U.S. patent application number 15/063917 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for water collecting system, humidification system, and air conditioning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. The applicant listed for this patent is Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. Invention is credited to Takayuki FUKASAWA, Koichi HARADA, Seiichi SUENAGA, Norihiro TOMIMATSU, Ryosuke YAGI.
Application Number | 20160281999 15/063917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56975042 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160281999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAGI; Ryosuke ; et
al. |
September 29, 2016 |
WATER COLLECTING SYSTEM, HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM, AND AIR
CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Abstract
A water collecting system of an embodiment has a water supplying
unit with a water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and a second
chamber separated from the first chamber by the permeable membrane,
a vacuum unit, a water collecting unit collecting liquid water, a
first switching valve, a cooling unit cooling the water collecting
unit; and an air blowing unit sending first gas to the first
chamber. The second chamber, the vacuum unit, the water collecting
unit, and the first switching valve comprise a first loop circuit
in which second gas flow. The vacuum unit decompresses the second
gas flowing in the first loop circuit and reduces a pressure in the
second gas in comparison with a pressure in the first gas. The
cooling unit collects the liquid water by cooling the second gas
passing through the water collecting unit and condensing gaseous
water included in the second gas.
Inventors: |
YAGI; Ryosuke; (Yokohama,
JP) ; SUENAGA; Seiichi; (Yokohama, JP) ;
TOMIMATSU; Norihiro; (Mitaka, JP) ; FUKASAWA;
Takayuki; (Yokohama, JP) ; HARADA; Koichi;
(Bunkyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba |
Minato-ku |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Minato-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
56975042 |
Appl. No.: |
15/063917 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 3/14 20130101; F24F
2003/144 20130101; F24F 2003/1435 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/14 20060101
F24F003/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 23, 2015 |
JP |
2015-059053 |
Claims
1. A water collecting system, comprising: a water supplying unit
with a water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and a second
chamber separated from the first chamber by the water permeable
membrane; a vacuum unit; a water collecting unit collecting liquid
water; a first switching valve; a cooling unit cooling the water
collecting unit; and an air blowing unit sending first gas to the
first chamber, wherein the second chamber, the vacuum unit, the
water collecting unit, and the first switching valve comprise a
first loop circuit in which second gas flow, the vacuum unit
decompresses the second gas flowing in the first loop circuit and
reduces a pressure in the second gas in comparison with a pressure
in the first gas, and the cooling unit collects the liquid water by
cooling the second gas passing through the water collecting unit
and condensing gaseous water included in the second gas.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum unit moves
gaseous water included in the first gas to the second gas through
the water-permeable membrane.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein an intake side of the
vacuum unit is connected to the second chamber, an exhaust side of
the vacuum unit is connected to the first switching valve, the
first switching valve is connected to the exhaust side of the
vacuum unit, the water collecting unit, and a pipe for exhausting
to the outside of the first loop circuit, the first switching valve
switches a first fluid passage in which the second gas flow from
the vacuum unit to the water collecting unit and a second fluid
passage in which the second gas flow from the vacuum unit to the
outside of the first loop circuit when pressure in the second gas
is equal to or higher than a set pressure.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the water-permeable
membrane is at least any one of a solid polymer membrane, a
membrane including acrylic resin, zeolite membrane and a silica
membrane.
5. The system according claim 1, wherein the liquid water is stored
in the water collecting unit.
6. A humidification system, comprising: a water supplying unit with
a water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and a second chamber
separated from the first chamber by the water permeable membrane; a
vacuum unit; a water collecting unit collecting liquid water; a
first switching valve; a cooling unit cooling the water collecting
unit; an air blowing unit sending first gas to the first chamber; a
liquid water vaporization unit vaporizing the liquid water; and a
liquid feed unit feeding the liquid water collected by the water
collecting unit to the liquid water vaporization unit, wherein the
second chamber, the vacuum unit, the water collecting unit, and the
first switching valve comprise a first loop circuit in which second
gas flow, the vacuum unit decompresses the second gas flowing in
the first loop circuit and reduces a pressure in the second gas in
comparison with a pressure in the first gas, the cooling unit
collects the liquid water by cooling cools the second gas passing
through the water collecting unit and condensing gaseous water
included in the second gas, and the liquid water vaporization unit
vaporizes the liquid water.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the vacuum unit reduces
a pressure in the second gas in comparison with a pressure in the
first gas and moves gaseous water included in the first gas to the
second gas through the water-permeable membrane.
8. The system according to claim 6, wherein an intake side of the
vacuum unit is connected to the second chamber, an exhaust side of
the vacuum unit is connected to the first switching valve, the
first switching valve is connected to the exhaust side of the
vacuum unit, the water collecting unit, and a pipe for exhausting
to the outside of the first loop circuit, the first switching valve
switches a first fluid passage in which the second gas flow from
the vacuum unit to the water collecting unit and a second fluid
passage in which the second gas flow from the vacuum unit to the
outside of the first loop circuit when pressure in the second gas
is higher than a set pressure.
9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the water-permeable
membrane is at least any one of a solid polymer membrane, a
membrane including acrylic resin, zeolite membrane and a silica
membrane.
10. The system according claim 6, wherein the liquid water is
stored in the water collecting unit.
11. An air conditioning system, comprising: a water supplying unit
with a water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and a second
chamber separated from the first chamber by the water permeable
membrane; a vacuum unit; a water collecting unit collecting liquid
water; a first switching valve; an air blowing unit sending first
gas to the first chamber; a liquid water vaporization unit
vaporizing the liquid water; a liquid feed unit feeding the liquid
water collected by the water collecting unit to the liquid water
vaporization unit; and a heat pump cycle including a cooling unit,
wherein the second chamber, the vacuum unit, the water collecting
unit, and the first switching valve comprise a first loop circuit
in which second gas flow, the vacuum unit decompresses the second
gas flowing in the first loop circuit and reduces a pressure in the
second gas in comparison with a pressure in the first gas, the
cooling unit is cooled by heat absorption by the refrigerant in the
heat pump cycle, the cooled cooling unit cools the water collecting
unit and the liquid water is collected by condensing gaseous water
included in the second gas, and humidification by vaporizing the
liquid water by the liquid water vaporization unit and air
conditioning operation by the heat pump cycle are performed.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein collecting of the
liquid water and vaporization of the liquid water are alternately
performed.
13. The according to claim 11, wherein the vacuum unit moves
gaseous water included in the first gas to the second gas through
the water-permeable membrane.
14. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein an
intake side of the vacuum unit is connected to the second chamber,
an exhaust side of the vacuum unit is connected to the first
switching valve, the first switching valve is connected to the
exhaust side of the vacuum unit, the water collecting unit, and a
pipe for exhausting to the outside of the first loop circuit, and
the first switching valve switches a first fluid passage in which
the second gas flow from the vacuum unit to the water collecting
unit and a second fluid passage in which the second gas flow from
the vacuum unit to the outside of the first loop circuit when
pressure in the second gas is higher than a set pressure.
