Humidifying and cooling system

Abstract

This humidifying and cooling system for a cold storage room comprises a cooling device having a cooling coil, and a control device for controlling the cooling device, wherein the control device controls the cooling device to repeatedly execute: a cooling mode for cooling the cold storage room while allowing frost or water droplets to adhere to the cooling coil; and a humidifying mode for humidifying the cold storage room while causing the frost adhering to the cooling coil to sublimate or causing the water droplets adhering to the cooling coil to evaporate.

Description

Humidifying and Cooling System

[0001] This invention relates to a humidifying and cooling system that humidifies the interior of a refrigerator using frost and water droplets that adhere to a cooling device inside the refrigerator.

[0002] Traditionally, vegetables and other agricultural products were stored in icehouses. Inside the icehouse, ice sublimes, maintaining a high relative humidity, allowing produce to be stored at low temperatures without drying out. Air conditioners also had a technology that would turn on the humidifier in the room after cooling operation, evaporating water droplets on the fins and preventing mold from growing.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology for sublimating and defrosting frost on an outdoor heat exchanger by setting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger to a temperature higher than the outdoor air temperature but lower than the freezing point when the outdoor air temperature is below freezing. Patent Literature 2 discloses a technology for filling a storage compartment with cold air at a target temperature prepared by blowing air over crushed ice. Patent Literature 3 discloses a technology for using frost formed on an evaporator as a cold storage material and switching the refrigerant flow from an external condenser to the evaporator of a contact freezer installed inside the refrigerator to cool a heat absorption plate inside the refrigerator. Patent Literature 4 discloses a technology for using water produced in a refrigerator or vegetable compartment cooler as a water source for an electrostatic atomizer that sprays water.

[0004] JP 2022-149018 A JP 2017-166734 A JP 2012-255640 A JP 2011-174700 A

[0005] Conventionally, the main role of refrigerators has been to maintain a low temperature inside the refrigerator, but there has been a problem with fruits, vegetables, cakes, and other foods that cannot be stored in vacuum packs or containers drying out when stored for long periods of time. Therefore, there has been a demand for a simple way to humidify the inside of a refrigerator.

[0006] In particular, there has been a demand for a simple method of humidifying the cargo compartments of reefer containers for transport and refrigerated trucks, where the internal temperature is around 0°C. For example, in reefer containers used for marine transport, the interior becomes dry when drain water is drained after dehumidification. However, if the internal temperature is set around 0°C, the humidifying water freezes, making humidification difficult.

[0007] Furthermore, in high-humidity storage cabinets using a storage system with double-walled construction that cools the wall space, frost or water droplets form on the cold interior walls, making it difficult to maintain high humidity. Condensation on the walls can also lead to the growth of mold and bacteria. Even when storing vacuum-packed food, increasing the degree of vacuum can cause gas to be released from the food, resulting in a loss of flavor. On the other hand, reducing the degree of vacuum too much can create voids within the bag, allowing water droplets to adhere to the food due to temperature fluctuations inside the cabinet, potentially leading to bacterial growth.

[0008] In addition, because the amount of saturated water vapor is very small around 0°C, if frost or water droplets form on the fins or coils of the cooler, the relative humidity inside the refrigerator drops sharply, making it difficult to maintain a stable high humidity state around 0°C.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention conducted extensive research and have come up with the invention of a humidifying and cooling system for a refrigerator including a cooling device having a cooling coil or a cooling coil with fins, and a control device that controls the operation of the cooling device, wherein the control device controls the operation of the cooling device in a cooling mode in which the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by causing frost or condensation to form on the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins, and a humidifying mode in which the inside of the refrigerator is humidified by sublimating or evaporating the frost or condensation that has adhered to the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins.

[0010] The humidification mode attached to the cooling coil of the cooling device or the cooling coil with fins can evaporate or sublimate the frost and condensation with airflow, defrosting the interior and humidifying the interior. This humidification method can humidify the interior even when the temperature inside the cabinet is below freezing, making it possible to humidify low-temperature storage cabinets where the temperature is close to freezing.

[0011] The humidifying and cooling system of the present invention may further include, in the refrigerator, a frosting inducing device that causes frost to form on the cooling coil or the cooling coil provided with fins, or a condensation inducing device that causes condensation to form on the cooling coil or the cooling coil provided with fins.

[0012] By spraying or sprinkling water onto the cooling coil of a cooling device or a cooling coil with fins, frost and condensation can be quantitatively formed on the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins.Even in a refrigerator located in a dry region where humidification is not sufficient through sublimation or evaporation due to naturally occurring frost and condensation, sufficient humidification can be achieved by sublimating or evaporating the frost formed by the frost induction device or the condensation formed by the condensation induction device.

[0013] In the humidifying and cooling system of the present invention, at least a portion of the surface of the cooling coil or the cooling coil provided with fins may have an uneven portion.

[0014] By providing the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins with irregularities, even when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes sufficiently higher than 0°C or when the frost is melted by a heating means, melted condensed water can be prevented from flowing down from the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins, and humidification becomes possible even when the frost is melted.

[0015] The humidifying and cooling system of the present invention may have a hydrophilic portion on at least a portion of the surface of the cooling coil or the cooling coil provided with fins.

[0016] By providing a hydrophilic portion on at least a portion of the surface of the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins, for example by applying a hydrophilic treatment to the surface of the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins, melted frost remains on the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins, preventing water droplets from scattering when blowing air. In addition, water droplets remaining on the cooling coil or the cooling coil with fins for a long time can evaporate without being discharged into a drain.

[0017] The humidification cooling system of the present invention may include a plurality of the cooling devices, and may be controlled by the control device to alternately repeat a first cooling period in which one or more of the cooling devices are controlled to the cooling mode and one or more of the cooling devices are controlled to the humidification mode, and a second cooling period in which, after the first cooling period ends, the cooling devices that were controlled to the cooling mode during the first cooling period are controlled to the humidification mode and the cooling devices that were controlled to the humidification mode during the first cooling period are controlled to the cooling mode.

[0018] During the first cooling period, one or more of the cooling devices are controlled to the cooling mode, and one or more other cooling devices are controlled to the humidification mode, so that cooling and humidification are performed simultaneously, thereby constantly maintaining a low-temperature, high-humidity state. Furthermore, frost and condensation formed in the cooling device during the cooling mode of the first cooling period can be reused by sublimation or evaporation during the humidification mode of the second cooling period. By alternately controlling the first cooling period and the second cooling period, excessive frost and condensation can be prevented from forming in the cooling device while maintaining a low-temperature, high-humidity state.

