Air conditioning system, air conditioning method, and air conditioning room facility
The air conditioning system uses chemical water decomposition and sensor-controlled airflow management to achieve precise dehumidification and rapid humidity adjustment, addressing the challenge of fine control in existing systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HITACHI PLANT SERVICES
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images

Figure JP2025021451_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Air conditioning system, air conditioning method, and air-conditioned room equipment 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, an air conditioning method, and air-conditioned room equipment. 【0002】 Patent Document 1 describes that "the processing zones of the first to third desiccant rotors provided with the first to third coolers are connected in series and communicated, outside air is sucked from the first cooler side, processed in the processing zones of the second and third desiccant rotors, and ultra-low dew point supply air is supplied to the indoor side. A large amount of return air on the indoor side is returned to the downstream of the processing zone of the first desiccant rotor upstream of the processing zone of the second desiccant rotor. The regeneration zones of the third to first desiccant rotors provided with the third to first coolers are connected in series and communicated. Each regenerator is heated at 80°C or lower, and a part of the supply air is supplied to the regeneration zones of the third regenerator and the third desiccant rotor, and the regenerated air sequentially passes through the regeneration zones of the second and first desiccant rotors and is exhausted to the outside." 【0003】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-64439 【0004】 In the technology described in Patent Document 1, dehumidification is performed by physically adsorbing moisture (water vapor) in outside air onto the desiccant rotor. Since the adsorption of moisture is physical adsorption, it is difficult to finely control the adsorption amount (dehumidification amount). The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system, an air conditioning method, and air-conditioned room equipment capable of finely controlling the dehumidification amount of target air to be dehumidified. 【0005】 The air conditioning system of the present disclosure includes a dehumidifying device including a water decomposition device that manufactures a dry gas having an ultra-low dew point by dehumidifying a target gas to be dehumidified and chemically decomposes moisture in the target gas, and a supply device that supplies the target gas to the dehumidifying device. Other solutions will be described later in the mode for carrying out the invention. 【0006】 According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system, an air conditioning method, and air-conditioned room equipment capable of finely controlling the dehumidification amount of target air to be dehumidified. 【0007】This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the specific hardware configuration of the control device. This is a graph showing humidity changes when control is performed using sensors in this disclosure. This is a graph showing humidity changes when control is not performed using sensors in a conventional example. This is a flowchart showing the air conditioning method of this disclosure. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the sixth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the seventh embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the eighth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the ninth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the tenth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the eleventh embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the twelfth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the thirteenth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system and air-conditioned room equipment of the fourteenth embodiment. 【0008】 The following describes embodiments for implementing this disclosure, with reference to the drawings. The following is merely an example of how to implement the invention related to this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the following example. Within the description of one embodiment below, other embodiments applicable to that embodiment will also be described as appropriate. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and different embodiments can be combined or modified as appropriate without significantly impairing the effects of this disclosure. In addition, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, components having the same function will be given the same name. The illustrations are schematic, and for illustrative purposes, the actual configuration may be changed or some components may be omitted or modified between drawings without significantly impairing the effects of this disclosure. Also, the same embodiment does not necessarily need to have all the components. 【0009】Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the first embodiment. The air conditioning room equipment 40 comprises the air conditioning system 10 and the air conditioning room 30. The air conditioning system 10 is a system that produces dry air DA (an example of a dry gas) supplied to the air conditioning room 30. The air conditioning room 30 comprises a space to which the dry air DA produced by the air conditioning system 10 is supplied. In the example of Figure 1, this space refers to the entire interior space of the air conditioning room 30. The air conditioning system 10 circulates air inside the air conditioning room 30 and air-conditions (dehumidifies) the circulating air. 【0010】 The dry air DA supplied to the air conditioning room 30 has an ultra-low dew point. Here, ultra-low dew point air (gas) refers to air (gas) whose dew point temperature is, for example, -40°C or lower, preferably -50°C or lower, more preferably -60°C or lower, even more preferably -70°C or lower, and particularly preferably -80°C or lower. The "dew point" is the temperature at which water vapor contained in air (gas) begins to condense. 【0011】 Dry air DA is produced by the air conditioning system 10 by dehumidifying the target air TA (an example of a target gas) to be dehumidified. The target gas is not limited to target air TA, but is not limited to any gas that contains gaseous moisture (water vapor), for example. For example, the target gas may be an inert gas containing moisture (e.g., nitrogen, argon, etc.), or a gas such as oxygen or hydrogen containing moisture. Dry air DA, an example of a dry gas, is produced by dehumidifying target air TA, an example of a target gas. In the example of this disclosure, dry air DA having an ultra-low dew point is supplied to the air conditioning room 30. 【0012】 The air-conditioned room 30 is a room where, for example, the dew point (humidity), temperature, etc., are adjusted. In the air-conditioned room 30, for example, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), electronic components, precision machinery, FPD (Flat Panel Display), pharmaceuticals, etc. The air-conditioned room 30 is, for example, a dry room (registered trademark). 