U.S. patent application number 13/062998 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-11 for humidity control apparatus.
Invention is credited to Nobuki Matsui, Hiroshi Noda, Masahiro Oka.
Application Number | 20110192182 13/062998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42004988 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110192182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noda; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
August 11, 2011 |
HUMIDITY CONTROL APPARATUS
Abstract
A humidity control apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit (50)
which has a compressor (53), a main electric-operated expansion
valve (55), and a first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and a second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) on which adsorbent for adsorbing
moisture in air is supported, and in which refrigerant reversibly
circulates to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In
the humidity control apparatus, refrigerant circulation in the
refrigerant circuit (50) is reversibly switched to alternately
perform an adsorption process and a recovery process with the
adsorbent in the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and the
humidity of air passing through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,
52) is adjusted. The refrigerant circuit (50) is provided on an
upstream side of the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in a
recovery air flow, and includes an auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
configured to preheat recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52), and a refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62)
configured to adjust an amount of refrigerant flowing into the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61).
Inventors: |
Noda; Hiroshi; (Osaka,
JP) ; Matsui; Nobuki; (Osaka, JP) ; Oka;
Masahiro; (Osaka, JP) |
Family ID: |
42004988 |
Appl. No.: |
13/062998 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
September 8, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/004444 |
371 Date: |
March 9, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2259/4508 20130101;
B01D 53/265 20130101; F24F 3/1429 20130101; B01D 53/0438 20130101;
F25B 13/00 20130101; B01D 2259/4009 20130101; F24F 3/1411 20130101;
B01D 2259/402 20130101; F25B 2400/0405 20130101; B01D 53/0462
20130101; B01D 53/0446 20130101; F25B 40/04 20130101; B01D 53/261
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/160 |
International
Class: |
F25B 29/00 20060101
F25B029/00; F25B 13/00 20060101 F25B013/00; F25D 17/04 20060101
F25D017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 10, 2008 |
JP |
2008-232581 |
Claims
1. A humidity control apparatus which includes a refrigerant
circuit (50) having a compressor (53), a main expansion mechanism
(55), and a first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and a second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) on which adsorbent for adsorbing
moisture in air is supported and in which refrigerant reversibly
circulates to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, and
is configured so that refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant
circuit (50) is reversibly switched to alternately perform an
adsorption process and a recovery process with the adsorbent in the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and the humidity of air
passing through the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is adjusted,
the humidity control apparatus, comprising: an auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) configured to preheat recovery air to be supplied to
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52), which is provided in the
refrigerant circuit (50), and is arranged on an upstream side of
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in a recovery air flow; and
a refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) configured to adjust an
amount of refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61), which is provided in the refrigerant circuit (50).
2. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
refrigerant circuit (50) includes a main circuit (50a) having the
compressor (53), the main expansion mechanism (55), and the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and an auxiliary circuit (60)
which is connected to the main circuit (50a), and into which
high-pressure refrigerant flows, the auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
is provided in the auxiliary circuit (60), and the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) is switchable between a state in which an
inflow of high-pressure refrigerant into the auxiliary circuit (60)
is allowed, and a state in which the inflow of high-pressure
refrigerant into the auxiliary circuit (60) is blocked.
3. The humidity control apparatus of claim 2, wherein the auxiliary
circuit (60) includes an expansion bypass line (64) configured to
bypass the main expansion mechanism (55) of the main circuit (50a),
and an auxiliary expansion mechanism (66) provided on a downstream
side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the expansion bypass
line (64) serves as the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62).
4. The humidity control apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a
bridge circuit (110) configured so that refrigerant constantly
flows in one direction, and provided in a liquid line (50b) of the
main circuit (50a), wherein the main expansion mechanism (55) is
arranged in a one-way path (119) connecting between one middle
point and the other middle point in the bridge circuit (110), and
both ends of the expansion bypass line (64) are connected to the
one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110) so as to bypass the
main expansion mechanism (55).
5. The humidity control apparatus of claim 4, wherein pipes
(111-114) including check valves (115-118) are connected together
to form the bridge circuit (110), and the main circuit (50a)
includes an auxiliary line (58) which connects an upstream side of
the main expansion mechanism (55) of the one-way path (119) to the
liquid line (50b) between the bridge circuit (110) and one of the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and which has a capillary tube
(59).
6. The humidity control apparatus of claim 3, wherein the expansion
bypass line (64) includes the bridge circuit (110) in which
refrigerant constantly flows in one direction, the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) is arranged in the one-way path (119) connecting
between the one middle point and the other middle point in the
bridge circuit (110), and the auxiliary expansion valve (66) is
arranged on the downstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) in the one-way path (119).
7. The humidity control apparatus of claim 2, wherein the both ends
of the auxiliary circuit (60) are connected to a high-pressure line
(50c) on a discharge side of the compressor (53), and the
refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) is switchable between a state
in which refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53) flows
through the high-pressure line (50c) of the main circuit (50a) and
a state in which the refrigerant flows through the auxiliary
circuit (60).
8. The humidity control apparatus of claim 2, wherein the auxiliary
circuit (60) includes a first auxiliary circuit (60a) and a second
auxiliary circuit (60b), each of which is connected to the liquid
line (50b) between an associated one of the adsorption heat
exchangers (51, 52) and the main expansion mechanism (55) in the
main circuit (50a) at both ends, the auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
includes a first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a) provided in the
first auxiliary circuit (60a), and a second auxiliary heat
exchanger (61b) provided in the second auxiliary circuit (60b), and
the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) is switchable between a
state in which liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid line
(50b) of the main circuit (50a) and a state in which the liquid
refrigerant flows through the first auxiliary circuit (60a) or the
second auxiliary circuit (60b).
9. The humidity control apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
the bridge circuit (110) configured so that refrigerant constantly
flows in one direction, and provided in the liquid line (50b) of
the main circuit (50a), wherein the main expansion mechanism (55)
is arranged in the one-way path (119) connecting between the one
middle point and the other middle point in the bridge circuit
(110), the both ends of the auxiliary circuit (60) are connected to
the upstream side of the main expansion mechanism (55) in the
one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110), and the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) is switchable between a state in which
liquid refrigerant flows through the main circuit (50a) of the
one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110), and a state in
which the liquid refrigerant flows through the auxiliary circuit
(60).
10. The humidity control apparatus of claim 9, wherein a noise
canceling unit (65) is provided on an upstream side of the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in the auxiliary circuit (60).
11. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main
expansion mechanism (55) includes a first expansion mechanism (55a)
and a second expansion mechanism (55b), and the first expansion
mechanism (55a), the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and the second
expansion mechanism (55b) are connected together in series in this
order, and the first expansion mechanism (55a) or the second
expansion mechanism (55b) positioned between the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) performing the recovery process, and the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) serves as the refrigerant adjusting
mechanism (62).
12. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
the bridge circuit (110) configured so that refrigerant constantly
flows in one direction, and provided in the liquid line (50b) of
the main circuit (50a), wherein the main expansion mechanism (55)
is arranged in the one-way path (119) connecting between the one
middle point and the other middle point in the bridge circuit
(110), the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is provided on the
upstream side of the main expansion mechanism (55) of the one-way
path (119) of the bridge circuit (110), and the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) includes a heat exchange bypass line (67),
one end of which is connected to the discharge side of the
compressor (53), and the other end of which is connected to the
upstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the one-way
path (119) of the bridge circuit (110), and a switching unit (68)
configured to switch between a state in which refrigerant
discharged from the compressor (53) flows through the heat exchange
bypass line (67) and a state in which circulation of the
refrigerant through the heat exchange bypass line (67) is blocked.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a humidity control
apparatus, and particularly relates to a humidity control at a low
external temperature.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, a humidity control apparatus has been known,
in which the humidity of outdoor or room air is controlled, and the
humidity-controlled air is supplied to a room. As the humidity
control apparatus of this type, Patent Document 1 discloses a
humidity control apparatus including adsorption heat exchangers on
which adsorbent is supported.
[0003] The humidity control apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes
a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates to perform a
refrigeration cycle. In the refrigerant circuit, a compressor, a
first adsorption heat exchanger, a second adsorption heat
exchanger, an expansion valve, and a four-way switching valve are
connected together. The compressor is provided in a predetermined
accommodation chamber of a casing. In addition, the first and
second adsorption heat exchangers are provided in first and second
adsorption heat exchanger chambers inside the casing,
respectively.
[0004] In the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant circulation
direction can be reversibly switched depending on settings of the
four-way switching valve. Specifically, in the refrigerant circuit,
the four-way switching valve is switched at predetermined time
intervals. In such a manner, a process in which the first
adsorption heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the second
adsorption heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and a process
in which the first adsorption heat exchanger functions as the
evaporator, and the second adsorption heat exchanger functions as
the condenser are alternately performed. In the adsorption heat
exchanger serving as the evaporator, moisture in air is adsorbed to
the adsorbent. In the adsorption heat exchanger serving as the
condenser, moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent, and is imparted
to air. As described above, in each of the adsorption heat
exchangers, an adsorption process in which moisture is adsorbed,
and a recovery process in which moisture is desorbed are
alternately performed by switching the four-way switching
valve.
[0005] In the humidity control apparatus, air passing through one
of the adsorption heat exchangers is supplied to the room, and air
passing through the other adsorption heat exchanger is discharged
to outside the room. In such a manner, a dehumidification or
humidification operation is performed. In, e.g., the
dehumidification operation, air passing through the adsorption heat
exchanger serving as the evaporator is supplied to the room. In the
humidification operation, air passing through the adsorption heat
exchanger serving as the condenser is supplied to the room.
[0006] However, when performing the humidification operation in the
humidity control apparatus under environment in which an outdoor
air temperature (external temperature) is low (e.g., 15.degree. C.
below zero), a difference between the outdoor air temperature and a
room air temperature is increased. Thus, a problem is caused, in
which, when taking in outdoor air, condensation is caused on, e.g.,
a damper configured to switch between first and second
processes.
[0007] In a humidity control apparatus of Patent Document 2, a
total heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between outdoor
air and room air is provided on an upstream side of the humidity
control apparatus in an air flow considering the foregoing problem,
and therefore preheated outdoor air is taken into the humidity
control apparatus.
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
[0008] PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Publication No.
2005-291532 [0009] PATENT DOCUMENT 2: Japanese Patent Publication
No. 2006-170517
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0010] However, in the humidity control apparatus of Patent
Document 2, heat is exchanged between outdoor air and room air,
resulting in reduction in heat exchange efficiency between such
air. Thus, it is necessary to increase a heat exchange capacity in
order to sufficiently heat outdoor air under the environment in
which the external temperature is 15.degree. C. below zero. This
causes problems that an installation space of a large-sized heat
exchanger is needed, and a manufacturing cost is increased.
[0011] In addition, in the humidity control apparatus of Patent
Document 2, outdoor air is constantly heated by room air. Since
outdoor air is forcibly heated even when the heating is not needed,
a problem is caused, in which the unnecessary heating is
perfoilued.
[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the
foregoing, and it is an objective of the present invention to
efficiently preheat outdoor air taken into the humidity control
apparatus under the low external temperature environment.
Solution to the Problem
[0013] The present invention is configured so that, when processing
low-temperature outdoor air, air to be supplied to an adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) in which refrigerant circulation is
controlled to perform a recovery process is preheated by
refrigerant circulating through a refrigerant circuit.
[0014] A first aspect of the invention is intended for a humidity
control apparatus which includes a refrigerant circuit (50) having
a compressor (53), a main expansion mechanism (55), and a first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) and a second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) on which adsorbent for adsorbing moisture in air is
supported and in which refrigerant reversibly circulates to perform
a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, and is configured so that
refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant circuit (50) is
reversibly switched to alternately perform an adsorption process
and a recovery process with the adsorbent in the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52), and the humidity of air passing through the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is adjusted. The humidity
control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention includes an
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) configured to preheat recovery air to
be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52), which is
provided in the refrigerant circuit (50), and is arranged on an
upstream side of the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in a
recovery air flow; and a refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62)
configured to adjust an amount of refrigerant flowing into the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61), which is provided in the refrigerant
circuit (50).
[0015] In the first aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
circulation direction of the refrigerant circuit (50) is reversibly
switched, thereby alternately perforruing the adsorption process
and the recovery process with the adsorbent. Specifically, in the
refrigerant circuit (50), a vapor compression refrigeration cycle
in which the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) functions as a
heat radiator (condenser), and the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) functions as an evaporator, and a vapor compression
refrigeration cycle in which the first adsorption heat exchanger
(51) functions as the evaporator, and the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) functions as the heat radiator (condenser) are
alternately performed.
[0016] In the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) serving as the
evaporator, low-pressure refrigerant is evaporated to cool the
adsorbent of the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52). In such a
state, when air passes through the adsorption heat exchanger (51,
52), air contacts the adsorbent of the adsorption heat exchanger
(51, 52), and moisture in the air is adhered to the adsorbent. That
is, the adsorption process is performed with the adsorbent, thereby
dehumidifying the air. A dehumidification operation is performed by
supplying the dehumidified air to a room.
[0017] Meanwhile, in the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) serving
as the heat radiator (condenser), high-pressure refrigerant is
condensed to heat the adsorbent of the adsorption heat exchanger
(51, 52). In such a state, when air passes through the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52), moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent of
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52), and is imparted to air.
