Heat transfer device

Abstract

This heat transfer device comprises a first adsorbent (31) and a second adsorbent (32). The first adsorbent (31) and the second adsorbent (32) generate heat by adsorption of a medium to be adsorbed, and absorb heat by desorption of the adsorbed medium. The adsorbed medium desorbed from one adsorbent among the first adsorbent (31) and the second adsorbent (32) is adsorbed by the other adsorbent. By heating the first adsorbent (31) from the outside, the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent (31) is adsorbed by the second adsorbent (32), and the adsorption heat at such time is extracted as warm heat. By cooling the first adsorbent (31) from the outside, the medium to be adsorbed is adsorbed by the first adsorbent (31), the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent (32), and the desorption heat at such time is extracted as cold heat.

Description

heat transport device CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-151526 filed on September 3, 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-28266 filed on February 25, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heat transport device.

[0003] Conventionally, batteries installed in mobile vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles have the characteristic that their output tends to decrease at low temperatures and their deterioration tends to progress at high temperatures. For this reason, it is necessary to maintain the battery temperature within an appropriate temperature range.

[0004] In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses a chemical heat storage device that controls the temperature of a battery using a heat storage material such as a metal-organic framework (MOF). Specifically, in the chemical heat storage device of Patent Document 1, when the battery is at a low temperature, water is sprayed onto the heat storage material to generate heat of adsorption and heat the battery. When the battery is at a high temperature, the pressure inside the container that houses the heat storage material is reduced, causing water vapor to desorb from the heat storage material, and the heat absorption associated with the desorption (i.e., desorption heat) cools the battery.

[0005] JP 2023-150883 A

[0006] However, in the chemical heat storage device of Patent Document 1, when heating the battery, the heat of adsorption generated by spraying liquid water onto the heat storage material is very small, and the heating efficiency is poor.

[0007] Furthermore, in the chemical heat storage device of Patent Document 1, when cooling the battery, water vapor desorbed (i.e., desorbed) from the heat storage material is introduced into a tank and condensed in the tank. That is, the chemical heat storage device of Patent Document 1 requires a device for injecting water onto the heat storage material when heating the battery, a tank for storing water vapor desorbed from the heat storage material when cooling the battery, and the like, which makes the configuration complicated.

[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat transport device that can efficiently adjust the temperature of an object with a simple configuration.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a heat transport device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent that generate heat upon adsorption of an adsorbed medium and absorb heat upon desorption of the adsorbed medium, wherein the adsorbed medium desorbed from one of the first and second adsorbents is adsorbed onto the other adsorbent, wherein the first adsorbent is heated from the outside so that the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent, and the resulting heat of adsorption is extracted as hot heat, and wherein the first adsorbent is cooled from the outside so that the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the first adsorbent and the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent, and the resulting heat of desorption is extracted as cold heat.

[0010] According to this, in order to extract heat from the second adsorbent, it is only necessary to heat the first adsorbent from the outside, and there is no need to spray water onto the first adsorbent. This makes it possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the object. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a device for spraying water onto the first adsorbent or a tank for storing the adsorbed medium, the configuration can be simplified.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a heat transport device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a battery pack and a storage section according to the first embodiment, viewed from the sky side in the vertical direction; FIG. 3 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the flow of an adsorbed medium in a battery heating mode in the heat transport device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the characteristics of a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent in a battery heating mode; FIG. 5 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the flow of an adsorbed medium in a battery cooling mode in the heat transport device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the characteristics of a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent in a battery cooling mode; FIG. 7 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the flow of an adsorbed medium in a heat transport device according to a second embodiment, in a battery heating mode; FIG. 8 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the flow of an adsorbed medium in a heat transport device according to a second embodiment, in a battery cooling mode; FIG. 9 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a heat transport device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a heat transport device according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a heat transport device according to a modification of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 12 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the flow of an adsorbed medium in a heat transport device according to a fifth embodiment, in a battery heating mode. 10 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the flow of an adsorbed medium in a battery cooling mode in a heat transport device according to a fifth embodiment. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between elapsed time and various temperatures in a battery heating mode in a heat transport device according to a fifth embodiment. 12 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the flow of an adsorbed medium in a battery heating mode in a heat transport device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, the other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0013] In each embodiment, it is possible to combine parts that are specifically expressly possible to combine with each other. Furthermore, even if it is not expressly expressly possible to combine, it is also possible to combine parts of embodiments with each other, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0014] At least one member or part described with a reference numeral is provided unless otherwise specified, such as "one".

[0015] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that solid arrows in Figures 3 and 5 indicate the flow of the medium to be attracted.

[0016] In the first embodiment, a heat transport device according to the present disclosure is applied to a temperature adjustment device 10 that adjusts the temperature of a battery pack 11. The battery pack 11 is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle.

[0017] 1 and 2, the battery pack 11 includes a plurality of battery cells 12. The battery pack 11 supplies electricity to a traction motor via an inverter, etc. The battery pack 11 is a storage battery that stores regenerated power.

[0018] The battery cells 12 of the battery pack 11 generate heat during charging and discharging, such as while the vehicle is running. If the battery cells 12 become too hot, they not only fail to function properly, but also may deteriorate or be damaged. On the other hand, the output of the battery cells 12 tends to decrease when they become too cold. For this reason, it is necessary to heat or cool the battery cells 12 to maintain them within a certain temperature range.

[0019] The specific configuration of the temperature adjustment device 10 in this embodiment will be described below. The temperature adjustment device 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 12, a housing portion 13, a first adsorbent 31, and a second adsorbent 32.

