Total heat exchange unit

Abstract

The present disclosure is a total heat exchange unit provided with a total heat exchange device of a time division type in which air supply and exhaust are switched in conjunction with each other. The total heat exchange unit is characterized in that: the total heat exchange device comprises a heat storage base material and an air blowing part, which is provided in at least one direction of the heat storage base material, allows air to pass through the heat storage base material, and blows air from outdoors to indoors or from indoors to outdoors; and the air blowing part varies an output thereof, according to an amount of the air passing through the heat storage base material or the outdoor and indoor pressure values.

Description

Total heat exchange unit

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-183606, filed on October 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Various total heat exchangers have been disclosed in the past.

[0003] For example, in the total heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1, an air path opening / closing section is provided in the duct, and the air path opening / closing section is controlled by sensing with an air flow sensor (specifically, a differential pressure sensor) so that the intake air volume and exhaust air volume are equal.

[0004] JP 2022-166800 A

[0005] However, the total heat exchanger described in the above document is designed for duct air conditioning, and the air volume is adjusted using an air duct opening and closing mechanism, without considering wall-mounting. Furthermore, it is important for a total heat exchanger to balance the amount of heat and moisture exchanged between the intake air and the exhaust air. Even if the intake and exhaust air volumes are balanced in a windless environment, during actual use, the flow rates can change due to induced air currents both indoors and outdoors, causing the intake and exhaust air volumes to become unbalanced.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a total heat exchange unit equipped with a heat storage time-sharing device for use in ductless air conditioning, which is capable of maintaining a balance between intake air and exhaust air.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a total heat exchange unit including a time-division type total heat exchanger in which intake air and exhaust air are switched in tandem, the total heat exchanger including a heat storage substrate and an air blower section provided on at least one side of the heat storage substrate, which blows air through the heat storage substrate to blow air from outdoors to indoors or from indoors to outdoors, and which is characterized in that the output of the air blower section is varied depending on the amount of air passing through the heat storage substrate or the pressure values ​​outdoors and indoors.

[0008] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a total heat exchange unit that is equipped with a heat storage time-sharing device used in ductless air conditioning and is capable of maintaining a balance between intake air and exhaust air.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to a first embodiment, illustrating normal operation of the total heat exchanger unit. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating operation of the total heat exchanger unit when an indoor range fan is activated. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating operation of the total heat exchanger unit when there is a strong wind outdoors. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating operation of the total heat exchanger unit when an indoor range fan is activated and there is a strong wind outdoors. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger device included in the total heat exchanger unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet in which a humidity-conditioning material is dispersed in a binder. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to a second embodiment, illustrating normal operation of the total heat exchanger unit. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to a second embodiment, illustrating the operation of the total heat exchanger unit when the indoor range fan is activated. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to the second embodiment, illustrating the operation of the total heat exchanger unit when there is a strong wind outdoors. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to the second embodiment, illustrating the operation of the total heat exchanger unit when the indoor range fan is activated and there is a strong wind outdoors. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger included in a total heat exchanger unit according to a third embodiment, illustrating the operation during exhaust. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 10. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger included in a total heat exchanger unit according to the third embodiment, illustrating the operation during intake. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 12. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit according to a fifth embodiment, illustrating the operation of the opening / closing unit in an open state. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchange unit according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the opening / closing section is closed.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims, and not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure. Note that in the drawings, the X axis is the airflow direction, the Y axis is the width direction, and the Z axis is the height direction.

[0011] 1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchange unit 1 according to a first embodiment, illustrating normal operation of the total heat exchange unit 1. The total heat exchange unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes a time-division type total heat exchange device 100 and a space S, in which intake air and exhaust air are switched in conjunction with each other. The time-division type is a method in which intake air and exhaust air are switched in conjunction with each other over time. For example, the total heat exchange unit 1 supplies air at a predetermined time and exhausts air after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, ventilation of the space S can be performed while efficiently exchanging heat. The switching between intake air and exhaust air is controlled by a control unit 32, which will be described later.

[0012] The total heat exchanger 100 is provided in a space S, such as an indoor space. The total heat exchanger 100 may also be provided in an opening for an air conditioner (an opening for connecting a drain, a refrigerant pipe, a power source, etc., to the outdoor unit).