That is, the recovery process is performed with the adsorbent to
humidify the air. A humidification operation is performed by
supplying the humidified air to the room. Thus, in the humidity
control apparatus, the refrigerant circulation direction is
reversibly switched, and therefore the state in which the
adsorption process in performed in the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51), and the recovery process is performed in the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52), and the state in which the recovery
process is performed in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51),
and the adsorption process is performed in the second adsorption
heat exchanger (52) are alternately switched.
[0018] When the temperature of recovery air flowing into the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low, the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) allows refrigerant circulating through the
refrigerant circuit (50) to flow into the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61). In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged
between the recovery air and the refrigerant, thereby heating the
recovery air. The recovery air preheated in the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) passes through the adsorption heat exchanger (51,
52) serving as the heat radiator (condenser), thereby performing
the recovery process.
[0019] A second aspect of the invention is intended for the
humidity control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention,
the refrigerant circuit (50) includes a main circuit (50a) having
the compressor (53), the main expansion mechanism (55), and the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and an auxiliary circuit (60)
which is connected to the main circuit (50a), and into which
high-pressure refrigerant flows. The auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
is provided in the auxiliary circuit (60). The refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) is switchable between a state in which an
inflow of high-pressure refrigerant into the auxiliary circuit (60)
is allowed, and a state in which the inflow of high-pressure
refrigerant into the auxiliary circuit (60) is blocked.
[0020] In the second aspect of the invention, when the temperature
of recovery air flowing into the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
is low, the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) switches the
refrigerant circulation in the main circuit (50a), and allows
high-pressure refrigerant to flow into the auxiliary circuit (60).
The high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary circuit
(60) flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) to exchange heat
with the recovery air, and then heats the recovery air. The
recovery air preheated in the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) passes
through the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) serving as the heat
radiator (condenser), thereby performing the recovery process.
[0021] A third aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity
control apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, the
auxiliary circuit (60) includes an expansion bypass line (64)
configured to bypass the main expansion mechanism (55) of the main
circuit (50a), and an auxiliary expansion mechanism (66) provided
on a downstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the
expansion bypass line (64) serves as the refrigerant adjusting
mechanism (62).
[0022] In the third aspect of the invention, After passing through
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in which the recovery
process is performed, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the
compressor (53) of the refrigerant circuit (50) is expanded, and
flows into the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in which the
adsorption process is performed.
[0023] When the temperature of recovery air flowing into the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low, the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) closes the main expansion mechanism (55)
of the refrigerant circuit (50). Meanwhile, the auxiliary expansion
mechanism (66) is opened, and therefore refrigerant flowing through
the main circuit (50a) flows into the expansion bypass line (64)
which is the auxiliary circuit (60). The refrigerant flowing
through the expansion bypass line (64) flows into the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) to exchange heat with the recovery air, and
heats the recovery air. Then, the refrigerant passing through the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is expanded in the auxiliary
expansion mechanism (66) on the downstream side of the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) of the expansion bypass line (64), and flows
into the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) of the main circuit
(50a), in which the adsorption process is performed. The recovery
air preheated in the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) passes through
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) serving as the heat radiator
(condenser), thereby performing the recovery process.
[0024] A fourth aspect of the invention is intended for the
humidity control apparatus of the third aspect of the invention,
which further includes a bridge circuit (110) configured so that
refrigerant constantly flows in one direction, and provided in a
liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a). The main expansion
mechanism (55) is arranged in a one-way path (119) connecting
between one middle point and the other middle point in the bridge
circuit (110), and both ends of the expansion bypass line (64) are
connected to the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110) so
as to bypass the main expansion mechanism (55).
[0025] In the fourth aspect of the invention, high-pressure
refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53) of the refrigerant
circuit (50) passes through the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
in which the recovery process is performed, and then flows into the
bridge circuit (110). The refrigerant flowing through the one-way
path (119) of the bridge circuit (110) is expanded in the main
expansion mechanism (55), and then flows into the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) in which the adsorption process is
performed.
[0026] When the temperature of recovery air flowing into the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low, the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) closes the main expansion mechanism (55)
of the main circuit (50a). Meanwhile, the auxiliary expansion
mechanism (66) is opened, therefore refrigerant flowing through the
one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110) flows into the
expansion bypass line (64). The refrigerant flowing through the
expansion bypass line (64) exchanges heat with the recovery air in
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and heats the recovery air.
Then, after the refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) is expanded in the auxiliary expansion mechanism
(66), the refrigerant returns to the main circuit (50a), and flows
into the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in which the adsorption
process is performed. The recovery air preheated in the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) passes through the adsorption heat exchanger
(51, 52) serving as the heat radiator (condenser), thereby
performing the recovery process.
[0027] A fifth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity
control apparatus of the fourth aspect of the invention, in which
pipes (111-114) including check valves (115-118) are connected
together to form the bridge circuit (110), and the main circuit
(50a) includes an auxiliary line (58) which connects an upstream
side of the main expansion mechanism (55) of the one-way path (119)
to the liquid line (50b) between the bridge circuit (110) and one
of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and which has a
capillary tube (59).
[0028] In the fifth aspect of the invention, high-pressure
refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53) of the refrigerant
circuit (50) passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52)
serving as the heat radiator (condenser), and is expanded in the
main expansion mechanism (55). Then, the refrigerant passes through
the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) serving as the evaporator.
Liquid refrigerant accumulated between the upstream side of the
main expansion mechanism (55) and a downstream side of the check
valve (115, 117) in the one-way path (119) is returned to the
liquid line (50b) of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) of the
main circuit (50a) through the capillary tube (59).
[0029] A sixth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity
control apparatus of the third aspect of the invention, in which
the expansion bypass line (64) includes the bridge circuit (110) in
which refrigerant constantly flows in one direction, the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) is arranged in the one-way path (119)
connecting between the one middle point and the other middle point
in the bridge circuit (110), and the auxiliary expansion valve (66)
is arranged on the downstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) in the one-way path (119).
[0030] In the sixth aspect of the invention, high-pressure
refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53) of the refrigerant
circuit (50) passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52)
in which the recovery process is performed, and is expanded in the
main expansion mechanism (55). Then, the refrigerant flows into the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) in which the adsorption process
is performed.
[0031] When the temperature of recovery air flowing into the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) is low, the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) closes the main expansion mechanism (55)
of the main circuit (50a). Meanwhile, the auxiliary expansion
mechanism (66) is opened, and therefore refrigerant flowing through
the one-way path (119) flows into the expansion bypass line (64)
which is the auxiliary circuit. The refrigerant flowing through the
expansion bypass line (64) flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61), and exchanges heat with the recovery air to heat the recovery
air. Then, the refrigerant passes through the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), and is expanded in the auxiliary expansion
mechanism (66). The refrigerant returns to the one-way path (119)
of the bridge circuit (110). The refrigerant flows out from the
bridge circuit (110), and flows into the adsorption heat exchangers
(51, 52) in which the adsorption process is performed. The air
preheated in the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) passes through the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) serving as the heat radiator
(condenser), thereby performing the recovery process.
[0032] A seventh aspect of the invention is intended for the
humidity control apparatus of the second aspect of the invention,
in which the both ends of the auxiliary circuit (60) are connected
to a high-pressure line (50c) on a discharge side of the compressor
(53), and the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) is switchable
between a state in which refrigerant discharged from the compressor
(53) flows through the high-pressure line (50c) of the main circuit
(50a) and a state in which the refrigerant flows through the
auxiliary circuit (60).
[0033] In the seventh aspect of the invention, when the temperature
of recovery air flowing into the adsorption heat exchangers (51,
52) is low, the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) switches the
circulation of refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure line
(50c) of the main circuit (50a), and therefore the circulating
refrigerant flows into the auxiliary circuit (60). The refrigerant
flowing through the auxiliary circuit (60) flows into the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) to exchange heat with the recovery air, and
heats the recovery air. The recovery air preheated in the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) passes through the adsorption heat exchangers
(51, 52) serving as the heat radiator (condenser), thereby
performing the recovery process.
[0034] An eighth aspect of the invention is intended for the
humidity control apparatus of the second aspect of the invention,
in which the auxiliary circuit (60) includes a first auxiliary
circuit (60a) and a second auxiliary circuit (60b), each of which
is connected to the liquid line (50b) between an associated one of
the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) and the main expansion
mechanism (55) in the main circuit (50a) at both ends, the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) includes a first auxiliary heat
exchanger (61a) provided in the first auxiliary circuit (60a), and
a second auxiliary heat exchanger (61b) provided in the second
auxiliary circuit (60b), and the refrigerant adjusting mechanism
(62) is switchable between a state in which liquid refrigerant
flows through the liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a) and a
state in which the liquid refrigerant flows through the first
auxiliary circuit (60a) or the second auxiliary circuit (60b).
[0035] In the eighth aspect of the invention, when the temperature
of recovery air flowing into the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
is low, the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) switches the
circulation of refrigerant flowing through the liquid line (50b)
between one of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), in which
the recovery process is performed, and the main expansion mechanism
(55), and therefore the refrigerant flows into the first auxiliary
circuit (60a). The refrigerant flowing through the first auxiliary
circuit (60a) exchanges heat with the recovery air in the first
auxiliary heat exchanger (61a), and heats the recovery air. The
refrigerant passing through the first auxiliary heat exchanger
(61a) returns to the main circuit (50a) through the first auxiliary
circuit (60a), and is expanded in the main expansion mechanism
(55).
[0036] When switching between the recovery process and the
adsorption process, the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62)
switches the circulation of refrigerant flowing through the liquid
line (50b) between the other adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in
which the recovery process is performed and the main expansion
mechanism (55), and therefore the refrigerant flows into the second
auxiliary circuit (60b). The refrigerant flowing through the second
auxiliary circuit (60b) exchanges heat with the recovery air in the
second auxiliary heat exchanger (61b), and heats the recovery air.
The refrigerant passing through the second auxiliary heat exchanger
(61b) returns to the main circuit (50a) through the second
auxiliary circuit (60b), and is expanded in the main expansion
mechanism (55).
[0037] A ninth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity
control apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, which
further includes the bridge circuit (110) configured so that
refrigerant constantly flows in one direction, and provided in the
liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a). The main expansion
mechanism (55) is arranged in the one-way path (119) connecting
between the one middle point and the other middle point in the
bridge circuit (110). The both ends of the auxiliary circuit (60)
are connected to the upstream side of the main expansion mechanism
(55) in the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110). The
refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) is switchable between a state
in which liquid refrigerant flows through the main circuit (50a) of
the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110), and a state in
which the liquid refrigerant flows through the auxiliary circuit
(60).
[0038] In the ninth aspect of the invention, when the temperature
of recovery air flowing into the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
is low, the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) switches the
circulation of refrigerant flowing through the one-way path (119)
of the bridge circuit (110), and therefore the circulating
refrigerant flows into the auxiliary circuit (60). The refrigerant
flowing through the auxiliary circuit (60) exchanges heat with the
recovery air in the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and heats the
recovery air. The air preheated in the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) passes through the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) serving
as the heat radiator (condenser), thereby performing the recovery
process.
[0039] A tenth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity
control apparatus of the ninth aspect of the invention, in which a
noise canceling unit (65) is provided on an upstream side of the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in the auxiliary circuit (60).
[0040] In the tenth aspect of the invention, the noise canceling
unit (65) cancels noise caused from the bridge circuit (110).
[0041] An eleventh aspect of the invention is intended for the
humidity control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, in
which the main expansion mechanism (55) includes a first expansion
mechanism (55a) and a second expansion mechanism (55b), and the
first expansion mechanism (55a), the auxiliary heat exchanger (61),
and the second expansion mechanism (55b) are connected together in
series in this order, and the first expansion mechanism (55a) or
the second expansion mechanism (55b) positioned between the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) performing the recovery process,
and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) serves as the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62).
[0042] In the eleventh aspect of the invention, when the
temperature of recovery air flowing into one of the adsorption heat
exchangers (51, 52) in which the recovery process is performed is
low, the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) fully opens the
second electric-operated expansion mechanism (55b), and therefore
liquid refrigerant condensed in the one of the adsorption heat
exchangers (51, 52) flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61).
In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between the
refrigerant and the recovery air, thereby heating the recovery air.
Then, the refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) is expanded in the first expansion mechanism (55a), and is
evaporated in the other adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) in which
the adsorption process is performed. The air preheated in the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) passes through the one of the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), which serves as the heat
radiator (condenser), thereby performing the recovery process.
[0043] When switching between the recovery process and the
adsorption process, the refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) fully
opens the first expansion mechanism (55a), and therefore liquid
refrigerant condensed in the other adsorption heat exchanger (51,
52) flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). In the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and
the recovery air, thereby heating the recovery air. Then, the
refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is
expanded in the second expansion mechanism (55b), and flows into
the one of the adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), in which the
adsorption process is performed. The air preheated in the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) passes through the other adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) serving as the heat radiator (condenser),
thereby performing the recovery process.