[0020] The accommodation unit 13 constitutes the housing of the temperature adjustment device 10. The accommodation unit 13 has an outer wall surface 131 and an inner wall surface 132, and also has an internal space 133. The accommodation unit 13 is formed from a resin such as CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) or a metal such as Al.

[0021] The storage section 13 may have a lid on the upper side in the vertical direction. The lid can be attached to and detached from the other sections. This allows multiple battery cells 12 to be inserted into and removed from the space 133 of the storage section 13.

[0022] The interior of the storage unit 13 is sealed. Therefore, the storage unit 13 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a sealed container. An adsorbent medium that is adsorbed to or desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32 is sealed in a fluidic manner in the space 133 of the storage unit 13.

[0023] The adsorption medium is gaseous and has insulating properties under the operating temperature and pressure conditions of the battery pack 11. The adsorption medium can be selected depending on the types of the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32. Specifically, the adsorption medium may be, for example, CO ２ , N ２ , O ２ , water vapor, or ethanol can be used as the adsorption medium. Fluorine-based refrigerants such as R134a and R1234yf can also be used as the adsorption medium. ２ We have adopted the following.

[0024] The battery cells 12 are secondary batteries that generate electromotive force through chemical reactions. Examples of the battery cells 12 that can be used include lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, and organic radical batteries. The battery cells 12 may be secondary batteries with a liquid electrolyte or so-called all-solid-state batteries with a solid electrolyte.

[0025] The plurality of battery cells 12 have a common structure. The number and arrangement of the plurality of battery cells 12 are not particularly limited. The plurality of battery cells 12 may be connected in series, or may be connected in parallel and in series. As an example, the battery cells 12 in this embodiment are connected in series.

[0026] The battery cell 12 has a power generating element and a battery case that houses the power generating element. The battery case provides the outer shell of the battery cell 12. The battery case is formed using, for example, a metal material. The shape of the battery cell 12, i.e., the battery case, is not particularly limited. For example, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, or the like can be adopted. As an example, the battery cell 12 of this embodiment has a rectangular shape, specifically a thin, flat shape.

[0027] The battery cell 12 is, for example, a laminated battery. The battery cell 12 has a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The top surface is the surface facing upward in the vertical direction. The bottom surface is the surface opposite the top surface in the vertical direction and faces the ground. The side surface is a surface that connects the top surface and the bottom surface and is a surface that runs along the vertical direction.

[0028] The plurality of battery cells 12 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the top-bottom direction, and are spaced apart from each other. Each of the battery cells 12 has two electrode terminals 121.

[0029] One electrode terminal 121 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 12. This electrode terminal 121 may be referred to as a positive electrode terminal, a P terminal, etc. The other electrode terminal 121 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 12. This other electrode terminal 121 may be referred to as a negative electrode terminal, an N terminal, etc. The electrode terminal 121 may be referred to as a current collecting tab.

[0030] The battery cells 12 are arranged so that their upper surfaces are positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction. The relative positions of the battery cells 12 are fixed by a fixing member (not shown). The fixing member may be, for example, a case or a restraining member such as a belt-like band.

[0031] In the above-described arrangement, the electrode terminals 121 of adjacent battery cells 12 are electrically connected to each other by bus bars 122, which are wiring members. In other words, the plurality of battery cells 12 are connected in series by the bus bars 122.

[0032] A first adsorbent 31 and a second adsorbent 32 are provided in a space 133 inside the storage unit 13. In other words, the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32 are disposed inside the same storage unit 13. An insulator can be used as the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32. The detailed materials of the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32 will be described later.

[0033] The second adsorbent 32 is arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the battery cell 12, which is the temperature adjustment target. In other words, the second adsorbent 32 is arranged so as to be able to supply heat or cold to the battery cell 12. As an example, in this embodiment, a plurality of second adsorbents 32 are provided in the space 133 of the storage section 13.

[0034] The first adsorbent 31 is disposed at a location separated from the second adsorbent 32. The first adsorbent 31 is configured to be heated and cooled (heat dissipated) from the outside. The first adsorbent 31 is disposed at a location in the space 133 of the housing 13 that does not come into direct contact with the battery cells 12.

[0035] In the present embodiment, as an example, the first adsorbent 31 is disposed in the space 133 of the storage unit 13 on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the battery cells 12. For example, the first adsorbent 31 may be connected to the inner wall surface 132 of the portion of the storage unit 13 on the upper side in the vertical direction.

[0036] The second adsorbent 32 is disposed in a portion of the space 133 of the housing 13 that comes into contact with the battery cell 12. In the present embodiment, the second adsorbent 32 is disposed so as to make localized contact with a portion of the battery cell 12. As an example, in the present embodiment, the second adsorbent 32 is disposed on the upper surface side of the battery cell 12, and is in thermal contact with the electrode terminal 121.

[0037] The temperature adjustment device 10 includes a heating / cooling unit 41 that heats and cools the first adsorbent 31. In the present embodiment, as an example, an adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41 is used as the heating / cooling unit, which exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through the heat medium circulation circuit 40 and the first adsorbent 31. The heat medium circulation circuit 40 is a flow path that circulates the heat medium, and is formed of, for example, piping.

[0038] The adsorbent side heat exchanger 41 exchanges heat between the heat medium and the first adsorbent 31, heating the first adsorbent 31 using the heat contained in the heat medium, or cooling the first adsorbent 31 by having the heat medium absorb the heat contained in the first adsorbent 31.

[0039] The heat medium circulation circuit 40 is provided with a heating section and a heat dissipation section (not shown). The heating section heats the heat medium using an external heat source. The heat dissipation section dissipates heat contained in the heat medium to the outside, thereby cooling the heat medium.