[0013] The total heat exchange unit 1 is used in a house, a building, an automobile, etc. Furthermore, the total heat exchange device 100 can be installed at the boundary of a space, such as a wall, not limited to a house, a building, an automobile, etc., and used as the total heat exchange unit 1.

[0014] 2 is a schematic diagram of the total heat exchange unit 1 according to the first embodiment, and shows the operation of the total heat exchange unit 1 when the indoor range fan is operating. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the range fan is operating and supplying air indoors, the amount of supply air tends to be large, and the flow rates of supply air and exhaust air change compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, which can disrupt the balance between them. In addition, when the range fan is operating at a speed of 300 to 500 m, ３ / h, the fan provided in the unit may not be able to blow air at its normal output. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, when the total heat exchange unit 1 takes in air, the output of the blower section 30, described below, is reduced below the normal output to supply air. On the other hand, when the total heat exchange unit 1 exhausts air, the output of the blower section 30 is increased above the normal output to supply air. Note that the solid arrows leading to the total heat exchange unit 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the direction in which the blower section 30 blows air from indoors to outdoors, and the dotted arrows indicate the direction in which the blower section 30 blows air from outdoors to indoors. Furthermore, the lengths of the solid and dotted arrows leading to the total heat exchange unit 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the magnitude of the output of the blower section 30, with longer arrows indicating greater output.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the total heat exchange unit 1 according to the first embodiment, illustrating the operation of the total heat exchange unit 1 when there is strong wind outdoors. The total heat exchange unit 1 includes an outdoor hood 50. As shown in FIG. 3 , when there is strong wind outdoors, for example, the strong wind causes an ascending air current between the outdoor hood 50 and the total heat exchange device 100, generating an induced air current and tending to increase the exhaust volume. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , when the total heat exchange unit 1 supplies air, the output of the blower section 30, which will be described later, is increased above normal. On the other hand, when the total heat exchange unit 1 exhausts air, the output of the blower section 30 is reduced below normal to supply air.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the total heat exchange unit 1 according to the first embodiment, showing the operation of the total heat exchange unit 1 when the indoor range fan is operating and there is a strong wind outdoors. As shown in Fig. 4, even when the range fan is operating and there is a strong wind outdoors, the flow rates of the intake air and exhaust air change compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, and the balance between them may be disrupted. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the output of the blower 30 is appropriately adjusted to achieve the desired intake and exhaust air volumes when the total heat exchange unit 1 is supplying or exhausting air.

[0017] Therefore, the total heat exchange unit 1 according to the first embodiment can suppress changes in the flow rates of the intake and exhaust air and maintain a balance between them even when changes in indoor pressure occur due to the use of a range fan indoors or strong winds outdoors. The configuration of the total heat exchange unit 1 will be described below.

[0018] 5 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger 100 included in the total heat exchange unit 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the total heat exchanger 100 includes a heat storage substrate 10 and an air blower 30.

[0019] The heat storage substrate 10 includes a sensible heat section 11 and a latent heat section 12. The term "sensible heat section" refers to a heat exchanger primarily having a temperature exchange function, and the term "latent heat section" refers to a heat exchanger primarily having a humidity exchange function. The sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12 are arranged in series in the air blowing direction. The sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12 may be connected as shown in FIG. 5, or may be arranged apart from each other with a gap between them. Although the sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12 are arranged on the left and right sides of the heat storage substrate 10 in FIG. 5, they may also be arranged above and below. The volumes of the sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12 are adjusted as appropriate.

[0020] The heat storage substrate 10 cools high-temperature, high-humidity air, for example, by sensible heat exchange in the sensible heat section 11, thereby increasing its temperature and humidity. Then, moisture is absorbed by the humidity-conditioning material 20 supported in the latent heat section 121, thereby decreasing its temperature and humidity. Thus, by providing the sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12, the relative humidity at the boundary between the sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12 increases, and the humidity exchange efficiency of the humidity-conditioning material 20 supported in the latent heat section 12 increases, enabling efficient heat exchange. The desired temperature and humidity can be achieved by selecting the surface area of ​​the sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12, as well as the amount and material of the humidity-conditioning material 20 in the latent heat section 12. The latent heat section 12 supports a humidity-conditioning material, described below, on the surface of the heat storage substrate 10.

[0021] In order to achieve the desired temperature and humidity, the number and arrangement of the sensible heat sections 11 and latent heat sections 12 are adjusted as appropriate.

