Humidity controlling device

Abstract

Provided is a humidity controlling device with which it is easy to control humidity. This humidity controlling device comprises: a humidity controlling material capable of absorbing and releasing humidity; and a first temperature controlling element for controlling the temperature of the humidity controlling material.

Description

Humidity control device

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-191897, filed on November 10, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a humidity control device.

[0003] Humidity control methods have been disclosed in the past.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a water-saturated gas is first produced, and then this water-saturated gas is mixed with dry gas to obtain a desired humidity-regulating gas.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-44867

[0006] However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, when the humidity conditioner leaves the mixing container and is introduced into a predetermined moisture-adding device, if any one or more of the pressure, temperature, and flow rate of the humidity conditioner fluctuates for some reason, the humidity of the humidity conditioner will change. To prevent humidity changes, it is necessary to spray mist water during humidification and prepare dry gas for dehumidification, and to derive the amount of moisture during humidification from parameters such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature. In addition, the amount of moisture derived must be precisely controlled and sprayed. This makes it difficult to adjust the humidity to the desired level.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidity control device that can easily control humidity.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a humidity-conditioning material capable of absorbing and releasing moisture, and a first temperature control element that controls the temperature of the humidity-conditioning material.

[0009] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a humidity control device that can easily control humidity.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a humidity-conditioning material supported on a support. FIG. 4 is a psychrometric chart. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device equipped with two temperature control elements. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing changes over time in temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in a humidity-conditioning space when a humidity-conditioning material at 50% RH is cooled. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing changes over time in temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in a humidity-conditioning space when a humidity-conditioning material at 50% RH is heated. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing changes over time in temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in a humidity-conditioning space when a humidity-conditioning material at 90% RH is cooled. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing relative humidity and moisture absorption rate for different types of humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0011] 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 set forth in the claims, and not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device 100 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the humidity control device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a humidity control material 10 and a first temperature control element 21.

[0013] The humidity conditioner 10 is capable of absorbing and releasing moisture. The humidity conditioner 10 absorbs and releases moisture depending on the temperature of the humidity conditioner 10 itself. This will be described later.

[0014] The first temperature control element 21 controls the temperature of the humidity conditioner 10. Examples of the first temperature control element 21 include a Peltier element and a heater.

[0015] By controlling the temperature of the humidity-conditioning material 10 with the first temperature control element 21, it becomes possible to control the amount of moisture absorbed and released by the humidity-conditioning material 10, and the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10 attains a desired humidity. Therefore, the humidity control device 100 can easily control humidity by including at least the humidity-conditioning material 10 and the first temperature control element 21. Furthermore, the humidity control device 100 can be simplified compared to devices that control humidity by preparing humidified gas and dehumidified gas using separate mechanisms.

[0016] The humidity conditioner 10 will be described below.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a humidity conditioner 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the humidity conditioner 10 includes a water-absorbent material 11 containing a resin and / or a clay mineral, and a humidity-conditioning liquid 12, which is a humidity-conditioning component that absorbs or releases moisture and has a humidity-conditioning function. The humidity-conditioning liquid 12 is impregnated into the water-absorbent material 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the humidity conditioner 10 absorbs and absorbs moisture contained in the air in the location, or releases moisture contained in the humidity conditioner 10 into the air to humidify the environment, depending on the humidity of the environment. The water-absorbent material 11 may also include at least one material selected from the group consisting of a water-absorbent resin and a clay mineral.

[0018] The humidity-conditioning material 10 may be in the form of powder, beads (particles), or blocks. Alternatively, the moisture-absorbing material 11 and the humidity-conditioning liquid 12 may be dispersed in a binder to form a sheet.

[0019] The water absorbent material 11 has the function of retaining the humidity-conditioning liquid 12. Because the water absorbent material 11 retains the humidity-conditioning liquid 12, it is possible to realize a humidity-conditioning material 10 with a high ratio of surface area to volume. This makes it possible to increase the rate of moisture absorption or release. Therefore, it is possible to provide a humidity-conditioning material 10 with a high humidity-conditioning rate.

[0020] The water-absorbing material 11 is preferably a water-absorbing resin (particles, powder). This allows the water-absorbing material 11 to be suitably impregnated with the humidity-conditioning liquid 12, 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.