[0040] As an example, in this embodiment, a heating heat exchanger is used as the heating unit, which heats the heat medium by exchanging heat between hot air (i.e., high-temperature air) and the heat medium, and a heat dissipation heat exchanger is used as the heat dissipation unit, which cools the heat medium by exchanging heat between cold air (i.e., low-temperature air) such as outside air.

[0041] The heating heat exchanger and the heat dissipation heat exchanger may be configured as the same heat exchanger. In this case, a switching unit may be provided to switch between hot air and cold air flowing into the heat exchanger. An electric heater may also be used as the heating unit.

[0042] The first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32 generate heat by adsorbing the adsorbed medium and absorb heat by desorbing the adsorbed medium. The adsorbed medium desorbed from one of the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32 is adsorbed by the other adsorbent. That is, the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 32, and the adsorbed medium desorbed from the second adsorbent 32 is adsorbed by the first adsorbent 31.

[0043] The first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32 have different adsorption characteristics with respect to the adsorbed medium. Here, the amount of heat required to adsorb and desorb a predetermined amount of the adsorbed medium is defined as the adsorption / desorption heat quantity. The adsorption / desorption heat quantity of the first adsorbent 31 is smaller than the adsorption / desorption heat quantity of the second adsorbent 32.

[0044] As an example, in this embodiment, a metal-organic framework having structural flexibility (flexible MOF, hereinafter referred to as F-MOF) is used as the first adsorbent 31. F-MOF is a material that absorbs or releases structural change energy in response to adsorption and desorption of an adsorbed medium. Furthermore, a metal-organic framework having no structural flexibility (rigid MOF, hereinafter referred to as R-MOF) is used as the second adsorbent 32.

[0045] The temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment is configured to be switchable between a battery heating mode in which the battery cells 12 are heated and a battery cooling mode in which the battery cells 12 are cooled.

[0046] 3 , in the battery heating mode, the first adsorbent 31 is heated, causing the adsorbed medium to be desorbed and released from the first adsorbent 31. The adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32. When the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32, the second adsorbent 32 generates heat, and the battery cell 12 is heated (i.e., warmed).

[0047] That is, in the battery heating mode, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment externally heats the first adsorbent 31, causing the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 to undergo second adsorption, and extracts the heat of adsorption as heat. The extracted heat then locally heats a specific portion of the battery cell 12. Specifically, the electrode terminal 121 of the battery cell 12 is locally heated.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, F-MOF is used as the first adsorbent 31. Therefore, the amount of heat generated by the second adsorbent 32 is amplified relative to the amount of heat applied to the first adsorbent 31 by the amount of heat generated by the structural change of F-MOF.

[0049] The following describes in detail the amplification of heating energy when F-MOF is used as the first adsorbent 31. Here, we explain the case where the amount of energy accompanying the structural change of F-MOF in the first adsorbent 31 is 40% of the amount of adsorption and desorption energy of the adsorbed medium.

[0050] 4, in the battery heating mode, when the amount of heat required to desorb the adsorbed medium from the F-MOF of the first adsorbent 31 is set to 1, heat of 0.4 is generated due to the structural change that occurs when the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the F-MOF. Therefore, an external heat amount of 0.6 is sufficient for the F-MOF.

[0051] The adsorbed medium desorbed from the F-MOF is then adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32, and heat of 1 can be extracted as heat of adsorption. At this time, the amount of heat applied to the F-MOF from the outside is 0.6, so the temperature adjustment device 10 amplifies the amount of heat applied to the first adsorbent 31 by approximately 1.7 times and extracts it from the second adsorbent 32.

[0052] 5 , in the battery cooling mode, the first adsorbent 31 is cooled and heat is released, causing the adsorbed medium to be adsorbed onto the first adsorbent 31. As the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the first adsorbent 31, the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent 32, and the cold heat (i.e., desorption heat) generated at this time cools the battery cells 12.

[0053] That is, in the battery cooling mode of the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, the first adsorbent 31 is cooled from the outside to cause the adsorbed medium to be adsorbed to the first adsorbent 31, and the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent 32, and the heat of desorption at that time is extracted as cold heat. The extracted cold heat then locally cools a specific portion of the battery cell 12. Specifically, the electrode terminal 121 of the battery cell 12 is locally cooled.

[0054] In this embodiment, F-MOF is used as the first adsorbent 31. Therefore, the cooling amount (i.e., cooling load) of the first adsorbent 31 is reduced by the amount of heat associated with the structural change of F-MOF, relative to the cooling amount of the battery cells 12 in the second adsorbent 32. In other words, the amount of cold energy extracted by the second adsorbent 32 is amplified by the amount of heat associated with the structural change of F-MOF, relative to the cooling amount of the first adsorbent 31.

[0055] The following describes in detail how the cooling load is alleviated when F-MOF is used as the first adsorbent 31. Here, we explain the case where the amount of energy accompanying the structural change of F-MOF in the first adsorbent 31 is 40% of the amount of adsorption and desorption energy of the adsorbed medium.

[0056] 6, in the battery cooling mode, when the heat of adsorption generated when the adsorbed medium is adsorbed to the F-MOF of the first adsorbent 31 is set to 1, the structural change that occurs when the adsorbed medium is adsorbed to the F-MOF absorbs 0.4 of the heat. Therefore, the amount of heat dissipated from the first adsorbent 31 to the outside is only 0.6.

[0057] The adsorbed medium is then desorbed from the second adsorbent 32, and cold energy with a heat quantity of 1 can be extracted as desorption heat. At this time, the heat radiation amount released from the first adsorbent 31 to the outside is 0.6, so in the temperature adjustment device 10, in order to extract cold energy with a heat quantity of 1, it is sufficient to release and cool the first adsorbent 31 with a heat quantity that is 1 / 1.7 times (i.e., approximately 0.6 times) that of the first adsorbent 31. In other words, the cooling load of the first adsorbent 31 when extracting cold energy with a heat quantity of 1 from the second adsorbent 32 can be reduced to approximately 0.6 times.