[0044] A twelfth aspect of the invention is intended for the
humidity control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention,
which further includes the bridge circuit (110) configured so that
refrigerant constantly flows in one direction, and provided in the
liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a). The main expansion
mechanism (55) is arranged in the one-way path (119) connecting
between the one middle point and the other middle point in the
bridge circuit (110). The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is provided
on the upstream side of the main expansion mechanism (55) of the
one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110). The refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) includes a heat exchange bypass line (67),
one end of which is connected to the discharge side of the
compressor (53), and the other end of which is connected to the
upstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the one-way
path (119) of the bridge circuit (110), and a switching unit (68)
configured to switch between a state in which refrigerant
discharged from the compressor (53) flows through the heat exchange
bypass line (67) and a state in which circulation of the
refrigerant through the heat exchange bypass line (67) is
blocked.
[0045] In the twelfth aspect of the invention, when the temperature
of recovery air flowing into the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
is low, the switching unit (68) of the refrigerant adjusting
mechanism (62) switches the circulation of refrigerant flowing on
the discharge side of the compressor (53) to the circulation
through the heat exchange bypass line (67), and therefore the
circulating refrigerant flows into the heat exchange bypass line
(67). The refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange bypass line
(67) flows into the upstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) in the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110). In the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between the
refrigerant and the recovery air, thereby heating the recovery air.
The refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
circulates through the one-way path (119), and is expanded in the
main expansion mechanism (55). The air preheated in the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) passes through the adsorption heat exchanger
(51, 52) serving as the heat radiator (condenser), thereby
performing the recovery process.
Advantages of the Invention
[0046] In the first aspect of the invention, the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) is provided on the upstream side in the flow of
recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51,
52). Thus, the recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) can be preheated by refrigerant flowing into the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61). That is, the recovery air is heated
by refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit (50),
thereby ensuring heating of the recovery air to a predetermined
temperature. This ensures reduction or prevention of, e.g.,
freezing of an air path through which the recovery air passes even
when the temperature of the recovery air to be supplied to the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low.
[0047] The refrigerant adjusting mechanism (62) is provided, which
controls the inflow of refrigerant into the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61). Thus, only when the preheating of the recovery air
is required, refrigerant can flow into the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61). That is, when the temperature of the recovery air to be
supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is a normal
temperature (temperature from an ordinary temperature to a high
temperature), the recovery air is not preheated. On the other hand,
when the temperature of the recovery air to be supplied to the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low, refrigerant flows into
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) to heat the recovery air. This
ensures reduction or prevention of unnecessary heating in the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61), thereby realizing energy
conservation of the humidity control apparatus.
[0048] In the second aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
adjusting mechanism (62) switches the circulation of high-pressure
refrigerant flowing through the main circuit (50a) to the
circulation through the auxiliary circuit (60). Thus, only when the
preheating of recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) is required, the circulation of refrigerant
flowing through the main circuit (50a) can be switched to the
circulation through the auxiliary circuit (60). That is, when the
temperature of the recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) is the normal temperature (temperature from
the ordinary temperature to the high temperature), refrigerant
circulates through the main circuit (50a) without preheating the
recovery air. On the other hand, when the temperature of the
recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51,
52) is low, the refrigerant circulation is switched to the
auxiliary circuit (60), thereby heating the recovery air. This
ensures the reduction or prevention of, e.g., the freezing of the
air path through which the recovery air passes even when the
temperature of the recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) is low; and ensures the reduction or
prevention of the unnecessary heating in the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61). Thus, the energy conservation of the humidity
control apparatus can be realized.
[0049] In the third aspect of the invention, the humidity control
apparatus includes the expansion bypass line (64) configured to
bypass the main expansion mechanism (55) of the main circuit (50a),
and the auxiliary expansion mechanism (66) provided on a downstream
side of the expansion bypass line (64). Thus, only when the
preheating of recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) is required, the refrigerant circulation through
the main circuit (50a) can be switched to the expansion bypass line
(64). That is, when the temperature of the recovery air to be
supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is the normal
temperature (temperature from the ordinary temperature to the high
temperature), refrigerant circulates through the main circuit (50a)
without preheating the recovery air. On the other hand, when the
temperature of the recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) is low, the refrigerant circulation is
switched to the circulation through the expansion bypass line (64),
thereby heating the recovery air. This ensures the reduction or
prevention of, e.g., the freezing of the air path through which the
recovery air passes even when the temperature of the recovery air
to be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low;
and ensures the reduction or prevention of the unnecessary heating
in the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). Thus, the energy conservation
of the humidity control apparatus can be realized.
[0050] In the fourth aspect of the invention, the humidity control
apparatus includes the bridge circuit (110) in the liquid line
(50b) of the main circuit (50a), and the main expansion mechanism
(55) is arranged in the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit
(110). Further, the expansion bypass line (64) configured to bypass
the main expansion mechanism (55) is provided. Thus, refrigerant
passing through the main expansion mechanism (55) can constantly
flow in one direction, and refrigerant passing through the
expansion bypass line (64) can flow in one direction. That is, the
flow of refrigerant passing through the expansion bypass line (64)
is not reversibly switched, and therefore the auxiliary expansion
mechanism (66) may be provided only on the downstream side of the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in the refrigerant flow direction.
This simplifies a configuration of the auxiliary circuit (60),
thereby reducing a manufacturing cost of the humidity control
apparatus.
[0051] In the fifth aspect of the invention, the auxiliary line
(58) is provided, which connects the upstream side of the main
expansion mechanism (55) of the one-way path (119) to the liquid
line (50b) between the bridge circuit (110) and one of the
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52), and which has the capillary
tube (59). Thus, liquid refrigerant accumulated between an inflow
side of the main expansion mechanism (55) and an outflow side of
the check valve (115, 117) can be returned to the main circuit
(50a) side. This ensure reduction or prevention of accumulation of
a large amount of liquid refrigerant, i.e., liquid sealing on the
inflow side of the main expansion mechanism (55).
[0052] In the sixth aspect of the invention, the bridge circuit
(110) is provided in the expansion bypass line (64), and therefore
refrigerant passing through the expansion bypass line (64) flows in
one direction. Thus, refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary
expansion mechanism (66) of the expansion bypass line (64) can flow
in one direction. That is, the flow of refrigerant passing through
the auxiliary expansion mechanism (66) is not reversibly switched,
and therefore the auxiliary expansion mechanism (66) may be
provided only on the downstream side of the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) in the refrigerant flow direction. This simplifies
the auxiliary circuit (60), thereby reducing the manufacturing cost
of the humidity control apparatus.
[0053] In the seventh aspect of the invention, the circulation of
high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure line
(50c) is switched to the circulation through the auxiliary circuit
(60). Thus, only when the preheating of recovery air to be supplied
to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is required, the
circulation of refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure line
(50c) can be switched to the circulation through the auxiliary
circuit (60). That is, when the temperature of the recovery air to
be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is the normal
temperature (temperature from the ordinary temperature to the high
temperature), refrigerant circulates through the high-pressure line
(50c) without preheating the recovery air. On the other hand, when
the temperature of the recovery air to be supplied to the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low, the refrigerant
circulation through the main circuit (50a) is switched to the
circulation through the auxiliary circuit (60), thereby heating the
recovery air. This ensures the reduction or prevention of, e.g.,
the freezing of the air path through which the recovery air passes
even when the temperature of the recovery air to be supplied to the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low; and ensures the
reduction or prevention of the unnecessary heating in the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61). Thus, the energy conservation of the humidity
control apparatus can be realized.
[0054] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the first
auxiliary circuit (60a) and the second auxiliary circuit (60b) are
connected to the liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a). Thus,
only when the preheating of recovery air to be supplied to the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is required, the circulation of
refrigerant flowing through the main circuit (50a) can be switched
to the circulation through the auxiliary circuit (60), and the
recovery air can be heated by refrigerant condensed in the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52). That is, heat remaining in
refrigerant after the recovery process (i.e., heat dissipation (or
condensation)) in the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) can be
used to heat the recovery air. This allows an effective use of heat
from refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (50),
thereby realizing the energy conservation of the humidity control
apparatus.
[0055] According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the bridge
circuit (110) is provided in the liquid line (50b) of the main
circuit (50a). The flow of refrigerant flowing into the main
expansion mechanism (55) flows in one direction, and the
circulation of refrigerant flowing through the one-way path (119)
of the bridge circuit (110) is switched to the circulation through
the auxiliary circuit (60). Thus, refrigerant passing through the
auxiliary circuit (60) can flow in one direction. That is, the flow
of refrigerant passing through the auxiliary circuit (60) is not
reversibly switched, and therefore the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) may be provided only on the upstream side of the main
expansion mechanism (55) in the refrigerant flow direction. This
simplifies the configuration of the auxiliary circuit (60), thereby
reducing the manufacturing cost of the humidity control
apparatus.
[0056] According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the noise
canceling unit (65) is provided on the upstream side of the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in the refrigerant flow, and
therefore noise caused due to air vibration in the bridge circuit
(110) can be cancelled.
[0057] According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the first
expansion mechanism (55a), the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and
the second expansion mechanism (55b) are connected together in
series. Thus, even if refrigerant circulating through the
refrigerant circuit (50) flows in any of forward and backward
directions, high-pressure refrigerant can flows into the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61), and an amount of refrigerant flowing into the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) can be adjusted.
[0058] In the twelfth aspect of the invention, the heat exchange
bypass line (67) is provided, which connects the upstream side of
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the one-way path (119) of the
bridge circuit (110) to the discharge side of the compressor (53),
and the refrigerant circulation through the refrigerant circuit
(50) is switched between the circulation through the main circuit
(50a) and the circulation through the heat exchange bypass line
(67). Thus, the circulation in the refrigerant circuit (50) can be
switched to the circulation through the heat exchange bypass line
(67). That is, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the
compressor (53) flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
without dissipating heat in the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52).
This improves heating performance of recovery air to be supplied to
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a humidity control
apparatus of a first embodiment when viewing the humidity control
apparatus from the front.
[0060] FIG. 2 includes a plan view, a left side view, and a right
side view illustrating the humidity control apparatus of the first
embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a schematic layout illustrating a relationship
between an auxiliary heat exchanger and an adsorption heat
exchanger in first to eighth embodiments.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a piping system diagram illustrating a refrigerant
circuit of the first embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 5 includes a plan view, a left side view, and a right
side view illustrating an air flow in a first process of a
dehumidification operation of the humidity control apparatus of the
first embodiment.
[0064] FIG. 6 includes a plan view, a left side view, and a right
side view illustrating an air flow in a second process of the
dehumidification operation of the humidity control apparatus of the
first embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 7 includes a plan view, a left side view, and a right
side view illustrating an air flow in a first process of a
humidification operation of the humidity control apparatus of the
first embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 8 includes a plan view, a left side view, and a right
side view illustrating an air flow in a second process of the
humidification operation of the humidity control apparatus of the
first embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 9 includes a plan view, a left side view, and a right
side view illustrating an air flow in a ventilation operation of
the humidity control apparatus of the first embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a piping system diagram illustrating a
refrigerant circuit of the second embodiment.
[0069] FIG. 11 includes a plan view, a left side view, a right side
view illustrating a humidity control apparatus of the second
embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 12 is a piping system diagram illustrating a
refrigerant circuit of the third embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 13 is a piping system diagram illustrating a variation
of the refrigerant circuit illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0072] FIG. 14 is a piping system diagram illustrating a
refrigerant circuit of the fourth embodiment.
[0073] FIG. 15 is a piping system diagram illustrating a
refrigerant circuit of the fifth embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 16 is a piping system diagram illustrating a variation
of the refrigerant circuit illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0075] FIG. 17 is a piping system diagram illustrating a
refrigerant circuit of the sixth embodiment.
[0076] FIG. 18 is a piping system diagram illustrating a
refrigerant circuit of the seventh embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 19 is a piping system diagram illustrating a
refrigerant circuit of the eighth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0078] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail below with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment of the Invention
[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a humidity control apparatus (10)
of a first embodiment is for controlling indoor humidity, and
ventilating a room. In the humidity control apparatus (10), the
humidity of taken outdoor air (OA) is controlled, and then such air
is supplied to the room. At the same time, taken room air (RA) is
discharged to outside the room. In a target room of the humidity
control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment, a
separately-provided air conditioner (not shown in the figure)
controls a temperature.
[0080] <Entire Configuration of Humidity Control
Apparatus>
[0081] The humidity control apparatus (10) will be described with
reference to FIG. 1 or 2. Note that terms "upper," "lower," "left,"
"right," "front," "rear," "near," and "back" used for the
description herein indicate directions when viewing the humidity
control apparatus (10) from the front.
[0082] The humidity control apparatus (10) includes a casing (11)
in which a refrigerant circuit (50) is accommodated. In the
refrigerant circuit (50), a first adsorption heat exchanger (51), a
second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a compressor (53), a
four-way switching valve (54), and a main electric-operated
expansion valve (55) are connected together by a refrigerant pipe
(57). Note that the refrigerant circuit (50) will be described
later.
[0083] The casing (11) is formed in substantially flat rectangular
parallelepiped shape having a relatively low height. In the casing
(11) illustrated in FIG. 1, a side surface on a near left side
(i.e., front surface) serves as a front panel section (12); a side
surface on a back right side (i.e., rear surface) serves as a rear
panel section (13); a side surface on a near right side serves as a
first side panel section (14); and a side surface on a back left
side serves as a second side panel section (15).