[0019] The humidification cooling system of the present invention may be configured such that the cooling device controlled to the cooling mode during the first cooling period has a higher cooling capacity than the cooling device controlled to the cooling mode during the second cooling period.

[0020] With the above configuration, the inside of the refrigerator can be cooled more efficiently during the first cooling period compared to the second cooling period, and as a result, frost and condensation occur more efficiently on the cooling coil or the cooling coil provided with fins. On the other hand, during the second cooling period, the frost and condensation that occurred during the first cooling period sublimates or evaporates, so the inside of the refrigerator can sometimes be humidified more efficiently during the second cooling period compared to the first cooling period.

[0021] The humidification cooling system of the present invention may be configured such that the refrigerant of the cooling device controlled to the cooling mode during the first cooling period is an antifreeze refrigerant, and the refrigerant of the cooling device controlled to the cooling mode during the second cooling period is a gas refrigerant.

[0022] By using an antifreeze refrigerant as the refrigerant in the cooling device controlled to the cooling mode during the first cooling period, it is possible to suppress frost formation by using a high-temperature liquid refrigerant, for example, at about −5° C. By using a gas refrigerant as the refrigerant in the cooling device controlled to the cooling mode during the second cooling period, it is possible to promote frost formation by lowering the refrigerant temperature sufficiently below the temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0023] The humidification cooling system of the present invention includes a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor inside the refrigerator, and the control unit can vary the lengths of the first cooling period and the second cooling period depending on the situation inside the refrigerator.

[0024] With the above configuration, depending on the conditions inside the refrigerator, the length of the first cooling period is extended when cooling is required, and the length of the second cooling period is extended when humidification is required, thereby contributing to constantly stabilizing the environment inside the refrigerator.

[0025] Furthermore, by installing a humidifier inside the refrigerator, the water vapor content of the air inside the refrigerator can be increased, which increases the amount of frost that forms on the fins of the cooler, thereby creating a stable, high-humidity environment.

[0026] The humidifying and cooling system of the present invention enables humidification even when the internal temperature drops below freezing, enabling a refrigerated storage cabinet with a high relative humidity even when the internal temperature is near 0°C. Furthermore, the humidifying and cooling system of the present invention eliminates the need to drain defrosted water to the outside, which reduces the internal relative humidity, and reuses the frost on the cooling coil or finned cooling coil for humidifying the interior, thereby maintaining a low temperature and a high relative humidity. Furthermore, by simultaneously cooling and dehumidifying on one side and blowing air to humidify on the other, it is possible to stabilize the internal relative humidity at a high level even in low temperatures near 0°C, where the relative humidity changes drastically during chiller operation. Furthermore, sublimation humidification by blowing air contributes to the stability of the internal temperature by absorbing the latent heat of sublimation during sublimation. Furthermore, by increasing the temperature gradient during cooling by the cooling device, shortening the cooling period, and lengthening the air blowing time to the fins, the humidification period can be sufficiently extended, ensuring sufficient time for sublimation.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerator equipped with a humidification cooling system of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a cooling coil in a cooling mode; FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a cooling coil in a humidification mode; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a fin of a cooling coil; FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an operating mode of embodiment 1; FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an operating mode of embodiment 2; FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerated reefer container of embodiment 2; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator of embodiment 4 seen from above; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an air mixer of embodiment 4; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a refrigerator of embodiment 4; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a duct of embodiment 5.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example, and is not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described below. In other words, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of its spirit. Furthermore, in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Parts in the drawings may have different dimensional relationships or ratios.

[0029] 1, the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure includes a storage compartment 13 and a humidification and cooling system 10. Examples of such a refrigerator 1 include, but are not limited to, a household or commercial refrigerator, a refrigerated warehouse, a reefer container, and a storage compartment for a refrigerated truck. The configuration of the storage compartment 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can store the contents in a refrigerated or frozen environment.

[0030] 2. Humidification Cooling System As shown in Figure 1, a humidification cooling system 10 of the present disclosure includes a cooling device 11 having a cooling coil 111, and a control device 12 that controls the cooling device 11. The humidification cooling system 10 may include one cooling device 11, or may include multiple cooling devices 11 as shown in Figure 1. When the humidification cooling system 10 includes multiple cooling devices 11, the control device 12 may independently control the cooling mode and the humidification mode for each cooling device 11.

[0031] The humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure is capable of humidifying at low temperatures by repeatedly condensing and evaporating water within the storage cabinet 13, without requiring an external water supply. Therefore, it is effective as, for example, a portable low-temperature, high-humidity storage cabinet. Furthermore, the humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure can also perform humidification using the cooling device 11, eliminating the need for a separate humidifying device.

[0032] The humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure performs humidification at low temperatures by utilizing the moisture in the air inside the storage facility 13, but if the air is initially dry, a humidifier may be used to first humidify the inside of the storage facility 13 before operating the humidifying and cooling system 10. On the other hand, if the air is initially highly humid and excessive frost or water droplets form inside the storage facility 13 due to cooling, the excess frost or water droplets may be drained to achieve a low-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0033] 2.1 Cooling Device The cooling device 11 has a cooling coil 111, and may have a refrigerant flow path 113 connected to the cooling coil 111, and an outdoor unit 114 connected to the refrigerant flow path 113. As a result, the refrigerant adjusted to a desired temperature by the outdoor unit 114 circulates through the cooling coil 111 and the outdoor unit 114 via the refrigerant flow path 113. This allows the cooling coil 111 to be adjusted to a desired temperature. The cooling coil 111, whose temperature has been adjusted in this manner, cools the gas in the storage facility 13 by heat exchange.

[0034] The cooling device 11 may be installed inside the storage facility 13 or outside the storage facility 13. When the cooling device 11 is installed outside the storage facility 13, the air drawn in from the storage facility 13 may be sent to the cooling coil 111 of the cooling device 11 via a duct or the like, and the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling coil 111 may be blown into the storage facility 13.

[0035] 2.2 Control Device The control device 12 controls the cooling device 11 by adjusting the refrigerant temperature using the outdoor unit 114, the refrigerant flow rate, etc., to execute a cooling mode in which the storage facility 13 is cooled while frost or water droplets w adhere to the cooling coil 111, and a humidification mode in which the storage facility 13 is humidified while sublimating the frost adhered to the cooling coil 111 or evaporating the water droplets w. Fig. 2A shows a schematic diagram illustrating the cooling mode, and Fig. 2B shows a schematic diagram illustrating the humidification mode.

