Air conditioner and its drain water treatment member

Abstract

In an air conditioner, an air conditioning element is configured using a material containing a metal salt having hygroscopicity. A drain water treatment member is provided at a position in contact with a drain water generated in the air conditioning element, and includes a metal organic structure. The metal organic structure reacts with a metal salt contained in the drain water to store metal ions. As a result, the drain water treatment member suppresses moisture absorption effect of the metal salt contained in the drain water.

Description

Air conditioning equipment and its drain water treatment component

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and a drain water treatment member thereof.

[0002] Conventional air conditioners use dehumidifying / humidifying elements in which an adsorbent material is supported on a solid material, such as lithium chloride (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 3860374

[0004] In the conventional air conditioner described above, for example, lithium chloride is water-soluble, so there is a risk of drain water containing the adsorbent being generated. In this case, the viscosity of the drain water increases, and the drain water is likely to remain on the drain pan.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system and a drain water treatment component therefor that can prevent drain water from remaining.

[0006] The air conditioning device according to the present disclosure includes a housing forming an air passage, an air conditioning element provided in the air passage and constructed using a material containing a hygroscopic metal salt and changing at least one of the temperature and humidity of air passing through the air passage, and a drain water treatment member provided in a position in contact with drain water generated in the air conditioning element and including a metal organic framework that reacts with the metal salt contained in the drain water to store metal ions, thereby suppressing the hygroscopic action of the metal salt contained in the drain water. The drain water treatment member for the air conditioning device according to the present disclosure includes a metal organic framework that reacts with the metal salt contained in the drain water generated in the air conditioning element constructed using a material containing a hygroscopic metal salt to store metal ions.

[0007] According to the air conditioner and the drain water treatment member thereof of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent drain water from remaining.

[0008] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an air conditioner according to embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of the housing of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a bottom view showing the drain water treatment member of Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of the housing of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the drain water treatment member of Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the drain water treatment member of Fig. 5. Fig. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of the housing of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. The air conditioning system of embodiment 1 is a total heat exchange ventilation system. The total heat exchange ventilation system performs heat exchange between supply air sent from the outside to the inside of a room and exhaust air sent from the inside of a room to the outside. As a result, the sensible heat and latent heat of the exhaust air are recovered into the supply air, reducing the heating and cooling load in the room.

[0010] In the figure, the air conditioner has a housing 10, an intake air blower 20, an exhaust air blower 30, and a heat exchange element 40 as an air conditioning element.

[0011] The housing 10 has a housing main body 11, a flat top cover 12, and a flat side cover 13. The top cover 12 is a cover that covers the top surface of the housing main body 11.

[0012] The housing 10 is provided with an outdoor air inlet 10a, an indoor air outlet 10b, an indoor air inlet 10c, an outdoor air outlet 10d, and a side opening 10e.

[0013] The outdoor air inlet 10a and the outdoor air outlet 10d are provided on a first side surface of the housing body 11. The indoor air outlet 10b and the indoor air inlet 10c are provided on a second side surface of the housing body 11. The second side surface is a side surface that faces the first side surface and is parallel to the first side surface.

[0014] The side opening 10e is provided on a third side surface of the housing body 11. The third side surface is a side surface perpendicular to the first and second side surfaces. The side cover 13 is a cover that closes the side opening 10e.

[0015] Two air passages, an air supply passage 14 and an exhaust passage 15, are formed inside the housing 10. The air supply passage 14 is a passage for air from the outside to the inside of the room. The exhaust passage 15 is a passage for air from the inside to the outside of the room.

[0016] The intake air blower 20 is provided inside the housing 10. The intake air blower 20 has an intake air casing 21, an intake air blade 22, and an intake air motor 23.

[0017] The air intake casing 21 faces the indoor air outlet 10b and is fixed inside the housing 10. The air intake blade 22 is provided inside the air intake casing 21. The air intake motor 23 rotates the air intake blade 22.

[0018] The exhaust fan 30 is provided inside the housing 10. The exhaust fan 30 includes an exhaust casing 31, exhaust blades 32, and an exhaust motor 33.

[0019] The exhaust casing 31 faces the outdoor air outlet 10d and is provided inside the housing 10. The exhaust blades 32 are provided inside the exhaust casing 31. The exhaust motor 33 rotates the exhaust blades 32.

[0020] The heat exchange element 40 is provided inside the housing 10 between the air supply passage 14 and the exhaust passage 15. The heat exchange element 40 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 10 through the side opening 10e.

[0021] The heat exchange element 40 exchanges total heat between the air in the supply passage 14 and the air in the exhaust passage 15. The air conditioner of the first embodiment is a stationary air conditioner. In a stationary air conditioner, the heat exchange element 40 does not move relative to the housing 10.