[0022] The air blowing unit 30 is provided on at least one side of the heat storage substrate 10, and blows air from outdoors to indoors or from indoors to outdoors by passing it through the openings 10b of the heat storage substrate 10. In FIG. 5, the air blowing unit 30 is provided on the indoor side, and blows air from the -X direction in the figure, which is the indoor side, to the +X direction, which is the outdoor side, or from the +X direction to the -X direction. The air blowing unit 30 may be provided on the outdoor side. Moreover, the air blowing unit 30 may be provided on both the outdoor side and the indoor side.

[0023] The output of the blower 30 varies depending on the amount of air passing through the heat storage substrate 10 or the outdoor and indoor pressure values. The amount of air passing through the heat storage substrate 10 may be detected by a sensor 33, which will be described later. The output of the blower 30 may also be varied depending on the difference in outdoor and indoor pressure. The difference in outdoor and indoor pressure may be determined by installing barometers outdoors and indoors, or by a known method. The time division period may also be adjusted to control the flow rates of intake and exhaust air. The output of the blower 30 may also vary in conjunction with external factors that change the exhaust and intake air volumes of a range fan, for example. For example, an ON / OFF signal detection of a range fan may be added and linked to the blower 30.

[0024] In this way, the total heat exchange unit 1 according to the first embodiment can maintain a balance between the intake and exhaust air by varying the output of the blower 30. Furthermore, energy savings and improved efficiency of total heat exchange can be achieved by utilizing the operation of a range fan or strong winds outdoors.

[0025] The blower 30 includes a fan 31, a control unit 32, a sensor 33, a motor 34, and the like.

[0026] The fan 31 exhausts air from outdoors to indoors or from indoors to outdoors. The fan 31 may be an axial flow fan or the like.

[0027] The control unit 32 controls the output of the fan 31 and the motor 34. When the range fan is activated, the supply air tends to be stronger, so when the total heat exchange unit 1 is supplying air, the control unit 32 reduces the output and decreases the rotation speed of the fan 31. On the other hand, when the total heat exchange unit 1 is exhausting air, the control unit 32 increases the output and increases the rotation speed of the fan 31. Also, when there is strong wind outdoors, the exhaust air tends to be stronger due to induced airflow, so when the total heat exchange unit 1 is supplying air, the control unit 32 increases the output and increases the rotation speed of the fan 31. On the other hand, when the total heat exchange unit 1 is exhausting air, the control unit 32 decreases the output and decreases the rotation speed of the fan 31. In this way, when the range fan is activated and there is strong wind outdoors, the control unit 32 can increase or decrease the output of the fan 31 and the motor 34, thereby maintaining a balance between the supply air and the exhaust air.

[0028] The sensor 33 detects the volume of air blown from the outdoors to the indoors or from the indoors to the outdoors by the fan 31. One or more sensors 33 may be provided on the upper side (+Z side), center side, lower side (-Z side), outdoor side, or indoor side inside the cylindrical member 40.

[0029] The motor 34 rotates the fan 31. The degree of rotation of the fan 31 may be determined by the control unit 32.

[0030] In this way, the air blowing unit 30 varies the amount of air blown from outdoors to indoors or from indoors to outdoors using the fan 31, the control unit 32, and the sensor 33.

[0031] The total heat exchanger 100 may include a tubular member 40. The tubular member 40 houses the total heat exchanger 100, such as the heat storage substrate 10 and the blower section 30. The tubular member 40 may be a tube or a pipe.

[0032] The heat storage substrate 10 is provided with an air passage 10a so that air can pass from outdoors to indoors or from indoors to outdoors. The air passage 10a is composed of an air passage 11a for the sensible heat section 11 and an air passage 12a for the latent heat section 12.

[0033] The sensible heat portion 11 and the latent heat portion 12 of the heat storage substrate 10 are preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, iron, or copper, to facilitate heat exchange. Other preferable materials include ceramics such as alumina, mullite, or cordierite, and nonwoven fabrics made of paper or fiber, which have a porous shape and a large surface area. The sensible heat portion 11 and the latent heat portion 12 may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0034] The heat storage substrate 10 can also be a cylindrical or prismatic (block) type. A cylindrical type has high thermal resistance in the same direction within a circular plane, while a prismatic (block) type has high thermal resistance in different directions within a square plane.

