U.S. patent application number 12/740547 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for humidity control apparatus.
Invention is credited to Kikuji Hori, Nobuki Matsui.
Application Number | 20100257885 12/740547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40590725 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100257885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsui; Nobuki ; et
al. |
October 14, 2010 |
HUMIDITY CONTROL APPARATUS
Abstract
A humidity control apparatus (10) alternately performs first and
second operations at predetermined switching intervals. In the
first operation, a first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as a
condenser, and a second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as an
evaporator, thereby humidifying second air by the first adsorption
heat exchanger (51), and dehumidifying first air by the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52). In the second operation, the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser, and the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator,
thereby humidifying the second air by the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52), and dehumidifying the first air by the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51). The switching intervals between the
first and second operations are shorter in dehumidification
operation of supplying the dehumidified first air to the inside of
a room than in humidification operation of supplying the humidified
second air to the inside of the room.
Inventors: |
Matsui; Nobuki; (Osaka,
JP) ; Hori; Kikuji; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
40590725 |
Appl. No.: |
12/740547 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 31, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/003141 |
371 Date: |
April 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/271 ;
62/478 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/0008 20130101;
F24F 3/1411 20130101; F24F 3/147 20130101; F24F 3/1429
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/271 ;
62/478 |
International
Class: |
F25B 15/00 20060101
F25B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 31, 2007 |
JP |
2007-282558 |
Claims
1. A humidity control apparatus comprising: first and second
adsorption units (51, 52, 111, 112), each of which includes an
adsorbent to be brought into contact with air, wherein first
operation of humidifying second air by recovering the adsorbent of
the first adsorption unit (51, 111), and simultaneously
dehumidifying first air by the second adsorption unit (52, 112),
and second operation of recovering the adsorbent by the second
adsorption unit (52, 112) to humidify the second air, and
simultaneously dehumidifying the first air by the first adsorption
unit (51, 111) are alternately performed at predetermined switching
intervals, dehumidification operation of supplying the dehumidified
first air to the inside of a room, and humidification operation of
supplying the humidified second air to the inside of the room are
selectively performed, and the switching intervals in the
dehumidification operation are shorter than the switching intervals
in the humidification operation.
2. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein outside air
is admitted as the first air, and room air is admitted as the
second air to supply the dehumidified first air to the inside of
the room, and discharge the humidified second air outside the room
in the dehumidification operation, and the room air is admitted as
the first air, and the outside air is admitted as the second air to
supply the humidified second air to the inside of the room, and
discharge the humidified first air in the humidification
operation.
3. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further
comprising: a refrigerant circuit (50) which connects a plurality
of adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) each carrying an adsorbent
on a surface thereof, and which is capable of switching between
first refrigeration cycle operation where a first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) serves as a radiator, and a second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serves as an evaporator, and second refrigeration
cycle operation where the second adsorption heat exchanger (52)
serves as the radiator, and the first adsorption heat exchanger
(51) serves as the evaporator, wherein the refrigerant circuit (50)
performs the first refrigeration cycle operation in the first
operation, and performs the second refrigeration cycle operation in
the second operation, and the first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
constitutes the first adsorption unit (51, 111), and the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) constitutes the second adsorption
unit (52, 112).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to humidity control
apparatuses for controlling air humidity using an adsorbent.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Humidity control apparatuses for controlling air humidity
using an adsorbent have been known. Patent Document 1 describes a
humidity control apparatus including an adsorption heat exchanger
carrying an adsorbent on a surface thereof. The humidity control
apparatus performs a so-called batch operation.
[0003] Specifically, the humidity control apparatus of Patent
Document 1 includes a refrigerant circuit having two adsorption
heat exchangers. The refrigerant circuit alternately performs first
operation where a first adsorption heat exchanger serves as a
condenser, and a second adsorption heat exchanger serves as an
evaporator, and second operation where the second adsorption heat
exchanger serves as the condenser, and the first adsorption heat
exchanger serves as the evaporator at predetermined time intervals.
In the adsorption heat exchanger serving as the evaporator,
moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. In the adsorption
heat exchanger serving as the condenser, the moisture is desorbed
from the adsorbent, and is given to the air.
[0004] The humidity control apparatus of Patent Document 1 supplies
one of air flows that passed through the adsorption heat exchangers
to the inside of a room, and discharges the other air flow outside
the room. In the humidity control apparatus performing
dehumidification operation, the air that passed through one of the
first and second adsorption heat exchangers serving as the
evaporator is supplied to the inside of the room, and the air that
passed through the other adsorption heat exchanger serving as the
condenser is discharged outside the room. In the humidity control
apparatus performing humidification operation, the air that passed
through one of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers
serving as the evaporator is discharged outside the room, and the
air that passed through the other adsorption heat exchanger serving
as the condenser is supplied to the inside of the room.
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No.
2006-078108
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] In the humidity control apparatus performing the
dehumidification operation or the humidification operation, the
adsorption heat exchanger adsorbs the moisture in the air. In this
case, switching between the first and second operations is
preferably performed when the adsorption heat exchanger carrying
the adsorbent is substantially saturated, because humidity control
capability of the humidity control apparatus is exhibited to the
maximum extent.
[0007] When the humidity control apparatus is required to perform
the dehumidification operation, humidities of outside air and room
air are generally high as compared with the case where the humidity
control apparatus is required to perform the humidification
operation. Specifically, in the dehumidification operation, the
adsorption heat exchanger is substantially saturated in a shorter
time than in the humidification operation.
[0008] Therefore, if switching intervals for switching between the
first and second operations are set to a certain value which allows
for the switching at a point in time when the adsorption heat
exchanger is substantially saturated in the humidification
operation, the switching is not performed in the dehumidification
operation until a certain period of time has passed after the
adsorption heat exchanger is substantially saturated. Further, if
the switching intervals for switching between the first and second
operations are set to a certain value that allows for the switching
at a point in time when the adsorption heat exchanger is
substantially saturated in the dehumidification operation, the
switching is performed in the humidification operation before the
adsorption heat exchanger is substantially saturated. Thus, if the
switching intervals for switching between the first and second
operations of the dehumidification operation are set to the same
value as the switching intervals for switching between the first
and second operations of the humidification operation, the humidity
control capability of the humidity control apparatus is
sufficiently exhibited only in one of the dehumidification
operation and the humidification operation.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, the present invention has been
achieved. An object of the invention is to provide a humidity
control apparatus which performs a so-called batch operation, and
which is capable of sufficiently exhibiting its humidity control
capability in both of the dehumidification operation and the
humidification operation.
