control unit switches to the first state when the first humidity becomes equal to or greater than the adsorption completion humidity while in the second state. This adsorption completion humidity is set so that the first temperature becomes equal to or greater than the adsorption completion humidity when the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch to the first state at the moment when the desiccant material 21 has adsorbed moisture to its limit. The adsorption completion humidity is also stored in the control unit's memory beforehand.

[0124] As described above, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can switch between the first and second states based on the first temperature, rather than on the second humidity. As a result, the dehumidifier according to this modified example can be configured without a humidity sensor 52, and the number of humidity sensors can be reduced compared to the dehumidifier 100b according to Embodiment 3.

[0125] It should be understood that at least one configuration or feature described in each embodiment and example can be combined with other embodiments and examples, or modified in various ways.

[0126] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the embodiments described above, and all modifications within the scope of the claims are intended to be included in the meaning of equivalents and within the scope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1,1a,2,2a,3,4 Heat exchanger, 5 Pressure reducing device, 6 Compressor, 7 Flow path switching device, 8 Refrigerant piping, 9 Blower, 11 Air passage, 11a Intake, 11b Outlet, 12 Housing, 13 Cover, 13a,13b Opening, 21,22 Desiccant material, 24 Desiccant block, 30 Control unit, 41,42,43 Temperature sensor, 51,52 Humidity sensor, 100,100a,100b,101 Dehumidifier.

Claims

1. A dehumidifier that removes moisture from the air, A refrigerant circuit is formed by sequentially connecting a first heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, a second heat exchanger, a flow path switching device, a third heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator, a compressor, and a fourth heat exchanger that functions as a condenser, via refrigerant piping. A housing that includes an air passage from the intake to the outlet, and in which at least the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger, and the fourth heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit are arranged on the air passage, A first desiccant material that adsorbs or desorbs moisture in response to changes in the temperature of the first heat exchanger, A second desiccant material that adsorbs or desorbs moisture in response to changes in the temperature of the second heat exchanger, A blower that creates an airflow by drawing air in from the intake port through the air passage and blowing it out from the outlet, The system comprises a control unit that controls the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are positioned so as to not overlap in a planar manner when viewed from the intake port. The third heat exchanger is located on the outlet side of the first and second heat exchangers, and is positioned so as viewed from the intake port, it overlaps the first and second heat exchangers in a planar manner. The fourth heat exchanger is located on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger and is positioned so as viewed from the intake port, it overlaps the third heat exchanger in plan. The control unit alternately switches the flow path switching device, A first state in which the refrigerant flows such that the first heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the second heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, A dehumidifier that alternately switches between a second state in which the refrigerant flows so that the second heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the first heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and a second state in which the refrigerant flows.

2. The first desiccant material is provided by being applied to the surface of the first heat exchanger. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the second desiccant material is provided by being applied to the surface of the second heat exchanger.

3. The first desiccant material is provided in a block shape at a position on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger and overlapping the first heat exchanger when viewed from the intake port, The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the second desiccant material is provided in a block shape at a position on the outlet side of the second heat exchanger and overlapping with the second heat exchanger when viewed from the intake.

4. A first temperature sensor that acquires a first temperature indicating the temperature of the first heat exchanger, A second temperature sensor that acquires a second temperature indicating the temperature of the second heat exchanger, The system further includes a third temperature sensor that acquires a third temperature indicating the temperature of the air at the intake port, The control unit, When the first state is in place, if the difference between the first temperature and the third temperature becomes greater than or equal to the first temperature difference, the system switches to the second state. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when in the second state, the dehumidifier switches to the first state when the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature becomes greater than or equal to the second temperature difference.

5. A first temperature sensor that acquires a first temperature indicating the temperature of the first heat exchanger, The system further includes a second temperature sensor that acquires a second temperature indicating the temperature of the second heat exchanger, The control unit, When the first state is in place, if the first temperature becomes equal to or greater than the first reference temperature, the system switches to the second state. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the second temperature is equal to or greater than the second reference temperature in the second state, the device switches to the first state.

6. The system further includes a first temperature sensor that acquires a first temperature indicating the temperature of the first heat exchanger, The control unit, When the first state is in place, if the first temperature becomes equal to or greater than the de-attachment completion temperature, the system switches to the second state. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the second state is in place, the dehumidifier switches to the first state when the first temperature falls below the adsorption completion temperature.

7. A first humidity sensor that acquires a first humidity indicating the humidity of the air that has passed through the first desiccant material, The system further comprises a second humidity sensor that acquires a second humidity indicating the humidity of the air that has passed through the second desiccant material, The control unit, When the first state is in place, if the first humidity falls below the first reference humidity, the system switches to the second state. A dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the second humidity falls below the second reference humidity while the second state is in place, the device switches to the first state.

8. The system further includes a first humidity sensor that acquires a first humidity indicating the humidity of the air that has passed through the first desiccant material, The control unit, When the first state is in place, if the first humidity falls below the humidity at which detachment is complete, switch to the second state. A dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the second state is in place, the dehumidifier switches to the first state when the first humidity becomes equal to or greater than the adsorption completion humidity.

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