15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the water-permeable
membrane is at least any one of a solid polymer membrane, a
membrane including acrylic resin, zeolite membrane and a silica
membrane.
16. The system according claim 11, wherein the liquid water is
stored in the water collecting unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-059053, filed on
Mar. 23, 2015; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate to a water collecting
system, a humidification system, and an air conditioning
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A humidity control module for controlling humidity in a
space is known to improve comfort at home and in an office space.
The humidity control module includes a dehumidifying film module
including a dehumidifying film, an adsorption unit including an
adsorbent, and an air supply unit for supplying air to the
dehumidifying film module and the adsorption unit. A method is
proposed in which, by supplying air to be dehumidified on one face
of the dehumidifying film and supplying decompressed air on another
face, moisture included in the air to be dehumidified is discharged
to the decompressed air side through the dehumidifying film, and
the dehumidified air is provided. Further, a method is proposed in
which, a steam separator having a polymer film such as fluororesin
and a decompressing pump, steam separated and collected from air to
be discharged from inside to outside of a room is directly supplied
to air to be supplied from outside to inside, to humidify the
inside of the room.
[0004] When one assumes to use the humidity control module using
such a humidity exchange film to dehumidify and/or humidify a house
and an office space, reduction in a driving force of the module
(low energy consumption), noise reduction, and downsizing in the
whole module are required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a water collecting system
according to embodiments described herein;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a chart of a water collecting cycle according to
the embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a humidification system
according to the embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a chart of a humidification cycle according to the
embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system
according to the embodiments; and
[0010] FIG. 6 is a chart of an air conditioning cycle according to
the embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A water collecting system of an embodiment has a water
supplying unit with a water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and
a second chamber separated from the first chamber by the
water-permeable membrane, a vacuum unit, a water collecting unit
collecting liquid water, a first switching valve, a cooling unit
cooling the water collecting unit; and an air blowing unit sending
first gas to the first chamber. The second chamber, the vacuum
unit, the water collecting unit, and the first switching valve
comprise a first loop circuit in which second gas flow. The vacuum
unit decompresses the second gas flowing in the first loop circuit
and reduces a pressure in the second gas in comparison with a
pressure in the first gas. The cooling unit collects the liquid
water by cooling the second gas passing through the water
collecting unit and condensing gaseous water included in the second
gas.
[0012] A humidification system of an embodiment has a water
supplying unit with a water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and
a second chamber separated from the first chamber by the water
permeable membrane, a vacuum unit, a water collecting unit
collecting liquid water, a first switching valve, a cooling unit
cooling the water collecting unit, an air blowing unit sending
first gas to the first chamber, a liquid water vaporization unit
vaporizing the liquid water, and a liquid feed unit feeding the
liquid water collected by the water collecting unit to the liquid
water vaporization unit. The second chamber, the vacuum unit, the
water collecting unit, and the first switching valve comprise a
first loop circuit in which second gas flow. The vacuum unit
decompresses the second gas flowing in the first loop circuit and
reduces a pressure in the second gas in comparison with a pressure
in the first gas. The cooling unit collects liquid water by cooling
cools the second gas passing through the water collecting unit and
condensing gaseous water included in the second gas. The liquid
water vaporization unit vaporizes the liquid water.
[0013] An air conditioning system of an embodiment has a water
supplying with a water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and a
second chamber separated from the first chamber by the water
permeable membrane, a vacuum unit, a water collecting unit
collecting liquid water, a first switching valve, an air blowing
unit sending first gas to the first chamber, a liquid water
vaporization unit vaporizing the liquid water, a liquid feed unit
feeding the liquid water collected by the water collecting unit to
the liquid water vaporization unit, and a heat pump cycle including
a cooling unit. The second chamber, the vacuum unit, the water
collecting unit, and the first switching valve comprise a first
loop circuit in which second gas flow. The vacuum unit decompresses
the second gas flowing in the first loop circuit and reduces a
pressure in the second gas in comparison with a pressure in the
first gas. The cooling unit is cooled by heat absorption by the
refrigerant in the heat pump cycle. The cooled cooling unit cools
the water collecting unit and the liquid water is collected,
Humidification by vaporizing the liquid water by the liquid water
vaporization unit and air conditioning operation by the heat pump
cycle are performed.
First Embodiment
[0014] A first embodiment relates to a water collecting system and
a water collecting method. A water collecting system of an
embodiment has a water supplying unit with a water-permeable
membrane, a first chamber and a second chamber separated from the
first chamber by the permeable membrane, a vacuum unit, a water
collecting unit collecting liquid water, a first switching valve, a
cooling unit cooling the water collecting unit, and an air blowing
unit sending first gas to the first chamber. The second chamber,
the vacuum unit, the water collecting unit, and the first switching
valve comprise a first loop circuit in which second gas flow. The
vacuum unit decompresses the second gas flowing in the first loop
circuit and reduces a pressure in the second gas in comparison with
a pressure in the first gas. The cooling unit collects the liquid
water by cooling the second gas passing through the water
collecting unit and condensing gaseous water included in the second
gas.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a water collecting
(water collecting device) system 100 according to the first
embodiment. A water collecting system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1
includes a water supplying unit with a water-permeable membrane 3,
a first chamber 1 and a second chamber 2, a decompressing pump 5
which is a vacuum unit, a water collecting unit 6, a first
switching valve 8, a cooling unit 7, and an air blowing unit 4.
First gas flow in the first chamber 1, and second gas flow in the
second chamber 2. Liquid water is collected by the water collecting
unit 6. Operation of the air blowing unit 4, the decompressing pump
5, the cooling unit 7, the first switching valve 8, and the like
are preferably controlled by a control unit C. The control unit C
is connected to the decompressing pump 5 and the like by a wire
(not illustrated). It is preferable for control unit C has a
mechanical switch and an electronic circuit. The second chamber 2,
the decompressing pump 5, the water collecting unit 6, and the
first switching valve 8 comprises a first loop circuit in which the
second gas flow. The first loop circuit forms a closed circuit in
which the second gas circulate. Lines L1 to L5 are pipes in which
the second gas flow. The water collecting system 100 can be used,
for example, as a system for supplying liquid water to a humidity
control device. Further, the water collecting system 100 may be
used as a device for performing a water electrolysis reaction, such
that the water collecting unit 6 of the water collecting system 100
may be used as a water supply source of water consumed in the water
electrolysis reaction. The water collecting system according to the
first embodiment may be provided inside or outside of a room, and
it is preferably provided outside. The water supplying unit
includes the first chamber 1, the second chamber 2, and the
water-permeable membrane 3. The first chamber 1 is a space in which
a first gas flow. The first gas is gas such as the atmosphere
including water (gaseous water). When the first gas passes through
the first chamber 1, a part of gaseous water included in the first
gas moves, through the water-permeable membrane 3, to the second
chamber 2 on the first loop circuit side decompressed by the
decompressing pump 5.