[0021] The humidity-conditioning liquid 12 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The amount of humidity-conditioning liquid 12 relative to the water-absorbent material 11 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-absorbent material. In this way, the amounts of water-absorbent material 11 and humidity-conditioning liquid 12 become appropriate, and the humidity-conditioning function can be further improved. In addition, the water-absorbent material 11 is preferably in powder or bead (particulate) form.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the humidity conditioner 10 supported on a support 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the humidity conditioner 10 may be supported on or impregnated in the support 13. It is preferable to select the most suitable support 13 for supporting the humidity conditioner 10 depending on the application. If the purpose is humidity control and a large moisture absorption / desorption capacity is desired, a material that can wet and retain the humidity-conditioning liquid 12 is preferred. 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 preferred. The support 13 may also contain a binder.

[0026] The carrier 13 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-like (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 13 may also be flexible. The carrier 13 may be deformable. In other words, it may be capable of being held in any shape (such as a bent or curved shape).

[0027] In addition to the above, the humidity conditioner 10 may be made of type A silica gel, type B silica gel, polymeric sorption material, or the like.

[0028] The humidity-conditioning component may also contain the above-mentioned metal salt. Other components may also 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 above-mentioned substances may be used as the carboxylic acids. The crystallization threshold humidity is the threshold humidity at which the humidity-conditioning material 10 may crystallize when the humidity is low.

[0029] The term "humidity control" refers to adjusting the relative humidity to approach a predetermined humidity range. Specifically, assuming that the predetermined relative humidity is 50% RH, as shown in FIG. 4, when the relative humidity is higher than 50% RH, the humidity control material 10 absorbs (absorbs) moisture to achieve the predetermined relative humidity of 50%. On the other hand, when the relative humidity is lower than 50% RH, the humidity control material 10 releases (desorbs) moisture to achieve the predetermined relative humidity of 50%. In this way, the humidity control material 10 attempts to approach the predetermined relative humidity of 50%. Furthermore, the predetermined relative humidity range typically correlates with the material and moisture content of the humidity control material 10. Specifically, for example, the predetermined relative humidity range correlates with the moisture content of the humidity control liquid 12. The predetermined relative humidity is the reference humidity at which the humidity control material 10 absorbs and releases moisture, and varies depending on the type and capacity of the humidity control material 10.

[0030] The humidity-conditioning material 10 may be in the form of a powder, bead (particle), block, or sheet and used as is in the humidity-conditioning device 100 of the first embodiment, or the humidity-conditioning material 10 may be supported on a breathable substrate or filled into a container such as an aluminum column.

[0031] The breathable substrate is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The internal structure of the breathable substrate may be corrugated, honeycomb, or the like.

[0032] As such, the humidity control device 100 of the first embodiment is equipped with a humidity control material 10 and a first temperature control element 21, so that the humidity control material 10 is capable of absorbing and releasing moisture, and the air that passes through the humidity control material 10 can be adjusted to the desired humidity.

[0033] As described above, the humidity conditioner 10 may include a material containing a water absorbent material 11 and a humidity-conditioning liquid 12, a bead-shaped humidity conditioner 10, a powder-shaped humidity conditioner 10, a sheet-shaped humidity conditioner 10, or silica gel. The humidity conditioner 10 is a material capable of absorbing and releasing moisture. Examples of the humidity conditioner 10 include a material whose psychrometric chart shown in Figure 4 has a rising characteristic, and a material whose equilibrium humidity is constant depending on the temperature.

[0034] The humidity conditioner 10 may be a liquid, but is preferably a solid. The humidity conditioner 10 may be, for example, in the form of beads.

[0035] The humidity conditioner 10 is preferably a material whose initial equilibrium temperature is in the range of 35% RH to 99% RH at room temperature, and whose equilibrium humidity change due to temperature change is preferably in the range of ±10% RH in the range of 0°C to 50°C.

[0036] The humidity conditioner 10 may be replaceable, and a plurality of different types may be provided.

[0037] The humidity control device 100 of the first embodiment may be provided with a packaging body that encases the humidity control material 10 and the first temperature control element 21 in insulating material, and may be configured so that heat from the first temperature control element 21 is not transferred to the humidity control material 10 and is not released to the outside.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, it is preferable that the humidity control device 100 of the first embodiment further includes a thermo-hygrometer 30 that measures the inside of the humidity control space 50, a thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity control material 10, and a calculator 40.

[0039] The thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10 measures the temperature and humidity of the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10. Therefore, the thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10 is provided downstream of the humidity-conditioning material 10 in the circulating air.

[0040] The thermo-hygrometer 30 that measures the inside of the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10 are known in the art.

[0041] The calculator 40 obtains the temperature and humidity from the thermo-hygrometer 30 provided in the humidity-controlled space 50 and the thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air passed through the humidity-controlling material 10, and determines the temperature of the first temperature control element 21 from the temperature and humidity. The temperature of the first temperature control element 21 is set according to the desired humidity. The calculator 40 may be a computer (processor) or the like.

[0042] By providing the humidity control device 100 according to the first embodiment with the thermo-hygrometers 30 and 31 and the calculator 40, a more desired humidity can be obtained, and more precise humidity control becomes possible.

[0043] Furthermore, when installing the humidity-conditioning material 10, the calculator 40 may automatically determine the type of humidity-conditioning material 10 based on the measurement results of the thermo-hygrometer 30 that measures the inside of the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10, and automatically set the control parameters.

[0044] The humidity control device 100 according to the first embodiment preferably further includes a humidity control space 50 into which the air that has passed through the humidity control material 10 flows. In this way, the humidity in the humidity control space 50 can be controlled. The humidity control space 50 may be any large or small space, room, or the like. The air in the humidity control space 50 may also be sent to the humidity control material 10. In other words, the air may be circulated through the humidity control material 10, the humidity control space 50, and back to the humidity control material 10.

[0045] A fan 60 may be used to circulate the air. The fan 60 should be one that takes pressure loss into consideration.

[0046] 5 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device 100 equipped with two temperature control elements. As shown in FIG. 5, the humidity control device 100 according to the first embodiment preferably further includes a second temperature control element 22.

[0047] The second temperature control element 22 is provided upstream of the humidity control space 50 and downstream of the thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity control material 10, and controls the temperature of the air that has passed through the humidity control material 10. The temperature-controlled air flows into the humidity control space 50. In this manner, fluctuations in the temperature of the humidity control space 50 can be suppressed. The calculator 40 determines the temperature of the second temperature control element 22 from the temperature and humidity obtained by the thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity control material 10 and the thermo-hygrometer 30 provided in the humidity control space 50.

[0048] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the changes over time in temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in the humidity-conditioned space 50 when a humidity-conditioning material 10 at 50% RH is cooled. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the changes over time in temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in the humidity-conditioned space 50 when a humidity-conditioning material 10 at 50% RH is heated. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the changes over time in temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in the humidity-conditioned space 50 when a humidity-conditioning material 10 at 90% RH is cooled.

[0049] 6, 7, and 8, the humidity-conditioning material 10 was packed into a column. Air was circulated by a fan 60 through the humidity-conditioning material 10, the humidity-conditioning space 50, and back to the humidity-conditioning material 10. Thermo-hygrometers were provided in the humidity-conditioning space 50, at the outlet of the column, and around the column (outside the humidity-conditioning space 50). The humidity-conditioning material 10 was in the form of beads (particulates).

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, when the humidity-conditioning material 10 was used at 50% RH and cooled and air was circulated, the temperature inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the surrounding area remained constant or showed little change, but the humidity inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 decreased by about 15% RH over time. Meanwhile, the humidity at the column outlet remained constant. In other words, it was possible to control the humidity to about 15% RH. Furthermore, the absolute humidity inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and at the column outlet also decreased over time. If the temperature inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the surrounding area are the same, it is possible to control the humidity down to 29% RH.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, when the humidity-conditioning material 10 is heated to 50% RH and air is circulated, the temperature inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the surrounding area remains constant or changes little, but the humidity inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 increases by about 20% RH over time. Meanwhile, the humidity at the column outlet remains constant. In other words, it was possible to control the humidity to about 20% RH. Furthermore, the absolute humidity inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and at the column outlet also increases over time. If the temperature inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the surrounding area are the same, it is possible to control the humidity up to 83% RH.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, when the humidity-conditioning material 10 is used at 90% RH and cooled and air is circulated, the temperature inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the surrounding area remains constant or changes little, but the humidity inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 decreases by about 25% RH over time. Meanwhile, the humidity at the column outlet remains constant. In other words, it was possible to control the humidity to about 25% RH. Furthermore, the absolute humidity inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and at the column outlet also decreases over time. If the temperature inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 and the surrounding area are the same, it is possible to control the humidity down to 45% RH.

[0053] 6 and 7, when the humidity-conditioning material 10 is at 50 RH and the ambient temperature is 17° C., humidity control is possible in the range of 32 to 63% RH by controlling the temperature from −7.6 to 11.6° C. If the temperature inside the humidity-conditioning space 50 is the same as the ambient temperature, humidity control is possible in the range of 29 to 83% RH.

[0054] 8, when the humidity control material 10 is at 90 RH and the ambient temperature is 16° C., humidity control of 50 to 75% RH is possible by controlling the temperature to -10.3° C. If the temperature inside the humidity control space 50 is the same as the ambient temperature, humidity control is possible in the range of 45 to 90% RH.

[0055] In addition to the materials mentioned above, the humidity conditioner 10 is preferably one that has a high moisture absorption / desorption rate, no hysteresis during moisture absorption / desorption, a steep slope of the adsorption isotherm, and a large amount of adsorption per unit weight.

[0056] 9 is a diagram showing the relative humidity and moisture absorption rate for different types of humidity conditioner 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the moisture absorption rate relative to the relative humidity was highest for the beaded humidity-conditioning beads, followed by the powdered humidity-conditioning powder. Furthermore, the sheet-shaped humidity-conditioning sheet, silica gel A, and silica gel B also absorbed moisture in response to the relative humidity.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device 200 according to a second embodiment. In the humidity control device 100 according to the first embodiment, air in the humidity control space 50 is sent to the humidity control material 10, and the humidity control material 10 uses air from the humidity control space 50. However, in the humidity control device 200 according to the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the air in the humidity control space 50 is released to a location other than the humidity control material 10, and the humidity control material 10 uses external air other than the humidity control space 50. The moisture content of the humidity control material 10 may change significantly depending on the humidity of the external air. In such a case, the humidity control material 10 is replaced with a new one, or the humidity control material 10 is regenerated using external air.

[0058] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device 300 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11 , the humidity control device 300 according to the third embodiment is equipped with a three-way valve 70 and a thermo-hygrometer 32 also upstream of the humidity control material 10. In the humidity control device 300 according to the third embodiment, air from the humidity control space 50 is released to a location other than the humidity control material 10, and the humidity control material 10 uses external air other than the humidity control space 50.

[0059] The three-way valve 70 is provided upstream of the humidity control space 50 and downstream of the thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity control material 10. The thermo-hygrometer 31 that measures the air that has passed through the humidity control material 10, upstream of the humidity control material 10, measures the temperature and humidity of the air that flows into the humidity control material 10. A valve or the like is used as the three-way valve 70.

[0060] The three-way valve 70 is used as a flow path switch to heat and release the absorbed moisture from the humidity-conditioning material 10 that has absorbed moisture and reached a saturated state. When the humidity-conditioning material 10 is regenerated by temperature control, the three-way valve 70 switches to release the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10 to the outside of the humidity-conditioning space 50. That is, during humidity control, air is sent from the humidity-conditioning material 10 into the humidity-conditioning space 50, but when the humidity-conditioning material 10 is regenerated, air is sent from the humidity-conditioning material 10 to the outside of the humidity-conditioning space 50. When the equilibrium humidity of the humidity-conditioning material 10 decreases, the humidity-conditioning material 10 is cooled to lower the absolute humidity of the air that has passed through the humidity-conditioning material 10 (air downstream of the humidity-conditioning material 10) compared with the air that flows into the humidity-conditioning material 10 (air upstream of the humidity-conditioning material 10), thereby restoring the equilibrium humidity. When the equilibrium humidity increases, the equilibrium humidity can be lowered by heating.

[0061] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device 400 according to a fourth embodiment. In the humidity control device 300 according to the third embodiment, air from the humidity control space 50 is released to a location other than the humidity control material 10, and the humidity control material 10 uses external air other than the humidity control space 50. However, as shown in Fig. 12, the humidity control device 400 according to the fourth embodiment sends air from the humidity control space 50 to the humidity control material 10, and the humidity control material 10 uses air from the humidity control space 50. A three-way valve (first three-way valve 70) is provided between the air being sent from the humidity control material 10 to the humidity control space 50, and another three-way valve (second three-way valve 71) is provided between the air being sent from the humidity control space 50 to the humidity control material 10.

[0062] The humidity control device 400 according to the fourth embodiment is effective when humidity control is easier by taking in air from outside the humidity control space 50 than by taking in air from within the humidity control space 50 .

[0063] 13 is a schematic diagram of a humidity control device 500 according to a fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in the humidity control device 500 according to the fifth embodiment, the humidity control material 10 has a first humidity control material 10a and a second humidity control material 10b, and air that has passed through the first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b flows into a humidity control space 50.

[0064] The humidity control device 500 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a first humidity control material 10a and a second humidity control material 10b as multiple humidity control materials. The humidity control device 500 according to the fifth embodiment is also provided with thermo-hygrometers 32 and 34 that measure the air before it passes through the first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b, thermo-hygrometers 31 and 33 that measure the air after it passes through, and a thermo-hygrometer 30 that measures the inside of the humidity-controlled space 50. A calculator 40 determines the temperatures of the temperature control elements provided in the first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b based on the temperature and humidity measured by the thermo-hygrometers 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34.

[0065] Moreover, the humidity control device 500 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a plurality of three-way valves 70, 72, 74, and 76 between the first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b and the humidity control space 50. Furthermore, the humidity control device 500 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a plurality of other three-way valves 71, 73, and 75 between the first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b and the humidity control space 50.

[0066] By providing a plurality of humidity control materials 10 (first humidity control material 10a and second humidity control material 10b) and a plurality of three-way valves 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, humidity control is possible using the second humidity control material 10b while the first humidity control material 10a is saturated and being regenerated.

[0067] Fans 60 and 61 are provided upstream of the first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b, respectively.

[0068] The first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b may be made of materials for different temperature and humidity zones. To achieve different temperature and humidity zones, different materials may be used for the first humidity control material 10a and the second humidity control material 10b.

[0069] For example, by using a first humidity control material 10a that is in the high humidity range and a second humidity control material 10b that is in the low humidity range, the range of fluctuation from room temperature becomes smaller, and therefore the energy required for temperature control becomes smaller.

[0070] As described above, the humidity control devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 400, and 500 according to the present disclosure enable easy humidity control.

[0071] 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.

[0072] For example, a term that is 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 humidity control device are not limited to those described in the embodiments and examples of the present disclosure, and various modifications are possible.

Claims

1. A humidity control device comprising: a humidity control material capable of absorbing and releasing moisture; and a first temperature control element that controls the temperature of the humidity control material.

2. The humidity control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a thermo-hygrometer that measures the air passed through the humidity control material; and a calculator that determines the temperature of the first temperature control element from the temperature and humidity obtained by the thermo-hygrometer.

3. The humidity control device according to claim 1, further comprising a humidity control space into which the air that has passed through the humidity control material flows.

4. The humidity control device according to claim 3, characterized in that air in the humidity control space is sent to the humidity control material.

5. The humidity control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the air in the humidity control space is discharged to a location other than the humidity control material.

6. The humidity control device according to claim 3, further comprising: a thermometer / hygrometer that measures the air that has passed through the humidity control material; and a second temperature control element that is provided upstream of the humidity control space and downstream of the thermometer / hygrometer and controls the temperature of the air that has passed through the humidity control material.

7. A humidity control device as described in claim 3, further comprising a thermo-hygrometer that measures the air that has passed through the humidity control material, and a three-way valve that is provided upstream of the humidity control space and downstream of the thermo-hygrometer, wherein the three-way valve is switched to release the air that has passed through the humidity control material outside the humidity control space when the humidity control material is regenerated by temperature control.

8. The humidity control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the humidity control material has a first humidity control material and a second humidity control material, and air that has passed through the first humidity control material and the second humidity control material is allowed to flow into the humidity control space.

9. The humidity control device according to claim 8, wherein the first humidity control material and the second humidity control material are materials for different temperature and humidity zones.

10. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein the humidity control material is a solid.

11. The humidity control device according to claim 10, wherein the humidity control material is a material whose initial equilibrium temperature is in the range of 35% RH to 99% RH at room temperature.

12. The humidity control device according to claim 11, wherein the humidity control material is a material whose equilibrium humidity change due to temperature change is within the range of ±10% RH in the range of 0°C to 50°C.