Solution to the Problem
[0010] A first aspect of the invention is directed to a humidity
control apparatus including: first and second adsorption units (51,
52, 111, 112), each of which includes an adsorbent to be brought
into contact with air, wherein first operation of humidifying
second air by recovering the adsorbent of the first adsorption unit
(51, 111), and simultaneously dehumidifying first air by the second
adsorption unit (52, 112), and second operation of recovering the
adsorbent by the second adsorption unit (52, 112) to humidify the
second air, and simultaneously dehumidifying the first air by the
first adsorption unit (51, 111) are alternately performed at
predetermined switching intervals, dehumidification operation of
supplying the dehumidified first air to the inside of a room, and
humidification operation of supplying the humidified second air to
the inside of the room are selectively performed, and the switching
intervals in the dehumidification operation are shorter than the
switching intervals in the humidification operation.
[0011] The humidity control apparatus (10) according to the first
aspect of the invention selectively performs the dehumidification
operation and the humidification operation. In the dehumidification
operation and the humidification operation, the humidity control
apparatus (10) alternately repeatedly performs the first and second
operations. In the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the
first operation, the second air is sent to the first adsorption
unit (51, 111), and the first air is sent to the second adsorption
unit (52, 112). The first adsorption unit (51, 111) recovers the
adsorbent, and gives the moisture desorbed from the adsorbent to
the second air. The second adsorption unit (52, 112) adsorbs the
moisture in the first air to the adsorbent. On the other hand, in
the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the second
operation, the first air is sent to the first adsorption unit (51,
111), and the second air is sent to the second adsorption unit (52,
112). The first adsorption unit (51, 111) adsorbs the moisture in
the first air to the adsorbent. The second adsorption unit (52,
112) recovers the adsorbent, and gives the moisture desorbed from
the adsorbent to the second air. The first air dehumidified by the
adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112) is supplied to the inside of the
room in the dehumidification operation, and the second air
humidified by the adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112) is supplied to
the inside of the room in the humidification operation.
[0012] The humidity control apparatus (10) of the first aspect of
the invention alternately performs the first and second operations
at predetermined switching intervals. In the humidity control
apparatus (10), time intervals for switching between the first and
second operations (i.e., the switching intervals) of the
dehumidification operation are shorter than time intervals for
switching between the first and second operations (i.e., the
switching intervals) of the humidification operation. For example,
when the first and second operations of the dehumidification
operation are alternately performed every three minutes, the first
and second operations of the humidification operation are
alternately performed at time intervals longer than three minutes
(e.g., four minutes). Specifically, in this humidity control
apparatus (10), duration of one first/second operation of the
dehumidification operation is shorter than duration of one
first/second operation of the humidification operation.
[0013] In a second aspect of the invention related to the first
aspect of the invention, outside air is admitted as the first air,
and room air is admitted as the second air to supply the
dehumidified first air to the inside of the room, and discharge the
humidified second air outside the room in the dehumidification
operation, and the room air is admitted as the first air, and the
outside air is admitted as the second air to supply the humidified
second air to the inside of the room, and discharge the humidified
first air in the humidification operation.
[0014] According to the second aspect of the invention, the
humidity control apparatus (10) ventilates the room. Specifically,
in the dehumidification operation, the humidity control apparatus
(10) dehumidifies the outside air admitted as the first air by the
adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112) to supply the dehumidified air
to the inside of the room, and simultaneously, discharges the room
air admitted as the second air outside the room together with the
moisture desorbed from the adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112). In
the humidification operation, the humidity control apparatus (10)
humidifies the outside air admitted as the second air by the
adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112) to supply the humidified air to
the inside of the room, and simultaneously, dehumidifies the room
air admitted as the first air by the adsorption unit (51, 52, 111,
112) to discharge the dehumidified air outside the room.
[0015] In a third aspect of the invention related to the first or
second aspect of the invention, the humidity control apparatus
further includes: a refrigerant circuit (50) which connects a
plurality of adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) each carrying an
adsorbent on a surface thereof, and which is capable of switching
between first refrigeration cycle operation where a first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as a radiator, and a second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as an evaporator, and second
refrigeration cycle operation where the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serves as the radiator, and the first adsorption
heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, wherein the
refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle
operation in the first operation, and performs the second
refrigeration cycle operation in the second operation, and the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) constitutes the first
adsorption unit (51, 111), and the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) constitutes the second adsorption unit (52, 112).
[0016] According to the third aspect of the invention, the humidity
control apparatus (10) includes the refrigerant circuit (50) having
the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and the adsorption heat
exchangers (51, 52) constitute the adsorption units. The
refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle
operation in the first operation, and performs the second
refrigeration cycle operation in the second operation.
[0017] According to the third aspect of the invention, in the first
refrigeration cycle operation, the second air is sent to the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the radiator, and the
first air is sent to the second adsorption heat exchanger (52)
serving as the evaporator. In the first adsorption heat exchanger
(51), the adsorbent is recovered as it is heated by the
refrigerant, and the moisture desorbed from the adsorbent is given
to the second air. In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52),
the adsorbent adsorbs the moisture in the first air, and heat
generated by the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. On the
other hand, in the second refrigeration cycle operation, the first
air is sent to the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as
the evaporator, and the second air is sent to the second adsorption
heat exchanger (52) serving as the radiator. In the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51), the adsorbent adsorbs the moisture
in the first air, and heat generated by the adsorption is absorbed
by the refrigerant. In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52),
the adsorbent is recovered as it is heated by the refrigerant, and
the moisture desorbed from the adsorbent is given to the second
air.
Advantages of the Invention
[0018] As described above, in the humidity control apparatus (10),
humidity of the first air that loses the moisture to the adsorption
unit (51, 52, 111, 112) is generally higher in the dehumidification
operation, than in the humidification operation. Specifically, the
adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112) is substantially saturated in a
shorter time in the dehumidification operation than in the
humidification operation.