[0035] The heat storage substrate 10 preferably has a pleated structure, a corrugated structure, or a honeycomb structure. This increases the surface area of ​​the heat storage substrate 10, allowing for efficient heat exchange of the blown air, and enabling the desired temperature and humidity, such as low temperature and low humidity, to be achieved. Outdoor or indoor air enters and exits through the openings 10b of the heat storage substrate 10 and passes through the air flow path 10a.

[0036] The heat storage substrate 10 may have different opening ratios and opening sizes between the sensible heat section 11 and the latent heat section 12 .

[0037] In order to allow the heat storage substrate 10 to exchange heat by radiating and absorbing heat and to adjust the moisture content of the air to be blown by absorbing or releasing moisture, the heat storage substrate 10 preferably includes a latent heat section 12. The latent heat section 12 carries a humidity-conditioning material on the surface of the heat storage substrate 10.

[0038] The humidity control material has a humidity control function by absorbing or releasing moisture. Hereinafter, the humidity control material will be described.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a humidity-conditioning material 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the humidity-conditioning material 20 includes a water-absorbent material 21 containing a resin and / or a clay mineral, and a humidity-conditioning liquid 22, which is a humidity-conditioning component that absorbs or releases moisture and has a humidity-conditioning function. The humidity-conditioning liquid 22 is impregnated into the water-absorbent material 21. Depending on the humidity of the environment in which the humidity-conditioning material 20 is placed, the humidity-conditioning material 20 absorbs and absorbs moisture contained in the air of the location, or releases moisture contained in the humidity-conditioning material 20 into the air to humidify the air. The humidity-conditioning liquid 22 may be impregnated not only into the water-absorbent material 21, but also into a support 23 that supports the humidity-conditioning material 20 (water-absorbent material 21). The support 23 will be described later. The water-absorbent material may include at least one selected from the group consisting of a water-absorbent resin and a clay mineral.

[0040] The humidity conditioner 20 may be in the form of powder, particles, or blocks, or may be used by supporting the resin on a breathable substrate so as to be in efficient contact with air.

[0041] The water absorbent material 21 has the function of retaining the humidity-conditioning liquid 22. Because the water absorbent material 21 retains the humidity-conditioning liquid 22, it is possible to realize the humidity-conditioning material 20 having a high ratio of surface area to volume. This makes it possible to increase the rate at which moisture is absorbed or released. Therefore, it is possible to provide the humidity-conditioning material 20 with a high humidity-conditioning rate.

[0042] The water-absorbing material 21 is preferably a water-absorbing resin (particles, powder). This allows the water-absorbing material 21 to be suitably impregnated with the humidity-conditioning liquid 22, further enhancing the humidity-conditioning effect. Specific examples of water-absorbing resin materials include ionic resins and non-ionic resins. Examples of ionic resins include alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid and starch-acrylate graft polymers. Examples of alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid include sodium polyacrylate. Examples of non-ionic resins include vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyalkylene oxides. Metal salt components are more preferably those that form hydrate crystals within a predetermined humidity range, thereby promoting rapid moisture absorption and desorption with a specific humidity range as a threshold.

[0043] The humidity-conditioning liquid 22 preferably absorbs moisture in the air and contains at least one selected from the group consisting of salts (deliquescent substances that deliquesce) and polyhydric alcohols, thereby further enhancing the humidity-conditioning effect.

[0044] Specific examples of polyhydric alcohols include at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and lactic acid, and among these, polyhydric alcohols having three or more hydroxyl groups, such as glycerin, are more preferably used. The polyhydric alcohol may form a dimer or a polymer.

[0045] Deliquescent substances are classified into salts and water-soluble organic substances. Specific examples of salts include metal salts, such as sodium formate, potassium formate, ammonium formate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, lithium acetate, ammonium acetate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate, potassium carbonate, calcium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and lithium citrate. Only one of these salts may be contained, or two or more may be contained. Among these, sodium formate, potassium formate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, and potassium carbonate, which absorb and release a large amount of moisture per weight, are preferred. Specific examples of water-soluble organic substances include sugars such as sucrose, pullulan, glucose, xylol, fructose, mannitol, and sorbitol, carboxylic acids such as citric acid, and amides such as urea.