[0022] The heat exchange element 40 is made of a material containing a hygroscopic metal salt. The metal salt may be a water-soluble metal salt, such as an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt. In the first embodiment, lithium chloride is used as the metal salt.

[0023] By operating the supply air blower 20, outdoor air is taken into the housing 10 through the outdoor air inlet 10a, as shown by arrow A. The outdoor air taken into the housing 10 passes through the supply air passage 14 and the heat exchange element 40, as shown by arrow B, and is blown out into the room through the indoor air outlet 10b, as shown by arrow C.

[0024] Furthermore, by operating the exhaust fan 30, indoor air is taken into the housing 10 through the indoor air inlet 10c, as shown by arrow D. The indoor air taken into the housing 10 passes through the exhaust passage 15 and the heat exchange element 40, as shown by arrow E, and is blown out of the room through the outdoor air outlet 10d, as shown by arrow F.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the housing 10 of Fig. 1, as viewed along the arrow II in Fig. 1. Although not shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of air conditioning filters 41 are provided below the heat exchange element 40.

[0026] Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the air conditioner further includes a plurality of drain pans 50 as drain water storage sections, and a plurality of drain water treatment members 51 .

[0027] Drain water is generated inside the heat exchange element 40 when moisture from rain, fog, etc. is contained in the air from outside, or when the air is cooled by heat exchange and the water vapor in the air condenses. This drain water contains metal salt, in this case, lithium chloride.

[0028] When the air conditioner is installed at an installation location, the multiple drain pans 50 are installed vertically below the heat exchange elements 40. Drain water generated in the heat exchange elements 40 passes through each air conditioning filter 41 and falls into the multiple drain pans 50. Each drain pan 50 receives the drain water generated in the heat exchange elements 40. Each air conditioning filter 41 removes foreign matter such as dust from the drain water.

[0029] Each drain water treatment member 51 is provided in a position in contact with drain water, in this case, on the drain pan 50. Each drain water treatment member 51 also contains metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Specifically, each drain water treatment member 51 is composed of a base material and a plurality of metal-organic framework particles added to the base material.

[0030] The metal organic framework reacts with the metal salt contained in the drain water to store the metal ions. As a result, the drain water treatment member 51 suppresses the hygroscopic action of lithium chloride contained in the drain water. Preferably, the drain water treatment member 51 neutralizes the hygroscopic action and deliquescence of lithium chloride.

[0031] Metal-organic frameworks are also known as porous coordination polymers (PCPs). That is, metal-organic frameworks are compounds that have a porous structure formed by a skeleton formed by coordination bonds between metals and organic ligands.

[0032] In a metal-organic framework, the size of each pore in the porous structure can be adjusted by selecting the type of framework metal and organic ligand. As a result, the metal-organic framework can capture and store a target substance in each pore in the porous structure. The diameter of each pore is generally about 0.4 nm to 6 nm. The target substance is a metal atom, an organic compound molecule, or the like.

[0033] Furthermore, since the pores in a metal organic framework are extremely fine, the number of pores per weight of the material is greater than that of activated carbon, zeolite, etc. Furthermore, a metal organic framework not only stores a target substance, but also enables the stored substance to be re-emitted by adjusting the conditions.

[0034] The metal organic framework used has water resistance that allows it to maintain its structure even when it comes into contact with water, so that the porous structure does not collapse even when it comes into contact with drain water, and the metal ion storage effect of the metal organic framework can be stably maintained.

[0035] The water-resistant metal organic framework has a skeleton containing aluminum ions Al ３＋ and zirconium ions Zr ４＋ Examples of the water-resistant metal organic framework include those containing a hydrophobic organic ligand. By using such a metal organic framework, the metal ion storage effect can be more reliably maintained.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable to use a fine powder of the metal organic framework having a diameter of about several μm, which increases the contact area between the metal organic framework and lithium chloride and accelerates the reaction between the metal organic framework and lithium chloride.

[0037] For example, a fiber can be used as the substrate of the drain water treatment member 51. Specifically, cellulose paper having hydrophilic and water-absorbent properties can be used. The drain water treatment member 51 is produced as a porous sheet in which a plurality of metal organic frameworks are supported on a fiber substrate using a small amount of binder resin.

[0038] In this case, it is easy to ensure a sufficient contact area between the drain water and the metal organic framework.

[0039] Furthermore, the drain water treatment member 51 may be formed by solidifying powder of the metal organic framework with a binder resin. That is, the drain water treatment member 51 may be formed of a resin in which the metal organic framework is mixed.

