JP5310772B2 - Air conditioning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner including an active oxygen species generating device that generates active oxygen species by an electrode reaction.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 below disclose an apparatus for suppressing the propagation of bacteria in water, in which an electrode is provided below the floating body and the floating body floats on the water surface. Specifically, in the thing of patent document 1 and 2, sterilization is performed by the eluted metal ion by eluting the bactericidal metal ion from the electrode arrange | positioned in water.

Japanese Patent No. 3947180 JP 2000-154570 A

  In the thing of patent document 1 and 2, since it sterilizes with the metal ion eluted from the electrode, the electrode base material deteriorated gradually by electricity supply, and it was difficult to use it stably for a long period of time.

  On the other hand, an apparatus for generating reactive oxygen species by an electrode reaction is also known as an apparatus for suppressing the propagation of bacteria in water. In such a production | generation apparatus, reactive oxygen species are produced | generated by reaction with the dissolved oxygen in water, and reproduction | regeneration of a microbe etc. are suppressed with the produced | generated active oxygen species. For this reason, there has been a problem in that the ability to generate active oxygen species is significantly reduced if the electrodes are not properly arranged.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its object is to improve the generation efficiency of active oxygen species by appropriately arranging electrodes in an air conditioner equipped with an active oxygen species generation device. In addition, the active oxygen species can be used over a long period of time with high generation efficiency.

An air conditioner according to the present invention is an air conditioner equipped with a reactive oxygen species generating device for generating active oxygen species by an electrode reaction in a cooling tower, and the cooling tower is circulated by a pump for circulating water and a pump. A heat exchange part for performing heat exchange of the water to be generated and a water storage part for storing water flowing down from the heat exchange part, and each part of the active oxygen species generating device is stored in the water storage part The ratio of the cathode exposed to the surface of the water and the other parts immersed in the water stored in the reservoir and the ratio of the exposed area in the air and the area immersed in the water to the water level fluctuation in the reservoir Regardless, it is provided with holding means for holding it constant .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the generation efficiency of active oxygen species by appropriately arranging the electrodes. In addition, the apparatus can be used for a long period of time while the generation efficiency of the active oxygen species is high.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the active oxygen species production | generation apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the state at the time of the high water level of a reactive oxygen species production | generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the state at the time of a low water level. It is a figure which shows the structural change of polyaniline by oxidation-reduction reaction. It is a figure which shows transition of hydrogen peroxide concentration. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the air conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  In order to explain the present invention in more detail, it will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an active oxygen species generating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a high water level state and a low water level state of the active oxygen species generating device shown in FIG. FIG.

  1 and 2, 1 is a water reaction tank, 2 is water stored in the water reaction tank 1, and 3 is an active oxygen species generation unit that constitutes a main part of the present invention. An electrode composed of a cathode 4 and an anode 5 is disposed in the water reaction tank 1. The cathode 4 and the anode 5 have, for example, a plate shape, part of which protrudes from the water surface 2 a of the water 2 and only the other part is immersed (immersed) in the water 2. The cathode 4 and the anode 5 are connected to a voltage applying means 6 and configured to apply a predetermined voltage.

  The active oxygen species generator 3 generates active oxygen species in the water 2 by an electrode reaction when a predetermined voltage is applied to the cathode 4 and the anode 5 by the voltage application means 6. The electrodes (cathode 4 and anode 5) are immersed in water 2 so that the amount of active oxygen species necessary for sterilizing the water 2 stored in the water reaction tank 1 can be generated. (Area) is set. The generated active oxygen species diffuses from the surface of the electrode to the entire water 2 by natural diffusion due to the concentration gradient. Further, a water flow generating means (not shown) such as a pump is installed in the water reaction tank 1 or a water flow generating means such as a pump is connected to the water reaction tank 1 through a pipe so that the water flow is in the vicinity of the electrode. Even if this is forcibly generated, the generated active oxygen species can be diffused throughout the water 2.