[0036] 2A , in the cooling mode, a refrigerant adjusted to a relatively low temperature by the outdoor unit 114 is supplied to the cooling coil 111 via the refrigerant flow path 113. The cooling coil 111 comes into contact with the air in the storage 13, the air is cooled by heat exchange, and the cooled air is diffused into the storage 13. Furthermore, when the cooling coil 111 falls below the dew point temperature, condensed frost and water droplets w adhere to its surface. The adhesion of such frost and water droplets w can reduce the cooling capacity of the cooling device 11.

[0037] On the other hand, in the humidification mode, as shown in Fig. 2B, a refrigerant adjusted to a relatively high temperature by the outdoor unit 114 may be supplied to the cooling coil 111 via the refrigerant flow path 113, or the supply of refrigerant may simply be stopped, or the cooling operation of the outdoor unit 114 may be stopped. When the temperature of the cooling coil 111 gradually increases due to the refrigerant adjusted to a relatively high temperature or the refrigerant that has naturally increased in temperature without being cooled, the frost that formed during the cooling mode can sublimate and the water droplets w can evaporate, thereby humidifying the inside of the storage facility 13. This can also restore the cooling capacity of the cooling coil 111 that has been reduced due to the formation of frost and water droplets w.

[0038] By repeating the cooling mode and humidifying mode in this way, it becomes possible to stably maintain a high humidity state at a low temperature, such as around 0° C. Note that a blower, a heater, a water supply device, etc. may be used to more efficiently execute the cooling mode and humidifying mode.

[0039] 2.3 Blower The humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure may further include a blower 16 that blows air toward the cooling coil 111. By blowing air toward the cooling coil 111 using the blower 16, the air inside the storage facility 13 can be efficiently brought into contact with the cooling coil 111, promoting heat exchange, and the air that has undergone heat exchange can be efficiently exhausted and sent into the storage facility 13.

[0040] Furthermore, by blowing air onto the cooling coil 111 using the air blower 16, frost adhering to the cooling coil 111 can be sublimated and water droplets can be evaporated. This allows for more active humidification of the interior of the storage facility 13, along with the removal of frost and water droplets w, without raising the temperature inside the storage facility 13. In particular, when the temperature inside the storage facility is below freezing, the interior can be more efficiently humidified, achieving humidification of a low-temperature storage facility near the freezing point. The air blown by the air blower 16 may be used to more efficiently humidify the interior of the storage facility 13 in the humidification mode, or may be used to cool the interior of the storage facility 13 in the cooling mode while preventing the adhesion of frost and water droplets w to the cooling coil 111, thereby preventing the adhesion of frost and water droplets w from dehumidifying the interior of the storage facility 13.

[0041] 2.4 Heating Device Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the air blower 16, the humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure may include a heating device 18 that heats the cooling coil 111, as needed. This allows for more active removal of frost and water droplets adhering to the cooling coil 111 and more efficient humidification of the interior of the storage facility 13. However, the air blower 16 is preferable in order to prevent the temperature inside the storage facility 13 from rising.

[0042] The humidification cooling system 10 of the present disclosure may include a water adding device 17 that sprays or sprinkles water onto the cooling coil 111. Such a water adding device is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the sprinkler of a sprinkler defrosting chiller, a spray, a shower, and the like.

[0043] The hydration device 17 functions as a frosting inducing device that causes frost to adhere to the cooling coil 111 or as a condensation inducing device that causes water droplets to adhere, and by spraying or sprinkling water onto the cooling coil 111 of the cooling device 11 using the hydration device 17, a predetermined amount of frost or water droplets can be caused to adhere to the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112. This increases the amount of steam that can be supplied in the humidification mode, and even in a refrigerator 1 located in a dry region, for example, the hydration device 17 can sublimate or evaporate the frost or water droplets that have adhered, thereby achieving sufficient humidification.

[0044] The hydration device may reuse drainage water from the cooling device 11 or a dehumidifying cooling device (not shown). The drainage water may be stored in a water storage tank and circulated. The cooling device 11 uses the frost and water droplets attached thereto for humidification as described above, but some of these droplets that drip from the cooling coil can be reused as drainage water. The humidifying cooling system 10 of the present disclosure may also be used in conjunction with a conventional dehumidifying cooling device, and by reusing the drainage water, humidity can be maintained without reducing the amount of moisture inside the refrigerator.

[0045] The dehumidifying and cooling device has an intake port for taking in air from the first storage 13a, a cooling coil for cooling the taken-in air, a drain mechanism for discharging water vapor (water) that condenses on the surface of the cooling coil when the temperature drops below the dew point, and an outlet for discharging the air cooled by the cooling coil. In other words, the dehumidifying and cooling device differs from the cooling device 11 of the present disclosure in that it discharges the condensed water to the outside, thereby reducing the amount of moisture in the first storage 13a.

[0046] 2.6 Fins The cooling coil 111 may have fins 112. The fins 112 are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, thin metal plates for improving cooling efficiency. The fins 112 increase the heat transfer area of ​​the cooling coil 111 and improve the efficiency of heat transfer between the air and the refrigerant. This makes it easier for heat to be transferred to the cooling coil when the air passes through the fins, which tends to improve the cooling effect.

[0047] FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of fin 112. As shown in FIG. 2C, fin 112 may have recesses 115 on at least a portion of its surface. Instead of or in addition to recesses 115, protrusions may be provided. Providing the recesses and protrusions on the surface of fin 112 can prevent melted condensation from flowing off fin 112 even when the internal temperature is sufficiently higher than 0°C or when frost is melted by heating device 18. This also prevents water sprayed by hydration device 17 from flowing off. By allowing the condensation to remain on fin 112, heat from the refrigerant can be transferred to the condensation in the humidification mode, and the water on fin 112 can be efficiently evaporated by blower 16 or heating device 18, enabling more efficient humidification.

[0048] At least a portion of the surface of the cooling coil 111 and / or the fins 112 may be coated with a hydrophilic polymer. By providing a hydrophilic finish to the surface, the wettability of melted frost or water droplets on the surface of the cooling coil 111 and / or the fins 112 is improved, facilitating the formation of a water film. If water droplets exist, they tend to scatter when the air is blown by the blower. The scattered water droplets may be collected and discharged by the optional drain mechanism 19. However, the formation of a water film can suppress such scattering, allowing the water to evaporate without being discharged by the drain mechanism 19. This allows for more efficient humidification.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C, the fins 112 may be installed so that their extension direction is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. In a typical air-conditioning heat exchanger, the fins are arranged so that their extension direction is approximately parallel to the vertical direction in order to drain condensation water during defrosting. In this way, in a typical air-conditioning heat exchanger, condensation water flows vertically downward and is drained using a drain mechanism, preventing the growth of mold and other problems caused by the condensation water. However, in the present disclosure, the extension direction of the fins 112 is arranged so that it is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction, allowing water droplets to accumulate on the surfaces of the fins 112. This allows the water droplets accumulated on the surfaces of the fins 112 to be effectively used to humidify the storage cabinet 13.