[0016] The second chamber 2 is included in the first loop circuit
and disposed between the decompressing pump 5 and the water
collecting unit 6. The second chamber 2 is separated from the first
chamber 1 by the permeable membrane 3. The second chamber 2 and the
decompressing pump 5 are connected by the line L1. Further, the
second chamber 2 and the water collecting unit 6 are connected by
the line L4. The second chamber 2 is a region in which gaseous
water moved from the first chamber 1 through the water-permeable
membrane 3 is mixed with a second gas. An amount of steam in the
second gas including the gaseous water moved from the first chamber
1 is increased.
[0017] The water-permeable membrane 3 is a film separating the
first chamber 1 and the second chamber 2. The water-permeable
membrane 3 is a membrane having high steam permeability in
comparison with permeability with respect to nitrogen and oxygen,
and, for example, at least one of a solid polymer membrane (such as
Nafion (trademark)), a membrane including acrylic resin, a membrane
formed of acrylic resin, zeolite membrane and a silica membrane can
be used. The silica membrane is a resin membrane including
hydropolysilazane as a base unit, and more specifically a membrane
formed of perhydropolysilazane. Herein, a membrane is defined to
have steam permeability in the case where a permeation amount of
water passing through the membrane is 100 g/hour/m.sup.2 or more,
when the water-permeable membrane 3 separates saturated air which
is at 25.degree. C. in an atmospheric pressure (1 atm) and in which
a relative humidity is 90% or more and saturated air which is at
25.degree. C. in an atmospheric pressure (1 atm) and in which a
relative humidity is 5%, and 100 m.sup.3/hour/m.sup.2 of the
saturated air which is at 25.degree. C. and in which the relative
humidity is 90% or more is supplied per unit area (m.sup.2). The
water-permeable membrane 3 permeates water and does not permeate
nitrogen, oxygen, and organic substances, and therefore, it has an
effect of preventing contamination of collected water. A membrane
having a high selectivity to permeate only water is preferably used
as the water-permeable membrane 3.
[0018] The air blowing unit 4 is connected to the first chamber 1
and for feeding first gas to the first chamber 1. As the air
blowing unit 4, for example, a blower and a fan are preferably
used. The air blowing unit 4 is preferably used to secure the
amount of collected water in a short time even if the moisture
content in the air is small.
[0019] The decompressing pump 5 is a vacuum unit and a device for
decompressing second gas flowing in a first loop circuit. The line
L1 connects an intake side of the decompressing pump 5 and the
second chamber 2. Further, the line L 2 connects an exhaust side of
the decompressing pump 5 and the first switching valve 8. The
decompressing pump 5 is a vacuum unit for feeding the second gas.
By the decompress ing pump 5, a pressure in the second gas becomes
lower than a pressure in the first gas. The water collecting unit 6
collects liquid water by moving gaseous water included in the first
chamber 1 to the second gas in the second chamber 2 by
decompressing the second gas by the decompressing pump 5. As the
decompressing pump 5, for example, a diaphragm vacuum pump and a
scroll vacuum pump can be used. Outside air, nitrogen including
gaseous water and the like are used as the second gas.
[0020] The water collecting unit 6 is disposed between the second
chamber 2 and the first switching valve 8. The line L4 connects the
water collecting unit 6 and the second chamber 2. The line L3
connects the water collecting unit 6 and the first switching valve
8. The water collecting unit 6 cools a second gas and flocculates
gaseous water included in the second gas. The gaseous water is then
condensed, and liquid water (condensed water) is provided. The
liquid water is then collected by the water collecting unit 6. The
water collecting unit 6 is preferably a vessel for at least
temporarily storing the collected liquid water. The water
collecting unit 6 preferably includes a gas-liquid separation unit.
The gas-liquid separation unit preferably prevents vaporization of
liquid water and separates a region in which the collected liquid
water is stored and a region in which the second gas flow. The
gas-liquid separation unit preferably has a function as a partition
to prevent that the liquid water collected by the lines L3 and L4
circulate in a first loop circuit. As the gas-liquid separation
unit, for example, a unit is used in which high density liquid
water is stored at a bottom to separate by using gravity. The
collected liquid water is preferably used for such as
humidification.
[0021] The cooling unit 7 cools the water collecting unit 6. The
water collecting unit 6 is cooled by the cooling unit 7. By cooling
the water collecting unit 6, the second gas flowing in the water
collecting unit 6 is cooled. As described above, the cooling unit 7
cools the second gas and condenses gaseous water included in the
second gas. Liquid water (condensed water) is collected by the
water collecting unit 6. The cooling unit 7 is not limited as long
as the water collecting unit 6 can be cooled to lower than an
outside temperature (a temperature outside of the water collecting
unit 6, for example, an outdoor temperature), such as low
temperature air, a heat exchanger, a Peltie device, or ice.
Typically, the water collecting unit 6 has a temperature preferably
2 to 15.degree. C. lower than an outside temperature. The cooling
unit 7 is preferably thermally connected to the water collecting
unit 6.
[0022] The first switching valve 8 is disposed between the
decompressing pump 5 and the water collecting unit 6. The first
switching valve 8 is connected to an exhaust side of the
decompressing pump 5, the water collecting unit 6, and the line L5
which is a pipe for exhausting to the outside of a first loop
circuit. The line L2 connects the first switching valve 8 and the
decompressing pump 5. The line L4 connects the first switching
valve 8 and the water collecting unit 6. The first switching valve
8 switches a first fluid passage in which second gas flow from the
decompressing pump 5 to the water collecting unit 6 and a second
fluid circuit in which the second gas flow from the decompressing
pump 5 to the line L5 which is a pipe for exhausting to the outside
of the first loop circuit. When the first switching valve 8 is
switched so as to conduct the lines L2 and L3, the first loop
circuit is closed, and the second gas flow from the decompressing
pump 5 to the water collecting unit 6 and circulate in the first
loop circuit. Further, when the first switching valve 8 is switched
so as to conduct the lines L2 and L5, the first loop circuit is
opened, the second gas sent from the decompressing pump 5 passes
through the line L5 and is exhausted to the outside of the first
loop circuit, and an atmospheric pressure in the first loop circuit
is decompressed. A pressure in the first loop circuit is adjusted
by operating the decompressing pump 5 and switching the first
switching valve 8. The pressure in the first loop circuit may be
measured by providing a pressure sensor (not illustrated) and may
be estimated from operation of the decompressing pump 5 and the
first switching valve 8. The first switching valve 8 is, for
example, a three-way valve.