[0019] In this regard, according to the humidity control apparatus
(10) of the present invention, the switching intervals between the
first and second operations of the dehumidification operation are
set shorter than the switching intervals between the first and
second operations of the humidification operation. Specifically, in
the humidification operation where the humidity of the first air is
relatively low, and the adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112) is
substantially saturated in a relatively long time, the duration of
the first/second operation is set long. On the other hand, in the
dehumidification operation where the humidity of the first air is
relatively high, and the adsorption unit (51, 52, 111, 112) is
substantially saturated in a relatively short time, the duration of
the first/second operation is set short.
[0020] Thus, according to the present invention, in both of the
dehumidification operation and the humidification operation, a
difference between a point in time when the adsorption unit (51,
52, 111, 112) is substantially saturated, and a point in time when
one of the first and second operations is switched to the other can
be reduced. As a result, the humidity control capability of the
humidity control apparatus (10) can sufficiently be exhibited in
both of the dehumidification operation and the humidification
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidity control apparatus
as viewed from the front, in which part of a casing and an
electrical component box are omitted.
[0022] FIG. 2 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, partially
omitted.
[0023] FIG. 3(A) is a piping diagram illustrating first operation
in a refrigerant circuit, and FIG. 3(B) is a piping diagram
illustrating second operation in the refrigerant circuit.
[0024] FIG. 4 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in first operation of
dehumidification/ventilation operation.
[0025] FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in second operation of the
dehumidification/ventilation operation.
[0026] FIG. 6 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in first operation of humidification/ventilation
operation.
[0027] FIG. 7 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in second operation of the
humidification/ventilation operation.
[0028] FIG. 8 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in simple ventilation operation.
[0029] FIG. 9 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in first operation of
dehumidification/circulation operation.
[0030] FIG. 10 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in second operation of the
dehumidification/circulation operation.
[0031] FIG. 11 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in first operation of humidification/circulation
operation.
[0032] FIG. 12 schematically shows a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view of the humidity control apparatus, together
with a flow of air in second operation of the
humidification/circulation operation.
[0033] FIG. 13(A) schematically shows first operation in a humidity
control apparatus of a third alternative example of the embodiment,
and FIG. 13(B) shows second operation in the humidity control
apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0034] 10 Humidity control apparatus [0035] 50 Refrigerant circuit
[0036] 51 First adsorption heat exchanger (first adsorption unit)
[0037] 52 Second adsorption heat exchanger (second adsorption unit)
[0038] 111 First adsorption element (first adsorption unit) [0039]
112 Second adsorption element (second adsorption unit)
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the drawings. A humidity control apparatus
(10) of the present embodiment controls humidity of air in the
room, and ventilates the room, i.e., controls the humidity of
admitted outside air (OA) to supply the humidity-controlled air to
the inside of the room, and discharges admitted room air (RA)
outside the room.
<General Structure of Humidity Control Apparatus>
[0041] The humidity control apparatus (10) will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The terms "upper," "lower," "left,"
"right," "front," "back," "frontward," and "backward" used in the
following description indicate the directions relative to the
humidity control apparatus (10) as seen from the front, unless
otherwise specified.
[0042] The humidity control apparatus (10) includes a casing (11).
A refrigerant circuit (50) is provided in the casing (11). The
refrigerant circuit (50) connects a first adsorption heat exchanger
(51), a second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a compressor (53), a
four-way switching valve (54), and a motor-operated expansion valve
(55). Details of the refrigerant circuit (50) will be described
below.
[0043] The casing (11) is in the shape of a flat, relatively short
rectangular parallelepiped. In the casing (11) shown in FIG. 1, a
left front plane (i.e., a front plane) constitutes a front panel
(12), and a right back plane (i.e., a back plane) constitutes a
back panel (13). Further, a right front plane of the casing (11)
constitutes a first side panel (14), and a left back plane
constitutes a second side panel (15).
[0044] The casing (11) includes an outside air inlet (24), a room
air inlet (23), a supply port (22), and a discharge port (21). The
outside air inlet (24) and the room air inlet (23) are opened in
the back panel (13). The outside air inlet (24) is formed in a
lower portion of the back panel (13). The room air inlet (23) is
formed in an upper portion of the back panel (13). The supply port
(22) is arranged near an edge of the first side panel (14) close to
the front panel (12). The discharge port (21) is arranged near an
edge of the second side panel (15) close to the front panel
(12).
[0045] The casing (11) contains an upstream divider plate (71), a
downstream divider plate (72), a central divider plate (73), a
first divider plate (74), and a second divider plate (75). Each of
the divider plates (71-75) is vertically arranged on a bottom plate
of the casing (11), and divides space inside the casing (11) from
the bottom plate to the top plate of the casing (11).
[0046] The upstream divider plate (71) and the downstream divider
plate (72) are arranged parallel to the front panel (12) and the
back panel (13) to have a predetermined gap therebetween in the
front-back direction of the casing (11). The upstream divider plate
(71) is arranged close to the back panel (13). The downstream
divider plate (72) is arranged close to the front panel (12).
[0047] The first divider plate (74) and the second divider plate
(75) are arranged parallel to the first side panel (14) and the
second side panel (15). The first divider plate (74) is arranged to
have a predetermined gap from the first side panel (14) to close
space between the upstream divider plate (71) and the downstream
divider plate (72) from the right. The second divider plate (75) is
arranged to have a predetermined gap from the second side panel
(15) to close the space between the upstream divider plate (71) and
the downstream divider plate (72) from the left.
[0048] The central divider plate (73) is arranged between the
upstream divider plate (71) and the downstream divider plate (72)
to be orthogonal to the upstream divider plate (71) and the
downstream divider plate (72). The central divider plate (73) is
arranged to extend from the upstream divider plate (71) to the
downstream divider plate (72), and divides the space between the
upstream divider plate (71) and the downstream divider plate (72)
into a right room and a left room.
[0049] In the casing (11), space between the upstream divider plate
(71) and the back panel (13) is divided into an upper room and a
lower room. The upper room constitutes a room air passage (32), and
the lower room constitutes an outside air passage (34). The room
air passage (32) communicates with the inside of the room through a
duct connected to the room air inlet (23). A room air filter (27)
and a room air humidity sensor (96) are provided in the room air
passage (32). The outside air passage (34) communicates with the
outside of the room through a duct connected to the outside air
inlet (24). An outside air filter (28) and an outside air humidity
sensor (97) are provided in the outside air passage (34).