[0058] As described above, in the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, in the battery heating mode, the first adsorbent 31 is heated from the outside, causing the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 to be adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32, and the heat of adsorption at that time is extracted as hot heat. In addition, in the battery cooling mode, the first adsorbent 31 is cooled from the outside, causing the adsorbed medium to be adsorbed onto the first adsorbent 31, and the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent 32, and the heat of desorption at that time is extracted as cold heat.

[0059] According to this, when extracting heat from the second adsorbent 32, it is sufficient to heat the first adsorbent 31 from the outside, and there is no need to spray water onto the first adsorbent 31. This makes it possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of a specific portion of the battery cell 12. Specifically, in this embodiment, the temperature of the electrode terminal 121 of the battery cell 12 can be efficiently adjusted.

[0060] Furthermore, when extracting cold energy from the second adsorbent 32, if the first adsorbent 31 is cooled externally, the adsorbed medium adsorbed to the second adsorbent 32 is desorbed and adsorbed back to the first adsorbent 31. Therefore, since the adsorbed medium is adsorbed to either the first adsorbent 31 or the second adsorbent 32, there is no need to provide a tank for storing the adsorbed medium. In other words, with the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate device for spraying water onto the first adsorbent 31 when heating the battery, or a separate tank for storing the adsorbed medium, which simplifies the configuration.

[0061] Furthermore, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment employs F-MOF as the first adsorbent 31 and R-MOF as the second adsorbent 32. This allows the amount of heat generated by the second adsorbent 32 to be amplified by the amount of heat generated by the structural change of F-MOF relative to the amount of heat applied to the first adsorbent 31 during battery heating. Furthermore, when cooling the battery, the cooling load on the first adsorbent 31 can be alleviated by the amount of heat generated by the structural change of F-MOF relative to the amount of cooling of the battery cells 12 by the second adsorbent 32. This allows the temperature of the battery cells 12 to be adjusted more efficiently.

[0062] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the first adsorbent 31. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Note that the solid arrows in Figures 7 and 8 indicate the flow of the adsorbed medium.

[0063] 7 and 8 , in the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, the first adsorbent 31 is disposed outside the storage unit 13. The first adsorbent 31 is disposed in an adsorbent container 310 that communicates with the space 133 inside the storage unit 13. In this case, the storage unit 13 and the adsorbent container 310 form a sealed container that communicates with each other. Therefore, in the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, it can be said that the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32 are disposed inside sealed containers that communicate with each other.

[0064] In this embodiment, as an example, the adsorbent container 310 is connected to the storage unit 13 via the communication part 45. Note that the adsorbent container 310 may be connected to the storage unit 13 directly.

[0065] A heating / cooling unit (not shown) is connected to the adsorbent container 310. The adsorbent-side heat exchanger described in the first embodiment may be used as the heating / cooling unit.

[0066] 7 , in the battery heating mode, the first adsorbent 31 is heated from the outside, thereby desorbing the adsorbed medium from the first adsorbent 31. The adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 flows into the space 133 of the storage section 13 via the communication section 45 and is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 32. Then, due to the heat of adsorption (i.e., warm heat) generated when the adsorbed medium is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 32, a specific portion of the battery cell 12 is locally heated.

[0067] 8 , in the battery cooling mode, the first adsorbent 31 is cooled from the outside, and the adsorbed medium that flows in from the space 133 of the storage section 13 through the communication section 45 is adsorbed onto the first adsorbent 31. At this time, specific portions of the battery cells 12 are locally cooled by the desorption heat (i.e., cold heat) that is generated when the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent 32.

[0068] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment can efficiently adjust the temperature of a specific portion of the battery cell 12 with a simple configuration.

[0069] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the arrangement of the battery cells 12. Only the differences from the second embodiment will be described below.

[0070] 9 , in the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 12 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. That is, the plurality of battery cells 12 are arranged in rows in the vertical direction. As an example, in this embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 12 are arranged in two rows along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (the left-right direction on the paper).

[0071] The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment. Therefore, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment. That is, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment can efficiently adjust the temperature of a specific portion of the battery cell 12 with a simple configuration.

[0072] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the second adsorbent 32. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0073] 10 , in the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, the second adsorbents 32 are provided so as to be in contact with the side surfaces of each battery cell 12. That is, the second adsorbents 32 are provided on the outer side surfaces of the battery cells 12 at both ends in the arrangement direction (i.e., the stacking direction of the battery cells 12) among the plurality of battery cells 12, and between adjacent battery cells 12. Between adjacent battery cells 12, one second adsorbent 32 is in contact with both of the two adjacent battery cells 12.

[0074] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment can efficiently adjust the temperature of a specific portion of the battery cell 12 with a simple configuration.

[0075] As a modified example, as shown in FIG. 11 , in a temperature adjustment device 10 in which a plurality of battery cells 12 as described in the third embodiment are arranged in a vertical line, the second adsorbent 32 may be provided so as to come into contact with the side surface of each battery cell 12.

[0076] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a heat pump is used as a heat source for heating and cooling the first adsorbent 31. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below. In Figures 12 and 13, solid arrows indicate the flow of the adsorbed medium, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium.

[0077] 12 and 13 , the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment includes a cell heating / cooling unit 14 that heats and cools the surfaces of the battery cells 12. As an example, this embodiment employs a cell heat exchanger 14 as the cell heating / cooling unit 14, which heats and cools the surfaces of the battery cells 12 by exchanging heat between the heat medium flowing through the heat medium circulation circuit 40 and the battery cells 12.