[0084] An outdoor air suction port (24), a room air suction port
(23), an air supply port (22), and an air discharge port (21) are
formed in the casing (11). The outdoor air suction port (24) and
the room air suction port (23) open in the rear panel section (13).
The outdoor air suction port (24) is arranged in a lower section of
the rear panel section (13). The room air suction port (23) is
arranged in an upper section of the rear panel section (13). The
air supply port (22) is arranged close to an end section of the
first side panel section (14) on the front panel section (12) side.
The air discharge port (21) is arranged close to an end section of
the second side panel section (15) on the front panel section (12)
side.
[0085] An inner space of the casing (11) includes an upstream
partition plate (71), a downstream partition plate (72), a central
partition plate (73), a first partition plate (74), and a second
partition plate (75). The partition plates (71-75) are vertically
arranged on a bottom plate of the casing (11), and extend from the
bottom plate to a top plate to divide the inner space of the casing
(11).
[0086] The upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream
partition plate (72) are arranged at a predetermined distance in a
front-rear direction of the casing (11) so as to be parallel to the
front panel section (12) and the rear panel section (13). The
upstream partition plate (71) is arranged closer to the rear panel
section (13). The downstream partition plate (72) is arranged
closer to the front panel section (12).
[0087] The first partition plate (74) and the second partition
plate (75) are arranged parallel to the first side panel section
(14) and the second side panel section (15). The first partition
plate (74) is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first
side panel section (14) so that a space between the upstream
partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) is
closed from the right. The second partition plate (75) is arranged
at a predetermined distance from the second side panel section (15)
so that the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the
downstream partition plate (72) is closed from the left.
[0088] The central partition plate (73) is arranged between the
upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate
(72) so as to be perpendicular to the upstream partition plate (71)
and the downstream partition plate (72). The central partition
plate (73) is provided so as to extend from the upstream partition
plate (71) to the downstream partition plate (72), and divides the
space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream
partition plate (72) into right and left spaces.
[0089] In the casing (11), a space between the upstream partition
plate (71) and the rear panel section (13) is divided into upper
and lower spaces. The upper space serves as a room air path (32),
and the lower space serves as an outdoor air path (34). The room
air path (32) communicates with the room through a duct connected
to the room air suction port (23). A room air filter (27), a room
air humidity sensor (96), and a room air temperature sensor (98)
are arranged in the room air path (32). The outdoor air path (34)
communicates with an outdoor space through a duct and an auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) connected to the outdoor air suction port (24).
That is, outdoor air discharged from the outdoor air suction port
(24) to the outdoor air path (34) through the duct necessarily
passes through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and then flows
into the outdoor air path (34). An outdoor air filter (28), an
outdoor air humidity sensor (97), and an outdoor air temperature
sensor (99) are arranged in the outdoor air path (34).
[0090] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) is for preheating recovery air to be supplied to the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52). The auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) is a so-called "cross-fin-type fin-and-tube heat exchanger,"
and is formed in rectangular thick-plate-like shape or flat
rectangular parallelepiped shape. The auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
is vertically arranged between the outdoor air suction port (24)
and the outdoor air path (34) so that front and rear surfaces of
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) are parallel to the rear panel
section (13) and the upstream partition plate (71).
[0091] The room air humidity sensor (96) is for detecting relative
humidity of room air in the room air path (32). The outdoor air
humidity sensor (97) is for detecting relative humidity of outdoor
air in the outdoor air path (34). The room air temperature sensor
(98) is for detecting a room air temperature in the room air path
(32). The outdoor air temperature sensor (99) is for detecting an
outdoor air temperature in the outdoor air path (34).
[0092] The space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the
downstream partition plate (72) in the casing (11) is divided into
the right and left spaces by the central partition plate (73). The
space at the right of the central partition plate (73) serves as a
first heat exchanger chamber (37), and the space at the left of the
central partition plate (73) serves as a second heat exchanger
chamber (38). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is
accommodated in the first heat exchanger chamber (37). The second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) is accommodated in the second heat
exchanger chamber (38). Although not shown in the figure, the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) of the refrigerant circuit
(50) is accommodated in the first heat exchanger chamber (37).
[0093] The adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is a so-called
"cross-fin-type fin-and-tube heat exchanger" on which adsorbent is
supported, and is formed in rectangular thick-plate-like shape or
flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) is vertically arranged in the heat exchanger
chamber (37, 38) so that front and rear surfaces of the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) are parallel to the upstream partition
plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72).
[0094] In the inner space of the casing (11), a space along a front
surface of the downstream partition plate (72) is divided into
upper and lower spaces. The upper space of such
horizontally-divided spaces serves as an air supply path (31), and
the lower space serves as an air discharge path (33).
[0095] Four openable dampers (41-44) are provided in the upstream
partition plate (71). The damper (41-44) is formed in substantially
horizontally-elongated rectangular shape. Specifically, in a
section (upper section) of the upstream partition plate (71), which
faces the room air path (32), the first room air damper (41) is
attached on the right side relative to the central partition plate
(73), and the second room air damper (42) is attached on the left
side relative to the central partition plate (73). In addition, in
a section (lower section) of the upstream partition plate (71),
which faces the outdoor air path (34), the first outdoor air damper
(43) is attached on the right side relative to the central
partition plate (73), and the second outdoor air damper (44) is
attached on the left side relative to the central partition plate
(73).
[0096] Four openable dampers (45-48) are provided in the downstream
partition plate (72). The damper (45-48) is formed in substantially
horizontally-elongated rectangular shape. Specifically, in a
section (upper section) of the downstream partition plate (72),
which faces the air supply path (31), the first air supply damper
(45) is attached on the right side relative to the central
partition plate (73), and the second air supply damper (46) is
attached on the left side relative to the central partition plate
(73). In addition, in a section (lower section) of the downstream
partition plate (72), which faces the air discharge path (33), the
first air discharge damper (47) is attached on the right side
relative to the central partition plate (73), and the second air
discharge damper (48) is attached on the left side relative to the
central partition plate (73).
[0097] In the casing (11), a space defined by the air supply path
(31), the air discharge path (33), and the front panel section (12)
is divided into right and left spaces by a partition plate (77).
The space at the right of the partition plate (77) serves as an air
supply fan chamber (36), and the space at the left of the partition
plate (77) serves as an air discharge fan chamber (35).
[0098] An air supply fan (26) is accommodated in the air supply fan
chamber (36). In addition, an air discharge fan (25) is
accommodated in the air discharge fan chamber (35). The air supply
fan (26) and the air discharge fan (25) are centrifugal multi-blade
fans (so-called "sirocco" fans). In the air supply fan chamber
(36), air sucked from the downstream partition plate (72) side is
discharged through the air supply port (22). In the air discharge
fan chamber (35), air sucked from the downstream partition plate
(72) side is discharged through the air discharge port (21).
[0099] The compressor (53) and the four-way switching valve (54) of
the refrigerant circuit (50) are accommodated in the air supply fan
chamber (36).
[0100] The compressor (53) is for compressing refrigerant flowing
though the refrigerant circuit (50) to high pressure. The
compressor (53) is a hermetic compressor, and is arranged between
the air supply fan (26) and the partition plate (77) in the air
supply fan chamber (36).
[0101] In the casing (11), a space between the first partition
plate (74) and the first side panel section (14) serves as a first
bypass path (81). A start point of the first bypass path (81)
communicates only with the outdoor air path (34), and is isolated
from the room air path (32). A terminal point of the first bypass
path (81) is separated from the air supply path (31), the air
discharge path (33), and the air supply fan chamber (36) by a
partition plate (78). A first bypass damper (83) is provided in a
section of the partition plate (78), which faces the air supply fan
chamber (36).
[0102] In the casing (11), a space between the second partition
plate (75) and the second side panel section (15) serves as a
second bypass path (82). A start point of the second bypass path
(82) communicates only with the room air path (32), and is isolated
from the outdoor air path (34). A terminal point of the second
bypass path (82) is separated from the air supply path (31), the
air discharge path (33), and the air discharge fan chamber (35) by
a partition plate (79). A second bypass damper (84) is provided in
a section of the partition plate (79), which faces the air
discharge fan chamber (35).
[0103] <Entire Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit>
[0104] Next, a configuration of the refrigerant circuit, which is a
feature of the present invention will be described.
[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the refrigerant circuit (50)
includes a main circuit (50a) and an auxiliary circuit (60).
Circulation of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit
(50) is controlled by a controller (100).
[0106] In the main circuit (50a), the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51), the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the
compressor (53), the four-way switching valve (54), and the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) are connected together by
the refrigerant pipe (57), and a vapor compression refrigeration
cycle is performed by refrigerant circulating through the
refrigerant pipe (57).
[0107] A discharge side of the compressor (53) is connected to a
first port of the four-way switching valve (54), and a suction side
of the compressor (53) is connected to a second port of the
four-way switching valve (54) through a receiver (56). Both ends of
the auxiliary circuit (60) are connected to a high-pressure line
(50c) connecting between the discharge side of the compressor (53)
and the first port. The first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the
main electric-operated expansion valve (55), and the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) are connected together from a third
port of the four-way switching valve (54) to a fourth port of the
four-way switching valve (54) in this order. The main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) serves as a main expansion
mechanism configured to evaporate refrigerant circulating though
the main circuit (50a) of the refrigerant circuit (50).
[0108] In the auxiliary circuit (60), the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) and a switching solenoid valve (62) are connected to the main
circuit (50a) through an auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63), a part of
refrigerant flowing the main circuit (50a) flows through the
auxiliary circuit (60).
[0109] The auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63) is formed in tubular
shape so that gas or liquid can circulate through the auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63). One end of the auxiliary refrigerant pipe
(63) is connected to a section closer to the discharge side of the
compressor (53) in the high-pressure line (50c) of the main circuit
(50a), and the other end is connected to a section closer to the
first port of the four-way switching valve (54) in the
high-pressure line (50c). That is, high-pressure refrigerant
discharged from the compressor (53) flows into the auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63). The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is
connected in the middle of the auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63).
[0110] The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is for condensing
high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary refrigerant
pipe (63) (i.e., for dissipating heat from the refrigerant). The
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) heats outdoor air by using
high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53).
[0111] The switching solenoid valve (62) serves as a refrigerant
adjusting mechanism configured to switch refrigerant circulation so
that refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53) and flowing
through the high-pressure line (50c) flows into the auxiliary
circuit (60). The switching solenoid valve (62) is an openable
solenoid valve. In the refrigerant circuit (50) of the first
embodiment, there are two solenoid valves, i.e., a first switching
solenoid valve (62a) and a second switching solenoid valve (62b).
An opening/closing of the switching solenoid valve (62a, 62b) is
controlled by the controller (100).
[0112] The first switching solenoid valve (62a) is provided between
a position where the high-pressure line (50c) is connected to one
end of the auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63) and a position where the
high-pressure line (50c) is connected to the other end of the
auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63).
[0113] The second switching solenoid valve (62b) is provided on an
upstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the auxiliary
circuit (60) in a refrigerant flow.
[0114] The controller (100) is connected to the refrigerant circuit
(50), and controls a starting/stopping of the compressor (53), an
opening/closing of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55),
and the opening/closing of the switching solenoid valve (62).
[0115] The four-way switching valve (54) is arranged between the
air supply fan (26) and the partition plate (77) in the air supply
fan chamber (36). The four-way switching valve (54) is switchable
between a first state in which the first port communicates with the
third port, and the second port communicates with the fourth port
(state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4); and a second state in
which the first port communicates with the fourth port, and the
second port communicates with the third port (state indicated by a
dashed line in FIG. 4).
[0116] Operation
[0117] In the humidity control apparatus (10), the dehumidification
operation, the humidification operation, and a ventilation
operation are selectively performed. In the humidity control
apparatus (10) which is in the dehumidification or humidification
operation, the humidity of taken outdoor air (OA) is controlled,
and then such air is supplied to the room as supply air (SA). At
the same time, taken room air (RA) is discharged to outside the
room as exhaust air (EA). In the humidity control apparatus (10)
which is in the ventilation operation, taken outdoor air (OA) is
supplied to the room as supply air (SA) without being controlled.
At the same time, taken room air (RA) is discharged to outside the
room as exhaust air (EA) without being controlled.
[0118] <Dehumidification Operation>
[0119] In the humidity control apparatus (10) which is in the
dehumidification operation, first and second processes which will
be described later are alternately repeated at predetermined time
intervals (e.g., every four minutes). In the dehumidification
operation, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass
damper (84) stay closed.
[0120] In the humidity control apparatus (10) which is in the
dehumidification operation, outdoor air is taken into the casing
(11) through the outdoor air suction port (24) and the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) as first air (air for adsorption), and room air
is taken into the casing (11) through the room air suction port
(23) as second air (air for recovery).
[0121] First, the first process of the dehumidification operation
will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 5, during the first
process, the first room air damper (41), the second outdoor air
damper (44), the second air supply damper (46), and the first air
discharge damper (47) are opened; and the second room air damper
(42), the first outdoor air damper (43), the first air supply
damper (45), and the second air discharge damper (48) are closed.
In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in the first process, the
first switching solenoid valve (62a) is opened, and the second
switching solenoid valve (62b) is closed. In addition, the four-way
switching valve (54) is set to the first state (state indicated by
the solid line in FIG. 4). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
serves as a condenser, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) serves as an evaporator.