【0013】The air conditioning system 10 comprises a dehumidifier 1, a supply device 2, a control device 3, and a sensor 4. The dehumidifier 1 and the supply device 2 are installed in at least one (or both) of the space to which dry air DA is supplied, or in a flow path connected to the space to supply dry air DA to the space. In the example shown in Figure 1, the dehumidifier 1 and the supply device 2 are installed inside the air conditioning room 30, which is an example of the space to which dry air DA is supplied. This prevents unintended intake of outside air or other gases from outside the air conditioning room 30 when airflow occurs near the supply device 2 due to its operation. 【0014】 Dehumidifier 1 is a device that produces dry air DA (an example of a dry gas) with an ultra-low dew point by dehumidifying the target air TA (an example of a target gas). In addition, dehumidifier 1 is equipped with a water splitting device 1C, the specific structure of which will be described later. Water splitting device 1C is a device that chemically decomposes the water in the target gas TA. Chemical decomposition of water is, for example, 2H 2 O→2H 2 +O 2 The reaction proceeds according to the following chemical equation. This reaction proceeds, for example, through the transfer of electrons. Therefore, by controlling the decomposition conditions (reaction conditions), such as the amount of electrons transferred and the temperature of the reaction system, it is possible to control how much water is chemically decomposed. This allows for precise control of the amount of water decomposed, i.e., the amount of dehumidification of the target air TA. 【0015】 The chemical decomposition of water typically generates hydrogen and oxygen, as shown in the chemical reaction equation above. As will be described in detail later, it is preferable that the concentration of at least hydrogen (preferably hydrogen and oxygen) in the air-conditioned room 30 be controlled. 【0016】The dehumidifier 1 further includes an inlet 1a into which the target air TA flows and an outlet 1b into which the dry air DA flows out. The water splitting device 1C is positioned between the inlet 1a and the outlet 1b. Therefore, the target air TA that flows into the dehumidifier 1 from the inlet 1a is dehumidified by, for example, contact with the water splitting device 1C. Dry air DA is obtained by dehumidification by the water splitting device 1C, and the dry air DA flows out from the outlet 1b and diffuses into the air conditioning room 30. In this example of the disclosure, the dehumidifier 1 does not have a fan or the like, and the driving force for the target air TA and dry air DA flowing inside the dehumidifier 1 is generated by, for example, the rotation of a fan that constitutes the supply device 2. 【0017】 The water splitting apparatus 1C comprises at least one of the following: an electrolysis apparatus 1A that electrolyzes the water in the target air TA, or a photodecomposition apparatus 1B that photodecomposes the water in the target air TA. However, the water splitting apparatus 1C may also be a photoelectrolysis apparatus (not shown) that decomposes the water in the target air TA by combining light and electricity. In the example in Figure 1, the water splitting apparatus 1C comprises an electrolysis apparatus 1A. 【0018】 The electrolysis apparatus 1A, which is a water splitting apparatus 1C, comprises a pair of electrodes 1c1 and an electrolyte 1c2. The electrodes 1c1 comprise an anode and a cathode connected to a power source (not shown). The electrodes 1c1 are, for example, mesh-shaped metal plates that come into contact with the target air TA and generate hydrogen (at least hydrogen) through the electrolysis of water. The electrolyte 1c2 is an ion-conducting material sandwiched between the pair of electrodes 1c1. The electrolyte 1c2 can be, for example, a film or a plate. Preferably, the electrolyte 1c2 is a material that does not use water molecules for ion conduction. By using such a material, it is possible to suppress the evaporation of water from the electrolyte 1c2 in an air-conditioned room 30 having an ultra-low dew point. This prevents the electrolyte 1c2 from losing its function. Specific examples of the electrolyte 1c2 include, for example, at least one liquid or solid such as an ionic liquid, ion-conducting glass, or ion-conducting ceramics. 【0019】The air conditioning system 10 in Figure 1 further includes a separation mechanism 5. The separation mechanism 5 is a mechanism that promotes the separation of hydrogen generated in the water splitting device 1C, which is the electrolysis device 1A, from the water splitting device 1C. By including the separation mechanism 5, the amount of hydrogen present in the water electrolysis system can be reduced, making it easier for the electrolysis of water to proceed. The separation mechanism 5 may also promote the separation of oxygen generated in the water splitting device 1C from the water splitting device 1C, either in place of or together with hydrogen. 【0020】 The separation mechanism 5 includes at least one (or both) of the following: a flow path 55 that connects the inside of the air-conditioned room 30, the space in which the water splitting device 1C is installed, to the outside of the air-conditioned room 30, or an adsorbent 52 (described later) that adsorbs the generated hydrogen. In the example shown in Figure 1, the separation mechanism 5 includes a flow path 55. The flow path 55 is composed of, for example, piping, ducts, etc. The flow path 55 allows hydrogen generated in the water splitting device 1C to be exhausted to the outside of the air-conditioned room 30, thereby suppressing an increase in the hydrogen partial pressure in the air-conditioned room 30. The separation mechanism 5 may also include an air supply mechanism (for example, a fan; not shown) to facilitate the flow of hydrogen through the flow path 55. 【0021】 Although not shown in the diagram, as described above, the water splitting apparatus 1C may also be a photoelectrolysis apparatus. In photoelectrolysis, the splitting of water is accelerated by applying power from an external power source to a semiconductor material, for example, that constitutes the photocatalyst 1d (described later). This reduces the amount of electricity and light used compared to electrolysis apparatus 1A and photoelectrolysis apparatus 1B. 【0022】 In the electrolysis apparatus 1A and the photoelectrolysis apparatus (not shown), the electrode 1c1 in which the water decomposition reaction occurs (usually an electrode in contact with the target air TA) and the electrode 1c1 in which the hydrogen generation reaction occurs are separated by, for example, a membrane-like electrolyte 1c2. Therefore, by providing a flow path 55, the generated hydrogen can be released to the outside by natural diffusion or forced air conditioning. For example, the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure produces dry air DA supplied to the air conditioning room 30, and the dew point temperature in the air conditioning room 30 is extremely low (for example, below -40°C). For example, the saturated water vapor content of dry air DA with a dew point of -40°C is 0.119 g / m³. 3 Therefore, the amount of hydrogen generated is 1 m 3 This is 0.16 L per DA of dry air.3 When dry air DA is produced, it takes 250 hours for the hydrogen concentration to reach 4 volume percent. Therefore, it is preferable to release the dry air DA in the air conditioning room 30 to the outside, for example, every 250 hours, until the hydrogen concentration falls below 4 volume percent. 