  7 is a floating means (holding means) provided on the electrodes (cathode 4 and anode 5). The floating means 7 is immersed in the surface of the electrode surface area exposed in the air (meaning the area not immersed in the water 2, hereinafter referred to as “air exposed area”) and the water 2. The ratio (A: B in FIG. 1) to the area (hereinafter referred to as “submerged area in water”) is kept constant. That is, the electrode is always held at the same position with respect to the water surface 2a by the floating means 7.

  The reactive oxygen species is a substance generated by dissolved oxygen in the water 2. For this reason, it is desirable that the positional relationship between the electrode and the water surface 2a, that is, the ratio of the exposed area of the electrode in the air to the submerged area is constant. The floating means 7 constitutes a means for realizing such a function. However, the ratio of the air exposure area of the electrode to the water immersion area may not always be kept strictly constant. For example, in the case where water flow generating means such as a pump is provided, minute fluctuations occur on the water surface 2a. In such a case, the position of the electrode with respect to the water surface 2a may not coincide with all the minute fluctuations of the water surface 2a. However, if the floating means 7 is fixed to the electrode as in the present embodiment, the position of the electrode can be made to follow even the slight shaking of the water surface 2a.

Specifically, the floating means 7 is composed of a foam material or the like that can float the electrode in the water 2 by buoyancy.
Further, other means other than floating may be employed as the holding means. For example, the water level in the water reaction tank 1 is detected by a water level detection means such as a ball tap, and the position (height) of the electrode is adjusted according to the detected water level (position of the water surface 2a) by means of a pulley structure or a movable shaft. May be.

Since the cathode 4 is provided with the floating means 7, a part thereof (a portion above a predetermined position) is always disposed above the water surface (draft line) 2 a and is exposed to the air. The other part of the cathode 4 (the part below the predetermined position) is always disposed below the water surface 2 a and is immersed in the water 2. That is, the floating means 7 keeps the ratio of the exposed area of the cathode 4 in the air and the area immersed in water constant regardless of the amount (water level) of the water 2 in the water reaction tank 1. For example, the ratio of the air during the exposure area A ₁ and immersed in water area B ₁ of the cathode 4 at high water level, the same as the ratio of the air during the exposure area A ₂ of the cathode 4 at the time of low water-water immersion area B ₂ (A ₁ : B ₁ = A ₂ : B ₂ ) (In FIG. 2, description of the floating means 7 is omitted.)

  The anode 5 is the same as the cathode 4. That is, the anode 5 is provided with the floating means 7 so that a part thereof (a portion above a predetermined position) is always disposed above the water surface 2a and is exposed to the air. Further, the other part of the anode 5 (the part below the predetermined position) is always disposed below the water surface 2 a and is immersed in the water 2. That is, the floating means 7 keeps the ratio of the exposed area in the air of the anode 5 and the area immersed in water constant regardless of the amount (water level) of the water 2 in the water reaction tank 1.

  The electrodes are arranged such that a surface having a large area is perpendicular to the water surface 2a. With such an arrangement, the surface area of the electrode in the vicinity of the water surface 2a having a high dissolved oxygen concentration can be increased, and the generation efficiency of active oxygen species can be improved. When a means for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water 2 such as air bubbling is not particularly provided, the supply of oxygen into the water 2 is performed on the water surface 2a where the water 2 and the air are in contact with each other. For this reason, the above arrangement of the electrodes is particularly effective when oxygen supply means such as air bubbling is not provided. In the case where an oxygen supply means such as air bubbling is provided, a part of the electrode immersed in the water 2 is part of the oxygen supply means (or oxygen (air) supplied from the oxygen supply means). What is necessary is just to arrange | position in the vicinity.

  One means for improving the ability to generate active oxygen species is to apply a material having the ability to generate active oxygen species to the surface of the cathode 4. Specifically, a conductive polymer (redox polymer) is employed as a material having the ability to generate active oxygen species, and the surface of the cathode 4 is covered with the redox polymer. Specific examples of the redox polymer include polyaniline, polythiophene, polypyrrole, polyacene, and the like.