[0050] From this perspective, the fins 112 may be curved to make it easier for water droplets to collect, or may be tilted as long as the water droplets can be kept on the fin surface.

[0051] 2.7 Operation Control Using Multiple Cooling Devices The humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure can inexpensively and easily maintain a low-temperature, high-humidity environment even at temperatures close to 0°C by alternately operating the cooling device 11 in cooling mode and humidifying mode, even when the system has a single cooling device 11. On the other hand, when the humidifying and cooling system 10 has multiple cooling devices 11, each cooling device 11 can be operated alternately in cooling mode and humidifying mode, thereby maintaining a low-temperature, high-humidity environment while keeping the temperature and humidity inside the storage unit more constant. Furthermore, a low-temperature, high-humidity environment can be maintained while keeping the temperature and humidity constant even in a larger storage unit.

[0052] 1 , the humidification cooling system 10 of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cooling devices 11, and the cooling devices 11 may be controlled by a control device 12. For example, the control device 12 may control the first cooling device 11a to a cooling mode and the second cooling device 11b to a humidification mode in a first cooling period, and control the second cooling device 11b to a humidification mode and the first cooling device 11a to a cooling mode in a second cooling period, and the control device 12 may control the cooling devices 11 so that the first cooling period and the second cooling period alternately repeat.

[0053] In this way, during the first cooling period, one or more first cooling devices 11a are controlled to the cooling mode, and one or more second cooling devices 11b are controlled to the humidification mode, thereby simultaneously performing cooling and humidification, thereby consistently maintaining a low-temperature, high-humidity state. Furthermore, frost and water droplets that adhere to the first cooling device 11a during the cooling mode of the first cooling period can be sublimated or evaporated in the humidification mode of the second cooling period and reused. By alternately controlling the first cooling period and the second cooling period, excessive generation of frost and water droplets in the cooling device 11 can be prevented while maintaining a low-temperature, high-humidity state.

[0054] In the humidification and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure, the cooling capacity of the first cooling device 11a controlled to the cooling mode during the first cooling period may be higher than that of the second cooling device 11b controlled to the cooling mode during the second cooling period. As a result, the inside of the refrigerator 1 can be cooled more efficiently during the first cooling period compared to the second cooling period, and as a result, frost and condensation tend to occur more efficiently on the cooling coil 111 and the fins 112. On the other hand, during the second cooling period, the frost and condensation that occurred during the first cooling period sublimates or evaporates, so the inside of the storage cabinet 13 tends to be humidified more efficiently during the second cooling period compared to the first cooling period.

[0055] The humidification cooling system 10 of the present disclosure may be configured such that the refrigerant of the first cooling device 11a controlled to the cooling mode during the first cooling period is an antifreeze refrigerant, and the refrigerant of the second cooling device 11b controlled to the cooling mode during the second cooling period is a gas refrigerant. By using an antifreeze refrigerant in the first cooling period in the cooling mode, frost formation can be suppressed by using a high-temperature liquid refrigerant, for example, approximately −5°C. On the other hand, by using a gas refrigerant in the second cooling period in the second cooling period in the cooling mode, the refrigerant temperature can be sufficiently lowered below the temperature inside the refrigerator, thereby promoting frost formation.

[0056] Alternatively, if the humidifying and cooling system 10 has multiple cooling devices 11, the cooling devices 11 may be divided into cooling and humidifying devices. The cooling device may have a relatively high refrigerant temperature and a large heat transfer area using a cooling coil and its fins. This allows cooling while suppressing frost formation even in a high-humidity storage compartment. Furthermore, the humidifying and cooling device may have a low cooling capacity as long as it can perform a cooling mode that causes frost or water droplets to adhere and a humidifying mode that evaporates them. This allows the humidifying and cooling system 10 to reduce its overall power consumption.

[0057] Here, both the cooling device for cooling and the cooling device for humidification can be operated in cooling mode and humidification mode, but for example, the cooling device for cooling extends the operating time in cooling mode while suppressing frost formation, and operates in humidification mode for a relatively short period of time when frost forms, while the cooling device for humidification operates mainly to cause the adhesion and sublimation or evaporation of frost or water droplets.

[0058] The humidification and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure may include a humidity sensor 14 and a temperature sensor 15 in the storage cabinet 13. This allows the control device 12 to vary the lengths of the first and second cooling periods depending on the humidity and temperature conditions within the storage cabinet 13. Specifically, depending on the conditions within the storage cabinet 13, the length of the first cooling period may be extended if cooling is required, and the length of the second cooling period may be extended if humidification is required. This allows the environment within the cooling cabinet 1 to be constantly stabilized.

[0059] According to the humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure, by controlling the cooling mode and humidifying mode, humidification is possible even when the temperature inside the storage cabinet 13 drops below freezing, thereby achieving a high relative humidity while maintaining the temperature inside the storage cabinet 13 near 0°C. Furthermore, the humidifying and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure eliminates the need to drain defrosted water to the outside, which reduces the relative humidity inside the storage cabinet. The frost adhering to the cooling coil 111 or fins 112 can be reused to humidify the inside of the storage cabinet, thereby maintaining a low temperature and a high relative humidity. Furthermore, by using the first cooling device 11a and the second cooling device 11b, cooling and dehumidification can be performed while simultaneously humidifying the inside of the storage cabinet. This allows a stable, high-humidity environment inside the storage cabinet, even at low temperatures near 0°C, where relative humidity fluctuates greatly. Furthermore, sublimation humidification using airflow contributes to stabilizing the temperature inside the storage cabinet through the latent heat of sublimation generated during sublimation.

[0060] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the humidification and cooling system 10 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0061] (Embodiment 1) In embodiment 1, the refrigerated cargo compartment of a refrigerated truck transports agricultural products and marine products from production areas to destinations while keeping them refrigerated at an internal temperature of around 0° C. The refrigerated truck has two cooling devices 11 inside a storage compartment 13.