[0040] In this case, it is possible to easily form any shape of the drain water treatment member 51. However, in this case, it is necessary to ensure that the binder resin does not cover the entire surface of the metal organic framework so that the metal organic framework comes into direct contact with the drain water.

[0041] The drain water treatment member 51 may also be configured by placing a plurality of metal organic frameworks in a bag that allows drain water to pass through.

[0042] The size of the drain water treatment member 51 and the amount of the metal organic framework are determined based on the amount of metal salt used in the heat exchange element 40 and the expected amount of metal salt dissolved in the drain water.

[0043] In addition, at least one of an antibacterial agent and an antifungal agent may be added to the drain water treatment member 51. This makes it possible to suppress the growth of fungi in the drain water treatment member 51 and its surrounding members.

[0044] In addition, the surface of the drain water treatment member 51 is preferably pre-colored in a color, such as brown or gray, that makes it difficult to see discoloration due to mold, rust, etc. This allows the user to replace the drain water treatment member 51 without worrying about discoloration.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a bottom view showing the drain water treatment member 51 of Fig. 2. A plurality of adhesive layers 52 are provided on the bottom surface of the drain water treatment member 51. The drain water treatment member 51 is adhered to the drain pan 50 via the plurality of adhesive layers 52. Each adhesive layer 52 is water-resistant. Each adhesive layer 52 is formed, for example, from double-sided tape or glue.

[0046] This prevents the position of the drain water treatment member 51 on the drain pan 50 from shifting due to the air flow inside the housing 10.

[0047] The area of ​​each adhesive layer 52 is preferably the minimum necessary to ensure a sufficient contact area between the drain water treatment member 51 and the drain water.

[0048] Furthermore, in consideration of the flow of drain water, the drain water treatment member 51 is preferably installed in a location where drain water accumulates. When the drain water treatment member 51 is installed on the drain pan 50, the drain water treatment member 51 is preferably installed at the lowest part of the drain pan 50.

[0049] This increases the contact time between the drain water treatment member 51 and the drain water. Also, the drain water can be sufficiently sucked up into the entire drain water treatment member 51 by utilizing capillary action or the like.

[0050] In such an air conditioning system, a drain water treatment member 51 is provided in a position in contact with drain water generated in the heat exchange element 40. The drain water treatment member 51 includes a metal organic framework. The metal organic framework reacts with metal salts contained in the drain water to store metal ions. As a result, the drain water treatment member 51 suppresses the moisture absorption effect of the metal salts contained in the drain water.

[0051] This allows the drain water to dry more easily, and prevents the drain water from remaining in the drain pan 50. This prevents dust from adhering to the drain pan 50 and mold from growing in the drain pan 50, allowing the air conditioner to be used more hygienically.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible to simplify the configuration by reducing the need for measures to prevent contact between moisture in the air from outside and the heat exchange element 40. This allows for a reduction in the materials used in the product, a reduction in the number of parts, a reduction in the amount of energy used in manufacturing, an improvement in the ease of installation of the equipment, an improvement in the characteristics of the air conditioning unit, and a relaxation of the installation environment conditions.

[0053] Furthermore, the elements stored in the drain water treatment member 51 can be recovered, allowing the drain water treatment member 51 to be used repeatedly. Furthermore, lithium, which is a rare metal, can be recovered and reused.

[0054] Furthermore, with the metal-organic framework, the storage target can be precisely selected, and therefore when using an antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, or the like, the selection of these agents is easy.

[0055] Furthermore, since the drain water is adsorbed by the drain water treatment member 51, scattering of droplets and mist of the drain water due to operation of the air conditioner can be suppressed.

[0056] Furthermore, the drain water treatment member 51 is provided on the drain pan 50. This makes it easy to replace the drain water treatment member 51 and also makes it easy to apply the drain water treatment member 51 to existing products.

[0057] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the housing 10 of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2. The air conditioner of embodiment 2 uses a plurality of drain water treatment members 53 instead of the plurality of drain water treatment members 51 of embodiment 1.

[0058] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the drain water treatment member 53 of Fig. 4. The drain water treatment member 53 has two flat plate members 54 and a corrugated plate member 55. The flat plate members 54 and the corrugated members 55 are alternately stacked. That is, the corrugated member 55 is sandwiched between the two flat plate members 54.

[0059] Each of the flat plate members 54 and the corrugated member 55 is made of the same material as the drain water treatment member 51 of embodiment 1. In addition, the corrugated member 55 is adhered to the two flat plate members 54 via a water-resistant adhesive.