[0050] The space between the upstream divider plate (71) and the
downstream divider plate (72) in the casing (11) is divided into a
right room and a left room by the central divider plate (73). The
room on the right of the central divider plate (73) constitutes a
first heat exchange chamber (37), and the room on the left of the
central divider plate (73) constitutes a second heat exchange
chamber (38). The first heat exchange chamber (37) contains a first
adsorption heat exchanger (51). The second heat exchange chamber
(38) contains a second adsorption heat exchanger (52). Although not
shown, the first heat exchange chamber (37) also contains the
motor-operated expansion valve (55) of the refrigerant circuit
(50).
[0051] Each of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) is a
cross-fin type fm-and-tube heat exchanger carrying an adsorbent on
a surface thereof, and constitutes an adsorption unit. Each of the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) is in the shape of a thick
rectangular plate, or a flat rectangular parallelepiped. Each of
the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) is vertically arranged in
the corresponding heat exchange chamber (37, 38) with the front and
back surfaces thereof parallel to the upstream divider plate (71)
and the downstream divider plate (72).
[0052] In the casing (11), space extending along the front surface
of the downstream divider plate (72) is divided into an upper room
and a lower room. The upper room constitutes a supply air passage
(31), and the lower room constitutes a discharge air passage
(33).
[0053] The upstream divider plate (71) includes four open/close
dampers (41-44). Each of the dampers (41-44) is substantially in
the shape of a horizontally oriented rectangle. Specifically, a
first room air damper (41) is attached to a portion (an upper
portion) of the upstream divider plate (71) facing the room air
passage (32) on the right of the central divider plate (73), and a
second room air damper (42) is attached to the upper portion on the
left of the central divider plate (73). A first outside air damper
(43) is attached to a portion (a lower portion) of the upstream
divider plate (71) facing the outside air passage (34) on the right
of the central divider plate (73), and a second outside air damper
(44) is attached to the lower portion on the left of the central
divider plate (73).
[0054] The downstream divider plate (72) includes four open/close
dampers (45-48). Each of the dampers (45-48) is substantially in
the shape of a horizontally oriented rectangle. Specifically, a
first supply air damper (45) is attached to a portion (an upper
portion) of the downstream divider plate (72) facing the supply air
passage (31) on the right of the central divider plate (73), and a
second supply air damper (46) is attached to the upper portion on
the right of the central divider plate (73). A first discharge air
damper (47) is attached to a portion (a lower portion) of the
downstream divider plate (72) facing the discharge air passage (33)
on the right of the central divider plate (73), and a second
discharge air damper (48) is attached to the lower portion on the
left of the central divider plate (73).
[0055] In the casing (11), the space between the supply air passage
(31) and the discharge air passage (33), and the front panel (12)
is divided into a right room and a left room by a divider plate
(77). The room on the right of the divider plate (77) constitutes a
supply fan chamber (36), and the room on the left of the divider
plate (77) constitutes a discharge fan chamber (35).
[0056] The supply fan chamber (36) contains a supply fan (26). The
discharge fan chamber (35) contains a discharge fan (25). The
supply fan (26) and the discharge fan (25) are multi-blade
centrifugal fans (so-called sirocco fans). The supply fan (26)
blows the air from the downstream divider plate (72) to the supply
port (22). The discharge fan (25) blows the air from the downstream
divider plate (72) to the discharge port (21).
[0057] The supply fan chamber (36) contains the compressor (53) and
the four-way switching valve (54) of the refrigerant circuit (50).
The compressor (53) and the four-way switching valve (54) are
arranged in the supply fan chamber (36) between the supply fan (26)
and the divider plate (77).
[0058] In the casing (11), space between the first divider plate
(74) and the first side panel (14) constitutes a first bypass
passage (81). A starting end of the first bypass passage (81)
communicates only with the outside air passage (34), and is blocked
from the room air passage (32). A terminal end of the first bypass
passage (81) is blocked from the supply air passage (31), the
discharge air passage (33), and the supply fan chamber (36) by a
divider plate (78). A first bypass damper (83) is provided in the
divider plate (78) to face the supply fan chamber (36).
[0059] In the casing (11), space between the second divider plate
(75) and the second side panel (15) constitutes a second bypass
passage (82). A starting end of the second bypass passage (82)
communicates only with the room air passage (32), and is blocked
from the outside air passage (34). A terminal end of the second
bypass passage (82) is blocked from the supply air passage (31),
the discharge air passage (33), and the discharge fan chamber (35)
by a divider plate (79). A second bypass damper (84) is provided in
the divider plate (79) to face the discharge fan chamber (35).
[0060] In the right side view and the left side view of FIG. 2, the
first bypass passage (81), the second bypass passage (82), the
first bypass damper (83), and the second bypass damper (84) are not
shown.
<Structure of Refrigerant Circuit>
[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant circuit (50) is a closed
circuit including the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the compressor (53), the
four-way switching valve (54), and the motor-operated expansion
valve (55). The refrigerant circuit (50) performs a vapor
compression refrigeration cycle by circulating a refrigerant filled
therein.
[0062] In the refrigerant circuit (50), a discharge side of the
compressor (53) is connected to a first port of the four-way
switching valve (54), and a suction side is connected to a second
port of the four-way switching valve (54). In the refrigerant
circuit (50), the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the
motor-operated expansion valve (55), and the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) are sequentially connected between a third port and
a fourth port of the four-way switching valve (54).
[0063] The four-way switching valve (54) is configured to be able
to switch between a first state where the first and third ports
communicate with each other, and the second and fourth ports
communicate with each other (a state shown in FIG. 3(A)), and a
second state where the first and fourth ports communicate with each
other, and the second and third ports communicate with each other
(a state shown in FIG. 3(B)).
[0064] In the refrigerant circuit (50), a high pressure sensor (91)
and a discharge pipe temperature sensor (93) are attached to a duct
connecting the discharge side of the compressor (53) and the first
port of the four-way switching valve (54). The high pressure sensor
(91) measures a pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the
compressor (53). The discharge pipe temperature sensor (93)
measures a temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the
compressor (53).