[0023] The control unit C is connected to such as the air blowing
unit 4, the decompressing pump 5, the cooling unit 7, and the first
switching valve 8 and controls operation thereof. The control unit
C may use an integrated circuit such as a microcomputer and a
program logic device (PLD), may use a manual operation switch, and
may use both of the integrated circuit and the switch. The control
unit C may control operation of the water collecting system 100
based on the amount of collected water by using a sensor (not
illustrated) for measuring the water collecting amount. Further,
the control unit C may control operation of the water collecting
system 100 based on a pressure by using a sensor (not illustrated)
for measuring a pressure of second gas. Furthermore, preferably, in
the present embodiment and in other embodiments, the amount of
collected water, a pressure, a humidity, and a temperature are
measured, compared with a reference value, and determined, and then
operation of a device (system) according to the embodiment is
controlled.
[0024] A metal pipe and a resin pipe can be used for the line L
which is a pipe according to the embodiment. A material, an
appearance, and an inner diameter of the line L can be
appropriately selected in accordance with a fluid passing through
the pipe.
[0025] A water collecting cycle of the water collecting system 100,
which is a water collecting method according to the first
embodiment, will be described. FIG. 2 illustrates a chart of the
water collecting cycle according to the first embodiment. The water
collecting cycle illustrated in the chart in FIG. 2 includes a
water collecting start step (S1-1), an air blowing unit operation
start step (S1-2), a cooling unit operation start step (S1-3), a
switching valve switching (L2 to L5) step (S1-4), a decompression
pump operation start step (S1-5), a pressure comparison
(P.ltoreq.P.sub.SET) step (S1-6), a switching valve switching (L2
to L3) step (S1-7), a water collecting amount comparison
(V.gtoreq.V.sub.SET1) step (S1-8), a decompressing pump operation
stop step (S1-9), a cooling unit operation stop step (S1-10), and a
water collecting stop step (S1-11). An arrow in FIG. 2 indicates a
direction in which fluid flow in an operation cycle to be described
below.
[0026] The water collecting start step (S1-1) is, for example, an
instruction from the control unit C for starting water collecting.
The instruction from the control unit C is such as timing when the
amount of collected water becomes lower than a determined amount,
timing set by the control unit C, and switch operation by an
operator.
[0027] The air blowing unit operation start step (S1-2) is a step
to start operation of the air blowing unit 4 which feeds first gas
to the first chamber 1. An air blowing amount is determined to an
appropriate amount in accordance with a cooling performance of the
cooling unit 7 and a temperature and a humidity of the first gas.
The air blowing unit 4 may be operated continuously or
intermittently.
[0028] The cooling unit operation start step (S1-3) is a step to
start cooling in the water collecting unit 6 by operating the
cooling unit 7. This step differs depending on a device used in the
cooling unit 7. In the case where a lower temperature air is used
for the cooling unit 7, for example, a device for generating a low
temperature air is operated, and the low temperature air is fed
toward the water collecting unit 6. In the case where a heat
exchanger is used for the cooling unit 7, for example, in a heating
cycle of an air controller, the water collecting unit 6 is cooled
by vaporization heat generated by the heat exchanger when a liquid
refrigerant is vaporized. In the case where a Peltie device is used
for the cooling unit 7, a power source connected to the Peltie
device is operated to cool one side face of the Peltie device, and
the water collecting unit 6 is cooled on the low temperature side
of the Peltie device. The cooling unit operation start step (S1-3)
may be performed before S1-8 and after S1-2. The cooling unit 7 is
continuously or intermittently operated, and the cooling unit 7
cools a region in the water collecting unit 6, reduces saturated
steam in the water collecting unit 6, and condenses
(liquefies(steam.
[0029] The switching valve switching (L2 to L5) step (S1-4) is a
step to cause second gas to flow from the line L2 to the line L5 by
operating the first switching valve 8. The second gas flow in a
second fluid passage. When the first switching valve 8 is operated,
the closed first loop circuit is opened, and the second gas is
exhausted from the line L5 and can be decompressed.
[0030] The decompressing pump operation start step (S1-5) is a step
to discharge the second gas from the line L5 by starting operation
of the decompressing pump 5. The second gas fed by the
decompressing pump 5 passes through the lines L2 and L5 and is
exhausted from the line L5. Since the decompressed second gas
flows, vaporized water easily move from first gas to the second
gas. A decompression speed and a flow speed of the second gas can
be changed by increasing an air blowing amount of the decompressing
pump 5. When a pressures is low and the second gas flows fast, a
mass transfer resistance from the water-permeable membrane 3 to the
second gas is reduced, and movement of gaseous water from the first
gas to the second gas is likely to be facilitated. The
decompressing pump 5 is preferably operated at an appropriate
condition in consideration of such as properties of the
water-permeable membrane 3, the amount of collected water, the time
for water collecting.
[0031] The pressure comparison (P.ltoreq.P.sub.SET1) step (S1-6) is
a step to determine whether a pressure P of the second gas becomes
equal to or less than a set pressure P.sub.SET1. When
P.ltoreq.P.sub.SET1 is satisfied (true), the next step is
performed. When P.ltoreq.P.sub.SET1 is not satisfied (false),
decompression operation by the decompressing pump 5 is continued
without switching the first switching valve 8. The P.sub.SET1 is
preferably operated at an appropriate condition in consideration of
such as properties of the water-permeable membrane 3, the amount of
collected water, and the time for water collecting. When a pressure
of the first gas is denoted by P1, the P.sub.SET1 is a value lower
than P1, and for example, the P.sub.SET1 can be set to 0.9P1.
[0032] The switching valve switching (L2 to L3) step (S1-7) is a
step to cause the second gas to flow from the line L2 to the line
L3 by operating the first switching valve 8. When the first
switching valve 8 is operated, the opened first loop circuit is
closed, and the second gas circulates in a first loop circuit. The
second gas flow in a first fluid passage. When the second gas
circulates in the first loop circuit, gaseous water moves from the
first gas to the second gas, and a humidity of the second gas is
increased. The second gas circulating in the first loop circuit is
cooled when passing through the water collecting unit 6. The amount
of saturated steam in the cooled second gas is reduced,
supersaturated gaseous water is condensed, and liquid water can be
collected. The amount of collected water can be increased by
continuously circulating the second gas. In a step before S1-7,
although a collecting speed is slow in comparison with the present
step, in a similar mechanism, gaseous water is condensed, and
liquid water is collected. When water is continuously collected, a
pressure of the second gas may be increased. Although being omitted
in the chart of the water collecting cycle illustrated in FIG. 2,
in a step between S1-7 and S1-8, the switching valve switching (L2
to L5) step (S1-4), the pressure comparison (P.ltoreq.P.sub.SET1)
step (S1-6), and the switching valve switching (L2 to L3) step
(S1-7) may be repeatedly performed. Before the steps are repeatedly
performed, it is preferably determined whether the pressure P of
the second gas is equal to or less than a set pressure P.sub.SET2.
If the pressure P of the second gas is higher than the set pressure
P.sub.SET2, the second gas is preferably decompressed again. The
pressure P.sub.SET2 is preferably a value, for example, equal to or
greater than the pressure P.sub.SET1.