【0023】 The supply device 2 is a device that supplies the target air TA to the dehumidifier 1. The supply device 2 is, for example, an inverter-controlled air supply fan. The supply device 2 is installed, for example, near the inlet 1a of the target air TA provided in the dehumidifier 1. However, the supply device 2 does not need to be installed near the inlet 1a as long as it is in a position where the amount (e.g., flow velocity) of the target air TA supplied (flowing into) the dehumidifier 1 through the inlet 1a can be controlled. 【0024】 By providing the supply device 2, the supply of target air TA to the dehumidifier 1 can be accelerated, and dehumidification can be efficiently performed by the dehumidifier 1. As a result, the target air TA to be dehumidified can be quickly dehumidified, and ultra-low dew point dry air DA supplied to the air conditioning room 30 can be quickly produced. This allows the dew point of the air conditioning room 30 to be quickly lowered. 【0025】Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the specific hardware configuration of the control device 3. The control device 3 is a device that controls the amount of target air TA supplied by the supply device 2. Specifically, for example, the control device 3 controls the frequency of an inverter (not shown) provided in the supply device 2. The control device 3 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1002, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1003, an I / F (Interface) 1004, a bus 1005, etc. The CPU 1001, RAM 1002, ROM 1003 and I / F 1004 are connected, for example, via the bus 1005. The control device 3 is realized when a predetermined control program (for example, the control method, air conditioning method, dehumidification method, and air conditioning room operation method of the disclosed invention) stored in the ROM 1003 is loaded into the RAM 1002 and executed by the CPU 1001. The exchange of signals and information between the control device 3 and various devices (supply device 2, sensor 4, server, personal computer, etc.) and external networks is performed in hardware terms through the I / F 1004. 【0026】 Returning to Figure 1, the control device 3 is a device that controls the amount of target air TA supplied to the dehumidifier 1 based on at least one (or both) of the following: information that affects the dew point of the air-conditioned room 30 (an example of a space) to which the dry air DA is supplied, or information that affects the dew point of the dry air DA flowing from outside the air-conditioned room 30 toward the air-conditioned room 30. In the example in Figure 1, the control device 3 controls the amount of target air TA supplied to the dehumidifier 1 based on information that affects the dew point of the air-conditioned room 30 (an example of a space) to which the dry air DA is supplied. 【0027】 By providing the control device 3, the dew point of the air-conditioned room 30 can be controlled to a desired dew point. Specifically, if the dew point of the air-conditioned room 30 is higher than the desired temperature, the dew point of the air-conditioned room 30 can be lowered to the desired temperature by supplying a large amount of ultra-low temperature dry air DA to the air-conditioned room 30. On the other hand, if the dew point of the air-conditioned room 30 is lower than the desired temperature, the dew point of the air-conditioned room 30 can be maintained below the desired temperature by not supplying any ultra-low temperature dry air DA to the air-conditioned room 30 at all, or by supplying a reduced amount. 【0028】 Information that affects the dew point (dew point temperature) may be the dew point itself or other information.Specific examples of information other than the dew point include, for example, information from which the dew point can be determined, and at least one of the following: humidity (relative humidity, absolute humidity, etc.) inside the air conditioning room 30, temperature inside the air conditioning room 30, humidity of the target air TA, temperature of the target air TA, water vapor concentration (amount of water vapor) inside the air conditioning room 30, humidity of the dry air DA, dew point of the dry air DA, temperature of the dry air DA, etc. Information that affects the dew point can be detected by the sensor 4. The sensor 4 is a mechanism for detecting information that affects the dew point.Specifically, the sensor 4 may be, for example, a hygrometer, a dew point meter, a thermometer, etc. 【0029】 Other information that affects the dew point includes at least one of the following: the presence and number of people (workers, etc.) in the air-conditioned room 30, and the open / closed state of doors, windows, etc. (none of which are shown) connecting the inside and outside of the air-conditioned room 30. These can be detected by a functional unit that references records of people entering and leaving the air-conditioned room 30 (for example, implemented in the control device 3), cameras installed in the air-conditioned room 30, open / close detection sensors, etc. 【0030】 Figure 3 is a graph showing the humidity change when control is performed using sensor 4 in this disclosure. Figure 4 is a graph showing the humidity change in a conventional example when control is not performed using sensor 4. In Figures 3 and 4, the horizontal axis is time, the solid line on the vertical axis is humidity (dew point temperature) inside the air-conditioned room 30, the dotted line is the airflow rate (supply amount, flow velocity) of the dry air DA supplied to the air-conditioned room 30, and the dashed line is the power (may be the light intensity described later). The airflow rate of the dry air DA is the same as the airflow rate of the target air TA. Also, as mentioned above, humidity is an example of information that affects the dew point. Also, in Figures 3 and 4, the target humidity (associated with the target dew point) of the air-conditioned room 30 is D1. When the humidity inside the air-conditioned room 30 is D1, the airflow rate of the dry air DA is V1 and the power is W1. 【0031】As shown in Figure 3, at time t1, the control device 3 detects via the sensor 4 that the humidity in the air-conditioned room 30 has exceeded the target humidity D1. In response, the control device 3 controls the supply device 2 to increase the supply amount of target air TA from V1 to V2, thereby increasing the supply amount of dry air DA (dotted line) from V1 to V2. Simultaneously, the control device 3 increases the power consumption (dashed line) in the dehumidifier 1 from W1 to W2 in response to the increase in the supply amount of target air TA. This increases the amount of dehumidification performed by the dehumidifier 1. As a result, a greater supply of dry air DA is provided to the air-conditioned room 30 than the supply amount before time t1. Therefore, the humidity in the air-conditioned room 30 can be rapidly reduced, and the humidity can be lowered to the target humidity D1 at time t2. After the humidity has reached the target humidity D1 at time t2, the supply amount returns to V1, and the power consumption also returns to W1. 