[0065] In the refrigerant circuit (50), a low pressure sensor (92)
and a suction pipe temperature sensor (94) are attached to a duct
connecting the suction side of the compressor (53) and the second
port of the four-way switching valve (54). The low pressure sensor
(92) measures a pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the
compressor (53). The suction pipe temperature sensor (94) measures
a temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor
(53).
[0066] In the refrigerant circuit (50), a duct temperature sensor
(95) is attached to a duct connecting the third port of the
four-way switching valve (54) and the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51). The duct temperature sensor (95) is arranged on the
duct near the four-way switching valve (54), and measures a
temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the duct.
<Structure of Controller>
[0067] The humidity control apparatus (10) includes a controller
(60) as a control section. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an
electrical component box is attached to the front panel (12) of the
casing (11), and a control board contained in the electrical
component box constitutes the controller (60).
[0068] The controller (60) receives measurements of the room air
humidity sensor (96), a room air temperature sensor, the outside
air humidity sensor (97), and an outside air temperature sensor.
The controller (60) further receives measurements of the sensors
(91, 92, . . . ) provided in the refrigerant circuit (50). The
controller (60) controls the operation of the humidity control
apparatus (10) based on the input measurements.
[0069] In the humidity control apparatus (10),
dehumidification/ventilation operation, humidification/ventilation
operation, and simple ventilation operation described later are
switched by the control of the controller (60). During these
operations, the controller (60) controls the operation of the
dampers (41-48), the fans (25, 26), the compressor (53), the
motor-operated expansion valve (55), and the four-way switching
valve (54).
--Operation Mechanism--
[0070] The humidity control apparatus (10) of the present
embodiment selectively performs dehumidification/ventilation
operation which is dehumidification operation,
humidification/ventilation operation which is humidification
operation, and simple ventilation operation. In the
dehumidification/ventilation operation and the
humidification/ventilation operation, the humidity control
apparatus (10) admits outside air (OA) for humidity control to
supply the humidity-controlled air to the inside of the room as
supply air (SA), and simultaneously, the humidity control apparatus
(10) admits room air (RA) to discharge it as exhaust air (EA). In
the simple ventilation operation, the humidity control apparatus
(10) admits the outside air (OA) to supply it to the inside of the
room as the supply air (SA), and simultaneously, the humidity
control apparatus (10) admits the room air (RA) to discharge it as
the exhaust air (EA).
<Dehumidification/Ventilation Operation>
[0071] In the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the
dehumidification/ventilation operation, first and second operations
described later are alternately repeated every three minutes. In
the dehumidification/ventilation operation, the first bypass damper
(83) and the second bypass damper (84) are kept closed.
[0072] In the dehumidification/ventilation operation, the humidity
control apparatus (10) admits the outside air as first air into the
casing (11) through the outside air inlet (24), and admits the room
air as second air into the casing (11) through the room air inlet
(23).
[0073] The first operation of the dehumidification/ventilation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first
operation, the first room air damper (41), the second outside air
damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first
discharge air damper (47) are opened, and the second room air
damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply
air damper (45), and the second discharge air damper (48) are
closed. In the first operation, the four-way switching valve (54)
of the refrigerant circuit (50) is set to the first state (the
state shown in FIG. 3(A)), in which the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) serves as the condenser, and the second adsorption
heat exchanger (52) serves as the evaporator. That is, the
refrigerant circuit (50) performs first refrigeration cycle
operation.
[0074] The first air that entered the outside air passage (34), and
passed through the outside air filter (28) passes through the
second outside air damper (44) to enter the second heat exchange
chamber (38), and then passes through the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52),
moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat
generated by the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The
first air dehumidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52)
passes through the second supply air damper (46) to enter the
supply air passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber
(36), and is supplied to the inside of the room through the supply
port (22).
[0075] The second air that entered the room air passage (32), and
passed through the room air filter (27) passes through the first
room air damper (41) to enter the first heat exchange chamber (37),
and then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture is desorbed
from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed
moisture is given to the second air. The second air containing the
moisture given by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes
through the first discharge air damper (47) to enter the discharge
air passage (33), passes through the discharge fan chamber (35),
and is discharged outside the room through the discharge port
(21).
[0076] The second operation of the dehumidification/ventilation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 5, in the
second operation, the second room air damper (42), the first
outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the
second discharge air damper (48) are opened, and the first room air
damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply
air damper (46), and the first discharge air damper (47) are
closed. In the refrigerant circuit (50) performing the second
operation, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the second
state (the state shown in FIG. 3(B)), in which the first adsorption
heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, and the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser. That is,
the refrigerant circuit (50) performs second refrigeration cycle
operation.
[0077] The first air that entered the outside air passage (34), and
passed through the outside air filter (28) passes through the first
outside air damper (43) to enter the first heat exchange chamber
(37), and then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger
(51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture in the
first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the
adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air
dehumidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes
through the first supply air damper (45) to enter the supply air
passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber (36), and is
supplied to the inside of the room through the supply port
(22).
[0078] The second air that entered the room air passage (32), and
passed through the room air filter (27) passes through the second
room air damper (42) to enter the second heat exchange chamber
(38), and then passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), moisture is
desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the
desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second air
containing the moisture given by the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) passes through the second discharge air damper (48)
to enter the discharge air passage (33), passes through the
discharge fan chamber (35), and is discharged outside the room
through the discharge port (21).
<Humidification/Ventilation Operation>
[0079] In the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the
humidification/ventilation operation, first and second operations
described later are alternately repeated every four minutes. In the
humidification/ventilation operation, the first bypass damper (83)
and the second bypass damper (84) are kept closed.
[0080] In the humidification/ventilation operation, the humidity
control apparatus (10) admits the outside air as the second air
into the casing (11) through the outside air inlet (24), and admits
the room air as the first air into the casing (11) through the room
air inlet (23).