[0078] The cell heat exchanger 14 has heat medium passages that allow the heat medium circulating through the heat medium circulation circuit 40 to flow. The heat medium passages of the cell heat exchanger 14 are arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the surfaces of the battery cells 12. The heat medium passages of the cell heat exchanger 14 are arranged so as to be in thermal contact with, for example, the bottom surfaces of the battery cells 12.

[0079] The temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment includes a heat pump cycle 50 that heats and cools a heat medium. The heat pump cycle 50 can pump heat from a low-temperature side to a high-temperature side by circulating a refrigerant. The first adsorbent 31 is heated by the heat of the high-temperature side refrigerant of the heat pump cycle 50 via the heat medium, and the heat of the first adsorbent 31 is released to the low-temperature side refrigerant via the heat medium, thereby cooling the first adsorbent.

[0080] The heat pump cycle 50 uses, for example, an HFC refrigerant (specifically, R134a) as a refrigerant and constitutes a vapor compression subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure Pd of the cycle does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. Of course, HFO refrigerants (e.g., R1234yf), natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (e.g., R744) and propane (e.g., R290) may also be used. Furthermore, refrigerant oil is mixed into the refrigerant to lubricate the compressor 51, and a portion of the refrigerant oil circulates through the cycle together with the refrigerant.

[0081] Among the components of the heat pump cycle 50, the compressor 51 draws in refrigerant, increases the pressure of the refrigerant until it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant, and discharges it in the heat pump cycle 50. As an example, the compressor 51 of this embodiment is an electric compressor that accommodates a fixed-capacity compression mechanism and an electric motor that drives the compression mechanism in a single housing.

[0082] As the compression mechanism, various compression mechanisms such as a scroll type compression mechanism and a vane type compression mechanism can be used. The rotation speed of the electric motor (i.e., the compression capacity) is controlled by a control signal output from a control device (not shown). As the electric motor, either an AC motor or a DC motor can be used.

[0083] The discharge port side of the compressor 51 is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the refrigerant passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52. The high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 has a high-temperature side refrigerant passage through which the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 51 flows, and a liquid passage through which the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 40 flows.

[0084] The high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat between the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the high-temperature side refrigerant passage and the heat medium flowing through the liquid passage. The high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 is a heat exchanger for heating the heat medium, which uses the high-pressure refrigerant as a heat source to heat the heat medium. In other words, the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 is a heating section that heats the heat medium using the high-pressure refrigerant, which is an external heat source.

[0085] The inlet side of an expansion valve 53 is connected to the outlet side of the refrigerant passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52. The expansion valve 53 is a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant that has flowed out from the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52. As an example, the expansion valve 53 in this embodiment is an electric variable throttle mechanism that includes a valve element configured to be able to change the throttle opening, and an electric actuator made of a stepping motor that displaces the valve element to change the throttle opening. The operation of the expansion valve 53 is controlled by a control signal output from a control device.

[0086] The outlet side of the expansion valve 53 is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54. The low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 has a low-temperature side refrigerant passage through which the low-pressure refrigerant reduced in pressure by the expansion valve 53 flows, and a liquid passage through which the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 40 flows.

[0087] The low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 exchanges heat between the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the low-temperature side refrigerant passage and the heat medium flowing through the liquid passage. The low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 is a heat exchanger for cooling the heat medium using the low-pressure refrigerant as a cold source. In other words, the low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 is a heat radiating section that cools the heat medium by radiating heat from the heat medium to the low-pressure refrigerant.

[0088] The outlet side of the refrigerant passage of the low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 51 .

[0089] Among the components of the heat medium circulation circuit 40, the liquid pump 42 sucks in the heat medium and pumps it to circulate the heat medium through the heat medium circulation circuit 40. The rotation speed of the water pump 42 (i.e., the heat medium pumping capacity) is controlled by a control signal output from the control device.

[0090] The outlet side of the liquid pump 42 is connected to the inlet side of a flow path switching valve 43. The flow path switching valve 43 switches between a heating state in which the heat medium flowing out of the liquid pump 42 flows into the liquid passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52, and a cooling state in which the heat medium flowing out of the liquid pump 42 flows into the liquid passage of the low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54. The operation of the flow path switching valve 43 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device.

[0091] In the heating state, the outlet of the liquid passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 is connected to the inlet side of the three-way valve 44 via the outlet side of the flow path switching valve 43. In the cooling state, the outlet of the liquid passage of the low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 is connected to the inlet side of the three-way valve 44 via the outlet side of the flow path switching valve 43.

[0092] The three-way valve 44 is an electric three-way flow control valve that has one inlet and two outlets and can continuously adjust the passage area ratio of the two outlets. The operation of the three-way valve 44 is controlled by a control signal output from a control device.

[0093] The heat medium inlet side of the cell heat exchanger 14 is connected to one outlet of the three-way valve 44. The heat medium inlet side of the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41 is connected to the other outlet of the three-way valve 44. Therefore, the three-way valve 44 is a flow path switching unit that switches the flow path for the heat medium flowing out of the liquid passage of the high-temperature-side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 or the low-temperature-side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 into the cell heat exchanger 14 and the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41.

[0094] The inlet side of a liquid pump 42 is connected to the heat medium outlet side of the cell heat exchanger 14. The inlet side of the liquid pump 42 is also connected to the heat medium inlet side of the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41.