[0033] The water collecting amount comparison (V.gtoreq.V.sub.SET1)
step (S1-8) is a step to determine whether the amount of collected
water (water remaining amount) V is equal to or greater than a
determined amount V.sub.SET1. When V.gtoreq.V.sub.SET1 is satisfied
(true), the next step is performed. When V.gtoreq.V.sub.SET1 is not
satisfied (false), water collecting is continued. The determined
amount V.sub.SET1 may be appropriately set in accordance with the
required collected water amount. The amount of collected water may
be a value obtained by measuring an actual water amount and may be
a value estimated by analyzing information on a temperature and a
humidity of the first gas and an operation history of the water
collecting system 100.
[0034] The decompressing pump operation stop step (S1-9) is a step
to stop operation of the decompressing pump 5.
[0035] The cooling unit operation stop step (S1-10) is a step to
stop operation of the cooling unit 7. Either of the step S1-9 or
S1-10 may be performed first.
[0036] The water collecting stop step (S1-11) is a step to wait
until the next water collecting cycle starts after all of water
collecting steps are finished.
[0037] Water is efficiently collected by the above-described steps.
Gaseous water passed through the water-permeable membrane 3 is
collected as liquid water. Therefore, the water collected in the
embodiment is hardly contaminated or not contaminated and is
preferable from a hygiene point of view and a storage point of
view.
Second Embodiment
[0038] A second embodiment relates to a humidification system and a
humidification method. A humidification system of an embodiment has
a water supplying unit with a water-permeable membrane, a first
chamber and a second chamber separated from the first chamber by
the permeable membrane, a vacuum unit, a water collecting unit
collecting liquid water, a first switching valve, a cooling unit
cooling the water collecting unit, an air blowing unit sending
first gas to the first chamber, a liquid water vaporization unit
vaporizing the liquid water, and a liquid feed unit feeding the
liquid water collected by the water collecting unit to the liquid
water vaporization unit. The second chamber, the vacuum unit, the
water collecting unit, and the first switching valve comprise a
first loop circuit in which second gas flow. The vacuum unit
decompresses the second gas flowing in the first loop circuit and
reduces a pressure in the second gas in comparison with a pressure
in the first gas. The cooling unit collects liquid water by cooling
cools the second gas passing through the water collecting unit and
condensing gaseous water included in the second gas. The liquid
water vaporization unit vaporizes the liquid water.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a humidification
system (humidification device) 200 according to the second
embodiment. A humidification system 200 illustrated in FIG. 3
includes a water supplying unit separated by a water-permeable
membrane 3 into a first chamber 1 and a second chamber 2, a
decompressing pump 5 which is a vacuum unit, a water collecting
unit 6, a first switching valve 8, a cooling unit 7, an air blowing
unit 4, a liquid water vaporization unit 10, and a control unit C.
The water supplying unit separated by the water-permeable membrane
3 into the first chamber 1 and the second chamber 2, the
decompressing pump 5 which is the vacuum unit, the water collecting
unit 6, the first switching valve 8, the cooling unit 7, and the
air blowing unit 4 are commonly used in the water collecting system
100 according to the first embodiment. The water collecting unit 6,
a liquid feed pump 9, and the liquid water vaporization unit 10
form a second circuit. The second circuit is an opened circuit in
which liquid water collected by the water collecting unit 6 flow.
Lines L6 and L7 are pipes in which the liquid water collected by
the water collecting unit 6 flow. The humidification system 200 can
be used in a device for controlling humidity in a room, such as an
air conditioner and a humidifier. In the humidification system 200
according to the second embodiment, preferably, a water collecting
system is disposed outside of a room which is a space to be
humidified, and the liquid water vaporization unit 10 is disposed
inside the room. An arrow in FIG. 4 indicates a direction in which
fluid flow in an operation cycle to be described below.
[0040] The water collecting system according to the second
embodiment is common with the water collecting system 100 and the
water collecting method according to the first embodiment.
Descriptions of such as configurations, steps, and operation
methods common in the second embodiment and the first embodiment
will be omitted.
[0041] The liquid feed pump 9 is a liquid feed unit for feeding
liquid water collected by the water collecting unit 6 to the liquid
water vaporization unit 10. For example, a tube pump and a
diaphragm liquid feed pump can be used as the liquid feed pump 9.
The line L6 connects the liquid feed pump 9 and the water
collecting unit 6. Further, the line L7 connects the liquid feed
pump 9 and the liquid water vaporization unit 10. Preferably, a
check valve is provided in the liquid feed pump 9, or a valve is
provided in the line L7, to prevent backflow of liquid water while
the liquid feed pump 9 is stopped. A three way valve (not
illustrated) is provided in the line L7, one side is connected to
the liquid feed pump 9 side, another side is connected to the
liquid water vaporization unit 10, the other side is connected to a
drain pipe, and liquid water between the water collecting unit 6
and the line L7 may be discharged after humidification is finished
and when humidification is not performed for a long time. The
liquid feed pump 9 transports liquid water. Therefore, the pump
does not need much transportation energy per water transportation
capacity (g/hour) in comparison with a case of transporting moist
air including water. Therefore, since noise generation can be
suppressed while the liquid feed pump 9 is operated, a
humidification system which transports liquid water is
preferable.
[0042] The liquid water vaporization unit 10 is a unit to absorb
liquid water and vaporize the absorbed water. The liquid water
vaporization unit 10 preferably includes at least a hydrophilic
porous body. The hydrophilic porous body is such as water
absorptive (porous) and hydrophilic polymer fiber, for example,
having a nonwoven fabric structure (for example, polyester fiber
and rayon fiber), polymer fiber having a nonwoven fabric structure
reinforced by a reinforcing agent such as phenol resin (for
example, Unipex SB), sintered polyolefin resin, and a pulp having
nonwoven fabric structure (for example, Kimtowels). The hydrophilic
porous body vaporizes absorbed liquid water. However, to increase
vaporizing speed, a blower for feeding air to the hydrophilic
porous body is preferably used in the liquid water vaporization
unit 10.
[0043] The control unit C preferably further controls the liquid
feed pump 9 and the blower of the liquid water vaporization unit
10. The control unit C can detect a humidity change by a humidity
sensor (not illustrated) in the humidification system 200 and
control humidification operation based on the detected humidity
information.
[0044] A humidification cycle of the humidification system 200,
which is a humidification method according to the second
embodiment, will be described. FIG. 4 illustrates a chart of the
humidification cycle according to the second embodiment. The
humidification cycle illustrated in the chart in FIG. 4 includes a
water collecting step S1, a humidification operation start step
(S2-1), a liquid feed pump operation start step (S2-2), a humidity
comparison (.beta..gtoreq..beta..sub.SET1) step (S2-3), a liquid
feed pump operation stop step (S2-4), and a humidification
operation stop step (S2-5).