[0081] The first operation of the humidification/ventilation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 6, in the first
operation, the second room air damper (42), the first outside air
damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second
discharge air damper (48) are opened, and the first room air damper
(41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air
damper (46), and the first discharge air damper (47) are closed. In
the first operation, the four-way switching valve (54) of the
refrigerant circuit (50) is set to the first state (the state shown
in FIG. 3(A)), in which the first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
serves as the condenser, and the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) serves as the evaporator. That is, the refrigerant circuit
(50) performs the first refrigeration cycle operation.
[0082] The first air that entered the room air passage (32), and
passed through the room air filter (27) passes through the second
room air damper (42) to enter the second heat exchange chamber
(38), and then passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), moisture in the
first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the
adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air that lost
the moisture to the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes
through the second discharge air damper (48) to enter the discharge
air passage (33), passes through the discharge fan chamber (35),
and is discharged outside the room through the discharge port
(21).
[0083] The second air that entered the outside air passage (34),
and passed through the outside air filter (28) passes through the
first outside air damper (43) to enter the first heat exchange
chamber (37), and then passes through the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51),
moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant,
and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second
air humidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes
through the first supply air damper (45) to enter the supply air
passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber (36), and is
supplied to the inside of the room through the supply port
(22).
[0084] The second operation of the humidification/ventilation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 7, in the
second operation, the first room air damper (41), the second
outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the
first discharge air damper (47) are opened, and the second room air
damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply
air damper (45), and the second discharge air damper (48) are
closed. In the second operation, the four-way switching valve (54)
of the refrigerant circuit (50) is set to the second state (the
state shown in FIG. 3(B)), in which the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, and the second adsorption
heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser. That is, the
refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second refrigeration cycle
operation.
[0085] The first air that entered the room air passage (32), and
passed through the room air filter (27) passes through the first
room air damper (41) to enter the first heat exchange chamber (37),
and then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture in the first
air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the
adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air that lost
the moisture to the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes
through the first discharge air damper (47) to enter the discharge
air passage (33), passes through the discharge fan chamber (35),
and is discharged outside the room through the discharge port
(21).
[0086] The second air that entered the outside air passage (34),
and passed through the outside air filter (28) passes through the
second outside air damper (44) to enter the second heat exchange
chamber (38), and then passes through the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52),
moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant,
and the desorbed moisture is given to the second air. The second
air humidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes
through the second supply air damper (46) to enter the supply air
passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber (36), and is
supplied to the inside of the room through the supply port
(22).
<Simple Ventilation Operation>
[0087] The simple ventilation operation of the humidity control
apparatus (10) will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
[0088] In the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the simple
ventilation operation, the first bypass damper (83) and the second
bypass damper (84) are opened, and the first room air damper (41),
the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43),
the second outside air damper (44), the first supply air damper
(45), the second supply air damper (46), the first discharge air
damper (47), and the second discharge air damper (48) are closed.
In the simple ventilation operation, the compressor (53) of the
refrigerant circuit (50) is suspended.
[0089] In the simple ventilation operation, the humidity control
apparatus (10) admits the outside air into the casing (11) through
the outside air inlet (24). The outside air that passed through the
outside air inlet (24) to enter the outside air passage (34) passes
through the first bypass passage (81) and the first bypass damper
(83) to enter the supply fan chamber (36), and is supplied to the
inside of the room through the supply port (22).
[0090] In the simple ventilation operation, the humidity control
apparatus (10) admits the room air into the casing (11) through the
room air inlet (23). The room air that passed through the room air
inlet (23) to enter the room air passage (32) passes through the
second bypass passage (82) and the second bypass damper (84) to
enter the discharge fan chamber (35), and is discharged outside the
room through the discharge port (21).
--Control Operation by the Controller--
[0091] The control operation performed by the controller (60) will
be described below.
[0092] As described above, the controller (60) performs switching
between the first and second operations by controlling the
operation of the dampers (41-48), and the four-way switching valve
(54) in the dehumidification/ventilation operation and the
humidification/ventilation operation. The controller (60)
alternately switches between the first and second operations of the
dehumidification/ventilation operation every three minutes, and
alternately switches between the first and second operations of the
humidification/ventilation operation every four minutes.
[0093] In the controller (60) of the present embodiment, switching
intervals for switching between the first and second operations are
shorter in the dehumidification/ventilation operation than in the
humidification/ventilation operation. The reason will be described
below.
[0094] In the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the
dehumidification/ventilation operation, the outside air admitted as
the first air into the casing (11) is sent to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) serving as the evaporator. On the other hand, in
the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the
humidification/ventilation operation, the room air admitted as the
first air into the casing (11) is sent to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) serving as the evaporator.
[0095] The dehumidification/ventilation operation is generally
performed in a period when cooling of the inside of the room is
required, such as in summer (a cooling season). The
humidification/ventilation operation is generally performed in a
period when heating of the inside of the room is required, such as
in winter (a heating season). Usually, temperature and relative
humidity of the outside air in the cooling season are higher than
temperature and relative humidity of the room air in the heating
season. Specifically, the relative humidity of the air sent as the
first air to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) serving as the
evaporator is generally higher in the dehumidification/ventilation
operation than in the humidification/ventilation operation.
[0096] An amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) per unit time is larger as the relative humidity
of the air sent to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is
higher. Therefore, time required until the amount of moisture
adsorbed by the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) increases to a
considerable amount from the start of the first or second operation
is shorter in the dehumidification/ventilation operation than in
the humidification/ventilation operation.
[0097] Further, the amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) per unit time decreases as the amount of
moisture that has already been adsorbed by the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) increases. Therefore, when the amount of
moisture that has been adsorbed by the adsorption heat exchanger
(51, 52) increases to a considerable amount, the amount of moisture
newly adsorbed by the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) hardly
increases even if the air is kept supplied to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52). That is, the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
is substantially saturated. Therefore, in the controller (60) of
the present embodiment, the switching intervals for switching
between the first and second operations are set shorter in the
dehumidification/ventilation operation than in the
humidification/ventilation operation.
[0098] In the controller (60) of the present embodiment, the
switching intervals for switching between the first and second
operations of the dehumidification/ventilation operation are set to
three minutes, and the switching intervals for switching between
the first and second operations of the humidification/ventilation
operation are set to four minutes. However, the values are
indicated only for the purpose of examples.