[0122] The first air (outdoor air) flows into the outdoor air path
(34) through the outdoor air suction port (24) and the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61). At this point, refrigerant does not circulate
through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and therefore heat is
not exchanged between the first air (outdoor air) and the
refrigerant. The first air flowing into the outdoor air path (34)
and passing through the outdoor air filter (28) flows into the
second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second outdoor air
damper (44), and then passes through the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52),
moisture in the first air is adsorbed to the adsorbent, and
adsorption heat generated thereupon is absorbed by refrigerant.
That is, in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a adsorption
process is performed by the adsorbent. The first air dehumidified
in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into the air
supply path (31) through the second air supply damper (46). After
passing through the air supply fan chamber (36), the first air is
supplied to the room through the air supply port (22).
[0123] Meanwhile, the second air (room air) flowing into the room
air path (32) and passing through the room air filter (27) flows
into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first room
air damper (41), 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 refrigerant, and
the desorbed moisture is imparted to the second air. That is, in
the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), a recovery process is
performed by the adsorbent. The second air to which moisture is
imparted in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into the
air discharge path (33) through the first air discharge damper
(47). After passing through the air discharge fan chamber (35), the
second air is discharged to outside the room through the air
discharge port (21).
[0124] Next, the second process of the dehumidification operation
will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 6, during the second
process, the second room air damper (42), the first outdoor air
damper (43), the first air supply damper (45), and the second air
discharge damper (48) are opened; and the first room air damper
(41), the second outdoor air damper (44), the second air supply
damper (46), and the first air discharge damper (47) are closed. In
the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in the second process, the
first switching solenoid valve (62a) is opened, and the second
switching solenoid valve (62b) is closed. In addition, the four-way
switching valve (54) is set to the second state (state indicated by
the dashed line in FIG. 4). The first adsorption heat exchanger
(51) serves as the evaporator, whereas the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serves as the condenser.
[0125] The first air (outdoor air) flows into the outdoor air path
(34) through the outdoor air suction port (24) and the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61). At this point, refrigerant does not circulate
through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and therefore heat is
not exchanged between the first air (outdoor air) and the
refrigerant. The first air flowing into the outdoor air path (34),
and passing through the outdoor air filter (28) flows into the
first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first outdoor air
damper (43), and then passes through the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51),
moisture in the first air is adsorbed to the adsorbent, and
adsorption heat generated thereupon is absorbed by refrigerant.
That is, in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the
adsorption process is performed by the adsorbent. The first air
dehumidified in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into
the air supply path (31) through the first air supply damper (45).
After passing through the air supply fan chamber (36), the first
air is discharged to the room through the air supply port (22).
[0126] Meanwhile, the second air (room air) flowing into the room
air path (32) and passing through the room air filter (27) flows
into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second room
air damper (42), 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 refrigerant, the
desorbed moisture is imparted to the second air. That is, in the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the recovery process is
performed by the adsorbent. The second air to which moisture is
imparted in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into
the air discharge path (33) through the second air discharge damper
(48). After passing through the air discharge fan chamber (35), the
second air is discharged to outside the room through the air
discharge port (21).
[0127] <Humidification Operation>
[0128] In the humidity control apparatus (10) which is in the
humidification operation, first and second processes which will be
described later are alternately repeated at predetermined time
intervals (e.g., every three minutes). In the humidification
operation, the first bypass damper (83) and the second bypass
damper (84) stay closed. In the humidity control apparatus (10)
which is in the humidification operation, outdoor air is taken into
the casing (11) through the outdoor air suction port (24) as second
air (air for recovery), and room air is taken into the casing (11)
through the room air suction port (23) as first air (air for
adsorption).
[0129] First, the first process of the humidification operation
will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 7, during the first
process, the second room air damper (42), the first outdoor air
damper (43), the first air supply damper (45), and the second air
discharge damper (48) are opened; and the first room air damper
(41), the second outdoor air damper (44), the second air supply
damper (46), and the first air discharge damper (47) are closed. In
the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in the first process, the
first switching solenoid valve (62a) is opened, and the second
switching solenoid valve (62b) is closed. In addition, the four-way
switching valve (54) is set to the first state (state indicated by
the solid line in FIG. 4). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
serves as the condenser, whereas the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serves as the evaporator.
[0130] The first air flowing into the room air path (32) and
passing through the room air filter (27) flows into the second heat
exchanger chamber (38) through the second room air damper (42), and
then passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). In
the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), moisture in the first
air is adsorbed to the adsorbent, and adsorption heat generated
thereupon is absorbed by refrigerant. That is, in the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52), the adsorption process is performed
by the adsorbent. The first air from which moisture is removed in
the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into the air
discharge path (33) through the second air discharge damper (48).
After passing through the air discharge fan chamber (35), the first
air is discharged to outside the room through the air discharge
port (21).
[0131] Meanwhile, the second air (outdoor air) flows into the
outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air suction port (24) and
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). At this point, refrigerant does
not circulate through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and
therefore heat is not exchanged between the second air and the
refrigerant. The second air flowing into the outdoor air path (34)
and passing through the outdoor air filter (28) flows into the
first heat exchanger chamber (37) through the first outdoor air
damper (43), 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 refrigerant, and
the desorbed moisture is imparted to the second air. That is, in
the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the recovery process is
performed by the adsorbent. The second air humidified in the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into the air supply path (31)
through the first air supply damper (45). After passing through the
air supply fan chamber (36), the second air is supplied to the room
through the air supply port (22).
[0132] Next, the second process of the humidification operation
will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 8, during the second
process, the first room air damper (41), the second outdoor air
damper (44), the second air supply damper (46), and the first air
discharge damper (47) are opened; and the second room air damper
(42), the first outdoor air damper (43), the first air supply
damper (45), and the second air discharge damper (48) are closed.
In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in the second process, the
first switching solenoid valve (62a) is opened, the second
switching solenoid valve (62b) is closed. In addition, the four-way
switching valve (54) is set to the second state (state indicated by
the dashed line in FIG. 4). The first adsorption heat exchanger
(51) serves as the evaporator, whereas the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serves as the condenser.
[0133] The first air flowing into the room air path (32) and
passing through the room air filter (27) flows into the first heat
exchanger chamber (37) through the first room air damper (41), and
then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). In
the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), moisture in the first air
is adsorbed to the adsorbent, and adsorption heat generated
thereupon is absorbed by refrigerant. That is, in the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51), the adsorption process is performed
by the adsorbent. The first air from which moisture is removed in
the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into the air
discharge path (33) through the first air discharge damper (47).
After passing through the air discharge fan chamber (35), the first
air is discharged to outside the room through the air discharge
port (21).
[0134] Meanwhile, the second air (outdoor air) flows into the
outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air suction port (24) and
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). At this point, refrigerant does
not circulate through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and
therefore heat is not exchanged between the second air (outdoor
air) and the refrigerant. The second air flowing into the outdoor
air path (34) and passing through the outdoor air filter (28) flows
into the second heat exchanger chamber (38) through the second
outdoor air damper (44), and passes through the second adsorption
heat exchanger (52). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52),
moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by refrigerant, and
the desorbed moisture is imparted to the second air. That is, in
the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the recovery process is
performed by the adsorbent. The second air humidified in the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into the air supply path (31)
through the second air supply damper (46). After passing through
the air supply fan chamber (36), the second air is supplied to the
room through the air supply port (22).
[0135] A preheating process of the humidification operation under
low external temperature environment (e.g., lower than or equal to
5.degree. C. below zero) during winter will be described. First, in
the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in the first process, when
the outdoor air temperature sensor (99) detects that an outdoor air
temperature is lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero, the
controller (100) closes the first switching solenoid valve (62a),
and opens the second switching solenoid valve (62b). In addition,
the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the first state (state
indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4). The first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) serves as the condenser, whereas the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the evaporator. When
high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (53),
such refrigerant circulates through the auxiliary circuit (60), and
flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). In the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), low-temperature outdoor air (second air) is heated
by the refrigerant. The refrigerant passing through the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) flows out from the auxiliary circuit (60), and
returns to the main circuit (50a).
[0136] During the first process, the second air (outdoor air) flows
into the outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air suction port
(24) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). At this point,
refrigerant circulates though the auxiliary heat exchanger (61),
and therefore heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the
second air to heat the second air. Then, the second air preheated
in the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) flows into the outdoor air
path (34), and passes through the outdoor air filter (28). The
second air flows into the first heat exchanger chamber (37) through
the first outdoor air damper (43), and then passes through the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
[0137] In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in the second
process, the first switching solenoid valve (62a) is closed, and
the second switching solenoid valve (62b) is opened. In addition,
the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the second state (state
indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 4). The first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, whereas the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser.
[0138] During the second process, the second air (outdoor air)
flows into the outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air
suction port (24) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). At this
point, refrigerant circulates through the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61), and therefore heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and
the second air to heat the second air. Then, the second air
preheated in the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) flows into the
outdoor air path (34), and passes through the outdoor air filter
(28). The second air flows into the second heat exchanger chamber
(38) through the second outdoor air damper (44), and then passes
through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52).
[0139] In the first embodiment, the preheating process has been
described, which is performed under the environment in which the
external temperature is lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below
zero. However, the preheating process of the present invention may
be controlled so as to be constantly performed during, e.g., the
humidification operation.
[0140] <Ventilation Operation>
[0141] Processes of the humidity control apparatus (10) during the
ventilation operation will be described.
[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the humidity control apparatus
(10) which is in the 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
outdoor air damper (43), the second outdoor air damper (44), the
first air supply damper (45), the second air supply damper (46),
the first air discharge damper (47), and the second air discharge
damper (48) are closed. In addition, in the ventilation operation,
the compressor (53) of the refrigerant circuit (50) is stopped.
[0143] In the humidity control apparatus (10) which is in the
ventilation operation, outdoor air is taken into the casing (11)
through the outdoor air suction port (24). The outdoor air flowing
into the outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air suction port
(24) flows into the air supply fan chamber (36) through the first
bypass path (81) and the first bypass damper (83). Then, the
outdoor air passes through the air supply port (22), and is
discharged to outside the room.
[0144] In the humidity control apparatus (10) which is in the
ventilation operation, room air is taken into the casing (11)
through the room air suction port (23). The room air flowing into
the room air path (32) through the room air suction port (23) flows
into the air discharge fan chamber (35) through the second bypass
path (82) and the second bypass damper (84). Then, the room air
passes through the air discharge port (21), and is discharged to
outside the room.
[0145] Advantages of First Embodiment
[0146] In the first embodiment, the circulation of high-pressure
refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure line (50c) is
switchable to the circulation through the auxiliary circuit (60).
Thus, only when the preheating of the second air (outdoor air) to
be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is required,
the circulation of refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure
line (50c) can be switched to the circulation through the auxiliary
circuit (60). That is, when the temperature of the second air to be
supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is a normal
temperature (temperature from an ordinary temperature to a high
temperature), refrigerant circulates through the high-pressure line
(50c) without preheating the second air. On the other hand, when
the temperature of recovery air to be supplied to the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) is low, the refrigerant circulation is
switched from the circulation through the main circuit (50a) to the
circulation through the auxiliary circuit (60), thereby heating the
recovery air. Thus, even when the temperature of the second air to
be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is low,
freezing of, e.g., the outdoor air path (34), the outdoor air
filter (28), and the first outdoor air damper (43) through which
the second air passes can be reduced or prevented. In addition, a
temperature difference between the first air and the second air is
narrowed, and therefore reduction or prevention of condensation in
the first heat exchanger chamber (37) and the second heat exchanger
chamber (38) when switching the damper can be ensured. Further,
reduction or prevention of unnecessary heating in the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61) can be ensured. Consequently, energy
conservation of the humidity control apparatus (10) can be
realized.
Second Embodiment of the Invention
[0147] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference
to the drawings.
[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in a humidity control apparatus
(10) of the second embodiment, a configuration of an auxiliary
circuit (60) in a refrigerant circuit (50) is different from that
of the humidity control apparatus (10) of the first embodiment.
[0149] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11, in the humidity
control apparatus (10) of the second embodiment, an outdoor air
path (34) communicates with an outdoor space through a duct, a
first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a), and a second auxiliary heat
exchanger (61b) which are connected to an outdoor air suction port
(24). That is, outdoor air passing through the duct and discharged
from the outdoor air suction port (24) necessarily passes through
the first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a) and the second auxiliary
heat exchanger (61b), and then flows into the outdoor air path
(34). The refrigerant circuit (50) of the second embodiment
includes a main circuit (50a) having a first adsorption heat
exchanger (51), a second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a
compressor (53), a four-way switching valve (54), and a main
electric-operated expansion valve (55); and an auxiliary circuit
(60) having the auxiliary heat exchangers (61a, 61b) and switching
solenoid valves (62a, 62b).
[0150] The auxiliary circuit (60) includes a first auxiliary
circuit (60a) and a second auxiliary circuit (60b) which are
connected to the main circuit (50a).
[0151] In the first auxiliary circuit (60a), the first auxiliary
heat exchanger (61a) and the first switching solenoid valve (62a)
are connected to the main circuit (50a) through a first auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63a), and liquid refrigerant flowing out from the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows.