[0045] The water collecting step S1 is the water collecting cycle
steps S1-1 to S1-11 in the water collecting system 100 described in
the first embodiment. If the amount of collected water (water
remaining amount) V is equal to greater than a determined amount
V.sub.SET2, the water collecting step S1 may be omitted, and the
humidification operation step S2 may be performed. Further, the
water collecting step S1 may be performed while humidification
operation is not performed such that the humidification operation
step S2 can be performed at an arbitrary timing. An appropriate
value in accordance with humidification conditions is preferably
set to the water amount V.sub.SET2.
[0046] The humidification operation start step S2-1 is an
instruction from the control unit C for starting a humidification
operation. The instruction from the control unit C is such as
timing when a humidity .beta. in a space to be humidified becomes
equal to or lower than a determined humidity .beta..sub.SET2,
timing set by the control unit C, and switch operation by an
operator. A humidification operation and a water collecting
operation are not performed at the same time. Therefore, the
humidification operation is performed after the water collecting
step S1 is finished. When the humidification operation and the
water collecting operation are performed at the same time, liquid
water may flow back in the liquid feed pump 9 and not be stably fed
to the liquid water vaporization unit 10, and therefore it is not
preferable. An appropriate value in accordance with humidification
conditions is preferably set to the humidity .beta..sub.SET2.
[0047] The liquid feed pump operation start step (S2-2) is a step
to operate the liquid feed pump 9 and feed liquid water in the
water collecting unit 6 to the liquid water vaporization unit 10.
The liquid water passed through the lines L6 and L7 is absorbed by
a hydrophilic porous body in the liquid water vaporization unit 10.
When the water absorbed by the hydrophilic porous body is
vaporized, the amount of steam in a space to be humidified can be
increased. The vaporization amount of water from the hydrophilic
porous body in humidification can be controlled by operation
conditions of the liquid feed pump 9 and a blower in the liquid
water vaporization unit 10.
[0048] The humidity comparison (.beta..gtoreq..beta..sub.SET1) step
(S2-3) is a step to determine whether the humidity .beta. in a
space to be humidified is equal to or greater than the determined
humidity .beta..sub.SET1. A humidity sensor (not illustrated) is
preferably used in the space to be humidified. When
.beta..gtoreq..beta..sub.SET1 is satisfied (true), the next step is
performed. When .beta..gtoreq..beta..sub.SET1 is not satisfied
(false), humidification is continued. The humidity .beta..sub.SET1
is such as a value determined in advance, a value calculated by the
control unit C based on a temperature in the room to be humidified
and an outside weather condition, and a value set by an operator.
The humidity is either a relative humidity or an absolute humidity.
In this step, the amount of vaporized water is calculated or
estimated from the amount of liquid water fed by the liquid feed
pump 9 and the time for humidification. When a set condition is
satisfied, it is determined to be "true", and the next step may be
performed. When the set condition is not satisfied, it is
determined to be "false", humidification may be continued. Further,
when water in the water collecting unit 6 run out, and water cannot
be fed to the liquid water vaporization unit 10, it is determined
to be "true", and the next step can be performed. Between the steps
S2-3 and S2-4, liquid water stored between the water collecting
unit 6 and the line L7 may be discharged. As a method for
discharging liquid water stored between the water collecting unit 6
and the line L7, for example, the liquid water may be discharged
from a drain (not illustrated) by connecting the line L7 and the
drain, and the liquid water may be vaporized by the liquid water
vaporization unit 10 until the liquid water is gone.
[0049] The liquid feed pump operation stop step (S2-4) is a step to
stop operation of the liquid feed pump 9. In the case where a
humidification operation is not performed for a long time after
operation of the liquid feed pump 9 is stopped, liquid water stored
in the line L7 and the water collecting unit 6 may be discharged
through an exhaust passage (not illustrated).
[0050] The humidification operation stop step (S2-5) is a step to
wait until all of the humidification steps are finished, and the
next cycle starts. A cycle next to the present step may be a cycle
of the water collecting step S1, and may be a cycle of the
humidification step S2 if sufficient liquid water is remained.
[0051] According to the above-described steps, humidification can
be performed by using liquid water in which water is efficiently
collected. Since liquid water is fed, humidification can be stably
and efficiently performed in a short time, in comparison with a
case where gaseous water passing through a pipe is used for
humidification. In the case where gaseous water collected from
outside is used as it is for humidification, when an outside air
humidity is low, a large energy is required to increase humidity,
and it is sometimes difficult to reach a targeted humidity, and
also a pump with large noise is needed for humidification. Further,
as another advantage in the present embodiment, gaseous water
passed through the water-permeable membrane 3 is collected as
liquid water, and therefore, the water collected in the embodiment
is hardly contaminated or not contaminated, and vaporized water
discharged by humidification is preferable from a hygiene point of
view and a storage point of view.
Third Embodiment
[0052] A third embodiment relates to an air conditioning system and
a humidification method. An air conditioning system of an
embodiment has a water supplying unit separated by a
water-permeable membrane, a first chamber and a second chamber
separated from the first chamber by the permeable membrane, a
vacuum unit, a water collecting unit collecting liquid water, a
first switching valve, an air blowing unit sending first gas to the
first chamber, a liquid water vaporization unit vaporizing the
liquid water, a liquid feed unit feeding the liquid water collected
by the water collecting unit to the liquid water vaporization unit,
and a heat pump cycle including a cooling unit. The second chamber,
the vacuum unit, the water collecting unit, and the first switching
valve comprise a first loop circuit in which second gas flow. The
vacuum unit decompresses the second gas flowing in the first loop
circuit and reduces a pressure in the second gas in comparison with
a pressure in the first gas. The cooling unit is cooled by heat
absorption by the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle. The cooled
cooling unit cools the water collecting unit and the liquid water
is collected by condensing gaseous water included in the second
gas, Humidification by vaporizing the liquid water by the liquid
water vaporization unit and air conditioning operation by the heat
pump cycle are performed.