[0099] Specifically, the switching intervals for switching between
the first and second operations are suitably selected depending on,
for example, the size of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52),
the performance of the adsorbent, etc. However, the switching
intervals for switching between the first and second operations of
the dehumidification/ventilation operation are preferably in the
range of 60% to 90%, both inclusive, more preferably, in the range
of 70% to 80%, both inclusive, of the switching intervals for
switching between the first and second operations of the
humidification/ventilation operation.
--Advantages of First Embodiment--
[0100] In the humidity control apparatus (10) of the present
embodiment, the switching intervals for switching between the first
and second operations of the dehumidification/ventilation operation
are shorter than the switching intervals for switching between the
first and second operations of the humidification/ventilation
operation. Specifically, in the humidification operation where the
humidity of the first air is relatively high, and the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) is almost saturated in a relatively long
time, duration of the first/second operation is set long. On the
other hand, in the dehumidification/ventilation operation where the
humidity of the first air is relatively high, and the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) is almost saturated in a relatively short
time, duration of the first and second operations is set short.
[0101] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in both of the
dehumidification/ventilation operation and the
humidification/ventilation operation, a difference between the
point in time when the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is
substantially saturated, and the point in time when one of the
first and second operations is switched to the other can be
reduced. As a result, humidity control capability of the humidity
control apparatus (10) can sufficiently be exhibited in both of the
dehumidification/ventilation operation and the
humidification/ventilation operation.
--First Alternative Example of First Embodiment--
[0102] The humidity control apparatus (10) of the present
embodiment may further perform dehumidification/circulation
operation as the dehumidification operation, and
humidification/circulation operation as the humidification
operation, in addition to the dehumidification/ventilation
operation, the humidification/ventilation operation, and the simple
ventilation operation. In this example, the humidity control
apparatus (10) performing the dehumidification/circulation
operation and the humidification/circulation operation will be
described.
<Dehumidification/Circulation Operation>
[0103] In the dehumidification/circulation operation, the humidity
control apparatus (10) admits the room air as the first air into
the casing (11) through the room air inlet (23), and admits the
outside air as the second air into the casing (11) through the
outside air inlet (24). The humidity control apparatus (10)
dehumidifies the room air admitted as the first air to supply the
dehumidified air to the inside of the room, and discharges the
outside air admitted as the second air outside the room together
with the moisture desorbed from the adsorption heat exchanger (51,
52).
[0104] In the dehumidification/circulation operation, first and
second operations are alternately performed every three minutes,
like in the dehumidification/ventilation operation. The operation
of the dampers (41-48) in the first and second operations of the
dehumidification/circulation operation is different from that in
the dehumidification/ventilation operation. However, the first
bypass damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are kept
closed like in the dehumidification/ventilation operation.
[0105] The first operation of the dehumidification/circulation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 9, in the first
operation, the second room air damper (42), the first outside air
damper (43), the second supply air damper (46), and the first
discharge air damper (47) are opened, and the first room air damper
(41), the second outside air damper (44), the first supply air
damper (45), and the second discharge air damper (48) are closed.
The refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle
operation.
[0106] The first air that entered the room air passage (32) passes
through the second room air damper (42) to enter the second heat
exchange chamber (38), and is dehumidified as it passes through the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The dehumidified first air
passes through the second supply air damper (46) to enter the
supply air passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber
(36), and is supplied to the inside of the room through the supply
port (22).
[0107] The second air that entered the outside air passage (34)
passes through the first outside air damper (43) to enter the first
heat exchange chamber (37), and receives moisture desorbed from the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51). The second air that passed
through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes through the
first discharge air damper (47) to enter the discharge air passage
(33), passes through the discharge fan chamber (35), and is
discharged outside the room through the discharge port (21).
[0108] The second operation of the dehumidification/circulation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 10, in the
second operation, the first room air damper (41), the second
outside air damper (44), the first supply air damper (45), and the
second discharge air damper (48) are opened, and the second room
air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the second
supply air damper (46), and the first discharge air damper (47) are
closed. The refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second
refrigeration cycle operation.
[0109] The first air that entered the room air passage (32) passes
through the first room air damper (41) to enter the first heat
exchange chamber (37), and is dehumidified as it passes through the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51). The dehumidified first air
passes through the first supply air damper (45) to enter the supply
air passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber (36), and
is supplied to the inside of the room through the supply port
(22).
[0110] The second air that entered the outside air passage (34)
passes through the second outside air damper (44) to enter the
second heat exchange chamber (38), and receives moisture desorbed
from the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The second air that
passed through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes
through the second discharge air damper (48) to enter the discharge
air passage (33), passes through the discharge fan chamber (35),
and is discharged outside the room through the discharge port
(21).
<Humidification/Circulation Operation>
[0111] In the humidification/circulation operation, the humidity
control apparatus (10) admits the room air as the second air into
the casing (11) through the room air inlet (23), and admits the
outside air as the first air into the casing (11) through the
outside air inlet (24). The humidity control apparatus (10)
humidifies the room air admitted as the first air to supply the
humidified air to the inside of the room, and dehumidifies the
outside air admitted as the second air to discharge the
dehumidified air outside the room.
[0112] In the humidification/circulation operation, first and
second operations are alternately performed every four minutes,
like in the humidification/ventilation operation. The operation of
the dampers (41-48) in the first and second operations of the
humidification/circulation operation is different from that in the
humidification/ventilation operation. However, the first bypass
damper (83) and the second bypass damper (84) are kept closed like
in the humidification/ventilation operation.
[0113] The first operation of the humidification/circulation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 11, in the
first operation, the first room air damper (41), the second outside
air damper (44), the first supply air damper (45), and the second
discharge air damper (48) are opened, and the second room air
damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the second supply
air damper (46), and the first discharge air damper (47) are
closed. The refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first
refrigeration cycle operation.
[0114] The first air that entered the outside air passage (34)
passes through the second outside air damper (44) to enter the
second heat exchange chamber (38), and is dehumidified as it passes
through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The dehumidified
first air passes through the second discharge air damper (48) to
enter the discharge air passage (33), passes through the discharge
fan chamber (35), and is discharged outside the room through the
discharge port (21).