[0095] In this embodiment, as an example, the multiple battery cells 12 are arranged in a direction parallel to the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the cell heat exchanger 14. Here, of the multiple battery cells 12, the battery cells 12 arranged to correspond to the upstream side in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the cell heat exchanger 14 are referred to as upstream battery cells 125. Also, of the multiple battery cells 12, the battery cells 12 arranged to correspond to the downstream side in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the cell heat exchanger 14 are referred to as downstream battery cells 126.

[0096] Next, the operation of the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment in the battery heating mode and the battery cooling mode will be described. As shown in Fig. 12, in the battery heating mode, the control device sets the flow path switching valve 43 to a heating state and sets the three-way valve 44 to a state in which the heat medium flowing out of the liquid passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 flows into the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41. As a result, in the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52, the heat medium is heated by the heat possessed by the high-pressure refrigerant (i.e., the high-temperature side refrigerant) of the heat pump cycle 50. Then, in the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41, the first adsorbent 31 is heated by the heat possessed by the heat medium.

[0097] When the first adsorbent 31 is heated, the adsorbed medium is desorbed and released from the first adsorbent 31. The adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32. When the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32, the second adsorbent 32 generates heat, and the electrode terminal 121 of the battery cell 12 is heated.

[0098] That is, in the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, in the battery heating mode, the first adsorbent 31 is heated by the high-pressure refrigerant of the heat pump cycle 50, and the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent 31 is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32. Then, the heat of adsorption generated when the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32 is extracted as heat. The extracted heat locally heats a specific portion of the battery cell 12. Specifically, the electrode terminal 121 of the battery cell 12 is locally heated.

[0099] When all of the adsorbed medium adsorbed by the first adsorbent 31 is desorbed, the heat of adsorption of the adsorbed medium can no longer be extracted as hot heat in the second adsorbent 32. Thereafter, at a preset timing, the control device switches the three-way valve 44 to a state in which the heat medium flowing out of the liquid passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 flows into the cell heat exchanger 14. As a result, the surfaces of the battery cells 12 are heated in the cell heat exchanger 14 by the heat of the heat medium.

[0100] The timing (hereinafter referred to as "switching timing") at which the control device switches the three-way valve to a state in which the heat medium flowing out of the liquid passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 flows into the cell heat exchanger 14 can be set to a desired timing. As an example, in this embodiment, the switching timing is set to when the temperature of the electrode terminal 121 rises to the target temperature.

[0101] Here, the battery heating mode of the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 14 , in the battery heating mode, first, the first adsorbent 31 is heated by the heat of the heat medium in the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41. This causes the temperature of the first adsorbent 31 to rise.

[0102] When the first adsorbent 31 is heated, the adsorbed medium is desorbed and released from the first adsorbent 31, and is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32. When the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the second adsorbent 32, the second adsorbent 32 generates heat, which heats the electrode terminals 121 of the battery cells 12. Therefore, following the temperature rise of the first adsorbent 31, the temperatures of the second adsorbent 32 and all of the electrode terminals 121 also rise.

[0103] After the temperature of the electrode terminals 121 has risen to the target temperature, the control device operates the three-way valve 44 to allow the high-temperature heat medium that has flowed out of the liquid passage of the high-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 52 to flow into the cell heat exchanger 14. As a result, in the cell heat exchanger 14, the surfaces of the battery cells 12 are heated by the heat of the heat medium, and the surface temperatures of the multiple battery cells 12 each rise. At this time, the temperature of the upstream battery cell 125 becomes higher than the temperature of the downstream battery cell 126.

[0104] 13, in the battery cooling mode, the control device sets the flow path switching valve 43 to a cooling state and sets the three-way valve 44 to a state in which the heat medium flowing out of the liquid passage of the low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 flows into the cell heat exchanger 14. As a result, in the low-temperature side heat medium-refrigerant heat exchanger 54, the heat medium is cooled by the cold energy possessed by the low-pressure refrigerant (i.e., the low-temperature side refrigerant) of the heat pump cycle 50. Then, in the cell heat exchanger 14, the surfaces of the battery cells 12 are cooled by the cold energy possessed by the heat medium.

[0105] Here, when it is necessary to cool the battery cells 12 more deeply, for example, during rapid charging of the battery cells 12, the control device sets the three-way valve 44 to a state in which the heat medium flowing out of the liquid passage of the low-temperature-side water-refrigerant heat exchanger 54 flows into both the cell heat exchanger 14 and the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41. As a result, in the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41, the first adsorbent 31 is cooled by the cold energy of the heat medium.

[0106] As the first adsorbent 31 is cooled, the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the first adsorbent 31. As the adsorbed medium is adsorbed onto the first adsorbent 31, the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent 32, and the cold heat (i.e., desorption heat) generated at this time cools the electrode terminals 121 of the battery cells 12.

[0107] That is, in the battery cooling mode of the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, the first adsorbent 31 is cooled by the low-pressure refrigerant of the heat pump cycle 50, thereby causing the adsorbed medium to be adsorbed to the first adsorbent 31, and the adsorbed medium is desorbed from the second adsorbent 32, and the heat of desorption at that time is extracted as cold energy. The extracted cold energy then locally cools specific portions of the battery cells 12. Specifically, the electrode terminals 121 of the battery cells 12 are locally cooled.

[0108] As described above, in the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, in the battery heating mode, the first adsorbent 31 is heated by the heat of the high-temperature side refrigerant of the heat pump cycle 50. In addition, in the battery cooling mode, the first adsorbent 31 is cooled by dissipating the heat of the first adsorbent 31 to the low-temperature side refrigerant of the heat pump cycle 50. This makes it possible to reliably achieve the battery heating mode and the battery cooling mode.

[0109] The temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment also includes a cell heat exchanger 14 that heats and cools the surfaces of the battery cells 12. This allows not only the electrode terminals 121 of the battery cells 12 but also the surfaces of the battery cells 12 to be heated and cooled, making it possible to heat and cool the battery cells 12 more reliably.

[0110] In the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment, in the battery heating mode, first, the first adsorbent 31 is heated in the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41 to desorb the adsorbed medium, and the electrode terminal 121 is heated by the heat of adsorption generated when the adsorbed medium is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 32. Then, the surface of the battery cell 12 is heated in the cell heat exchanger 14 by the heat of the heat medium.

[0111] According to this, the electrode terminals 121 can be quickly heated to the target temperature by first heating the first adsorbent 31, which has a smaller heat capacity than the plurality of battery cells 12. Then, the surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 12 are heated, thereby making it possible to raise the temperature of the entire battery cells 12.

[0112] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an on-off valve 46 is provided in the communication portion 45. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0113] 15, the temperature adjustment device 10 of this embodiment includes an on-off valve 46 that opens and closes the communication part 45. The on-off valve 46 is a solenoid valve whose opening and closing operation is controlled by a control signal output from the control device.

[0114] Depending on the type of first adsorbent 31, there is a possibility that the first adsorbent 31 may re-adsorb the adsorbed medium at low temperatures (for example, 20°C or lower). In this case, the adsorbed medium may be desorbed from the second adsorbent 32 when in a mode other than the battery cooling mode, and the battery cells 12 may be cooled.

[0115] In contrast, by providing an on-off valve 46 in the communication section 45 as in this embodiment, it is possible to heat and cool the battery cells 12 at the desired timing regardless of the type of first adsorbent 31 used.

[0116] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which F-MOF was used as the first adsorbent 31 and R-MOF was used as the second adsorbent 32. However, the type of adsorbent is not limited to this. For example, an adsorbent having a chemical adsorption property may be used as the second adsorbent 32.

[0118] Alternatively, for example, silica gel may be used as the first adsorbent 31 and zeolite may be used as the second adsorbent 32. In this case, water (water vapor) may be used as the adsorbed medium. The heat of adsorption per 1 g of water vapor is 2700 J / g for silica gel and 3600 J / g for zeolite. In other words, the heat of adsorption per 1 g of water vapor for zeolite is approximately 1.3 times that of silica gel.

[0119] Therefore, in the battery heating mode, when the amount of heat generated when water vapor is desorbed from the silica gel of the first adsorbent 31 is set to 1, the amount of heat generated when water vapor is adsorbed onto the zeolite of the second adsorbent 32 is approximately 1.3. Therefore, the amount of heat supplied to the first adsorbent 31 is amplified by approximately 1.3 times, and warm heat can be extracted from the second adsorbent 32.

[0120] In the battery cooling mode, when the heat dissipation amount for adsorbing water vapor to the silica gel of the first adsorbent 31 is set to 1, the heat of desorption (amount of heat absorbed) when water vapor is desorbed from the zeolite of the second adsorbent 32 is approximately 1.3. Therefore, the amount of heat dissipated to the first adsorbent 31 is thermally amplified by approximately 1.3 times, and cold energy can be extracted from the second adsorbent 32.

[0121] Alternatively, the same type of adsorbent may be used for the first adsorbent 31 and the second adsorbent 32, and the second adsorbent 32 may be disposed in a local area where temperature adjustment is desired. In this case, the second adsorbent 32 can locally heat or cool only a desired location, thereby enabling efficient temperature adjustment.

[0122] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second adsorbent 32 is arranged so as to be in local contact with the electrode terminal 121 of the battery cell 12. However, the arrangement of the second adsorbent 32 is not limited to this. For example, the second adsorbent 32 may be arranged so as to be in contact with only some of the battery cells 12 of the multiple battery cells 12 in the battery pack 11. The second adsorbent 32 may be arranged so as to be in contact with only the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal of the two electrode terminals 121. Furthermore, the second adsorbent 32 may be arranged so as to be in contact with the entire surface of the battery cell 12.

[0123] (3) In the above embodiment, the heat transport device according to the present disclosure is applied to a temperature control device 10 that adjusts the temperature of a battery pack 11. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, the heat transport device according to the present disclosure may be applied to an in-vehicle device temperature control device that adjusts the temperature of in-vehicle devices such as a traction inverter, a traction motor, an ECU, a CPU, a GPU, and a SoC (system on chip). In a traction motor, the heat transport device according to the present disclosure can be applied not only to the stator (i.e., coil) of the fixed part, but also to moving parts such as a rotating part including a magnet and a rotating shaft. Furthermore, the heat transport device according to the present disclosure may be applied to moving and rotating parts such as a camshaft or crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.

[0124] The heat transport device according to the present disclosure may also be used for long-distance heat transport (i.e., heat transport between distant locations).The heat transport device according to the present disclosure may also be applied to a heat transport device in which a container containing a first adsorbent 31 and a container containing a second adsorbent 32 are connected by a flexible pipe or the like.

[0125] (4) In the second embodiment, the adsorbent-side heat exchanger described in the first embodiment is used as the means for heating and cooling the first adsorbent 31. However, the means for heating and cooling the first adsorbent 31 is not limited to this. For example, an electric heater may be used as the means for heating the first adsorbent 31. Furthermore, a Peltier element may be used as the means for heating and cooling the first adsorbent 31.

[0126] Here, a Peltier element is a plate-shaped semiconductor element made by connecting two types of metal or a metal and a semiconductor. The Peltier element is configured to generate the Peltier effect when a direct current is passed through the junction of two types of metal. The Peltier effect is the effect in which, when a direct current is passed through the junction of two types of metal, heat is transferred from one metal to the other, causing heat absorption on one surface and heat generation on the other surface at the same time.

[0127] Therefore, when a direct current is passed through the junction of the Peltier element, the heat absorption occurring on one side may be utilized to cool the first adsorbent 31 in the adsorbent container 310. Furthermore, when a direct current is passed through the junction of the Peltier element, the heat generation occurring on the other side may be utilized to heat the first adsorbent 31 in the adsorbent container 310.

[0128] (5) In the fifth embodiment, an example was described in which the cell heat exchanger 14 was arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the bottom surface of the battery cell 12, but the arrangement of the cell heat exchanger 14 is not limited to this. For example, the cell heat exchanger 14 may be arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the side surface of the battery cell 12.

[0129] (6) In the fifth embodiment, in the battery heating mode, the first adsorbent 31 is first heated in the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41, and then the surfaces of the battery cells 12 are heated in the cell heat exchanger 14 by the heat of the heat medium. However, the operation of the battery heating mode is not limited to this. For example, if the capacity of the heat pump cycle 50 is high, in the battery heating mode, the first adsorbent 31 may be heated in the adsorbent-side heat exchanger 41 and the surfaces of the battery cells 12 may be heated in the cell heat exchanger 14 simultaneously. In this case, after all of the adsorbed medium adsorbed to the first adsorbent 31 has been desorbed, only the surfaces of the battery cells 12 may be heated in the cell heat exchanger 14.

[0130] The technical features of the heat transport device disclosed in this specification are as follows: (Item 1) A heat transport device comprising a first adsorbent (31) and a second adsorbent (32) that generate heat upon adsorption of an adsorbed medium and absorb heat upon desorption of the adsorbed medium, wherein the adsorbed medium desorbed from one of the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent is adsorbed onto the other adsorbent, wherein the first adsorbent is heated from the outside, causing the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent to be adsorbed onto the second adsorbent, and the resulting heat of adsorption is extracted as hot heat, and the first adsorbent is cooled from the outside, causing the adsorbed medium to be adsorbed onto the first adsorbent and the adsorbed medium to be desorbed from the second adsorbent, and the resulting heat of desorption is extracted as cold heat. (Item 2) A heat transport device according to item 1, wherein the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent have mutually different adsorption characteristics with respect to the adsorbed medium. (Item 3) The heat transport device according to item 2, wherein, when the amount of heat required to adsorb and desorb a predetermined amount of the adsorbent medium is defined as the adsorption / desorption heat, the adsorption / desorption heat of the first adsorbent is smaller than the adsorption / desorption heat of the second adsorbent. (Item 4) The heat transport device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the first adsorbent is a metal-organic framework having structural flexibility. (Item 5) The heat transport device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the first adsorbent is a metal-organic framework having structural flexibility, and the second adsorbent is a metal-organic framework without structural flexibility. (Item 6) The heat transport device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the second adsorbent is an adsorbent having chemical adsorption properties. (Item 7) The heat transport device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the first adsorbent is silica gel, and the second adsorbent is zeolite. (Item 8) The heat transport device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent are disposed inside the same or mutually communicating sealed container (13, 310), and the adsorbed medium is sealed inside the sealed container. (Item 9) The heat transport device according to item 8, wherein a plurality of the second adsorbents are provided inside the sealed container.(Item 10) A heat transport device according to any one of items 1 to 9, comprising a heat pump cycle (50) that pumps heat from a low-temperature side to a high-temperature side by circulating a refrigerant, and heats the first adsorbent by the heat of the refrigerant on the high-temperature side, and cools the first adsorbent by dissipating the heat of the first adsorbent to the refrigerant on the low-temperature side.

[0131] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat transport device comprising a first adsorbent (31) and a second adsorbent (32) that generate heat upon adsorption of an adsorbed medium and absorb heat upon desorption of the adsorbed medium, wherein the adsorbed medium desorbed from one of the first and second adsorbents is adsorbed onto the other adsorbent, wherein the first adsorbent is heated from the outside, causing the adsorbed medium desorbed from the first adsorbent to be adsorbed onto the second adsorbent, and the heat of adsorption is extracted as hot heat, and the first adsorbent is cooled from the outside, causing the adsorbed medium to be adsorbed onto the first adsorbent and the adsorbed medium to be desorbed from the second adsorbent, and the heat of desorption is extracted as cold heat.

2. The heat transport device according to claim 1, wherein the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent have mutually different adsorption characteristics with respect to the adsorbed medium.

3. A heat transport device as described in claim 2, wherein when the amount of heat required to adsorb and desorb a predetermined amount of the adsorbed medium is defined as the adsorption / desorption heat, the adsorption / desorption heat of the first adsorbent is smaller than the adsorption / desorption heat of the second adsorbent.

4. The heat transport device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first adsorbent is a metal organic framework having structural flexibility.

5. A heat transport device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first adsorbent is a metal organic framework having structural flexibility, and the second adsorbent is a metal organic framework not having structural flexibility.

6. A heat transport device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second adsorbent is an adsorbent having a chemical adsorption function.

7. A heat transport device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first adsorbent is silica gel, and the second adsorbent is zeolite.

8. A heat transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent are arranged inside the same or mutually communicating sealed container (13, 310), and the adsorbed medium is sealed inside the sealed container.

9. The heat transport device according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of second adsorbents are provided inside the sealed container.

10. A heat transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a heat pump cycle (50) that pumps heat from a low-temperature side to a high-temperature side by circulating a refrigerant, and heat possessed by the refrigerant on the high-temperature side heats the first adsorbent, and cools the first adsorbent by dissipating the heat possessed by the first adsorbent to the refrigerant on the low-temperature side.

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