A redox polymer is a substance that is produced regardless of a polymerization method such as chemical polymerization or electrical polymerization, and reversibly changes to an oxidized state or a reduced state by exchange of electrons. In order to generate active oxygen, a configuration in which polyaniline having the best oxygen reducing action is supported on the cathode 4 is preferable. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structural change of polyaniline due to an oxidation-reduction reaction. As shown in FIG. 3, when the polyaniline undergoes a structural change from a reduced form to an oxidized form, it reacts with electrons in the water 2 by its catalytic action to produce superoxide (O ₂ ^-) to generate (see equation 1). In addition, substances such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxy radicals are also generated.
O ₂ + PAn (red) → O ₂ ⁻ + PAn (ox) (1)

  The structure of polyaniline is changed to an oxidized form by the reaction of generating active oxygen species shown in Formula 1. However, since electrons are supplied to the cathode 4 from the voltage applying means 6, the polyaniline returns to its original state by the supplied electrons, and it is possible to continuously generate active oxygen species.

  In the case where undoped polyaniline is applied to the surface of the electrode and used, the surface resistance value becomes high. For example, an electron supply material is provided between the polyaniline layer and the electrode substrate. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily supply electrons to the polyaniline, and the conductivity of the entire substrate of the electrode can be improved. The electron supply material is preferably made of a material such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, or carbon. In addition, the shape is preferably a particle, honeycomb or the like having a large surface area in contact with polyaniline.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, as the simplest example, one in which one cathode 4 and one anode 5 are arranged in the water reaction tank 1 is shown. In the case where a plurality of (stacked) cathodes 4 and anodes 5 are arranged in the water reaction tank 1, for example, one side of the cathode 4 arranged adjacent to the anode 5 that does not face the anode 5 It arrange | positions so that one surface of the cathode 4 may be faced. That is, “cathode-anode-cathode” is set as one set, and one set or a plurality of sets are arranged in the water reaction tank 1 side by side. With such a configuration, the generation efficiency of the active oxygen species can be improved as compared with the case where the cathodes 4 and the anodes 5 are alternately arranged. This is because the number of anodes 5 installed is less than the number of cathodes 4 installed, and the disappearance reaction of active oxygen species at the anode 5 can be suppressed.

  FIG. 4 is a graph showing the transition of the hydrogen peroxide concentration. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows the transition of the hydrogen peroxide concentration when the ratio between the exposed area of the electrode in the air and the area immersed in water is constant, and the case where the position of the electrode is fixed with respect to the water reaction tank 1. It shows the transition of the hydrogen peroxide concentration. The results shown in FIG. 4 indicate that polyaniline is applied to the surface of the electrode 2, the water 2 is not added to the water reaction tank 1, and no means for forcibly circulating the water 2 is provided. It was obtained in a test system.

  In the above test system, since the water 2 in the water reaction tank 1 evaporates little by little, the water level in the water reaction tank 1 decreases with time. For this reason, when the position of an electrode is fixed with respect to the water reaction tank 1, the immersion area in water which acts effectively on the production | generation of an active oxygen seed will reduce with progress of time. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, when the position of the electrode is fixed, the active oxygen species generating ability is gradually deteriorated as compared with the case where the ratio of the exposed area of the electrode in the air to the immersed area in water is constant. As a result, there is a difference in the final concentration.

  Thus, by providing the active oxygen species generating unit 3 with the floating means 7 (holding means), the positional relationship between the electrode and the water surface 2a, that is, the ratio of the exposed area of the electrode in the air to the submerged area of the water, Regardless of the amount of water 2 (water level) in the reaction tank 1, it can be kept constant, and the production efficiency of active oxygen species can be improved. In addition, the active oxygen species generating device having the above-described configuration has a longer electrode life than a conventional device that elutes metal ions from an electrode, and can be used stably for a long period of time.

Since the active oxygen species water generated by this apparatus has a strong oxidizing power, it is possible to perform antibacterial and the like of this water and substances brought into contact with this water.
The antibacterial and the like is a concept including sterilization, disinfection, sterilization, sterilization, and antibacterial, and refers to suppressing or killing the generation, growth, and proliferation of microorganisms and small aquatic organisms including molds and viruses.