[0152] The first auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63a) is formed in
tubular shape so that gas or liquid can circulate through the first
auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63a), and both ends of the first
auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63a) are connected to a liquid line
(50b) between the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55). The first auxiliary heat
exchanger (61a) is connected in the middle of the first auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63a).
[0153] The first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a) is for condensing
high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the first auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63a) (i.e., for dissipating heat from the
refrigerant). The first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a) heats
outdoor air by condensing liquid refrigerant flowing out from the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and passing through the first
auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63a).
[0154] The first switching solenoid valve (62a) serves as a
refrigerant adjusting mechanism configured to switch refrigerant
circulation so that liquid refrigerant flowing out from the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) flows into the first auxiliary
circuit (60a). The first switching solenoid valve (62a) is an
openable solenoid valve, and is provided on an upstream side of
refrigerant circulation through the first auxiliary heat exchanger
(61a).
[0155] In the second auxiliary circuit (60b), the second auxiliary
heat exchanger (61b) and the second switching solenoid valve (62b)
are connected to the main circuit (50a) through a second auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63b), and liquid refrigerant flowing out from the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows.
[0156] The second auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63b) is formed in
tubular shape so that gas or liquid can circulate through the
second auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63b), and both ends of the
second auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63b) are connected to the liquid
line (50b) between the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and
the main electric-operated expansion valve (5.5). The second
auxiliary heat exchanger (61b) is connected in the middle of the
second auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63b).
[0157] The second auxiliary heat exchanger (61b) is for condensing
high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63b) (i.e., for dissipating heat from the
refrigerant). The second auxiliary heat exchanger (61b) heats
outdoor air by condensing liquid refrigerant flowing out from the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and passing through the
second auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63b).
[0158] The second switching solenoid valve (62b) serves as a
refrigerant adjusting mechanism configured to switch refrigerant
circulation so that liquid refrigerant flowing out from the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) flows into the second auxiliary
circuit (60b). The second switching solenoid valve (62b) is an
openable solenoid valve, and is provided on an upstream side of
refrigerant circulation through the second auxiliary heat exchanger
(61b).
[0159] A preheating process of a humidification operation of the
second embodiment under low external temperature environment (e.g.,
lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero) during winter will
be described. First, in the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a
first process, when an outdoor air temperature sensor (99) detects
that an outdoor air temperature is lower than or equal to 5.degree.
C. below zero, a controller (100) opens the first switching
solenoid valve (62a), and closes the second switching solenoid
valve (62b). In addition, the four-way switching valve (54) is set
to a first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 10). The
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as a condenser, and the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as an evaporator. When
high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (53),
such refrigerant is condensed (i.e., dissipates heat) in the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51). Then, the refrigerant flows into
the first auxiliary circuit (60a), and passes through the first
auxiliary heat exchanger (61a). In the first auxiliary heat
exchanger (61a), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing
out from the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and
low-temperature second air (outdoor air). The refrigerant passing
through the first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a) flows out from the
first auxiliary circuit (60a), and returns to the main circuit
(50a).
[0160] During the first process, the second air (outdoor air) flows
into the outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air suction port
(24), the first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a), and the second
auxiliary heat exchanger (61b). At this point, the refrigerant
flowing out from the first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
circulates through the first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a), and
therefore heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the second
air (outdoor air) to heat the second air (outdoor air). Meanwhile,
refrigerant does not circulate through the second auxiliary heat
exchanger (61b), and therefore heat is not exchanged between the
refrigerant and the second air (outdoor air). The second air
(outdoor air) preheated in the first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a)
flows into the outdoor air path (34), and passes through an outdoor
air filter (28). The second air flows into a first heat exchanger
chamber (37) through a first outdoor air damper (43), and then
passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
[0161] In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a second
process, the first switching solenoid valve (62a) is closed, and
the second switching solenoid valve (62b) is opened. In addition,
the four-way switching valve (54) is set to a second state (state
indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 10). The first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, whereas the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser.
[0162] During the second process, the second air (outdoor air)
flows into the outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air
suction port (24), the first auxiliary heat exchanger (61a), and
the second auxiliary heat exchanger (61b). At this point,
refrigerant does not circulate through the first auxiliary heat
exchanger (61a), and therefore heat is not exchanged between the
refrigerant and the second air (outdoor air). Meanwhile, the
refrigerant flowing out from the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) circulates through the second auxiliary heat exchanger (61b),
and therefore heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the
second air (outdoor air) to heat the second air (outdoor air). The
second air preheated in the second auxiliary heat exchanger (61b)
flows into the outdoor air path (34), and passes through the
outdoor air filter (28). The second air flows into a second heat
exchanger chamber (38) through a second outdoor air damper (44),
and then passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52).
[0163] According to the second embodiment, the first auxiliary
circuit (60a) and the second auxiliary circuit (60b) are connected
to the liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a). Thus, only when
the preheating of the second air (outdoor air) to be supplied to
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is required, the circulation
of refrigerant flowing through the main circuit (50a) can be
switched to the circulation through the auxiliary circuit (60), and
the second air can be heated by refrigerant condensed in the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52). That is, heat remaining in
refrigerant after the recovery process (i.e., condensation (or heat
dissipation)) in the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) can be used
to heat the second air. This allows an effective use of heat from
refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (50), thereby
realizing energy conservation of the humidity control apparatus
(10). Other configurations, features, and advantages are similar to
those of the first embodiment.
Third Embodiment of the Invention
[0164] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to
the drawings.
[0165] As illustrated in FIG. 12, in a humidity control apparatus
(10) of the third embodiment, a configuration of an auxiliary
circuit (60) in a refrigerant circuit (50) is different from that
of the humidity control apparatus (10) of the first embodiment, and
a bridge circuit (110) is provided in a main circuit (50a).
[0166] The bridge circuit (110) is for controlling a refrigerant
flow depending on a switching state (first or second state) of a
four-way switching valve (54) so that refrigerant circulating in
any of forward and backward directions passes through a main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) in one direction. The bridge
circuit (110) is arranged between a first adsorption heat exchanger
(51) and a second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The bridge
circuit (110) includes first to fourth pipes (111, 112, 113, 114)
connected together in bridge form; first to fourth check valves
(115, 116, 117, 118) provided in the pipes (111, 112, 113, 114);
and a one-way path (119) connecting an outflow side of the first
pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) to an inflow side of the second
pipe (112) and the fourth pipe (114). The one-way path (119) is a
refrigerant path through which refrigerant flowing through the main
circuit (50a) and condensed in the adsorption heat exchanger (51,
52) flows in one direction.
[0167] An inflow side of the first pipe (111) and an outflow side
of the second pipe (112) are connected to the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51). On the other hand, an inflow side of the third pipe
(113) and an outflow side of the fourth pipe (114) are connected to
the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The inflow side of the
second pipe (112) and the fourth pipe (114) is connected to an
outflow side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55). On
the other hand, the outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the
third pipe (113) is connected to an inflow side of the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55).
[0168] The refrigerant circuit (50) of the third embodiment
includes the main circuit (50a) having the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51), the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a
compressor (53), the four-way switching valve (54), and the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55); and the auxiliary circuit
(60) having an auxiliary heat exchanger (61) and a switching
solenoid valve (62).
[0169] In the auxiliary circuit (60), refrigerant flowing out from
the first pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) to the one-way path
(119) in the bridge circuit (110) flows. The auxiliary circuit (60)
is formed by connecting the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) and the
switching solenoid valve (62) through an auxiliary refrigerant pipe
(63).
[0170] The auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63) is formed in tubular
shape so that gas or liquid can circulate through the auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63). One end of the auxiliary refrigerant pipe
(63) is connected to the outflow side of the first pipe (111) and
the third pipe (113) in the one-way path (119), and the other end
is connected to an inflow side of the one-way path (119) (i.e.,
connected to the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) in the
one-way path (119)). That is, refrigerant condensed in the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) (i.e., refrigerant, heat of
which is dissipated in the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52))
flows into the auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63). The auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) is connected in the middle of the auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63).
[0171] The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is for condensing
high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary refrigerant
pipe (63) (i.e., for dissipating heat from the refrigerant). The
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is provided in the auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63), and is configured so that outdoor air is
heated by high-pressure refrigerant flowing out from the adsorption
heat exchanger (51, 52) and flowing through the auxiliary
refrigerant pipe (63).
[0172] The switching solenoid valve (62) serves as a refrigerant
adjusting mechanism configured to switch refrigerant circulation so
that, after circulating through the bridge circuit (110),
refrigerant flowing out from the first pipe (111) and the third
pipe (113) and flowing through the main circuit (50a) of the
one-way path (119) flows into the auxiliary circuit (60). The
switching solenoid valve (62) is an openable solenoid valve. In the
refrigerant circuit (50) of the third embodiment, a first switching
solenoid valve (62a) and a second switching solenoid valve (62b)
are provided. An opening/closing of the switching solenoid valve
(62a, 62b) is controlled by a controller (100). In the one-way path
(119) connecting the outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the
third pipe (113) to the main electric-operated expansion valve
(55), the first switching solenoid valve (62a) is provided between
a position where one end of the auxiliary refrigerant pipe (63) is
connected to the one-way path (119), and a position where the other
end is connected to the one-way path (119). The second switching
solenoid valve (62b) is provided on an upstream side of the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the auxiliary circuit (60) in a
refrigerant flow. As illustrated in FIG. 13, a receiver (65)
configured to store condensed liquid refrigerant may be provided
between the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) and the second switching
solenoid valve (62b) in the refrigerant circuit (50) of the third
embodiment. The receiver (65) is a hollow container formed in
vertical cylindrical shape, and serves as a noise canceling unit of
the present invention. In an internal space of the receiver (65),
operating noise of the check valves (115, 116, 117, 118) of the
bridge circuit (110) is cancelled, which is caused when switching
between first and second processes. This allows a quiet operation
of the humidity control apparatus (10).
[0173] A preheating process of a humidification operation of the
third embodiment under low external temperature environment (e.g.,
lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero) during winter will
be described. First, in the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in
the first process, when an outdoor air temperature sensor (99)
detects that an outdoor air temperature is lower than or equal to
5.degree. C. below zero, a controller (100) closes the first
switching solenoid valve (62a), and opens the second switching
solenoid valve (62b). In addition, the four-way switching valve
(54) is set to the first state (state indicated by a solid line in
FIG. 12). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as a
condenser, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves
as an evaporator. When high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from
the compressor (53), such refrigerant is condensed in the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51), and then flows into the bridge
circuit (110). The refrigerant flows out from the first pipe (111)
to the one-way path (119) in the bridge circuit (110). Then, the
refrigerant flows into the auxiliary circuit (60), and passes
through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). In the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and
low-temperature outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing
through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) flows out from the
auxiliary circuit (60), and returns to the main circuit (50a).
[0174] During the first process, the second air (outdoor air) flows
into an outdoor air path (34) through an outdoor air suction port
(24) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). At this point,
refrigerant circulates through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61),
and therefore heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the
second air (outdoor air) to heat the second air (outdoor air). The
second air (outdoor air) preheated in the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) flows into the outdoor air path (34), and passes through an
outdoor air filter (28). The second air flows into a first heat
exchanger chamber (37) through a first outdoor air damper (43), and
then passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
[0175] As in the first process, in the refrigerant circuit (50)
which is in the second process, the controller (100) closes the
first switching solenoid valve (62a), and opens the second
switching solenoid valve (62b). In addition, the four-way switching
valve (54) is set to the second state (state indicated by a dashed
line in FIG. 12). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves
as the evaporator, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) serves as the condenser. When high-pressure refrigerant is
discharged from the compressor (53), the refrigerant is condensed
in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), and flows into the
bridge circuit (110). The refrigerant flows out from the first pipe
(111) and the third pipe (113) to the one-way path (119) in the
bridge circuit (110). Then, the refrigerant flows into the
auxiliary circuit (60), and passes through the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61). In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is
exchanged between the refrigerant and low-temperature outdoor air
(second air). The refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) flows out from the auxiliary circuit (60), and
returns to the main circuit (50a).
[0176] According to the third embodiment, the bridge circuit (110)
is provided in a liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a), and
therefore refrigerant can flow into the main electric-operated
expansion valve (55) in one direction. On the other hand, the
circulation of refrigerant flowing through the one-way path (119)
of the bridge circuit (110) is switched to the circulation through
the auxiliary circuit (60), and therefore refrigerant can pass
through the auxiliary circuit (60) in one direction. That is, a
flow of refrigerant passing through the auxiliary circuit (60) is
not reversibly switched, and therefore the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) may be provided only on an upstream side of the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) in the refrigerant flow
direction. This simplifies the configuration of the auxiliary
circuit (60), thereby reducing a manufacturing cost of the humidity
control apparatus (10).
Fourth Embodiment of the Invention
[0177] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference
to the drawings.
[0178] As illustrated in FIG. 14, in a humidity control apparatus
(10) of the fourth embodiment, a configuration of an auxiliary
circuit (60) in a refrigerant circuit (50) is different from that
of the humidity control apparatus (10) of the first embodiment.
[0179] Specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) of the fourth
embodiment includes a main circuit (50a) having a first adsorption
heat exchanger (51), a second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a
compressor (53), a four-way switching valve (54), and a main
electric-operated expansion valve (55); and an expansion bypass
line (64) having an auxiliary heat exchanger (61) and an auxiliary
expansion valve (66).
[0180] The expansion bypass line (64) is for bypassing
high-pressure refrigerant flowing out from the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52), from the main electric-operated expansion valve
(55); and serves as an auxiliary circuit. The expansion bypass line
(64) is formed in tubular shape so that gas or liquid can circulate
through the expansion bypass line (64). One end of the expansion
bypass line (64) is connected between the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) and the main electric-operated expansion valve (55),
and the other end is connected between the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) and the main electric-operated expansion valve (55).
A first auxiliary expansion valve (66a), the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), and a second auxiliary expansion valve (66b) are
connected in the middle of the expansion bypass line (64) in this
order.
[0181] The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is for condensing
high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the expansion bypass line
(64) (i.e., for dissipating heat from the refrigerant). The
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is provided in the expansion bypass
line (64), and heats outdoor air by high-pressure refrigerant
flowing out from the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52).
[0182] The auxiliary expansion valve (66) is an auxiliary expansion
mechanism configured to expand refrigerant flowing out from the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the expansion bypass line (64),
and serves as a refrigerant adjusting mechanism. The auxiliary
expansion valve (66) includes the first auxiliary expansion valve
(66a) and the second auxiliary expansion valve (66b). The first
auxiliary expansion valve (66a) is provided on an upstream side of
a flow of high-pressure refrigerant flowing out from the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51). The second auxiliary expansion
valve (66b) is provided on an upstream side of a flow of
high-pressure refrigerant flowing out from the second adsorption
heat exchanger (52).
[0183] A preheating process of a humidification operation of the
fourth embodiment under low external temperature environment (e.g.,
lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero) during winter will
be described. First, in the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a
first process, when an outdoor air temperature sensor (99) detects
that an outdoor air temperature is lower than or equal to 5.degree.
C. below zero, a controller (100) fully closes the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55), and fully opens the first
auxiliary expansion valve (66a). In addition, the controller (100)
opens the second auxiliary expansion valve (66b). The four-way
switching valve (54) is set to a first state (state indicated by a
solid line in FIG. 14). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
serves as a condenser, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) serves as an evaporator. When high-pressure refrigerant is
discharged from the compressor (53), such refrigerant is condensed
in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), and then flows into
the expansion bypass line (64). The refrigerant flows into the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) through the expansion bypass line
(64). In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged
between the refrigerant and low-temperature outdoor air (second
air). The refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) flows out from the expansion bypass line (64), and returns to
the main circuit (50a).
[0184] During the first process, the second air (outdoor air) flows
into an outdoor air path (34) through an outdoor air suction port
(24) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). At this point,
high-pressure refrigerant circulates through the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), and therefore heat is exchanged between the
refrigerant and the second air (outdoor air) to heat the second air
(outdoor air). The second air (outdoor air) preheated in the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) flows into the outdoor air path (34),
and passes through an outdoor air filter (28). The second air flows
into a first heat exchanger chamber (37) through a first outdoor
air damper (43), and then passes through the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51).
[0185] In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a second
process, the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) is fully
closed. In addition, the first auxiliary expansion valve (66a) is
opened, whereas the second auxiliary expansion valve (66b) is fully
opened. The four-way switching valve (54) is set to a second state
(state indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 14). The first adsorption
heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, whereas the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser. When
high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (53),
the refrigerant is condensed in the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52), and then flows into the expansion bypass line (64).
The refrigerant passes through the expansion bypass line (64), and
flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). In the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and
low-temperature outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing
through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) flows out from the
expansion bypass line (64), and returns to the main circuit
(50a).
[0186] During the second process, the second air (outdoor air)
flows into the outdoor air path (34) through the outdoor air
suction port (24) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). At this
point, high-pressure refrigerant circulates through the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61), and therefore heat is exchanged between the
refrigerant and the second air (outdoor air) to heat the second air
(outdoor air). The second air (outdoor air) preheated in the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) flows into the outdoor air path (34),
and passes through the outdoor air filter (28). The second air
flows into a second heat exchanger chamber (38) through a second
outdoor air damper (44), and then passes through the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52).
[0187] According to the fourth embodiment, the humidity control
apparatus (10) includes the expansion bypass line (64) configured
to bypass the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) of the
main circuit (50a); the auxiliary heat exchanger (61); and the
first auxiliary expansion valve (66a) and the second auxiliary
expansion valve (66b) provided on a downstream side of the
expansion bypass line (64) in a refrigerant flow. Thus, only when
the preheating of the second air (outdoor air) to be supplied to
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is required, refrigerant
circulating through the main circuit (50a) can be switched to flow
through the expansion bypass line (64). That is, when the
temperature of the second air to be supplied to the adsorption heat
exchanger (51, 52) is a normal temperature (temperature from an
ordinary temperature to a high temperature), refrigerant circulates
through the main circuit (50a) without preheating the second air.
On the other hand, when the temperature of the second air to be
supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) is a low
temperature, the refrigerant circulation is switched to the
circulation through the expansion bypass line (64), thereby
preheating the second air. Thus, even when the temperature of the
second air to be supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52)
is low, freezing of, e.g., the outdoor air path (34), the outdoor
air filter (28), and the first outdoor air damper (43) through
which the second air passes can be reduced or prevented. In
addition, a temperature difference between the first air and the
second air is narrowed, and therefore reduction or prevention of
condensation in the first heat exchanger chamber (37) or the second
heat exchanger chamber (38) when switching the damper can be
ensured. Further, reduction or prevention of unnecessary heating in
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) can be ensured. Consequently,
energy conservation of the humidity control apparatus (10) can be
realized. Other configurations, features, and advantages are
similar to those of the first embodiment.
Fifth Embodiment of the Invention
[0188] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to
the drawings.
[0189] As illustrated in FIG. 15, in a humidity control apparatus
(10) of the fifth embodiment, a bridge circuit (110) is provided in
the liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a) of the humidity
control apparatus (10) of the fourth embodiment.
[0190] The bridge circuit (110) is for controlling a refrigerant
flow depending on a switching state (first or second state) of a
four-way switching valve (54) so that refrigerant circulating in
any of forward and backward directions passes through a main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) in one direction. The bridge
circuit (110) is arranged in the liquid line (50b) between a first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) and a second adsorption heat
exchanger (52). The bridge circuit (110) includes first to fourth
pipes (111, 112, 113, 114) connected together in bridge form; first
to fourth check valves (115, 116, 117, 118) provided in the pipes
(111, 112, 113, 114); and a one-way path (119) connecting an
outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) to an
inflow side of the second pipe (112) and the fourth pipe (114). The
one-way path (119) is a refrigerant path through which refrigerant
flowing through the main circuit (50a) and condensed in the
adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52) flows in one direction.
[0191] An inflow side of the first pipe (111) and an outflow side
of the second pipe (112) are connected to the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51). On the other hand, an inflow side of the third pipe
(113) and an outflow side of the fourth pipe (114) are connected to
the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The inflow side of the
second pipe (112) and the fourth pipe (114) is connected to an
outflow side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55). On
the other hand, the outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the
third pipe (113) is connected to an inflow side of the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55).
[0192] The expansion bypass line (64) is for bypassing refrigerant
flowing through the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110)
from the main electric-operated expansion valve (55), and serves as
an auxiliary circuit. One end of the expansion bypass line (64) is
connected between the outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the
third pipe (113) of the bridge circuit (110), and the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55); and the other end is
connected between the inflow side of the second pipe (112) and the
fourth pipe (114) of the bridge circuit (110), and the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55). An auxiliary heat exchanger
(61) is provided in the middle of the expansion bypass line (64),
and an auxiliary expansion valve (66) is connected to a downstream
side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in a refrigerant
flow.
[0193] In the fifth embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, an
auxiliary line (58) may be provided, which connects between the
inflow side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) and
the inflow side of the third pipe (113) in the main circuit (50a).
The auxiliary line (58) is formed in tubular shape so that gas or
liquid can circulate through the auxiliary line (58), and a part of
the auxiliary line (58) is formed as a capillary tube (59). That
is, condensed liquid refrigerant accumulated between the inflow
side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) and an
outflow side of the check valve (115, 117) can be returned to the
inflow side of the third pipe (113) of the bridge circuit
(110).
[0194] A preheating process of a humidification operation of the
fifth embodiment under low external temperature environment (e.g.,
lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero) during winter will
be described. First, in the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a
first process, when an outdoor air temperature sensor (99) detects
that an outdoor air temperature is lower than or equal to 5.degree.
C. below zero, a controller (100) fully closes the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55), and opens the auxiliary
expansion valve (66). In addition, the four-way switching valve
(54) is set to the first state (state indicated by a solid line in
FIG. 15). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as a
condenser, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves
as an evaporator. When high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from
a compressor (53), such refrigerant is condensed in the first
adsorption heat exchanger (51), and then flows from the first pipe
(111) to the one-way path (119) in the bridge circuit (110).
Subsequently, the refrigerant flows into the expansion bypass line
(64). The refrigerant flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
while passing through the expansion bypass line (64). In the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between the
refrigerant and low-temperature outdoor air (second air). The
refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) flows
out from the expansion bypass line (64), and returns to the main
circuit (50a).
[0195] In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a second
process, the controller (100) fully closes the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55), and fully opens the
auxiliary expansion valve (66). In addition, the four-way switching
valve (54) is set to the second state (state indicated by a dashed
line in FIG. 15). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves
as the evaporator, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) serves as the condenser. When high-pressure refrigerant is
discharged from the compressor (53), the refrigerant is condensed
in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), and then flows from
the third pipe (113) to the one-way path (119) in the bridge
circuit (110). Subsequently, the refrigerant flows into the
expansion bypass line (64). The refrigerant flows into the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) while passing through the expansion
bypass line (64). In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is
exchanged between the refrigerant and low-temperature outdoor air
(second air). The refrigerant passing through the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) flows out from the expansion bypass line (64), and
returns to the main circuit (50a).
[0196] According to the fifth embodiment, the bridge circuit (110)
is provided in the liquid line (50b) of the main circuit (50a), and
the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) is arranged in the
one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110). Further, the
expansion bypass line (64) configured to bypass the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) is provided. Thus,
refrigerant passing through the main electric-operated expansion
valve (55) can constantly flow in one direction, and refrigerant
passing through the expansion bypass line (64) can flow in one
direction. That is, a flow of refrigerant passing through the
expansion bypass line (64) is not reversibly switched, and
therefore the auxiliary expansion valve (66) may be provided only
on a downstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in the
refrigerant flow direction. This simplifies the auxiliary expansion
valve (66), thereby reducing a manufacturing cost of the humidity
control apparatus (10).
[0197] The auxiliary line (58) is provided, which connects the
inflow side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) of
the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110) to the liquid
line (50b) provided between the bridge circuit (110) and the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52); and which includes the capillary
tube (59). Thus, liquid refrigerant accumulated between the inflow
side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55) and the
outflow side of the check valve (115, 117) can be returned to the
main circuit (50a) side. This ensures reduction or prevention of
accumulation of a large amount of liquid refrigerant, i.e., liquid
sealing on the inflow side of the main electric-operated expansion
valve (55). Other configurations, features, and advantages are
similar to those of the fourth embodiment.
Sixth Embodiment of the Invention
[0198] As illustrated in FIG. 17, in a humidity control apparatus
(10) of a sixth embodiment, a bridge circuit (110) is provided in
an expansion bypass line (64) instead of the refrigerant circuit
(50) of the humidity control apparatus (10) of the fifth
embodiment.
[0199] The expansion bypass line (64) is for bypassing a main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) of a main circuit (50a), and
serves as an auxiliary circuit. One end of the expansion bypass
line (64) is connected between a first adsorption heat exchanger
(51) and the main electric-operated expansion valve (55), and the
other end is connected between a second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) and the main electric-operated expansion valve (55).
[0200] The bridge circuit (110) is for controlling a refrigerant
flow depending on a switching state (first or second state) of a
four-way switching valve (54) so that refrigerant circulating in
any of forward and backward directions passes through an auxiliary
expansion valve (66) in one direction. Specifically, the bridge
circuit (110) is arranged in the expansion bypass line (64). The
bridge circuit (110) includes first to fourth pipes (111, 112, 113,
114) connected together in bridge form; first to fourth check
valves (115, 116, 117, 118) provided in the pipes (111, 112, 113,
114); and a one-way path (119) connecting an outflow side of the
first pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) to an inflow side of the
second pipe (112) and the fourth pipe (114). The one-way path (119)
is a refrigerant path through which refrigerant flowing through the
expansion bypass line (64) flows in one direction.
[0201] An inflow side of the first pipe (111) and an outflow side
of the second pipe (112) are connected to one end side of the
expansion bypass line (64). On the other hand, an inflow side of
the third pipe (113) and an outflow side of the fourth pipe (114)
are connected to the other end side of the expansion bypass line
(64). The inflow side of the second pipe (112) and the fourth pipe
(114) is connected to an outflow side of the main electric-operated
expansion valve (55). On the other hand, the outflow side of the
first pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) is connected to an inflow
side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55).
[0202] The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is provided in the one-way
path (119), and condenses refrigerant flowing out from the first
pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) of the bridge circuit (110)
(i.e., dissipates heat from the refrigerant).
[0203] The auxiliary expansion valve (66) is provided on a
downstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in the one-way
path (119), and expands refrigerant flowing out from the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61).