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of the air conditioning
system (air conditioner) 300 according to the third embodiment. The
air conditioning system 300 includes a humidification system 200
and a heat pump cycle. The air conditioning system 300 collects
water by cooling a water collecting unit 6 by heat absorption by a
refrigerant in the heat pump cycle and performs humidification and
air conditioning operation. The air conditioning system 300
illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a water supplying unit separated by
a water-permeable membrane 3 into a first chamber 1 and a second
chamber 2, a decompressing pump 5 which is a vacuum unit, the water
collecting unit 6, a first switching valve 8, a third heat
exchanger 7 which is a cooling unit, an air blowing unit 4, a
liquid water vaporization unit 10 connected to a liquid feed pump
9, a first heat exchanger 11, a compressor 12, a four-way valve 13
for switching cooling and heating operation, a first expansion
valve 14, a second heat exchanger 15, a second switching valve 16,
and a control unit C. The water supplying unit separated by the
water-permeable membrane 3 into the first chamber 1 and the second
chamber 2, the decompressing pump 5 which is the vacuum unit, the
water collecting unit 6, the first switching valve 8, the cooling
unit 7, and the air blowing unit 4 are commonly used in the water
collecting system 100 according to the first embodiment or the
humidification system 200 according to the second embodiment. The
liquid feed pump 9 and the liquid water vaporization unit 10 are
commonly used in the humidification system 200 according to the
second embodiment. The first heat exchanger 11, the compressor 12,
the four-way valve 13, the first expansion valve 14, the second
heat exchanger 15, the second switching valve 16, the second
expansion valve 17, and the third heat exchanger 7 comprises a
third circuit. The third circuit is a circuit in which a
refrigerant circulates. Lines L8 to L16 are pipes in which the
refrigerant flows. When the four-way valve 13 conducts the lines L8
and L9 and the lines L12 and L13, the air conditioning system 300
performs heating operation. When the four-way valve 13 conducts the
lines L8 and L12 and the lines L9 and L13, the air conditioning
system 300 performs heating operation. In the air conditioning
system 300 according to the third embodiment, preferably, the first
heat exchanger 11 and the liquid water vaporization unit 10 are
disposed in a room which is a space to be humidified, and others
are disposed outside. In the third embodiment, a third heat
exchanger is used in which heat is exchanged by flowing a
refrigerant of the air conditioning system 300 as the cooling unit
7. The cooling unit is not limited to the third heat exchanger 7, a
Peltie device and low temperature air may be used, and these may be
combined with the third heat exchanger. In the case where, as the
cooling unit 7, a cooling unit other than the third heat exchanger
7 such as the Peltie device and the low temperature air is used,
the second expansion valve 17, the second switching valve 16, and
the lines L14, L15, and L16 can be omitted.
[0054] The compressor 12 is disposed between the first heat
exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 15 and compresses a
refrigerant. The four-way valve 13 for switching a refrigerant flow
direction is disposed between the compressor 12 and the first heat
exchanger 11. The lines L8 and L13 connect the compressor 12 and
the four-way valve 13. An accumulator for storing a liquid
refrigerant may be attached to a part of the compressor 12. When
heating operation is performed, a refrigerant output from the
compressor 12 is again absorbed by the compressor 12 through the
four-way valve 13, the first expansion valve 14, the first heat
exchanger 11, and the second heat exchanger 15. Alternatively, a
refrigerant output from the compressor 12 is again absorbed by the
compressor 12 through the four-way valve 13, the second switching
valve 16, the second expansion valve 17, and the third heat
exchanger 7. A refrigerant used in an air conditioner, such as
hydrofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon, can be used as a
refrigerant according to the embodiment.
[0055] The four-way valve 13 is disposed between the compressor 12
and the first heat exchanger 11 and between the compressor 12 and
the second heat exchanger 15. The line L9 connects the four-way
valve 13 and the first heat exchanger 11. The line L15 connects the
four-way valve 13 and the second heat exchanger 15. The four-way
valve 13 can switch a circulation direction of a refrigerant
compressed by the compressor 12. A circulation circuit in which the
compressed refrigerant flows toward the first heat exchanger 11 is
a circuit for heating operation. In heating operation, heated air
is fed from the first heat exchanger 11 to the inside of a room. A
circulation circuit in which the compressed refrigerant flows
toward the second heat exchanger 15 is a circuit for cooling
operation. In cooling operation, cooled air is fed from the first
heat exchanger 11 to the inside of a room. Hereinafter, a heating
operation will be described in the embodiment, and a cooling
operation will be omitted. However, the air conditioning system 300
can have both heating and cooling functions. The air conditioning
system 300 having only a heating function may not include the
four-way valve 13.
[0056] The first heat exchanger 11 is disposed between the four-way
valve 13 and the first expansion valve 14. The line L9 connects the
first heat exchanger 11 and the four-way valve 13. The line L10
connects the first heat exchanger 11 and the first expansion valve
14. The first heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat in a high-pressure
and high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12
and indoor air and discharge air heated by condensing a refrigerant
in a room. The heat-exchanged air is fed in a room by a fan rotated
by a motor. In FIG. 5, the liquid water vaporization unit 10 is
disposed in the first heat exchanger 11. This is for feeding
humidified and heated air from a common vent. However, the present
disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a vent to feed
humidified air and a vent to feed heated air may be separately
provided.
[0057] The first expansion valve 14 is disposed between the first
heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 15. The line L10
connects the first expansion valve 14 and the first heat exchanger
11. The first expansion valve 14 and the second heat exchanger 15
are connected by the line L11. The first expansion valve 14 is a
member for decompressing a refrigerant passed through the first
heat exchanger 11.
[0058] The second heat exchanger 15 is disposed between the first
expansion valve 14 and the four-way valve 13. The line L11 connects
the second heat exchanger 15 and the first expansion valve 14. The
line L12 connects the second heat exchanger 15 and the four-way
valve 13. The second heat exchanger 15 is a member for exchanging
heat between a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant
decompressed by the first expansion valve 14 and outdoor air and
for discharging air cooled by vaporizing the refrigerant to the
outside of a room.
[0059] The second switching valve 16 is disposed between the first
expansion valve 14 and the second expansion valve 17. The line L10
connects the second switching valve 16, the first heat exchanger
11, and the first expansion valve 14. The line L14 connects the
second switching valve 16 and the second heat exchanger 15. The
second switching valve 16 controls flow of a refrigerant to the
second expansion valve 17 and the third heat exchanger 7. When the
second switching valve 16 is opened, a refrigerant flows to the
second expansion valve 17 and the third heat exchanger 7. When the
second switching valve 16 is closed, the refrigerant does not flow
to the second expansion valve 17 and the third heat exchanger
7.
[0060] The second expansion valve 17 is disposed between the first
heat exchanger 11 and the third heat exchanger 7. The lines L10 and
L14 connect the second expansion valve 17 and the first heat
exchanger 11. The line L15 connects the second expansion valve 17
and the third heat exchanger 7. The second expansion valve 17 is a
member for decompressing a refrigerant passed through the first
heat exchanger 11.
[0061] The third heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat in the
low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the
second expansion valve 17 and heat in the water collecting unit 6
and cools the water collecting unit 6. Specifically, the third heat
exchanger 7 is cooled by a low-temperature and low-pressure
refrigerant, and the water collecting unit 6 directly and
indirectly exchanges heat with the third heat exchanger 7.
Accordingly, the water collecting unit 6 is cooled, and the water
collecting unit 6 condenses gaseous water and collects liquid
water. The line L15 connects the second expansion valve 17 and the
third heat exchanger 7. The line L16 connects the third heat
exchanger 7 and the second heat exchanger 15. The lines L16 and L12
connect the second expansion valve 17 and the four-way valve 13.