【0032】 On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 4, control using sensor 4 is not performed as described above. In this case, even if the humidity exceeds the target humidity D1 at time t1, the supply amount of dry air (dotted line) remains V1, and the power (dashed line; light intensity as described later) also remains W1. However, since the dry air DA continues to be supplied, the humidity in the air-conditioned room 30 decreases after time t1. Then, at time t3, the humidity in the air-conditioned room 30 becomes the target humidity D1. 【0033】 The time from time t1 to time t2 is shorter than the time from time t1 to time t3. This is because the sensor 4 detected an increase in humidity, which led to an increase in the supply of dry air DA. Therefore, by using sensor 4 for control, the ability to respond to changes in humidity and other factors can be improved. 【0034】 In this disclosure, by actively controlling the supply amount of target air TA by the supply device 2, the amount of target air TA to be dehumidified by the supply device 2 can be increased, and the amount of dry air DA can be increased. This allows for rapid dehumidification and improved responsiveness. In addition, when increasing the amount of target air TA to be dehumidified, it is also preferable to increase the processing capacity of the dehumidifier 1 by increasing, for example, power, light intensity, etc. This further improves responsiveness. 【0035】Figure 5 is a flowchart of the air conditioning method of the present disclosure. The air conditioning method of the present disclosure can also be referred to as the dehumidification method of the present disclosure, the operation method of the air conditioning room 30, etc. The air conditioning method of the present disclosure can be executed, for example, by the control device 3 described above. The air conditioning method of the present disclosure includes steps S1 to S6. 【0036】 The control device 3 is operating normally (step S1). In normal operation, the supply amount of target air TA (supply amount of dry air DA) is V1, and the power consumption of the dehumidifier 1 is W1. That is, step S1 is a supply step in which the target air TA to be dehumidified is forcibly supplied to the dehumidifier 1, for example, using the supply device 2. In the dehumidifier 1, the target air TA is dehumidified using a water splitting device 1C that chemically decomposes the moisture in the target air TA. The supply amount of target air TA in step S1 is V1 as described above. In addition, step S1 and step S3 described later are also dehumidification steps in which the target air TA forcibly supplied in the supply step is dehumidified using a water splitting device 1C that chemically decomposes the moisture in the target gas TA. 【0037】 The control device 3 monitors the detection results of the sensor 4 and checks whether the value related to information affecting the dew point (hereinafter referred to as the index value as appropriate) exceeds the target value, which is the target humidity D1 (step S2). If it does not exceed the target value (No), step S2 is repeated at predetermined intervals. On the other hand, if it does exceed the target value (Yes), the control device 3 performs rapid operation (step S3). This allows dehumidification by the water splitting device 1C to be carried out quickly. In rapid operation, the control device 3 supplies dry air DA to the air conditioning room 30, setting the amount of target air TA supplied to the air conditioning room 30 (amount of dry air DA supplied) to V2 and the amount of power W2 for the dehumidifier 1. V2 is greater than V1 and W2 is greater than W1. 【0038】After the start of rapid operation, the control device 3 monitors the detection results of the sensor 4 and monitors whether or not a value (index value) regarding information that affects the dew point has dropped to a target humidity D1 which is the target value (step S4). If it has not exceeded (No), step S3 is continuously performed, and step S4 is repeatedly performed every predetermined time. On the other hand, if it has dropped (Yes), the control device 3 ends the rapid operation and returns to normal operation (step S5). Normal operation is performed in the same manner as step S1 above. The above steps S2 to S5 are performed until there is an instruction to end the operation by the user (step S6). 【0039】 Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and the air conditioning room equipment 40 of the second embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the dehumidifying device 1 and the supply device 2 are provided outside the air conditioning room 30 which is a space where dry air DA is supplied. Specifically, the dehumidifying device 1 and the supply device 2 are provided in the flow path 41. The flow path 41 is connected to the air conditioning room 30 and is a flow path for supplying dry air DA to the air conditioning room 30. The flow path 41 is, for example, a pipe, a duct, etc. The flow path 41 connects the air conditioning room 30 and, for example, the outside. The same amount of air as the dry air DA supplied to the air conditioning room 30 through the flow path 41 is exhausted from the air conditioning room 30. Thereby, the air supply and exhaust balance in the air conditioning room 30 is maintained. 【0040】 Thus, by providing the dehumidifying device 1 and the supply device 2 outside the air conditioning room 30, the space of the air conditioning room 30 can be widened. Thereby, the working space in the air conditioning room 30 is expanded and the working efficiency can be improved. 【0041】 Although not shown, in another embodiment, the sensor 4 is installed in the flow path 41. In this case, as described above, the sensor 4 measures information that affects the dew point of the dry air DA flowing toward the air conditioning room 30 outside the air conditioning room 30 (space). Then, the control device 3 controls the supply amount of the target air TA to the dehumidifying device 1 based on the information (for example, information value) detected by the sensor 4. Even in this way, the responsiveness when the dew point or the like fluctuates can be improved. 【0042】FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and the air conditioning room equipment 40 of the third embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the water decomposition device 1C includes a photolysis device 1B that photolyzes the moisture in the target air TA. 【0043】 The photolysis device 1B, which is the water decomposition device 1C, includes a photocatalyst 1d and a light source 1e. The photocatalyst 1d is a catalyst that comes into contact with the target air TA and decomposes the moisture in the target air TA. The driving force of the photocatalyst 1d is mainly the energy of the light emitted by the light source 1e. The photocatalyst 1d is, for example, a semiconductor having a band gap that decomposes water, and specifically, it is at least one kind such as titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, etc. Usually, hydrogen and oxygen are generated by the photolysis of moisture. The light source 1e is a device that irradiates the photocatalyst 1d with light. The photocatalyst 1d has, for example, a granular or块状 shape, etc., and is assembled along the longitudinal direction of the light source 1e and arranged in the same direction. The wavelength of the light emitted by the light source 1e is a wavelength having energy capable of generating photolysis on the surface of the photocatalyst 1d. Specifically, the light source 1e emits, for example, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc. The light source 1e is, for example, an LED. By controlling the light source 1e and controlling the amount of light (the above-mentioned light amount) irradiated to the photocatalyst 1d, the decomposition ability of moisture can be controlled. 【0044】 In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the separation mechanism 5 includes an adsorbent 52. The adsorbent 52 is an adsorbent that adsorbs the hydrogen generated by the photolysis device 1B (water decomposition device 1C). By providing the adsorbent 52, the hydrogen generated by the photolysis device 1B can be separated from the photolysis device 1B, and the water decomposition reaction (the above-mentioned chemical reaction), which is the hydrogen generation reaction in the photolysis device 1B, can be promoted. 【0045】 In the example of the present disclosure, the adsorbent 52 is installed at a site separated from the photolysis device 1B and is installed inside the air conditioning room 30 together with the photolysis device 1B. Preferably, the adsorbent 52 is installed near the outlet 1b of the photolysis device 1B. Thereby, it can be made difficult for hydrogen to diffuse throughout the air conditioning room 30. Also, in the photolysis device 1B, the water decomposition reaction and the hydrogen generation reaction occur on the same plane of the photocatalyst 1d. Therefore, by providing the adsorbent 52, an excessive increase in the hydrogen concentration in the air conditioning room 30 can be suppressed. 【0046】The adsorbent 52 can be, for example, activated carbon, oxide-based materials (such as zeolite), or precious metals (such as platinum). It is preferable to replace the adsorbent 52 each time before the amount of hydrogen adsorbed becomes saturated, or to degas the adsorbed hydrogen by, for example, vacuum degassing. The hydrogen adsorbed on the adsorbent 52 can be used, for example, as an auxiliary power source for the air conditioning system 10 and the air conditioning room equipment 40 (for example, as part of the power source for the supply device 2). 【0047】 Multiple containers (not shown) containing the adsorbent 52 may be installed, and the containers used for hydrogen adsorption and the containers used for hydrogen desorption may be used alternately. This eliminates periods during which hydrogen is not adsorbed. 【0048】 Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the fourth embodiment. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 is an embodiment that combines the embodiment shown in Figure 6 and the embodiment shown in Figure 7. That is, the photodecomposition device 1B is provided in the flow path 41. In this way, the working space of the air conditioning room 30 can be widened, the diffusion of generated hydrogen into the air conditioning room 30 can be suppressed, and the hydrogen adsorbed by the adsorbent 52 can be effectively utilized. 【0049】 Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of a fifth embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the dehumidifier 1 is equipped with an obstruction mechanism 1f. The obstruction mechanism 1f is a mechanism that obstructs (changes the flow of) at least a portion of the flow of target air TA flowing from the inlet 1a to the outlet 1b so that it flows toward the water splitting device 1C located between the inlet 1a and the outlet 1b. By providing the obstruction mechanism 1f, the "pass-through" of target air TA from the inlet 1a to the outlet 2b can be suppressed, and the dehumidification of the target air TA can be promoted. 【0050】In the example shown in Figure 9, multiple water splitting devices 1C (electrolysis device 1A in the example of Figure 9) are arranged along the flow of target air TA from the inlet 1a to the outlet 1b. Specifically, two water splitting devices 1C are arranged opposite each other, straddling the flow. That is, the flow of target air TA is formed between the two water splitting devices 1C. The obstruction mechanism 1f is positioned between the two opposing water splitting devices 1C. As a result, the flow of target air TA flowing between the two water splitting devices 1C is obstructed by the obstruction mechanism 1f. As a result of the obstruction of the flow, the target air TA changes direction and flows towards the water splitting device 1C to the side. This increases the opportunity for dehumidification in the water splitting devices 1C. 【0051】 In the example of this disclosure, the obstruction mechanism 1f comprises a baffle plate 1g and a porous body 1h (either one alone may be included). The porous body 1h is positioned downstream of the baffle plate 1g in the flow of the target air TA. The baffle plate 1g is composed of multiple plates, and two plates are joined together at the upstream end in the flow of the target air TA. The distance between the plates widens towards the downstream side in the flow of the target air TA. As a result, the target air TA flows toward the outside of the baffle plate 1g. This makes it easier for the target air TA to flow into the water splitting device 1C located outside the baffle plate 1g. 【0052】 The porous body 1h is, for example, a massive or granular structure having numerous pores on its surface. Multiple porous bodies 1h aggregate together. The porous body 1h is made of a material inert to the target air TA and dry air DA, such as silica particles or pumice. The target air TA that flows into the pores of the porous body 1h flows through the pores and is discharged from the pores. Therefore, the flow of the target air TA is disturbed near the porous body 1h. This makes it easier for the target air TA to flow to the water splitting device 1C, which is in a different direction from the outlet 1b, and increases the opportunity for dehumidification in the water splitting device 1C. 【0053】Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the sixth embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, multiple water splitting devices 1C are arranged inside the dehumidifier 1. In the example shown in Figure 10, each water splitting device 1C has a shape obtained by dividing the size of the water splitting device 1C shown in Figure 8, etc., into multiple parts. Therefore, the dehumidification efficiency (for example, the amount of water decomposed per unit time) of the water splitting device 1C in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 is the same as the dehumidification efficiency (for example, the amount of water decomposed per unit time) of the water splitting device 1C in the embodiment shown in Figure 8. 