[0204] A preheating process of a humidification operation of the
sixth embodiment under low external temperature environment (e.g.,
lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero) during winter will
be described. First, in the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a
first process, when an outdoor air temperature sensor (99) detects
that an outdoor air temperature is lower than or equal to 5.degree.
C. below zero, a controller (100) fully closes the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55), and opens the auxiliary
expansion valve (66). In addition, the controller (100) opens the
check valves (115, 116, 117, 118) of the bridge circuit (110). The
four-way switching valve (54) is set to the first state (state
indicated by a solid line in FIG. 17). The first adsorption heat
exchanger (51) serves as a condenser, whereas the second adsorption
heat exchanger (52) serves as an evaporator. When high-pressure
refrigerant is discharged from a compressor (53), such refrigerant
is condensed in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), and then
flows into the expansion bypass line (64). Subsequently, the
refrigerant flows into the bridge circuit (110) in the middle of
the expansion bypass line (64). The refrigerant flows out from the
first pipe (111) of the bridge circuit (110), and flows into the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61). In the auxiliary heat exchanger
(61), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and low-temperature
outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing through the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is expanded by the auxiliary
expansion valve (66) of the expansion bypass line (64). Then, the
refrigerant passes through the fourth pipe (114) of the bridge
circuit (110), and returns to the main circuit (50a).
[0205] In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a second
process, the controller (100) fully closes the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55), and fully opens the
auxiliary expansion valve (66). In addition, the controller (100)
opens the check valves (115, 116, 117, 118) of the bridge circuit
(110). The four-way switching valve (54) is set to the second state
(state indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 17). The first adsorption
heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, whereas the second
adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser. When
high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (53),
the refrigerant is condensed in the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52), and then flows into the expansion bypass line (64).
Subsequently, the refrigerant passes through the expansion bypass
line (64), and flows into the bridge circuit (110). The refrigerant
flows out from the third pipe (113) of the bridge circuit (110),
and flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). In the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and
low-temperature outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing
through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is expanded by the
auxiliary expansion valve (66) of the expansion bypass line (64).
Then, the refrigerant passes through the second pipe (112) of the
bridge circuit (110), and returns to the main circuit (50a).
[0206] According to the sixth embodiment, the bridge circuit (110)
is provided in the expansion bypass line (64) so that refrigerant
passing through the expansion bypass line (64) flows in one
direction. Thus, refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary expansion
valve (66) of the expansion bypass line (64) can flow in one
direction. That is, a flow of refrigerant passing through the
auxiliary expansion valve (66) is not reversibly switched, and
therefore the auxiliary expansion valve (66) may be provided only
on the downstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) in the
refrigerant flow direction. This simplifies the auxiliary circuit
(60), thereby reducing a manufacturing cost of the humidity control
apparatus (10). Other configurations, features, and advantages are
similar to those of the fifth embodiment.
Seventh Embodiment of the Invention
[0207] As illustrated in FIG. 18, a humidity control apparatus (10)
of a seventh embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit (50) having
a main circuit (50a), a heat exchange bypass line (67), and a
bridge circuit (110) instead of the refrigerant circuit (50) of the
humidity control apparatus (10) of the first embodiment.
[0208] The bridge circuit (110) is for controlling a refrigerant
flow depending on a switching state (first or second state) of a
four-way switching valve (54) so that refrigerant circulating in
any of forward and backward directions passes through a main
electric-operated expansion valve (55) in one direction.
Specifically, the bridge circuit (110) is arranged between a first
adsorption heat exchanger (51) and a second adsorption heat
exchanger (52). The bridge circuit (110) includes first to fourth
pipes (111, 112, 113, 114) connected together in bridge form; first
to fourth check valves (115, 116, 117, 118) provided in the pipes
(111, 112, 113, 114); and a one-way path (119) connecting an
outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) to an
inflow side of the second pipe (112) and the fourth pipe (114). The
one-way path (119) is a refrigerant path through which refrigerant
flowing through the main circuit (50a) flows in one direction.
[0209] An inflow side of the first pipe (111) and an outflow side
of the second pipe (112) are connected to the first adsorption heat
exchanger (51). On the other hand, an inflow side of the third pipe
(113) and an outflow side of the fourth pipe (114) are connected to
the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). The inflow side of the
second pipe (112) and the fourth pipe (114) is connected to an
outflow side of the main electric-operated expansion valve (55). On
the other hand, the outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the
third pipe (113) is connected to an inflow side of an auxiliary
heat exchanger (61).
[0210] The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is provided between the
outflow side of the first pipe (111) and the third pipe (113) of
the bridge circuit (110), and the main electric-operated expansion
valve (55). In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is exchanged
between refrigerant which is condensed and dissipates heat in the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) or the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52), and outdoor air.
[0211] The heat exchange bypass line (67) bypasses refrigerant
discharged from a compressor (53), from the first and second
adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52) so that the refrigerant
directly flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). The heat
exchange bypass line (67) is formed in tubular shape so that gas or
liquid can circulate through the heat exchange bypass line (67).
One end of the heat exchange bypass line (67) is connected to a
discharge side of the compressor (53), and the other end is
connected to the inflow side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
in the one-way path (119) of the bridge circuit (110). An auxiliary
solenoid valve (68) is connected in the middle of the heat exchange
bypass line (67).
[0212] A preheating process of a humidification operation of the
seventh embodiment under low external temperature environment
(e.g., lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero) during
winter will be described. First, in the refrigerant circuit (50)
which is in a first process, when an outdoor air temperature sensor
(99) detects that an outdoor air temperature is lower than or equal
to 5.degree. C. below zero, a controller (100) opens the auxiliary
solenoid valve (68). In addition, the four-way switching valve (54)
is set to the first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG.
18). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as a
condenser, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves
as an evaporator. When high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from
the compressor (53), a part of the refrigerant flows into the heat
exchange bypass line (67). Such refrigerant passes through the heat
exchange bypass line (67), and flows into the one-way path (119).
Subsequently, the refrigerant flows into the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61) of the one-way path (119). In the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), heat is exchanged between refrigerant before
condensation (i.e., heat dissipation), which is bypassed from the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the condenser, and
low-temperature outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing
through the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) circulates through the
refrigerant circuit (50), and is expanded by the main
electric-operated expansion valve (55). Then, the refrigerant is
evaporated in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52).
[0213] In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a second
process, the controller (100) opens the auxiliary solenoid valve
(68). In addition, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the
second state (state indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 18). The
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator, and
the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serves as the condenser.
When high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor
(53), a part of the refrigerant flows into the heat exchange bypass
line (67). Such refrigerant passes through the heat exchange bypass
line (67), and flows into the one-way path (119). Subsequently, the
refrigerant flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the
one-way path (119). In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), heat is
exchanged between refrigerant before the condensation (i.e., heat
dissipation), which is bypassed from the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serving as the condenser, and low-temperature
outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing through the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) circulates through the refrigerant
circuit (50), and is expanded by the main electric-operated
expansion valve (55). Then, the refrigerant is evaporated in the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
[0214] According to the seventh embodiment, the heat exchange
bypass line (67) is provided, which connects an upstream side of
the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) of the one-way path (119) of the
bridge circuit (110) to the discharge side of the compressor (53).
Refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit (50)
branches to the main circuit (50a) and the heat exchange bypass
line (67). Thus, the refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant
circuit (50) can be branched to the heat exchange bypass line (67).
That is, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor
(53) flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) without
dissipating heat in the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52). This
improves heating performance of the second air to be supplied to
the adsorption heat exchanger (51, 52). Other configurations,
features, and advantages are similar to those of the first
embodiment.
Eighth Embodiment of the Invention
[0215] As illustrated in FIG. 19, a humidity control apparatus (10)
of an eighth embodiment includes a second electric-operated
expansion valve (55b) instead of the auxiliary circuit (60) of the
refrigerant circuit (50) of the humidity control apparatus (10) of
the first embodiment.
[0216] Specifically, in the humidity control apparatus (10) of the
eighth embodiment, an outdoor air path (34) communicates with an
outdoor space through a duct and an auxiliary heat exchanger (61)
which are connected to the outdoor air suction port (24). That is,
outdoor air passing through the duct and discharged through the
outdoor air suction port (24) necessarily passes through the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and flows into the outdoor air path
(34).
[0217] A refrigerant circuit (50) of the eighth embodiment is a
closed circuit including a first adsorption heat exchanger (51), a
second adsorption heat exchanger (52), a compressor (53), a
four-way switching valve (54), a main electric-operated expansion
valve (55), and an auxiliary heat exchanger (61).
[0218] The auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is connected between the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) in the refrigerant circuit (50), and exchanges heat
between refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (50)
and outdoor air.
[0219] The main electric-operated expansion valve (55) includes a
first electric-operated expansion valve (55a) and the second
electric-operated expansion valve (55b), and serves as a
refrigerant adjusting mechanism.
[0220] The first electric-operated expansion valve (55a) serves as
a first expansion mechanism configured to expand refrigerant
circulating through the refrigerant circuit (50) and flowing out
from the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61). The first electric-operated expansion valve
(55a) is connected between the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61).
[0221] The second electric-operated expansion valve (55b) serves as
a second expansion mechanism configured to expand refrigerant
circulating through the refrigerant circuit (50) and flowing out
from the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and the auxiliary
heat exchanger (61). The second electric-operated expansion valve
(55b) is connected between the first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
and the auxiliary heat exchanger (61). The first electric-operated
expansion valve (55a), the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and the
second electric-operated expansion valve (55b) are connected
together in series in this order.
[0222] A preheating process of a humidification operation of the
eighth embodiment under low external temperature environment (e.g.,
lower than or equal to 5.degree. C. below zero) during winter will
be described. First, in the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a
first process, when an outdoor air temperature sensor (99) detects
that an outdoor air temperature is lower than or equal to 5.degree.
C. below zero, a controller (100) fully opens the second
electric-operated expansion valve (55b), and opens the first
electric-operated expansion valve (55a). In addition, the four-way
switching valve (54) is set to a first state (state indicated by a
solid line in FIG. 19). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
serves as a condenser, whereas the second adsorption heat exchanger
(52) serves as an evaporator. When high-pressure refrigerant is
discharged from the compressor (53), the refrigerant is condensed
in the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), and then passes
through the second electric-operated expansion valve (55b).
Subsequently, the refrigerant flows into the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61). At this point, the second electric-operated
expansion valve (55b) is fully opened, and therefore the
refrigerant passing through the second electric-operated expansion
valve (55b) is not expanded. In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61),
heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and low-temperature
outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing through the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is expanded by the first
electric-operated expansion valve (55a), and is evaporated in the
second adsorption heat exchanger (52).
[0223] In the refrigerant circuit (50) which is in a second
process, the controller (100) fully opens the first
electric-operated expansion valve (55a), and opens the second
electric-operated expansion valve (55b). In addition, the four-way
switching valve (54) is set to a second state (state indicated by a
dashed line in FIG. 19). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51)
serves as the evaporator, whereas the second adsorption heat
exchanger (52) serves as the condenser. When high-pressure
refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (53), the refrigerant
is condensed in the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), and then
passes through the first electric-operated expansion valve (55a).
Subsequently, the refrigerant flows into the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61). At this point, the first electric-operated
expansion valve (55a) is fully opened, and therefore the
refrigerant passing through the first electric-operated expansion
valve (55a) is not expanded. In the auxiliary heat exchanger (61),
heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and low-temperature
outdoor air (second air). The refrigerant passing through the
auxiliary heat exchanger (61) is expanded by the second
electric-operated expansion valve (55b), and is evaporated in the
first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
[0224] According to the eighth embodiment, the first
electric-operated expansion valve (55a), the auxiliary heat
exchanger (61), and the second electric-operated expansion valve
(55b) are connected together in series. Thus, even if refrigerant
circulating through the refrigerant circuit (50) flows in any of
forward and backward directions, high-pressure refrigerant can flow
into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61), and an amount of
refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary heat exchanger (61) can be
adjusted. Other configurations, features, and advantages are
similar to those of the first embodiment.
Other Embodiments
[0225] In the first to eighth embodiments, the present invention
may have the following configurations.
[0226] In the first to eighth embodiments, the preheating process
is performed during the humidification operation under the low
external temperature environment (e.g., lower than or equal to
5.degree. C. below zero). However, in the humidity control
apparatus of the present invention, the preheating process may be
performed under any external temperature environment, or may be
performed during the dehumidification operation.
[0227] The foregoing embodiments have been set forth merely for
purposes of preferred examples in nature, and are not intended to
limit the scope, applications, and use of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0228] As described above, the present invention is useful for the
preheating process of the humidity control apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0229] 50 Refrigerant Circuit [0230] 50a Main Circuit [0231] 51
First Adsorption Heat Exchanger [0232] 52 Second Adsorption Heat
Exchanger [0233] 53 Compressor [0234] 55 Main Electric-Operated
Expansion Valve [0235] 60 Auxiliary Circuit [0236] 61 Auxiliary
Heat Exchanger [0237] 62 Switching Solenoid Valve [0238] 64
Expansion Bypass Line [0239] 110 Bridge Circuit [0240] 111-114
First-Fourth Pipes [0241] 115-118 First-Fourth Check Valves [0242]
119 One-Way Path
* * * * *