[0062] 2C is an explanatory diagram showing the operation modes of the first cooling device 11a and the second cooling device 11b in Example 1, where the direction of the arrow indicates the passage of time. Therefore, in Fig. 2C, a first cooling period in which the first cooling device 11a is in the cooling mode and the second cooling device 11ab is in the humidification mode, and a second cooling period in which the first cooling device 11a is in the humidification mode and the second cooling device 11b is in the cooling mode are alternately repeated.

[0063] The switching between the cooling mode and the humidification mode is performed by the control device 12. The lengths of the first cooling period and the second cooling period may be the same or different; for example, the first cooling period may be set to 10 minutes and the second cooling period to 5 minutes. These lengths of time may be changed depending on the conditions inside the storage facility 13, and may be adjusted based on the humidity or temperature measured by the humidity sensor 14 and the temperature sensor 15. The setting of the lengths of the first cooling period and the second cooling period is similar in the following embodiments.

[0064] First cooling device 11a or second cooling device 11b increases the refrigerant temperature during defrosting in the humidification mode, and performs air blowing operation with air blower 16. At this time, thin film of frost adhering to cooling coil 111 or fins 112 sublimates, and humidified air is supplied into the refrigerator, thereby humidifying the interior of the refrigerator.

[0065] The surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112 may be coated with a hydrophilic polymer (not shown) and may further have recesses. With this configuration, frost formed on the surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112 when the refrigerant temperature rises and thaws can be kept on the surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112 for a long period of time, thereby efficiently humidifying the interior of the refrigerator. Furthermore, the hydrophilic polymer coating promotes adhesion of the frost to the surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112. When the door is opened to completely melt the frost and drain the water, the hydrophilic polymer coating on the surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112 makes it easy to drain debris that has adhered to the surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112 during frost formation.

[0066] When the refrigerator door is opened at a transit point, for example, allowing outside air to enter and causing excessive frost, the gaps between the fins narrow. This causes an increase in static pressure during airflow, increasing the operating current of the fan. The humidifying and cooling system of embodiment 1 is provided with a current sensor in the power supply circuit (not shown) to the fan. When the control unit detects a current increase signal from the current sensor, it activates the refrigerant heater (not shown) of the cooling device 11 to raise the refrigerant temperature to a temperature higher than 5°C. This promotes melting of frost on the surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or fins 112.

[0067] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 is a refrigerated reefer container for transporting agricultural produce and livestock products while keeping the internal temperature at around 0° C. Fig. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of embodiment 2.

[0068] The refrigerated reefer container is equipped with a first cooling device 11a and a second cooling device 11b. The first cooling device 11a uses a liquid refrigerant installed outside the container, and an antifreeze refrigerant liquid that is 5 to 7 degrees Celsius lower than the target temperature inside the container, and cools the container by flowing it through a refrigerant pipe. The humidifying device 22 uses a gas refrigerant with a refrigerant temperature of -20 degrees Celsius or lower during cooling, and efficiently forms frost on the surfaces of the cooling coil 111 or fins 112.

[0069] The difference between the temperature inside the refrigerated reefer container and the temperature of the fins of the cooling device for cooling (first cooling device 11a) is smaller than the difference between the temperature inside the refrigerated reefer container and the temperature of the fins of the humidifying device for humidification (second cooling device 11b). Therefore, the amount of frost formed on the cooling humidifying device (first cooling device 11a) per unit time is smaller than the amount of frost formed on the second cooling device 11b per unit time. Also, the cooling capacity of the first cooling device 11a is greater than the cooling capacity of the humidifying device for humidification (second cooling device 11b).

[0070] When the first cooling device 11a is in the cooling mode, the second cooling device 11b is in the humidifying mode. The manner of switching is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0071] 2C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the surface of the cooling coil 111 or the fin 112 of the second embodiment. By providing the recess 102 in the fin 101, the heat transfer area can be increased and frost can be prevented from falling into the drain during defrosting. By setting the refrigerant temperature during defrosting in the first cooling device 11a and the second cooling device 11b to a refrigerant temperature range of not less than the target in-fridge temperature and not more than 2°C above the target temperature, the rise in the in-fridge temperature can be minimized.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C, fins 202 are installed perpendicular to refrigerant pipes 201. The extension direction of fins 202 may be horizontal or vertical, but horizontal is preferable. Conventional air conditioner heat exchangers are configured to blow air horizontally relative to the fins to drain condensation water during defrosting. However, by extending fins 202 horizontally, water droplets can be retained on the surfaces of fins 202, effectively humidifying the interior of the refrigerator.

[0073] Embodiment 2 is shown in Figure 4B. This is a high-humidity refrigerator-freezer for restaurants, equipped with a high-humidity refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. A door that opens and closes forward is provided on the front of refrigerator compartment 301 (not shown), and low-temperature, high-humidity compartment 302 is provided to the right of the refrigerator compartment. Low-temperature, high-humidity compartment 302 consists of three drawers and does not have a dedicated door; food is taken in and out by opening the refrigerator compartment door and then pulling out drawer 303. Cool air from each cooling unit installed in machine compartment 306 is distributed individually to the low-temperature, high-humidity compartment and refrigerator compartment through duct 304.

[0074] When frost forms on the fins of the cooling device in freezer compartment 305, the control unit switches the airflow direction in duct 304, causing the air in low-temperature, high-humidity compartment 302 to hit the fins of the freezer compartment cooler, sublimating the frost on the cooling coil. The control unit then switches the airflow direction in duct 304 and returns the air humidified by the sublimation to low-temperature, high-humidity compartment 302, thereby humidifying low-temperature, high-humidity compartment 302 while suppressing a temperature rise in low-temperature, high-humidity compartment 302. In addition, because low-temperature, high-humidity compartment 302 does not have a door that opens to the outside, the temperature and humidity inside the compartment can be stabilized.

[0075] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 is a portable, compact, low-temperature, high-humidity storage cabinet (not shown). It is constructed with a bottom and wall materials made of a cold storage material. In cooling mode, water droplets or frost that condense or form on the surface of the cooling coil 111 or fins 112 are removed by blowing air while heating the surface of the cooling coil 111 or fins 112 in a refrigerant temperature range above the target cabinet temperature and below the target temperature + 2°C, thereby humidifying the interior of the cabinet. During humidification, the latent heat of the cold storage material suppresses temperature rise. By using a single humidifier, the cabinet can be made smaller, making it possible to use it in a vehicle.