[0046] The amount of the humidity-conditioning liquid 22 relative to the water-absorbing material 21 is preferably 1 part by weight or more and 1,000 parts by weight or less relative to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbing material 21. In this way, the amounts of the water-absorbing material 21 and the humidity-conditioning liquid 22 become appropriate, and the humidity-conditioning function can be further improved. In addition, the water-absorbing material 21 is preferably in a powder or granular form.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a humidity conditioner 20. As shown in Fig. 7, the humidity conditioner 20 (water-absorbing material 21) may be supported on a support 23. Alternatively, the support 23 may be impregnated with moisture.

[0048] In the total heat exchanger 100, the humidity-conditioning material 20 described above is applied to the latent heat parts 12, or the latent heat parts 12 are immersed in a liquid containing the humidity-conditioning material 20, thereby impregnating the humidity-conditioning material 20 with the latent heat parts 12. Alternatively, the humidity-conditioning material 20 is prepared by adding a water-absorbing resin to a humidity-conditioning liquid, stirring, and swelling the liquid, thereby preparing a viscous slurry of the humidity-conditioning material. The slurry can also be applied by impregnation to the latent heat parts 12 of the heat storage substrate 10, dried, and fixed.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating another form of the humidity conditioner 20, and is a cross-sectional view of a sheet in which a binder (support 23) is placed between water absorbents 24, and the humidity conditioner 20 is dispersed in the binder. As shown in FIG. 8, the humidity conditioner 20 (water-absorbing material 21) may be supported on the support 23. The water absorbent 24 may also contain the water-absorbing material 21. The support 23 may also be impregnated with moisture. A material containing the humidity conditioner 20 as shown in FIG. 8 may be provided in the latent heat portion 12.

[0050] It is also preferable to select the most suitable support 23 for supporting the humidity-conditioning material 20 depending on the application. If a large moisture absorption / desorption capacity is desired for the purpose of humidity control, a material that can retain the humidity-conditioning liquid 22 by wetting it is preferable. For example, it is made of hydrophilic fibers such as porous materials, nonwoven fabrics, and woven fabrics. In particular, nonwoven fabrics with high water vapor permeability are preferable. The support 23 may also contain a binder.

[0051] The carrier 23 may be in the form of a sheet, and may be formed into various shapes such as a flat plate, pleated plate, or honeycomb plate before use. For example, a sheet material may first be formed into a wave (fluted) shape using a corrugator, and then be bonded to a flat liner made of the same or a different material as the sheet using an adhesive to form an integrated structure. The carrier 23 may also be flexible. The carrier 23 may be deformable. In other words, it may be capable of being held in any shape (such as a bent or curved shape).

[0052] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the humidity conditioner 20. As shown in Fig. 9, the humidity conditioner 20 may be supported on a support 23, held in a water absorbent 24, and provided in the latent heat section 12. In this way, the area in contact with air increases, improving the humidity control function.

[0053] The water absorbent body 24 may include the water absorbent material 21. The water absorbent body 24 may be in the form of powder, granules, or a sheet.

[0054] In addition to the above, the humidity conditioner 20 may be made of B-type silica gel, polymeric sorption material, or the like.

[0055] Furthermore, provided that the humidity-regulating component contains the metal salt, other components may be added as additives to adjust the crystallization threshold humidity. Examples include other metal salts, polyhydric alcohols, or materials that act as nucleating materials for hydrate crystals. Specific examples of each generating material include carboxylic acids having two or more carboxyl groups and amides having two or more amide groups. The carboxylic acids may be the substances described above. The crystallization threshold humidity is the threshold humidity at which the humidity-regulating material may crystallize when the humidity is low.

[0056] Note that "humidity control" means adjusting the relative humidity to approach a predetermined humidity range. Specifically, for example, if 50% RH is the predetermined relative humidity, the humidity control material 20 absorbs (absorbs) moisture when the relative humidity is higher than 50% RH, and releases (desorbs) moisture when the relative humidity is lower than 50% RH. Typically, the predetermined relative humidity range correlates with the material and moisture content of the humidity control material 20. Specifically, for example, the predetermined relative humidity range correlates with the moisture content in the humidity control liquid 22.

[0057] 2. Second Embodiment Next, a total heat exchange unit 2 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the total heat exchange unit 2 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of total heat exchange devices 100 are arranged.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchange unit 2 according to a second embodiment, illustrating normal operation of the total heat exchange unit 2. The total heat exchange unit 2 shown in Fig. 10 includes a first total heat exchange device 100a having a first blower 30a, and a second total heat exchange device 100b having a second blower 30b.