Further, in the present application, the active oxygen species superoxide _{(O 2} · ^-), hydroxy radicals (· OH), hydrogen peroxide _{(H 2 O} 2), singlet oxygen ⁽¹ _O 2), ozone _{(O 3} ) And the like, and oxygen related to triplet oxygen (O ₂ ), which is molecular oxygen, and related molecules.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the active oxygen species generating apparatus (the active oxygen species generating unit 3) described in the first embodiment is applied to an air conditioner. FIG. 5 shows an air conditioner having a cooling tower 8.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling tower 8 of the air conditioner includes a pump 9, a pipe 10, a heat exchange unit 11, a water storage unit 12 (corresponding to the water reaction tank 1 in the first embodiment), and a fan 13. Yes.

  The water 14 circulated in the cooling tower 8 by the pump 9 is supplied to the heat exchange unit 11 through the pipe 10 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The heat exchange unit 11 performs heat exchange of the water 14 supplied from the pipe 10. The water 14 flowing down from the heat exchange unit 11 is collected in the water storage unit 12, and a part of the water 14 is taken into the pipe 10 by the pump 9. The fan 13 is for taking outside air into the cooling tower 8 in order to air-cool the water 14 in the heat exchanging section 11.

  The active oxygen species generating unit 3 described in detail in the first embodiment is disposed in the water storage unit 12, and the lower side of the cathode 4 and the anode 5 is immersed in water 14 stored in the water storage unit 12. That is, the electrode of the active oxygen species generating unit 3 is always held at the same position with respect to the water surface 14 a by the floating means 7.

  In the air conditioner having the above configuration, the water 14 circulates in the cooling tower 8 during operation, and the amount of water in the water storage unit 12 is kept constant to some extent. However, when the operation of the air-conditioning equipment is stopped at night or the like, the water 14 in the cooling tower 8 is accumulated in the water storage section 12, and the water level of the water storage section 12 is not changed although the amount of water in the entire cooling tower 8 has not changed. Rises.

  As described above, in the device in which the water level fluctuates inside, when the active oxygen species generating device is not equipped with the floating means 7 (holding means), the propagation of bacteria is sufficiently suppressed both at the high water level and at the low water level. There is a problem that the electrode must be immersed in the water 14 so that the electrode can be enlarged. In addition, when the power feeding part of the electrode is disposed below the water surface 14a at a high water level, it is necessary to perform a waterproofing treatment on the electrode to prevent deterioration of the power feeding part, resulting in an increase in cost and time for designing. End up.

If it is an air-conditioning apparatus (active oxygen species production | generation apparatus) of this structure, such a problem will not generate | occur | produce and it can have an effect similar to Embodiment 1. FIG.
The configuration of the active oxygen species generator itself is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The active oxygen species generator (active oxygen species generator 3) shown in the first embodiment can be applied not only to air conditioners but also to processing facilities such as a hot water supply device and sewage. This active oxygen species generating device can be applied to techniques aimed at suppressing fungal growth and deodorizing water in addition to suppressing fungi in water.

1 Water reaction tank 2, 14 Water 2a, 14a Water surface (draft)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Active oxygen seed production | generation part 4 Cathode 5 Anode 6 Voltage application means 7 Floating means 8 Cooling tower 9 Pump 10 Piping 11 Heat exchange part 12 Water storage part 13 Fan

Claims (6)

An air conditioner equipped with an active oxygen species generating device for generating active oxygen species by an electrode reaction in a cooling tower,
The cooling tower is
A pump for circulating water,
A heat exchange section for performing heat exchange of water circulated by the pump;
A water storage part in which water flowing down from the heat exchange part is stored;
With
The active oxygen species generator is
Each part protrudes from the surface of the water stored in the water storage part, and each other part is immersed in water stored in the water storage part , a cathode and an anode,
A holding means for holding the cathode and the ratio of the exposed area in the air of the anode and the area immersed in water constant regardless of the water level fluctuation in the water reservoir;
Air conditioning equipment equipped with . The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit includes a floating unit that floats the cathode and the anode in the water in the water storage unit . The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cathode and the anode are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a water surface in the water storage section . The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a surface of the cathode is coated with a predetermined material having an active oxygen species generating ability. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the material covering the cathode is a predetermined redox polymer. The cathode and the anode, air conditioning equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, respectively in the reservoir has a plurality of arranged.

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