【0054】 The water splitting device 1C is arranged such that its longitudinal direction aligns with the flow direction of the target air TA. Furthermore, multiple water splitting devices 1C are also arranged perpendicular to the flow direction of the target air TA. The target air TA flows between opposing water splitting devices 1C. The multiple water splitting devices 1C arranged along the flow direction of the target air TA are not arranged in a straight line along the flow, but are arranged alternately with slight offsets (for example, in a zigzag pattern). As a result, the target air TA that has flowed between opposing water splitting devices 1C collides with another water splitting device 1C located downstream of the two water splitting devices 1C near the downstream ends of the two water splitting devices 1C. In other words, the water splitting devices 1C function as baffles. This changes the direction of the flow of the target air TA, making it easier for it to flow to the water splitting devices 1C located to the side of the water splitting devices 1C. This increases the opportunity for dehumidification in the water splitting devices 1C. 【0055】 Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the seventh embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the inhibition mechanism 1f comprises a porous body 1h made of the above-mentioned photocatalyst. The porous body 1h in Figure 11 has the same configuration as the porous body 1h (Figure 9), except that the constituent materials are different. Multiple porous bodies 1h are provided and are arranged around a plate-shaped light source 1e that is positioned along the flow direction of the target air TA. That is, the multiple porous bodies 1h are assembled and arranged to the side of the entire area of the light source 1e. As a result, the porous bodies 1h can receive light from the light source 1e. 【0056】Similar to the matter described above for the porous body 1h, the flow of the target air TA tends to stagnate around the porous body 1h. As a result, the flow velocity of the target air TA decreases when it is in contact with the porous body 1h, which is made of photocatalyst. This can promote the decomposition reaction of water proceeding on the surface of the porous body 1h. 【0057】 In the example shown in Figure 11, multiple light sources 1e are arranged perpendicular to the flow direction of the target air TA, but one light source 1e may be arranged instead. Also, although one light source 1e is arranged in the flow direction of the target air TA, multiple light sources 1e may be arranged instead. 【0058】 Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the eighth embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, a layer 1h1 of multiple porous bodies 1h made of photocatalysts is formed between multiple light sources 1e arranged in the flow direction of the target air TA. Therefore, the target air TA that flows in contact with the multiple porous bodies 1h near the upstream light source 1 crosses the layer 1h1 and flows into the multiple porous bodies 1h near the downstream light source 1e. Since multiple porous bodies 1h are arranged in the layer 1h1, the flow of the target air TA is disturbed when it crosses the layer 1h1. This increases the residence time of the target air TA in the dehumidifier 1 and increases the decomposition frequency. Note that it is not necessary for porous bodies 1h to be arranged in the layer 1h1; any configuration is acceptable as long as it can disturb (slow down) the flow within the layer 1h1. 【0059】 Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the ninth embodiment. In the embodiment of Figure 13, in addition to the air conditioning room 30 described above, an air conditioning room 31 is provided to which low dew point dry air DA2 is supplied. The low dew point referred to here is a dew point temperature that is higher than the ultra-low dew point (for example, -40°C or lower) described above. Specifically, for example, the low dew point is a dew point temperature that is greater than -40°C and less than or equal to 0°C. The dry air DA2 exhausted from the air conditioning room 31 is supplied to the air conditioning system 10 as target air TA. The ultra-low dew point dry air DA produced from the dry air DA2 in the air conditioning system 10 is supplied to the air conditioning room 30. 【0060】The air conditioning system 10 further includes a dehumidifier 20 (another dehumidifier). The dehumidifier 20 is installed upstream of the dehumidifier 1 of this disclosure. The dehumidifier 20 produces dry air DA2 and target air TA supplied to the air conditioning room 31 and the dehumidifier 1 from another target air TA2 (an example of a target gas), such as outside air. As described above, the dry air DA2 has a dew point higher than the dew point of the dry air DA produced by the dehumidifier 1. Therefore, the dehumidifier 20 produces dry air DA2 having a dew point higher than the dew point of the dry air DA produced by the dehumidifier 1 of this disclosure. 【0061】 The dehumidifier 20 is, for example, a desiccant rotor type dehumidifier that adsorbs moisture and desorbs the adsorbed moisture by heating. By providing the desiccant rotor type dehumidifier 20 in front of the dehumidifier 1, a large amount of moisture can be removed and the dew point can be rapidly lowered. Furthermore, in the stage after the dehumidifier 20, the amount of dehumidification can be precisely controlled using the dehumidifier 1 of this disclosure. 【0062】 In the air conditioning room equipment 40 shown in Figure 13, target air TA2, such as outside air, is dehumidified by the dehumidifier 20. This produces dry air DA2 with a low dew point (for example, above -40°C and below 0°C) and is supplied to the air conditioning room 31. Next, the air in the air conditioning room 31 is supplied to the dehumidifier 1 as target air TA via the valve 21. The dehumidifier 1 is also supplied with air from the air conditioning room 30 via the valve 22. As a result, the air in the air conditioning room 30 is circulated through the air conditioning system 10. Furthermore, by dehumidifying the intake air from the air conditioning room 31 adjacent to the air conditioning room 30 and the exhaust air from the air conditioning room 30, whose quality has deteriorated, the air quality inside the air conditioning room 30 can be maintained. 【0063】 In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the air inside the air conditioning room 31 is supplied to the air conditioning system 10, but the air from the dehumidifier 20 (dry air DA2) may also be supplied directly to the air conditioning system 10. 【0064】Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the tenth embodiment. In the embodiment of Figure 14, a plurality of air conditioning systems 10 are connected in parallel. Therefore, the dehumidifier 1 includes a dehumidifier 1P (first dehumidifier) and a dehumidifier 1Q (second dehumidifier) connected in parallel to the dehumidifier 1P by airflow (gas flow). By providing dehumidifiers 1P and 1Q, the number of dehumidifiers 1 used can be changed according to the overall dehumidification load of the dehumidifier 1, thereby achieving both responsiveness and power saving. In the example of this disclosure, the dehumidifier 1 further includes a dehumidifier 1R connected in parallel to the dehumidifiers 1P and 1Q by airflow (gas flow). 【0065】 Of these, the dehumidifier 1P produces dry air DA to be supplied to space 30a inside the air-conditioned room 30. An outlet (not shown) for a flow path 41 (specifically flow path 41A) connected to the dehumidifier 1P of the air conditioning system 10 is located on the ceiling of space 30a. The dehumidifier 1Q produces dry air DA to be supplied to space 30b inside the air-conditioned room 30. An outlet (not shown) for a flow path 41 (specifically flow path 41B) connected to the dehumidifier 1Q of the air conditioning system 10 is located on the ceiling of space 30b. The dehumidifier 1P produces dry air DA to be supplied to space 30c inside the air-conditioned room 30. An outlet (not shown) for a flow path 41 (specifically flow path 41C) connected to the dehumidifier 1R of the air conditioning system 10 is located on the ceiling of space 30c. 【0066】 Depending on the operation of the air conditioning room 30, the entire interior space of the air conditioning room 30 may not always be used. Furthermore, even when the entire interior space is used, large fluctuations in humidity, dew point, etc., may occur locally. Therefore, by dividing the interior space of the air conditioning room 30 into multiple spaces 30a, 30b, and 30c, and switching the space to which dry air DA is supplied according to the fluctuations in dew point, etc., efficient control can be achieved. 【0067】Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the 11th embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, a single air conditioning system 10 is equipped with a plurality of dehumidifiers 1P, 1Q, 1R, and 1S. These are connected in parallel by airflow. Each dehumidifier 1P, 1Q, 1R, and 1S is equipped with a fan 2a (inverter controlled) as part of the supply device 2. The air conditioning system 10 is equipped with an adjustment mechanism 2c that adjusts the flow rate of target air TA flowing into and dry air DA flowing out of each dehumidifier 1P, 1Q, 1R, and 1S. The adjustment mechanism 2c is part of the supply device 2, and by providing the adjustment mechanism 2c, the amount of target air TA supplied to each dehumidifier 1P, 1Q, 1R, and 1S can be controlled. 【0068】 The adjustment mechanism 2c is, for example, an adjustable opening / closing damper. The amount of fluid flowing into the dehumidifier 1P and the amount of fluid flowing out of the dehumidifier 1P are controlled by the adjustment mechanism 2c1. The amount of fluid flowing into the dehumidifier 1Q and the amount of fluid flowing out of the dehumidifier 1Q are controlled by the adjustment mechanism 2c2. The amount of fluid flowing into the dehumidifier 1R and the amount of fluid flowing out of the dehumidifier 1R are controlled by the adjustment mechanism 2c3. The amount of fluid flowing into the dehumidifier 1D and the amount of fluid flowing out of the dehumidifier 1D are controlled by the adjustment mechanism 2c4. 【0069】 The dry air DA produced by each dehumidifier 1P, 1Q, 1R, and 1S may be supplied to the entire interior space of the air conditioning room 30, or to at least one of the spaces 30a, 30b, and 30c into which the interior space is divided. In this way, the dew point temperature can be varied within the interior space of the air conditioning room 30, which has an ultra-low dew point, such as creating spaces with relatively high dew points (e.g., a dew point temperature of -50°C) and spaces with relatively low dew points (e.g., a dew point temperature of -80°C). Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 15, the number of dehumidifiers 1 used can be controlled according to the required capacity of the air conditioning room 30. In addition, for example, at least one dehumidifier 1 may not be used under normal circumstances, but may be installed as a backup, for example, for use in emergencies. 【0070】Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the twelfth embodiment. In the embodiment of Figure 16, there is a flow path 60 that circulates air inside and outside the air conditioning room 30, and a flow path 61 that dehumidifies outside air, for example, as target air TA, and supplies it to the air conditioning room 30. The flow paths 60 and 61 each include the air conditioning system 10, etc. The flow paths 60 and 61 are composed of, for example, pipes, ducts, etc. 【0071】 An apparatus 50 is provided in the internal space of the air-conditioned room 30. The apparatus 50 is, for example, a manufacturing apparatus for producing any component, a clean bench, etc. Dry air DA from each air conditioning system 10, supplied through the flow paths 60, 61, is supplied to the apparatus 50 via the internal space of the air-conditioned room 30. Thus, the air conditioning system 10 produces dry air DA that is supplied to the internal space of the apparatus 50, which is a local space within the air-conditioned room 30. Then, the deteriorated quality air is discharged from the apparatus 50 to the outside of the air-conditioned room 30, for example. 【0072】 In this way, even if the dew point rises locally inside the device 50, the air with the elevated dew point can be exhausted to the outside of the air conditioning room 30 without being distributed throughout the entire air conditioning room 30. Furthermore, by circulating the air through the flow path 60, the energy required for air conditioning can be reduced. 【0073】 Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the thirteenth embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, for example, an ultra-low dew point air conditioning room 30 (for example, below -40°C) is placed inside an air conditioning room 33 (for example, below -40°C) with a general dew point (for example, above -40°C and below 0°C). Air circulates inside and outside the air conditioning room 30 through a flow path 60 equipped with the air conditioning system 10. Specifically, the flow path 60 is a flow path that conditioned (dehumidified) the entire amount of air extracted from the air conditioning room 30 as target air TA, and then returned it to the air conditioning room 30 as dry air DA. 【0074】An arbitrary device 51 is installed inside the air-conditioned room 30. The device 51 is, for example, a manufacturing device for producing any component, a clean bench, etc. Therefore, the device 51 is supplied with ultra-low dew point dry air DA produced by the air conditioning system 10. In this way, the air conditioning system 10 produces dry air DA that is supplied to the air-conditioned room 30, which is a local space within the air-conditioned room 33. 【0075】 Air is extracted from the air conditioning room 33 through a flow path 62. The flow path 62 is, for example, a pipe or duct. The flow path 62 is equipped with an adjustable opening / closing damper 45, and the amount of air extracted is controlled by adjusting the opening / closing damper 45. The extracted air is dehumidified by the air conditioning system 10 as target air TA together with the outside air. The amount of, for example, outside air mixed with the air extracted from the air conditioning room 33 is controlled by adjusting the adjustable opening / closing damper 43. The dry air DA obtained by dehumidification is supplied to the air conditioning room 33 through a flow path 61. A device 50 is also installed in the air conditioning room 33. The amount of exhaust from the internal space of the device 50 to the outside is controlled by adjusting the adjustable opening / closing damper 45. The opening / closing damper 45 is provided in the flow path 63 that connects the internal space of the device 50 to the outside. The flow path 63 is, for example, a pipe or duct. 