[0076] (Embodiment 4) Fig. 5A shows a schematic diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 4, viewed from above. As shown in Fig. 5A, the refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 4 includes a first storage cabinet 13a and a second storage cabinet 13b. The first storage cabinet 13a may be maintained at a relatively lower temperature than the second storage cabinet 13b. The first storage cabinet 13a and the second storage cabinet 13b may be separated by a wall 20 and a middle door 21, and the second storage cabinet 13b may further have an outer door 22 that connects to the outside. Although not particularly limited, entry to the first storage cabinet 13a may be via the outer door 22, the second storage cabinet 13b, and the middle door 21. In this case, the second storage cabinet 13b may serve as a anteroom for entering the first storage cabinet 13a.

[0077] 5A , the wall 20 separating the first storage cabinet 13a and the second storage cabinet 13b may have a first vent 23 and a second vent 27. A first fan 24 may be provided on the second storage cabinet 13b side of the first vent 23, and an air mixer 25 and a second fan 26 may be provided on the first storage cabinet 13a side of the first vent 23. As a result, air from the second storage cabinet 13b is sent to the first storage cabinet 13a side through the first vent 23 by the first fan 24. The air from the second storage cabinet 13b sent in this manner flows into the air mixer 25 from the first vent 23. Meanwhile, on the first storage cabinet 13a side, the second fan 26 sends air from the first storage cabinet 13a to the air mixer 25. Then, in the air mixer 25, the air in the first storage 13a and the air in the second storage 13b are mixed, and the mixed gas is sent to the first storage 13a.

[0078] In this case, the air in the second storage cabinet 13b may be adjusted to have a higher absolute humidity than the air in the first storage cabinet 13a. This allows the air mixer 25 to supply air with a higher humidity to the first storage cabinet 13a than the air in the first storage cabinet 13a that has flowed into the air mixer 25, thereby humidifying the first storage cabinet 13a. As a result, a lower temperature and higher humidity environment can be stably achieved.

[0079] The amount of air from the first storage cabinet 13a supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the second fan 26. In addition, the amount of air from the second storage cabinet 13b supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the first fan 24. By adjusting the airflow rates of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26, the mixing ratio of the air from the first storage cabinet 13a and the air from the second storage cabinet 13b can be adjusted, and the humidity and temperature of the air released from the air mixer 25 can be adjusted as desired. In addition, this makes it possible to humidify the inside of the first storage cabinet 13a without causing frost, even if the temperature inside the first storage cabinet 13a is below freezing.

[0080] For example, if there is a large difference in temperature and humidity between the air in the first storage cabinet 13a and the air in the second storage cabinet 13b, when they are mixed, the high-humidity second storage cabinet 13b is rapidly cooled, resulting in fog. This fog adheres to the stored items and walls, causing mold and bacteria to grow. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the airflow rates of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 to adjust the mixing ratio of the air in the first storage cabinet 13a and the air in the second storage cabinet 13b to prevent fog from forming. Specifically, increasing the amount of air in the first storage cabinet 13a—for example, by setting the airflow rates of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 to a ratio of 1:5—can adjust the humidity and temperature differences and tend to suppress the generation of fog.

[0081] Furthermore, when air from the second storage cabinet 13b is taken in through the first vent 23 and the air mixer 25, the air pressure in the first storage cabinet 13a increases, which results in a gradual decrease in the air intake efficiency of the second storage cabinet 13b, making it impossible to maintain a high humidity environment. Therefore, the second vent 27 may be used to send air from the first storage cabinet 13a to the second storage cabinet 13b. This avoids an increase in air pressure and maintains the air intake efficiency of the second storage cabinet 13b via the air mixer 25, and thus the humidification efficiency. Furthermore, the second vent 27 allows the relatively low-temperature air from the first storage cabinet 13a to be sent to the second storage cabinet 13b, thereby reducing the operating load of the cooling device 11 of the second storage cabinet 13b.

[0082] FIG. 5B shows another embodiment of the air mixer 25. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, a slide plate 29 may be provided on the second storage cabinet 13b side of the first ventilation port 23. By controlling the size of the opening with the slide plate 29, it is possible to adjust the amount of air from the second storage cabinet 13b taken into the air mixer 25 and the mixing ratio with the air from the first storage cabinet 13a. Furthermore, the first fan 24 is no longer necessary, and only the second fan 26 is required, thereby making the device configuration more space-saving and efficient. The slide plate 29 may be manual or electric.

[0083] 5B, the second fan 26 may be located downstream of the air mixer 25. This allows the rotation of the second fan 26 to mix the air in the first storage 13a and the air in the second storage 13b more homogeneously.

[0084] Next, the cooling devices 11 and the like provided in the first storage cabinet 13a and the second storage cabinet 13b will be described. The first storage cabinet 13a may have one or more cooling devices 11. The cooling device 11 provided in the first storage cabinet 13a may be capable of operating in a cooling mode and a humidifying mode by the control device 12 as described above, or may be a normal dehumidifying cooling device.

[0085] The dehumidifying and cooling device may have a drain mechanism that discharges water vapor that has condensed on the surface of the cooling coil below the dew point to the outside of the first storage room 13a. The drain mechanism is not particularly limited, but may include a mechanism having a drain pan that collects water droplets that drip from the cooling coil and a drain hose that discharges water that has accumulated in the drain pan.

[0086] Since the first storage cabinet 13a utilizes the humidification mechanism described above using the air mixer 25, such a dehumidifying cooling device may be used instead of the cooling device 11. This eliminates the need for the dehumidifying cooling device to alternate between cooling mode and humidifying mode, stabilizing the temperature inside the first storage cabinet 13a and further improving cooling performance.

[0087] The second storage cabinet 13b may have a cooling device 11 or a humidifying device 28. In the second storage cabinet 13b, a dehumidifying cooling device may be used instead of the cooling device 11. Even if the air is dehumidified by the dehumidifying cooling device, the second storage cabinet 13b can be kept at a relatively high temperature, for example, above the freezing point, and therefore the humidifying device 28 can be used to maintain high humidity.

[0088] The absolute humidity of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b is not particularly limited, but may be adjusted by, for example, a humidifier 28, or may be adjusted by taking in outside air by opening the outer door 22. The humidifier 28 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a steam type that heats and evaporates water, an ultrasonic type that uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn water into a fine mist and supply it into the air, and an evaporation type that blows air onto an absorbent that has absorbed water to humidify the air by evaporation.

[0089] The temperature of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b may be higher or lower than that of the first storage cabinet 13a. As described above, from the viewpoint of humidifying the air in the second storage cabinet 13b with the air mixer 25 in the first storage cabinet 13a, it is preferable to increase the temperature of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b so that it contains more water vapor. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing the air temperature in the first storage cabinet 13a from being excessively raised by the air in the second storage cabinet 13b, it is preferable that the temperature of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b be close to that of the first storage cabinet 13a. By achieving this balance, the temperature of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0090] Although the above description assumes the inclusion of the second storage cabinet 13b, the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure may have only the first storage cabinet 13a, as shown in FIG. 5C , without the second storage cabinet 13b. As a result, outside air is sent to the first storage cabinet 13a side through the first vent 23 by the first fan 24. The outside air sent in this way flows into the air mixer 25 from the first vent 23. Meanwhile, on the first storage cabinet 13a side, the second fan 26 sends the air from the first storage cabinet 13a to the air mixer 25. Then, in the air mixer 25, the air from the first storage cabinet 13a and the air from the second storage cabinet 13b are mixed, and the mixed gas is sent to the first storage cabinet 13a. Even in this case, each component device can function in the same manner as described above.

[0091] Although the slide plate is not shown in FIG. 5C, the slide plate shown in FIG. 5B may be used instead of the first fan 24.

[0092] In the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to adjust the mixing ratio of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b or the outside air with the air in the first storage cabinet 13a so as to prevent the generation of fog. From this viewpoint, the control device 12 may appropriately adjust the airflow rates of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26, or the opening / closing degree of the sliding plate 29.

[0093] Specifically, if the temperature of the mixed gas falls below the dew point, moisture in the air will condense and generate fog. Therefore, the control device 12 adjusts the mixing ratio so that the temperature of the mixed gas exceeds the dew point. At this time, the control device 12 may determine whether the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas exceed the dew point when the air in the second storage cabinet 13b or the outside air and the air in the first storage cabinet 13a are mixed in a predetermined ratio based on information on the temperature and humidity of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b or the outside air and the air in the first storage cabinet 13a. If the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas are below the dew point, the control device 12 may reduce the mixing ratio of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b or the outside air by reducing the airflow rate of the first fan 24 or slightly closing the slide plate 29, or increase the airflow rate of the second fan 26, for example, to increase the mixing ratio of the air in the first storage cabinet 13a.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11 and the humidifying device 28 of the first storage cabinet 13a to adjust the temperature and humidity of the air in the second storage cabinet 13b so that the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas do not fall below the dew point. Alternatively, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11 of the first storage cabinet 13a to adjust the temperature and humidity of the air in the first storage cabinet 13a so that the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas do not fall below the dew point.

[0095] The internal structure of the air mixer 25 is not particularly limited as long as it is cylindrical, as shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, but may include, for example, protrusions or fins. This tends to generate turbulence within the air mixer 25 and promote gas mixing. The internal structure of the air mixer 25 may be configured so that the flow path through which the gas passes narrows or widens toward the outlet. By narrowing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the gas passes toward the outlet, the pressure on the mixed gas increases, and mist tends to be less likely to form within the air mixer 25. By widening the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the gas passes toward the outlet, the pressure on the mixed gas decreases, and the mixed air supplied from the air mixer 25 to the second storage 13b becomes cooler. This allows humidification while suppressing temperature increases within the second storage 13b. A hydrophilic layer may also be provided on the surface of the inner wall of the mixer. This makes it possible to suppress the formation of fog and frost by causing the fog and frost to adhere to the inner wall surface of the mixer.

[0096] (Embodiment 5) Figure 6 shows an example of a duct in refrigerator 1. The duct is not particularly limited, and may be a duct connecting any two or more spaces in the cooling device, a duct for taking in outside air connecting the outside and inside of refrigerator 1, or a duct for transporting cool air from one place to another inside refrigerator 1. The following describes the structure around the duct, but other examples can be referenced for other configurations.

[0097] In low-temperature environments around 0°C, the amount of saturated water vapor is small, so frost forms immediately after the cooling device starts operating in cooling mode, causing a rapid drop in relative humidity. To prevent this drop, in this embodiment, multiple cooling devices are operated alternately in cooling mode and humidifying mode. This is because the rate at which the relative humidity drops is fast but the sublimation rate is not. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, frost formation, melting, and air blowing are more effective.

[0098] In the fifth embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 113 connected to the outdoor unit 114 of the cooling device 11 branches off and is led into the duct 31, where condensation occurs in the refrigerant flow path 113a within the duct 31 and the condensed water is collected in a drain pan. The collected condensed water may then be used by the pump 34 as humidification water to be consumed by the humidifier 28, for example. In this way, the inside of the duct is cooled by the refrigerant flow path 113a within the duct 31, and the water removed by this cooling is used by the humidifier 28, for example, to maintain a low temperature and high humidity inside the storage facility 13.

[0099] For example, consider a shipping container. To avoid reducing the loading efficiency, it is desirable to avoid loading a large amount of items other than cargo, such as water for humidification. Therefore, by loading multiple cooling devices 11 and alternately operating the cooling devices 11 in a cooling mode and a humidifying mode, air is blown onto the fins 112 in the humidifying mode to sublimate or evaporate the frost or water droplets adhering to the storage facility 13, thereby humidifying the storage facility 13.

[0100] On the other hand, when one cooling device 11 is installed, as shown in Fig. 6, the refrigerant flow path 113 connected to the outdoor unit 114 may be branched and led into the duct 31, and condensation may occur in the refrigerant flow path 113a in the duct 31. The refrigerant flow path 113a in the duct 31 may have fins (not shown). Then, the four-way valve 33 is controlled to flow the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 114 of the cooling device 11 into the refrigerant flow path 113, causing frost and water droplets to form on the refrigerant flow path 113a in the duct 31.

[0101] When water droplets adhere, the resulting condensed water may be collected in the water storage unit 32 and pumped by the pump 34 to be used as humidifying water consumed by the humidifier 28. The water storage unit 32 is not particularly limited as long as it can collect condensed water from the refrigerant flow path 113a, and may be located vertically below the refrigerant flow path 113a.

[0102] In addition, if frost forms, the four-way valve 33 can be controlled to supply hot gas to the refrigerant flow path 113, melting the frost that has formed on the refrigerant flow path 113a or fins in the duct 31, collecting water, and using the pump 34 to use the condensed water, for example, as humidification water to be consumed by the humidifier 28.

[0103] This allows the interior of the container to be stably humidified even when, for example, water supply for humidification is not possible in an ocean-going container. Furthermore, when the cooling device 11 is operating in the humidification mode, the air blower 16 may blow air against frost and water droplets adhering to the fins 112 of the cooling device 11, thereby humidifying the interior together with the humidifier. Similarly, even when there are multiple cooling devices 11 in the storage facility 13, the air blowing may be stopped when the cooling device 11 is not in the cooling mode, and hot gas may be flowed into the refrigerant flow path 113a in the duct 31 using the four-way valve 33, melting the frost and providing water for the humidifier.

[0104] The present invention can be used in reefer containers and refrigerated trucks as low-temperature, high-humidity storage facilities, and can also be applied to home low-temperature, high-humidity storage facilities.

[0105] The cooling device of the present invention draws air from inside a refrigerator, exchanges heat with the air inside the refrigerator using a cooling coil of the cooling device or a cooling coil with fins, and sends the air after heat exchange into the refrigerator. Even if the heat exchanger is located outside the refrigerator, the cooling device is configured to draw air from inside the refrigerator, exchange heat, and then send the air into the refrigerator.

[0106] The cooling mode of the cooling device of the present invention refers to a state in which air is drawn in from inside the refrigerator, heat-exchanges with the inside air on the surfaces of cooling coil 111 or fins 112 of the cooling device, and the air after heat exchange is blown into the refrigerator. At this time, the cooling device cools the refrigerator while causing frost or condensation.

[0107] The humidification mode of the cooling device of the present invention refers to a state in which air is drawn in from inside the refrigerator and sent into the refrigerator without exchanging heat with the inside air on the surfaces of cooling coil 111 or fins 112 of the cooling device. At this time, the cooling device sends air into the refrigerator while sublimating or evaporating the frost or condensation adhering to the surfaces of cooling coil 111 or fins 112, thereby humidifying the inside of the refrigerator.

[0108] In the humidification mode of the cooling device of the present invention, the refrigerant gas flow of the cooling device may be reversed to promote sublimation of frost on the surface of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112, or the temperature of the fins may be heated to around 0° C. using a heater or infrared lamp that heats the surface of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112. Even if the frost on the surface of the cooling coil 111 or the fins 112 melts into water by heating, the water droplets adhering to the fins may be evaporated without being drained to the drain.

[0109] The frosting or condensation generating device can reuse drainage water generated during cooling. Furthermore, a separate water storage tank may be provided to store and circulate the drainage water.

[0110] Conventional air conditioning heat exchangers have fins installed vertically to drain condensation water during defrosting, but the cooling device in the humidifying and cooling system of the present invention does not require drainage, so the efficiency of blowing air and humidifying can be increased by installing the fins horizontally or at an angle within a range that allows water droplets to remain on the fin surface.

[0111] This system can be used for storage of mobile reefer containers and refrigerated trucks. When transporting cargo from dry regions in winter, it is humidified using a humidifier upon arrival and then cooled to a predetermined temperature. In this case, excess frost is heated using a heater or other device and drained as defrost water, achieving a low-temperature, high-humidity storage environment. While the method of cooling and sublimation defrosting using a single humidifier does not provide high temperature and humidity stability, it is inexpensive and easy to maintain high humidity even at temperatures approaching 0°C. Alternating cooling and humidification using two humidifiers is effective for large, low-temperature, high-humidity storage facilities. Furthermore, by separating the humidifiers into cooling and humidifying units, the cooling humidifier has a relatively high refrigerant temperature and a large heat transfer area, suppressing frost formation and cooling even in high-humidity storage facilities. The humidifier for humidification can have a low cooling capacity, thereby reducing overall power consumption. Furthermore, since humidification can be achieved without using water, this system is effective for mobile, low-temperature, high-humidity storage facilities. In the present invention, the cooling means also serves as the humidifying means, so there is no need to provide a separate humidifying means.

[0112] REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, 10, HUMIDIFIED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, 11, REFRIGERATION DEVICE, 11a, 1st REFRIGERATION DEVICE, 11b, 2nd REFRIGERATION DEVICE, 12, 13, STORAGE DEVICE, 13a, 1st REFRIGERATION DEVICE, 13b, 2nd REFRIGERATION DEVICE, 14, HUMIDITY SENSOR, 15, TEMPERATURE SENSOR, 16, AIR BLOWER DEVICE, 17, WATER ADDING DEVICE, 18, HEATING DEVICE, 19, DRAINAGE MECHANISM, 20, WALL, 21, INTERIOR DOOR, 22, OUTER DOOR, 23, 1ST AIR VENT, 24, 1ST FAN , 25...air mixer, 26...second fan, 27...second air vent, 28...humidifier, 29...slide plate, 31...duct, 32...water storage section, 33...four-way valve, 34...pump, 111...cooling coil, 112...fins, 113...refrigerant flow path, 114...outdoor unit, 115...recess, 301...refrigerating compartment, 302...low temperature and high humidity compartment, 304...duct, 305...freezing compartment, 306...machine compartment, w...frost or water droplets.

Claims

1. A humidifying and cooling system for a refrigerator, comprising: a cooling device having a cooling coil; and a control device that controls the cooling device, wherein the control device controls the cooling device to repeatedly execute a cooling mode in which the refrigerator is cooled while causing frost or water droplets to adhere to the cooling coil, and a humidifying mode in which the refrigerator is humidified while sublimating the frost adhered to the cooling coil or evaporating the water droplets.

2. The humidification cooling system according to claim 1, further comprising a frost inducing device for causing frost to adhere to the cooling coil, or a condensation inducing device for causing water droplets to adhere to the cooling coil.

3. The humidification and cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling coil has fins, and at least a portion of the surface of the fins has concave and / or convex portions.

4. The humidification and cooling system of claim 1, wherein the cooling coil has fins, and at least a portion of the surface of the fins is coated with a hydrophilic polymer.

5. The humidification cooling system of claim 1, wherein the cooling device comprises a first cooling device and a second cooling device, and the control device: during a first cooling period, controls the first cooling device to the cooling mode and controls the second cooling device to the humidification mode, and during a second cooling period, controls the second cooling device to the humidification mode and controls the first cooling device to the cooling mode, and the control device controls the cooling devices so that the first cooling period and the second cooling period alternately repeat.

6. The humidification and cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the cooling capacity of the first cooling device is higher than the cooling capacity of the second cooling device.

7. The humidification and cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the refrigerant in the first cooling device is an antifreeze refrigerant, and the refrigerant in the second cooling device is a gas refrigerant.

8. The humidification and cooling system according to claim 5, further comprising a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor within the cooling compartment, and wherein the control device varies the lengths of the first cooling period and the second cooling period according to the humidity detected by the humidity sensor and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

9. The humidification and cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a humidifier provided within the refrigerator.

10. A refrigerator comprising: a storage unit; and a humidification and cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which humidifies and cools the storage unit.

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