[0059] The first blower 30a and the second blower 30b vary their outputs depending on the amount of air passing through the thermal storage substrate 10 or the outdoor and indoor pressure values. The first total heat exchanger 100a and the second total heat exchanger 100b may communicate with each other and adjust the outputs of the first blower 30a and the second blower 30b, respectively.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit 2 according to a second embodiment, illustrating the operation of the total heat exchanger unit 2 when the indoor range fan is activated. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit 2 according to the second embodiment, illustrating the operation of the total heat exchanger unit 2 when there is a strong wind outdoors. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger unit 2 according to the second embodiment, illustrating the operation of the total heat exchanger unit 2 when the indoor range fan is activated and there is a strong wind outdoors. When the indoor range fan is activated or there is a strong wind outdoors, the outputs of the first blower 30a and the second blower 30b are varied.

[0061] In this way, it is possible to maintain a balance between the intake and exhaust air. In addition, by providing a plurality of total heat exchangers 100 and blower sections 30, there are multiple air flows, which allows for efficient heat exchange within the space section S.

[0062] 3. Third Embodiment Next, a total heat exchange unit 3 according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0063] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger 100 provided in a total heat exchanger unit 3 according to the third embodiment, showing the state during exhaust. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchanger 100 provided in a total heat exchanger unit 3 according to the third embodiment, showing the state during air intake. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 16. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the total heat exchanger unit 3 according to the third embodiment is provided with a throttle section 60. Note that the arrows in FIG. 14 indicate the flow of air, and the longer the line, the faster the air flow (the greater the amount of air flowing).

[0064] The throttle section 60 is provided on the outside of the inner circumference of the cylindrical member 40 such as a pipe, and adjusts the speed (volume) of air passing through the heat storage substrate 10. The throttle section 60 controls the throttle opening so that the throttle opening differs between the intake air and the exhaust air. In Fig. 14, the throttle section 60 and the fan 31 are provided on the indoor side.

[0065] The throttle section 60 is provided with a throttle plate 61 and an opening 62 in order to adjust the speed (amount) of air passing through the heat storage substrate 10. The areas of the throttle plate 61 and the opening 62 are adjusted to adjust the speed (amount) of air passing through the heat storage substrate 10. The throttle section 60 shown in Fig. 17 has a larger area of ​​the throttle plate on the outer circumferential side compared to the throttle section 60 shown in Fig. 15 , and limits the speed (amount) of air passing through on the outside.

[0066] The total heat exchange units 3 shown in Figures 14 and 15 have a large throttle opening, which increases the flow rate on the outside of the tubular member 40 and decreases the flow rate toward the center. On the other hand, the total heat exchange units 3 shown in Figures 16 and 17 have a small throttle opening, which decreases the flow velocity (flow rate) on the outside of the tubular member 40 and increases the flow velocity (flow rate) toward the center. The total heat exchange units 3 shown in Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17 have the air blowing section 30 provided indoors, and the air blowing direction is from indoors to outdoors in Figures 14 and 15, and from outdoors to indoors in Figures 16 and 17.

[0067] In this configuration, the provision of the throttling section 60 is particularly effective when the fan 31 is a reversible fan that is installed in one direction and can both supply and exhaust air, and when the fan 31 is brought close to the heat storage substrate 10. Furthermore, in the case of a reversible fan where the fan 31 is brought close to the heat storage substrate 10, the wind speed distribution differs between the exhaust and the intake air. Therefore, when performing control taking into account the influence of induced airflow by changing the aperture ratio, such as by using a throttling, accurate control cannot be performed if the throttling is set to a constant value.

[0068] Therefore, by configuring the total heat exchange unit 3 according to the third embodiment, the throttle opening is controlled to be different between the intake air and the exhaust air, and the intake air and the exhaust air can be controlled to have the same air volume simply by controlling the throttle section 60. This makes it possible to maintain a balance between the intake air and the exhaust air.

[0069] 4. Fourth Embodiment Next, a total heat exchange unit 4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0070] 18 is a schematic diagram of a total heat exchange unit 4 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 , the total heat exchange unit 4 according to the fourth embodiment is provided with an outdoor hood 50 having openings 51 at the bottom and top on the outdoor side of the total heat exchanger 100.

[0071] The outdoor hood 50 includes an upper wall 52, a lower wall 53, and side walls 54, which together define lower and upper openings 51. Because the outdoor hood 50 includes the lower and upper openings 51, when a strong wind occurs outdoors, the Venturi effect promotes wind upward (+Z). This promoted induced airflow is utilized to supply and exhaust air. More specifically, when an induced airflow occurs during exhaust, the exhaust volume tends to increase, so the blower unit 30 reduces its output to exhaust air. Furthermore, when an induced airflow occurs during intake air, the blower unit 30 increases its output to supply air. In this way, it is possible to maintain a balance between intake air and exhaust air, thereby saving energy and improving the efficiency of total heat exchange.

[0072] 5. Fifth Embodiment Next, a total heat exchange unit 5 according to a fifth embodiment will be described.

[0073] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of the total heat exchange unit 5 according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the opening / closing part 55 is open. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of the total heat exchange unit 5 according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the opening / closing part 55 is closed. As shown in Figs. 19 and 20 , the total heat exchange unit 5 according to the fifth embodiment has an outdoor hood 50 provided on the outdoor side of the total heat exchanger 100.

[0074] The outdoor hood 50 has at least a side wall 54, and an opening / closing section 55 at the upper opening 51. The opening / closing section 55 opens and closes according to the time division of the total heat exchanger 100. The total heat exchange unit 5 according to the fifth embodiment also utilizes external factors such as a range fan or strong winds outdoors.

[0075] For example, when the range fan is operating and there is a strong wind outside, the opening / closing unit 55 is closed, as shown in FIG. 19 . Closing the opening / closing unit 55 prevents induced airflow and promotes air supply. When the total heat exchange unit 5 supplies air, the output of the blower 30 can be reduced significantly from normal. On the other hand, when the total heat exchange unit 5 exhausts air, the opening / closing unit 55 is opened to generate induced airflow and promote exhaust. This makes it possible to maintain a balance between air supply and exhaust, thereby saving energy and improving the efficiency of total heat exchange. It is also preferable to open and close the opening / closing unit in conjunction with the time-division cycles of air supply and exhaust. This further improves energy savings and the efficiency of total heat exchange.

[0076] The total heat exchange unit 5 according to the fifth embodiment may also be configured to detect an ON / OFF signal of the range fan to adjust the output of the blower 30. In this way, further energy savings can be achieved.

[0077] As described above, the total heat exchange units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to the present disclosure can maintain a balance between intake air and exhaust air.

[0078] Although each embodiment and each example of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader or equivalent meaning can be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the configuration and operation of the total heat exchange unit are not limited to those described in the embodiments and examples of the present disclosure, and various modifications are possible.

Claims

1. A total heat exchange unit equipped with a time-division type total heat exchange device in which the air supply and exhaust are switched in tandem, the total heat exchange device comprising: a heat storage substrate; and an air blowing section provided on at least one side of the heat storage substrate and configured to blow air from outdoors to indoors or from indoors to outdoors by passing air through the heat storage substrate, the total heat exchange unit being characterized in that the output of the air blowing section is varied depending on the amount of air passing through the heat storage substrate or the pressure values ​​between the outdoors and the indoors.

2. The total heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein the total heat exchange device carries a humidity control material.

3. A total heat exchange unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the heat storage substrate has a sensible heat portion and a latent heat portion.

4. The total heat exchange unit described in claim 1, characterized in that the air blowing unit includes a fan that exhausts the air from the outdoors to the indoors or from the indoors to the outdoors, a control unit that controls the output of the fan, and a sensor that detects the amount of air blown, and the air blowing unit varies the amount of air blown from the outdoors to the indoors or from the indoors to the outdoors using the fan, the control unit, and the sensor.

5. The total heat exchange unit described in claim 1, characterized in that the total heat exchange device comprises a first total heat exchange device having a first blowing section and a second total heat exchange device having a second blowing section, and the first blowing section and the second blowing section vary the output of the first blowing section and the second blowing section depending on the amount of air passing through the heat storage substrate or the pressure values ​​outdoors and indoors.

6. A total heat exchange unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that an outdoor hood having openings at the bottom and top is provided on the outdoor side of the total heat exchange device.

7. A total heat exchange unit as described in claim 1, further comprising a tubular member that houses the total heat exchange device, and a throttle portion is provided on the circumference of the tubular member for adjusting the amount of air passed through the heat storage substrate.

8. The total heat exchange unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the outdoor hood has an opening at its upper part which opens and closes in accordance with the time division of the total heat exchange device.