【0076】 The embodiment shown in Figure 17 is suitable, for example, when the exhaust volume of the device 50 fluctuates. For example, when the exhaust volume of the device 50 is small, the opening degree of the on / off damper 45 is controlled to be small. This controls the amount of exhaust through the on / off damper 45 connected to the device 50 to be small. On the other hand, the amount of target air TA, such as outside air, taken into the air conditioning system 10 is also controlled to be small. Specifically, the opening degree of the on / off damper 43 is controlled to be small. This maintains a balance between the supply and exhaust volumes. Conversely, when the exhaust volume of the device 50 is large, the opening degrees of the on / off dampers 43 and 35 are controlled to be large. 【0077】Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 10 and air conditioning room equipment 40 of the 14th embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, a device 51 integrated with the air conditioning system 10 is installed in the air conditioning room 30. In the device 51, dry air DA is independently produced by the air conditioning system 10 integrated with the device 51, and the produced dry air DA is supplied to the device 51. In this way, an environment specific to the device 51 can be created inside the air conditioning room 30, regardless of the environment of the air conditioning room 30 in which the device 51 is installed. 【0078】 1 Dehumidifier 10 Air conditioning system 1A Electrolysis device 1a Inlet 1B Photolysis device 1b Outlet 1C Water splitting device 1c1 Electrode 1c2 Electrolyte 1d Photocatalyst 1D Dehumidifier 1e Light source 1f Inhibition mechanism 1g Baffle plate 1h Porous material 1h1 Layer 1P Dehumidifier 1Q Dehumidifier 1R Dehumidifier 1S Dehumidifier 2 Supply device 20 Dehumidifier 21 Valve 22 Valve 2b Outlet 2c Adjustment mechanism 2c1 Adjustment mechanism 2c2 Adjustment mechanism 2c3 Adjustment mechanism 2c4 Adjustment mechanism 3 Control device 30 Air conditioning room 30a Space 30b Space 30c Space 30d Space 31 Air conditioning room 32 Air conditioning room 33 Air conditioning room 35 Opening / closing damper 4 Sensor 40 Air conditioning room equipment 41 Flow path 41A Flow path 41B Flow path 41C Flow path 43 Opening / closing damper 44 Opening / closing damper 45 Opening / closing damper 5 Separation mechanism 50 Device 51 Device 52 Adsorbent 55 Flow path 60 Flow path 61 Flow path 62 Flow path 63 Flow path
Claims
1. An air conditioning system comprising: a dehumidifier that produces a dry gas having an ultra-low dew point by dehumidifying a target gas to be dehumidified, and a water splitting device that chemically decomposes the moisture in the target gas; and a supply device that supplies the target gas to the dehumidifier.
2. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the water splitting device comprises at least one of the following: an electrolysis device for electrolyzing the water in the target gas, or a photodecomposition device for photodecomposing the water in the target gas.
3. An air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the water splitting device is the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device comprises a pair of electrodes that come into contact with the target gas and produce hydrogen by electrolysis of water, and an ionic conductive electrolyte sandwiched between the pair of electrodes.
4. An air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the water splitting device is the photodecomposition device, the photodecomposition device comprises: a photocatalyst that comes into contact with the target gas and decomposes the water in the target gas; and a light source that irradiates the photocatalyst with light.
5. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the dehumidifier and the supply device are installed in at least one of the following: a space to which the dry gas is supplied, or a flow path connected to the space and used to supply the dry gas to the space.
6. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising a control device that controls the amount of the target gas supplied to the dehumidifier based on at least one of the following: information that affects the dew point of the space to which the dry gas is supplied, or information that affects the dew point of the dry gas flowing from outside the space toward the space.
7. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a separation mechanism for promoting the separation of hydrogen generated in the water splitting apparatus from the water splitting apparatus.
8. An air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein the separation mechanism comprises at least one of the following: a flow path connecting the space in which the water splitting device is installed with the outside of the space, or an adsorbent for adsorbing the generated hydrogen.
9. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the dehumidifying device further comprises: an inlet into which the target gas flows; an outlet from which the dry gas flows out; and an obstruction mechanism that obstructs the flow of at least a portion of the flow of the target gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet so as to flow toward the water splitting device disposed between the inlet and the outlet.
10. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system further comprises, in front of the dehumidifier, another dehumidifier that produces the target gas supplied to the dehumidifier from another target gas, and the other dehumidifier produces a dry gas having a dew point higher than the dew point of the dry gas produced by the dehumidifier.
11. An air conditioning system according to claim 10, characterized in that the other dehumidifying device is a desiccant rotor type dehumidifying device.
12. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the dehumidifying device comprises a first dehumidifying device and a second dehumidifying device connected in parallel to the first dehumidifying device by gas flow.
13. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system is characterized by producing the dry gas supplied to a local space within an air-conditioned room.
14. An air conditioning method characterized by comprising: a supply step of forcibly supplying a target gas to be dehumidified to a dehumidification device; and a dehumidification step of dehumidifying the target gas forcibly supplied in the supply step using a water splitting device that chemically decomposes the water in the target gas.
15. An air conditioning room facility characterized by comprising: an air conditioning system according to claim 1; and an air conditioning room having a space to which dry gas produced by the air conditioning system is supplied.