[0115] The second air that entered the room air passage (32) passes
through the first room air damper (41) to enter the first heat
exchange chamber (37), and receives moisture desorbed from the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51). The second air humidified as
it passed through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes
through the first supply air damper (45) to enter the supply air
passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber (36), and is
supplied to the inside of the room through the supply port
(22).
[0116] The second operation of the humidification/circulation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 12, in the
second operation, the second room air damper (42), the first
outside air damper (43), the second supply air damper (46), and the
first discharge air damper (47) are opened, and the first room air
damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the first supply
air damper (45), and the second discharge air damper (48) are
closed. The refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second
refrigeration cycle operation.
[0117] The first air that entered the outside air passage (34)
passes through the first outside air damper (43) to enter the first
heat exchange chamber (37), and is dehumidified as it passes
through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). The dehumidified
first air passes through the first discharge air damper (47) to
enter the discharge air passage (33), passes through the discharge
fan chamber (35), and is discharged outside the room through the
discharge port (21).
[0118] The second air that entered the room air passage (32) passes
through the second room air damper (42) to enter the second heat
exchange chamber (38), and receives moisture desorbed from the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The second air humidified as
it passed through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes
through the second supply air damper (46) to enter the supply air
passage (31), passes through the supply fan chamber (36), and is
supplied to the inside of the room through the supply port
(22).
<Switching Interval for Switching Between First and Second
Operations>
[0119] As described above, the room air is supplied as the first
air to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in the
dehumidification/circulation operation, and the outside air is
supplied as the first air to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
in the humidification/circulation operation. In general, the
dehumidification/circulation operation is performed in the cooling
season, such as in summer, like the dehumidification/ventilation
operation. Further, the humidification/circulation operation is
generally performed in the heating season, such as in winter, like
the humidification/ventilation operation. Usually, the relative
humidity of the air sent as the first air to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) serving as the evaporator is higher in the
dehumidification/circulation operation than in the
humidification/circulation operation. Therefore, the controller
(60) sets the switching intervals for switching between the first
and second operations shorter in the dehumidification/circulation
operation than in the humidification/circulation operation.
--Second Alternative Example of Embodiment--
[0120] In the refrigerant circuit (50) of the present embodiment, a
supercritical refrigeration cycle may be performed in which a high
pressure of the refrigeration cycle is set higher than a critical
pressure of the refrigerant. In this case, one of the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serves as a gas cooler, and the other serves as the
evaporator.
--Third Alternative Example of Embodiment--
[0121] The humidity control apparatus (10) of the above-described
embodiment may be configured as described below.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 13, a humidity control apparatus (10) of
the present alternative example includes a refrigerant circuit
(100), and two adsorption elements (111, 112). The refrigerant
circuit (100) is a closed circuit sequentially connecting a
compressor (101), a condenser (102), an expansion valve (103), and
an evaporator (104). A vapor compression refrigeration cycle is
performed by circulating a refrigerant circulates in the
refrigerant circuit (100). A first adsorption element (111) and a
second adsorption element (112) include adsorbents such as zeolite
etc., respectively. Each of the adsorption elements (111, 112) is
provided with a plurality of air passages, and the air comes into
contact with the adsorbent when the air passes through the air
passages.
[0123] The humidity control apparatus (10) of the present
alternative example selectively performs the
dehumidification/ventilation operation, the
humidification/ventilation operation, and the simple ventilation
operation.
[0124] In the dehumidification/ventilation operation and the
humidification/ventilation operation, the humidity control
apparatus (10) alternately repeats the first and second operations
at predetermined time intervals. The switching intervals for
switching between the first and second operations are shorter in
the dehumidification/ventilation operation than in the
humidification/ventilation operation. In the
dehumidification/ventilation operation, the humidity control
apparatus (10) admits the outside air as the first air, and admits
the room air as the second air. In the humidification/ventilation
operation, the humidity control apparatus (10) admits the room air
as the first air, and admits the outside air as the second air.
[0125] The first operation of the dehumidification/ventilation
operation, and the first operation of the
humidification/ventilation operation will be described with
reference to FIG. 13(A). In the first operation, the humidity
control apparatus (10) supplies the second air heated by the
condenser (102) to the first adsorption element (111). In the first
adsorption element (111), the adsorbent is heated by the second
air, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent. Further, in the
humidity control apparatus (10) performing the first operation, the
first air is supplied to the second adsorption element (112), and
moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent of the
second adsorption element (112). The first air that lost the
moisture to the second adsorption element (112) is cooled as it
passes through the evaporator (104).
[0126] The second operation of the dehumidification/ventilation
operation, and the second operation of the
humidification/ventilation operation will be described with
reference to FIG. 13(B). In the second operation, the humidity
control apparatus (10) supplies the second air heated by the
condenser (102) to the second adsorption element (112). In the
second adsorption element (112), the adsorbent is heated by the
second air, and moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent. In the
humidity control apparatus (10) performing the second operation,
the first air is supplied to the first adsorption element (111),
and moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the first adsorption
element (111). The first air that lost the moisture to the first
adsorption element (111) is cooled as it passes through the
evaporator (104).
[0127] In the dehumidification/ventilation operation, the humidity
control apparatus (10) supplies the dehumidified first air (the
outside air) to the inside of the room, and discharges the moisture
desorbed from the adsorption element (111, 112) outside the room
together with the second air (the room air). In the
humidification/ventilation operation, the humidity control
apparatus (10) supplies the humidified second air (the outside air)
to the inside of the room, and discharges the first air (the room
air) that lost the moisture to the adsorption element (111, 112)
outside the room.
[0128] In the humidity control apparatus (10) performing the simple
ventilation operation, the compressor (101) of the refrigerant
circuit (100) is suspended, and the outside air passes through one
of the first adsorption element (111) and the second adsorption
element (112), and the room air passes through the other. The
outside air is supplied to the inside of the room after passing
through the adsorption element (111, 112), and the room air is
discharged outside the room after passing through the adsorption
element (111, 112). In the humidity control apparatus (10)
performing the simple ventilation operation, flows passages of the
outside air and the room air are not changed.
[0129] The above-described embodiments have been set forth merely
for the purposes of preferred examples in nature, and are not
intended to limit the scope, applications, and use of the
invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0130] As described above, the present invention is useful for
humidity control apparatuses for controlling air humidity using an
adsorbent.
* * * * *