[0060] Other configurations in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0061] This air conditioning system can also achieve the same effects as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, because the drain water treatment member 53 has a laminated structure, even if a large amount of metal salt is used in the heat exchange element 40 and the drain water contains a large amount of metal salt, the drain water can be quickly dried and the drain water can be prevented from remaining in the drain pan 50.

[0062] Although two flat plate members 54 are used in FIG. 5, only one flat plate member 54 may be used as shown in FIG.

[0063] The drain water treatment member 53 may also be configured by alternately stacking two or more corrugated members 55 and three or more flat plate members 54 .

[0064] Furthermore, the installation position of the drain water treatment member 51 of the first embodiment and the drain water treatment member 53 of the second embodiment is not limited to on the drain pan 50, but may be, for example, on the bottom of the housing 10 or midway along the drain water drainage channel. The drain water drainage channel is a passage that leads drain water from the drain pan 50 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0065] Embodiment 3. Next, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the housing 10 of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3. Each drain water treatment member 56 according to embodiment 3 has a tray shape. As a result, each drain water treatment member 56 also serves as a drain pan. That is, each drain water treatment member 56 receives drain water that falls from the heat exchange element 40. Each drain water treatment member 56 is made of the same material as the drain water treatment member 51 according to embodiment 1.

[0066] Other configurations in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0067] With this air conditioning system, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment. It is also possible to reduce the time and effort required to install the drain water treatment member 56. It is also possible to prevent forgetting to install the drain water treatment member 56.

[0068] In addition, the drain water treatment member 51 of embodiment 1 or the drain water treatment member 53 of embodiment 2 may be provided on top of the drain water treatment member 56 of embodiment 3.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the air conditioner may be a rotary air conditioner, in which the air conditioning elements rotate relative to the housing.

[0070] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the air conditioning device may be an air conditioning device other than a total heat exchange ventilation device, such as a dehumidifier. That is, the air conditioning element may be any element that changes at least one of the temperature and humidity of air passing through the air passage, and is not limited to the heat exchange element 40. For example, the air conditioning element may be a deodorizing element that removes water-soluble odorous substances, such as ammonia, by absorbing moisture.

[0071] 10 Housing, 14 Air supply passage (air passage), 15 Exhaust passage (air passage), 40 Heat exchange element (air conditioning element), 50 Drain pan, 51, 53, 56 Drain water treatment member, 54 Flat plate member, 55 Corrugated member.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: a housing forming an air passage; an air conditioning element provided in the air passage and made of a material containing a hygroscopic metal salt, which changes at least one of the temperature and humidity of air passing through the air passage; and a drain water treatment member provided in a position in contact with drain water generated in the air conditioning element, which includes a metal organic framework that reacts with the metal salt contained in the drain water to store metal ions, and which suppresses the hygroscopic action of the metal salt contained in the drain water.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the drain water treatment member is made of fibers to which the metal organic framework is added.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the drain water treatment member is made of a resin in which the metal organic framework is mixed.

4. An air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drain water treatment member comprises a flat plate member and a corrugated plate member superimposed on the flat plate member.

5. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a drain pan for receiving drain water dropping from the air conditioning element, wherein the drain water treatment member is provided on the drain pan.

6. An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drain water treatment member also serves as a drain pan for receiving drain water dropping from the air conditioning element.

7. An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the metal salt contained in the air conditioning element is an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt.

8. An air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the metal-organic framework has water resistance that allows it to maintain its structure even when it comes into contact with water.

9. The metal organic framework has aluminum ions Al as a framework. ３＋ and zirconium ions Zr ４＋ 9. The air conditioning system according to claim 8, comprising at least one of the following:

10. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein the metal-organic framework contains hydrophobic organic ligands.

11. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the air passage has an air supply passage which is a passage for air from outside the room to inside the room, and an exhaust passage which is a passage for air from inside the room to outside the room, and the air conditioning element is provided between the air supply passage and the exhaust passage and is a heat exchange element which performs total heat exchange between the air in the air supply passage and the air in the exhaust passage.

12. A drain water treatment component for an air conditioning device, which contains a metal organic framework that reacts with metal salts contained in drain water generated in an air conditioning element constructed using a material containing hygroscopic metal salts to store metal ions.

13. The drain water treatment member for an air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein the metal organic framework has water resistance that allows it to maintain its structure even when it comes into contact with water.

14. The metal organic framework has aluminum ions Al as a framework. ３＋ and zirconium ions Zr ４＋ 14. The drain water treatment member for an air conditioner according to claim 13, comprising at least one of the following:

15. The drain water treatment component for an air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the metal-organic framework contains a hydrophobic organic ligand.

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