When the water collecting unit 6 is cooled, the second switching
valve 16 is opened, and the lines L10 and L14 are conducted. The
third heat exchanger 7 may directly exchange heat with the water
collecting unit 6 and may indirectly exchange heat by using air as
a medium.
[0062] Although, in the schematic view in FIG. 5, the second heat
exchanger 15 and the third heat exchanger 7 are connected in
parallel, a connection method is not limited to the method
indicated in FIG. 5, and, for example, the second heat exchanger 15
and the third heat exchanger 7 can be connected in series, and the
second switching valve 16 may be omitted in this case.
[0063] An air conditioning cycle for humidifying the air
conditioning system 300 according to the third embodiment will be
described. FIG. 6 illustrates a chart of the air conditioning cycle
for humidification according to the third embodiment. The
humidification cycle illustrated in the chart in FIG. 6 includes an
air conditioning operation start step (S3-1), a water collecting
step S1, a humidification step S2, a compressor operation start
step (S3-2), an air blowing start step (S3-3), and an air
conditioning operation stop step (S3-4). An air conditioning cycle
for humidification to be described below will be described
regarding a heating operation. When a cooling operation is
performed, the second switching valve 16 is preferably closed such
that a refrigerant does not flow between the second expansion valve
17 and the third heat exchanger 7. An arrow in FIG. 6 indicates a
direction in which fluid flow in an operation cycle to be described
below.
[0064] The air conditioning operation start step (S3-1) is, for
example, an instruction from the control unit C for starting air
conditioning operation. The instruction from the control unit C is
timing set by the control unit C and switch operation by an
operator.
[0065] The water collecting step S1 is the water collecting cycle
steps S1-1 to S1-11 in the water collecting system 100 described in
the first embodiment. If the amount of collected water (water
remaining amount) V is equal to or greater than a determined water
amount V.sub.SET2, the water collecting step S1 may be omitted, and
the humidification operation step S2 may be performed. Further, the
water collecting step S1 may be performed while humidification
operation is not performed such that the humidification operation
step S2 can be performed at an arbitrary timing. Furthermore, the
water collecting step S1 may be performed while an air conditioning
operation is not performed. When the water collecting step S1 is
performed while the air conditioning operation is not performed,
the water collecting step S1 may be independently performed during
a preliminary air conditioning operation or by further using a
cooling unit (not illustrated) such as a Peltie device. An
appropriate value in accordance with humidification conditions is
preferably set to the water amount V.sub.SET2.
[0066] The humidification step S2 is the humidification cycle steps
S2-1 to S2-5 in the humidification system 200 according to the
embodiment. The start timing of the humidification step S2 is
timing when a humidity .beta. in a space to be humidified becomes
equal to or less than a determined humidity .beta..sub.SET2 and
timing when the water collecting step S1 is finished. After the
humidification step S2 is finished, the humidification system 200
may wait until an air conditioning operation is stopped, and when
the humidity .beta. in a space to be humidified becomes equal to or
less than a determined humidify .beta..sub.SET3, the humidification
operation and the water collecting step may be restarted. An
appropriate value in accordance with humidification conditions is
preferably determined to the humidity .beta..sub.SET2 and the
humidity .beta..sub.SET3. Further, after an indoor humidity reaches
the humidity .beta..sub.SET1, the water collecting step S1 may be
performed for the next humidification step S2. Further, in the case
such as where liquid water used for humidification is insufficient
during an air conditioning operation, a step to collect water by
using a humidification system in the air conditioning system and a
step to humidify by using the water collected by using the
humidification system in the air conditioning system are
alternatively performed, and these steps may be alternatively and
repeatedly performed. In other words, the water collecting step S1
and the humidification step S2 may be alternatively performed
during air conditioning operation, and these steps may be
alternatively and repeatedly performed. In the case where the water
collecting step S1 is performed in advance, air conditioning
operation is started, and humidification operation can be performed
without performing the water collecting step S1.
[0067] The compressor operation start step (S3-2) is a step to
circulate a refrigerant by starting an operation of the compressor
12. In the compressor operation start step (S3-2), operation of a
heat pump cycle is started. A low-temperature and low-pressure
gaseous refrigerant becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure
gaseous refrigerant by being compressed by the compressor 12. A
refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 is liquefied by being
condensed by the first heat exchanger 11 through the four-way valve
13. The liquefied refrigerant is decompressed and cooled by the
first expansion valve 14. The liquefied low-temperature and
low-pressure refrigerant is liquefied by which heat in the
refrigerant is absorbed by the second heat exchanger 15. The
refrigerant liquefied by the second heat exchanger 15 returns to
the compressor 12 through the four-way valve 13. Here, when water
is collected, the second switching valve 16 is opened, and a
refrigerant is fed to the second expansion valve 17 and the third
heat exchanger 7. The refrigerant fed to the second expansion valve
17 and the third heat exchanger 7 performs decompression and heat
absorption as well. By performing heat absorption in the third heat
exchanger 7 from the water collecting unit 6, heat in the water
collecting unit 6 is absorbed, and the water collecting unit 6 can
be cooled. In the water collecting step S1, the third heat
exchanger 7 is used as a cooling unit, and when the amount of
collected water becomes equal to or greater than V.sub.SET1, the
water collecting step S1 is finished, and the humidification step
S2 is started. Immediately after an operation of the compressor 12
is started, a refrigerant pressure is not sufficiently adjusted,
and therefore, the refrigerant is preferably circulated by the
compressor 12 before air blowing is started.
[0068] The air blowing start step (S3-3) is for feeding air heated
by heat exchange between the first heat exchanger 11 and indoor air
to the inside of a room. Operation and an air-blowing amount of the
compressor 12 are appropriately adjusted such as by a set
temperature for air conditioning. Air blowing may be performed in
the liquid water vaporization unit 10. Air blowing from the first
heat exchanger 11 (the liquid water vaporization unit 10) may feed
humidified air and heated air from a common vent, or the humidified
air and the heated air may be fed from separate vents.
[0069] The air conditioning operation stop step (S3-4) is a step to
stop air blowing and operation of the compressor 12. When an inside
temperature T reaches a determined temperature T.sub.SET1 and when
an operator stop operation by switch operation, the operation is
stopped.
[0070] In the third embodiment, the water collecting system
according to the first embodiment and the humidification system
according to the second embodiment are included, and therefore
water is efficiently collected during heating operation by using a
heat cycle of a heat pump cycle, and humidification and air
conditioning are performed by using the collected liquid water.
Therefore, the air conditioning system according to the third
embodiment can perform low-noise, highly efficient, and humid air
conditioning operation by one device (system). As another advantage
in the present embodiment, gaseous water passed through the
water-permeable membrane 3 is collected as liquid water, and
therefore, the water collected in the embodiment is hardly
contaminated or not contaminated, and vaporized water discharged by
humidification is preferable from a hygiene point of view and a
storage point of view.
[0071] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *