JP6204740B2 - Desiccant rotor clogging detector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a clogging detection device for detecting clogging of a desiccant rotor.

  An air conditioner using two desiccant rotors has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this air conditioner, a suction flow path for guiding air from outside to the room and a discharge flow path for guiding air from the room to the outside are provided in the apparatus housing, and the inflow flow path portion of the suction flow path is provided. A first moisture absorption area is provided, and a first regeneration area is provided in the discharge channel portion of the suction channel, and one desiccant rotor (first desiccant rotor) straddles between the first moisture absorption area and the first regeneration area. It is arranged. In addition, a second moisture absorption region is provided downstream of the first moisture absorption region in the inflow channel portion of the suction channel, a second regeneration region is provided in the discharge channel portion of the discharge channel, and the other desiccant rotor (first (2 desiccant rotor) is disposed across the second moisture absorption area and the second regeneration area.

  In this air conditioner, the air from the outside flows into the room through the suction channel (the first moisture absorption area, the second moisture absorption area, and the first regeneration area), and the moisture in the air flows into the first moisture absorption area while flowing. Then, the air that has been absorbed by the hygroscopic material of the first desiccant rotor and increased in temperature is cooled by the first heat exchanger and then fed to the second hygroscopic region. In the second moisture absorption region, moisture in the cooled air is absorbed by the moisture absorbent of the second desiccant rotor in the second moisture absorption region, and the air that has been excessively absorbed and has risen in temperature is cooled by the second heat exchanger. After that, it is fed to the first reproduction area. In the first regeneration zone, the excessively hygroscopic air takes away the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material of the first desiccant rotor and the hygroscopic material is regenerated, and the air cooled by the heat of vaporization accompanying the desorption of moisture is The air is discharged into the room and the cooled air can be used to cool the room.

  In addition, air from the room is discharged to the outside through the discharge flow path (second regeneration zone), and the air heated by the second heat exchanger while flowing therethrough is absorbed by the second desiccant rotor in the second regeneration zone. The moisture absorbed by the material is taken away and the moisture absorbent is regenerated, and the air cooled by the heat of vaporization accompanying the desorption of moisture is discharged to the outside.

JP 2008-57953 A

  Such an air conditioner has the following problems to be solved. Air from the outside air flows into the room through the suction flow path, and when it flows, small dust, dust, etc. contained in this air pass through the rotor part of the desiccant rotor (particularly, the first desiccant rotor) (that is, air flows). If this is used over a long period of time, the rotor may become clogged. When clogging occurs in the rotor portion, the moisture absorption performance of the rotor portion of the desiccant rotor is reduced, and the cooling capacity and cooling efficiency of the air conditioner are reduced due to the decrease in moisture absorption. In addition, when this clogging occurs, small dust, dust, etc. adhering to the rotor portion are peeled off by the air flow during the regeneration of the hygroscopic material and flow downstream along with the air.

  For this reason, for example, the clogging determination of the desiccant rotor is performed as follows using the accumulated operation time of the air conditioner. An integration timer is provided to measure the integrated operation time of this air conditioner. When the integrated operation time of this integration timer reaches the set integration time, a clogging signal is generated because clogging may occur in the rotor unit. Based on this clogging signal, the clogging display means (for example, clogging display lamp) is activated to notify the user of clogging.

  However, when determining the clogged state using the accumulated operation time, there is no close relationship between the accumulated operation time of the air conditioner and the clogged desiccant rotor, and the clogged state of the desiccant rotor is accurately detected. There is a problem that can not be.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a desiccant rotor clogging detection device capable of accurately detecting a clogged state of a desiccant rotor.

The desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to claim 1 of the present invention is disposed across the moisture absorption side flow path portion on the air intake side and the regeneration side flow path portion on the air discharge side. A clogging detection device for detecting clogging in a desiccant rotor,
A first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and a first moisture absorption side humidity detection means disposed on the upstream side of the moisture absorption area as viewed in the direction of intake air flow in the moisture absorption side flow path section, and are arranged on the downstream side of the moisture absorption area. Based on the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the second moisture absorption side humidity detection means provided, the detected temperature of the first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the detected humidity of the first moisture absorption side humidity detection means, The absolute humidity of the inflow side air is calculated, and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air in the hygroscopic area is calculated based on the detected temperature of the second moisture absorption side temperature detecting means and the detected humidity of the second moisture absorption side humidity detecting means. Absolute humidity calculating means, absolute humidity difference calculating means for calculating a humidity difference between the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the hygroscopic area and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air of the hygroscopic area, and the absolute of the inflow side air in the hygroscopic area For humidity and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air of the hygroscopic area Zui provided with a determining clogging determination means clogging of the desiccant rotor, the clogging determining means determines the absolute the humidity difference is equal to or less than the determination reference value and the clogging caused by the absolute humidity difference calculating means It is characterized by that.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desiccant rotor clogging detection device that is disposed across the moisture absorption side flow path portion on the air intake side and the regeneration side flow path portion on the air discharge side. A clogging detection device for detecting clogging in a desiccant rotor provided,
A regeneration-side temperature detection means and a regeneration-side humidity detection means disposed upstream of the regeneration area as viewed in the flow direction of the exhaust air in the regeneration-side flow path section, and a detected temperature of the regeneration-side temperature detection means and the regeneration An absolute humidity calculating means for calculating the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the regeneration area based on the detected humidity of the side humidity detecting means, and a regeneration amount of the desiccant rotor based on the absolute humidity calculated by the absolute humidity calculating means. Reproduction amount calculation means for calculating, and determination reference value setting means for setting the reproduction amount calculated by the reproduction amount calculation means as a determination reference value serving as a determination reference for clogging are provided.

Further, in the desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to claim 3 of the present invention, the regeneration side temperature detection means and the regeneration side humidity detection means flow into the regeneration area of the regeneration side flow path section over a predetermined time. The absolute humidity calculating means detects the temperature and humidity of the side air, and the absolute humidity calculating means detects the reproduction area based on the detected temperature of the reproduction side temperature detecting means and the detected humidity of the reproduction side humidity detecting means detected over the predetermined time. Calculate the absolute humidity of the inflow side air, the regeneration amount calculating means calculates the minimum regeneration amount of the desiccant rotor based on the maximum absolute humidity of the absolute humidity at the predetermined time calculated by the absolute humidity calculating means, The determination reference value setting means sets the minimum reproduction amount calculated by the reproduction amount calculation means as the determination reference value.

Further, in the desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to claim 4 of the present invention, the first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the first detection device on the upstream side of the moisture absorption region as viewed in the flow direction of the intake air in the moisture absorption side flow path section. The first moisture absorption side humidity detection means is disposed, the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the second moisture absorption side humidity detection means are disposed on the downstream side of the moisture absorption region, and further, an eye for determining clogging of the desiccant rotor. A clogging determination unit is provided, and the absolute humidity calculation unit is configured to detect the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the hygroscopic region based on the detection temperature of the first moisture absorption side temperature detection unit and the detection humidity of the first moisture absorption side humidity detection unit. And calculating the absolute humidity of the outflow side air in the moisture absorption area based on the detected temperature of the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the detection humidity of the second moisture absorption side humidity detection means, and the clogging determination means The absolute humidity Based on the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the moisture absorption area and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air in the moisture absorption area calculated by the calculation means and the determination reference value set by the determination reference value setting means, the eyes of the desiccant rotor It is characterized by determining clogging.

Furthermore, in the desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to claim 5 of the present invention, the desiccant rotor includes a suction flow path for guiding the outside air into the room and a discharge flow for guiding the air from the room to the outside. Used in an air conditioner having a channel, wherein the moisture absorption side channel portion is an inflow channel portion of the suction channel, and the regeneration side channel portion is a discharge channel portion of the suction channel. Features.

According to the clogging detection device for a desiccant rotor according to claim 1 of the present invention, the first moisture absorption side temperature detection means detects the temperature of the inflow side air upstream of the moisture absorption region, and the first moisture absorption side humidity detection means. Detects the humidity of the inflow side air, the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means detects the temperature of the outflow side air downstream of the moisture absorption area, and the second moisture absorption side humidity detection means detects the humidity of the outflow side air. Therefore, the absolute humidity of the inflow side air can be calculated based on the detection temperature of the first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the detection humidity of the first moisture absorption side humidity detection means, and the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means The absolute humidity of the outflow side air can be calculated based on the detected temperature and the detected humidity of the second moisture absorption side humidity detecting means, and the desiccant rotor is clogged based on the absolute humidity of the inflow side air and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air. Can be determined The amount of moisture absorbed by the desiccant rotor can be determined based on the absolute humidity of the inflow side air and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air, and this decrease in the amount of moisture absorption means that dust, dust, etc. are attached to the surface of the desiccant rotor. Therefore, the clogging of the desiccant rotor can be detected based on the change in the moisture absorption amount. In addition, if the humidity difference between the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the moisture absorption area and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air is calculated and this absolute humidity difference (in other words, the amount of moisture absorbed by the desiccant rotor) is below the criterion value, It can be determined that the amount of moisture absorption is reduced and clogging occurs due to adhesion of dust or the like.

According to the desiccant rotor clogging detection apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention, the moisture desorption amount (regeneration amount) of the desiccant rotor in the regeneration region can also be used for clogging determination. The regeneration side temperature detecting means detects the temperature of the inflow side air upstream of the regeneration area, and the regeneration side humidity detection means detects the humidity of the inflow side air, and the inflow of the regeneration area based on the detected temperature and the detected humidity. The absolute humidity of the side air can be calculated. The regeneration amount in the regeneration region of the desiccant rotor can be calculated based on the absolute humidity, and the clogging of the desiccant rotor can be determined by using the calculated regeneration amount as a clogging determination criterion. it can.

In the desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to claim 3 of the present invention, the regeneration side temperature detection means and the regeneration side humidity detection means detect the temperature and humidity of the inflow side air in the regeneration area over a predetermined time. The absolute humidity calculating means calculates the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the regeneration area based on the detected temperature and the detected humidity detected over the predetermined time, and the regeneration amount calculating means calculates the maximum absolute humidity of the absolute humidity at the predetermined time. Based on this, the minimum reproduction amount of the desiccant rotor is calculated. When the absolute humidity is maximum, the regeneration efficiency of the desiccant rotor is the worst, and the regeneration amount is also the smallest. By using this minimum regeneration amount as the determination reference value for clogging determination, it is possible to determine clogging of the desiccant rotor.

According to the clogging detection device for a desiccant rotor according to claim 4 of the present invention, the detection temperature of the first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the first moisture absorption side humidity detection are related to the inflow side air upstream of the moisture absorption region. The absolute humidity of the inflow side air can be calculated based on the detected humidity of the means, and with respect to the outflow side air on the downstream side of this moisture absorption region, the detection temperature of the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the second moisture absorption side humidity detection means The absolute humidity of the outflow side air can be calculated on the basis of the detected humidity, and the absolute humidity of the inflow side air, the absolute humidity of the outflow side air, and the determination reference value used as a criterion for clogging are determined. Clogging can be determined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a desiccant air conditioner including an embodiment of a desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows the clogging detection apparatus of FIG. 1, and a control system relevant to this. The flowchart which shows the flow of clogging determination of the clogging detection apparatus of FIG. The simplification figure which shows a part of other embodiment of the clogging detection apparatus of a desiccant rotor. The figure which shows the relationship between the relative temperature of the inflow side air in a reproduction | regeneration area | region, and the removal | desorption amount (regeneration amount) of a desiccant rotor. The block diagram which shows the clogging detection apparatus of FIG. 4, and a control system relevant to this. The flowchart which shows the flow of clogging determination of the clogging detection apparatus of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of a desiccant air conditioner including a desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1, the illustrated desiccant air conditioner includes a device housing 2 installed on the ceiling of an air-conditioning target space (for example, indoor space). The device housing 2 includes a first desiccant rotor 4 and a first sensible heat exchange. A vessel 6, a second desiccant rotor 8 and a second sensible heat exchanger 10 are incorporated.

  In this embodiment, an external suction portion 12, an external discharge portion 14, and an indoor discharge portion 16 are provided on one end surface side (left end surface side in FIG. 1) of the device housing 2. The outside air suction unit 12 sucks outside air, and outside air is sucked through the outside air suction unit 12. The external discharge unit 14 discharges air to the outside, and the air is discharged to the outside through the external discharge unit 14. The indoor discharge unit 16 discharges the cooled air as will be described later. For example, a supply duct (not shown) is connected to the indoor discharge unit 16 so that the cooling air from the indoor discharge unit 16 is cooled. Is fed to the air-conditioned space (one or more indoor spaces) through the feeding duct.

  Further, an indoor suction portion 23 is provided on the other end surface side (right end surface side in FIG. 1) of the device housing 2. The indoor suction section 23 is for sucking room air from the air-conditioning target space, and the room air is sucked through the indoor suction section 23. Note that a suction duct (not shown) extending from the air conditioning target space is connected to the indoor suction portion 23.

  In this desiccant air conditioner, the air sucked from the outside air sucking section 12 flows to the indoor discharge section 16 through the suction flow path 24 for guiding the air from the outside to the indoor space (the air conditioning target space). The air sucked from 23 flows to the external discharge part 14 through the discharge flow path 26 for guiding the air from the room to the outside.

  In this embodiment, the suction flow path 24 extending from the outside air suction section 12 reaches the moisture absorption section 30 of the second desiccant rotor 8 through the moisture absorption section 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4 and the first sensible heat exchanger 6, and this It passes through the moisture absorption part 30 and the second sensible heat exchanger 10 of the second desiccant rotor 8, and further passes through the regeneration part 31 of the first desiccant rotor 4 and reaches the indoor discharge part 16. Further, the discharge passage 26 extending from the indoor suction portion 23 has its intermediate portion branched into a first intermediate branch passage 32 and a second intermediate branch passage 34, and the first intermediate branch passage 32 is subjected to the first sensible heat exchange. The second intermediate branch channel 34 is joined to the downstream side of the discharge channel 26 through the second sensible heat exchanger 10 and the regeneration unit 36 of the second desiccant rotor 8. To the external discharge part 14 through the downstream side part of the discharge flow path 26.

  The first and second desiccant rotors 4 and 8 are disk-shaped, and the entire rotor portion is configured, for example, in a honeycomb structure and provided with a large number of air holes, and a hygroscopic material is provided on the surface of the honeycomb structure. Supported (for example, coated). The first desiccant rotor 4 has an upstream side portion of the suction flow path 24 (specifically, a portion between the outside air suction portion 12 and the first sensible heat exchanger 6 and a first moisture absorption region K1) (moisture absorption). A side flow path portion) and a downstream side portion thereof (specifically, a portion between the second sensible heat exchanger 10 and the indoor discharge portion 16 in the first regeneration zone S1) (regeneration side flow) (Which constitutes the road portion). The part located in the 1st moisture absorption area K1 in the 1st desiccant rotor 4 functions as the moisture absorption part 28, and a moisture absorption material absorbs the water | moisture content contained in air in this moisture absorption part 28. FIG. Further, the portion of the first desiccant rotor 4 that is located in the first regeneration zone S1 functions as the regeneration unit 31. In the regeneration unit 31, moisture that has been absorbed is taken away and the moisture absorbent material is regenerated.

  The first desiccant rotor 4 is drivably coupled to a first drive source 42 composed of, for example, an electric motor. The first desiccant rotor 4 is driven by the first drive source 42 in the direction indicated by the arrow and the first moisture absorption region K1 and the first By being rotated through the one regeneration zone S1, and thus pivoting, moisture in the air is adsorbed in the first adsorption zone K1, and moisture adsorbed in the first regeneration zone S1 is continuously released. .

  The second desiccant rotor 8 is an intermediate portion of the suction flow path 24 (specifically, a portion between the first sensible heat exchanger 6 and the second sensible heat exchanger 10 and a second moisture absorption region). K2) and the discharge flow path 26 (specifically, the second intermediate branch flow path 34 is a part downstream of the arrangement part of the second sensible heat exchanger 10 and the second regeneration zone S2). It is arranged. The part located in the 2nd moisture absorption area K2 in the 2nd desiccant rotor 8 functions as the moisture absorption part 30, and in this moisture absorption part 30, a moisture absorption material absorbs the water | moisture content contained in the air. Further, the portion of the second desiccant rotor 8 located in the second regeneration region S2 functions as the regeneration unit 36. In the regeneration unit 36, moisture absorbed is taken away and the moisture absorbent material is regenerated.

  The second desiccant rotor 8 is drivably coupled to a second drive source 46 composed of, for example, an electric motor, and the second desiccant rotor 4 is driven by the second drive source 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow and the second moisture absorption region K2. 2 Rotating through the regeneration zone S2, and thus rotating, the moisture in the air is adsorbed in the second adsorption zone K2, and the moisture adsorbed in the second regeneration zone S2 is continuously released. .

  The suction flow path 24 is provided with a suction blower 50 for sucking external air, and this suction blower 50 is provided at a portion between the second sensible heat exchanger 10 and the regeneration unit 31 of the first desiccant rotor 4. It is arranged. Further, the discharge flow path 26 is provided with a discharge blower 52 for discharging air in the air-conditioning target space (room air), and this discharge blower 52 joins the first and second intermediate branch flow paths 32 and 34. It is provided in the site | part downstream from the part. The suction blower 50 may be disposed, for example, in a portion upstream of the moisture absorption portion 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4 (in other words, the first moisture absorption region K1) in the suction flow path 24. Further, the discharge blower 52 may be disposed, for example, at a site upstream of the branch portions of the first and second intermediate branch flow paths 32 and 34.

  In this desiccant air conditioner, the second intermediate branch channel 34 of the discharge channel 26 (specifically, the portion between the second sensible heat exchanger 10 and the regeneration unit 36 of the second desiccant rotor 8). In addition, a hot water heat exchanger 54 as a heating means is provided. In association with the hot water heat exchanger 54, a heat source device 56 for generating hot water is provided, and the heat source device 56 and the hot water heat exchanger 54 are connected via a hot water circulation channel 58. Is circulated through the hot water circulation channel 58 and the hot water heat exchanger 54. An electric heating means (for example, an electric heater) may be used as the heating means.

  In this desiccant air conditioner, the external air flows to the air-conditioning target space (indoor space) through the suction flow path 24, and the air in the air-conditioning target space (indoor space) flows to the outside through the discharge flow path 26 and thus flows. The air flowing through the suction flow path 24 is cooled as follows, and the generated cooling air is supplied to the air-conditioning target space.

  Air sucked into the suction flow path 24 through the outside air suction part 12 flows into the first desiccant rotor 4, and moisture in the air flows in the first moisture absorption part K 1 while flowing through the moisture absorption part 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4. Adsorbed by the hygroscopic material of the hygroscopic portion 28, the temperature rises. Then, the dehumidified high-temperature air flows to the first sensible heat exchanger 6, and heat exchange is performed between the first sensible heat exchanger 6 and the indoor air flowing through the first intermediate branch flow path 32, Due to this heat exchange, the temperature of the air flowing through the suction flow path 24 decreases. Thereafter, the dehumidified air whose temperature has decreased flows into the second desiccant rotor 8 and moisture in the air flows into the hygroscopic material of the hygroscopic part 30 while flowing through the hygroscopic part 30 of the second desiccant rotor 8 in the second hygroscopic region K2. Furthermore, it is adsorbed and excessively absorbed to increase its temperature.

  The excessively dehumidified high-temperature air flows into the second sensible heat exchanger 10, and heat exchange is performed between the second sensible heat exchanger 10 and the indoor air flowing through the second intermediate branch flow path 34. As a result of this heat exchange, the temperature of the air in the suction passage 24 decreases, and the air whose temperature has decreased flows into the first desiccant rotor 4. In the first regeneration zone S1, the air dehumidified excessively while it flows through the regeneration unit 31 of the first desiccant rotor 4 deprives the moisture adsorbed by the hygroscopic material of the regeneration unit 31 (due to this deprivation of moisture). The dehumidifying material of the first desiccant rotor 4 is regenerated), and the humidity of the air rises due to the deprived moisture, while the air is cooled by the heat of vaporization associated with the desorption of the moisture. The air thus sent is sent from the indoor discharge unit 16 to the air-conditioning target space.

  The indoor air supplied from the air-conditioning target space to the second central branch flow path 34 is between the air flowing through the suction flow path 24 while flowing through the second sensible heat exchanger 10 as described above. The heated air is heated by heat exchange, and the heated air is further heated in the hot water heat exchanger 54 by heat exchange with the hot water flowing from the heat source unit 56 through the hot water circulation line 58, and thus heated. The flowed air flows to the second desiccant rotor 8. In the second regeneration zone S2, the warmed air deprives the moisture adsorbed by the moisture absorbent of the second desiccant rotor 8 while flowing through the regeneration unit 36 of the second desiccant rotor 8, thereby The dehumidifying material of the two desiccant rotor 8 is regenerated, and the air containing the moisture is discharged to the outside through the discharge channel 26.

  In this desiccant air conditioner, in order to detect the clogged state of the first desiccant rotor 4, it is further configured as follows. Referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1, in this embodiment, first temperature detection means 60 (first moisture absorption side temperature detection) is arranged upstream of the first moisture absorption region K1 of the suction flow path 24 as viewed in the direction of intake air flow. For example, a temperature sensor) and a first humidity detector 62 (which constitutes a first moisture absorption side humidity detector, for example, a humidity sensor) are disposed. The first temperature detection means 60 detects the temperature of the inflow side air flowing into the moisture absorption part 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4, and the first humidity detection means 62 detects the humidity (relative humidity) of the inflow side air. .

  In addition, the second temperature detection means 64 (constitutes a second moisture absorption side temperature detection means, for example, a temperature sensor) on the downstream side of the first moisture absorption region K1 of the suction flow path 24 when viewed in the flow direction of the intake air. And second humidity detection means 66 (which constitutes a second moisture absorption side humidity detection means, for example, a humidity sensor) is provided. The second temperature detection means 64 detects the temperature of the outflow side air flowing out from the moisture absorption part 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4, and the second humidity detection means 66 detects the humidity (relative humidity) of the outflow side air. .

Detection signals from the first and second temperature detection means 60 and 64 and the first and second humidity detection means 62 and 66 are supplied to the controller 72, and the controller 72 generates a first desiccant rotor based on these detection signals. 4 is detected. The illustrated controller 72 includes, for example, a microprocessor, and includes an absolute humidity calculating unit 74, an absolute humidity difference calculating unit 76, a clogging determining unit 78, a caution signal generating unit 80, and a warning signal generating unit 82. The absolute humidity calculating means 74 calculates the absolute humidity (x ₁ ) of the inflow side air based on the detected temperature of the first temperature detecting means 60 and the detected humidity of the first humidity detecting means 62, and the second temperature detecting means 64. The absolute humidity (x ₂ ) of the outflow side air is calculated based on the detected temperature and the detected humidity of the second humidity detecting means 66. Further, the absolute humidity difference calculation means 76 is a humidity difference (Δx) (Δx = x ₁ −x ₂ ) between the absolute humidity (x ₁ ) of the inflow side air and the absolute humidity (x ₂ ) of the outflow side air, in other words. The amount of moisture absorbed by the first desiccant rotor 4 in the first moisture absorption region K1 is calculated, and the clogging determination means 78 determines clogging based on this absolute humidity difference (Δx) as described later. Further, the attention signal generation unit 80 generates a warning signal as described later, and the warning signal generation unit 82 generates a warning signal as described later.

The controller 72 further includes an integration timer 84 and memory means 86. The integration timer 84 measures the integration operation time of the desiccant air conditioner, and a clogging check described later is executed every time the integration timer 84 reaches 100 hours, for example. The memory means 86 stores the accumulated operation time for executing the clogging check (in this embodiment, 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours,...), And a standard for calling attention to clogging. The warning determination reference value (x _t ) and the warning determination reference value (x _k ) serving as a reference for notifying the warning of occurrence of clogging are stored.

  In relation to the controller 72, a caution display means 88 for prompting a clogged state warning and a warning display means 90 for notifying a clogged state warning are provided. The caution display means 88 can be composed of, for example, an LED lamp (not shown) that emits yellow light, and the warning display means 90 can be composed of, for example, an LED lamp (not shown) that emits red light. Can do. Note that the caution display means 88 and the warning display means 90 may be constituted by a single LED lamp or the like, and this LED lamp may be blinked when alerting, and this LED lamp may be lit when alerting.

  Next, the flow of clogging detection using this clogging detection device will be described. Referring mainly to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, when a power switch (not shown) of the desiccant air conditioner is turned on (closed), the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2, and the desiccant air conditioner operates to perform as described above. As the cooling air is generated, the integration timer 84 is activated and the operation time is integrated. Then, when the integration time of the integration timer 84 reaches the clogging check time (for example, 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours, etc. from the start of use of the device), the process proceeds to step S4 via step S3, The clogging check of the first desiccant rotor 4 is performed.

In checking the clogged state, the absolute humidity of the inflow side air and the outflow side air is calculated (step S5). That is, the first temperature detection means 60 detects the temperature of the inflow side air flowing into the first moisture absorption region S1, the first humidity detection means 62 detects the humidity of the inflow side air, and the absolute humidity calculation means 76 detects these. Based on the temperature and the detected humidity, the absolute humidity (x ₁ ) of the inflow side air is calculated. The second temperature detection means 64 detects the temperature of the outflow side air flowing out from the first moisture absorption region S1, the second humidity detection means 66 detects the humidity of the outflow side air, and the absolute humidity calculation means 76 detects these. The absolute humidity (x ₂ ) of the outflow side air is calculated based on the temperature and the detected humidity.

Then, based on the absolute humidity (x ₁ ) of the inflow side air and the absolute humidity (x ₂ ) of the outflow side air, the absolute humidity difference calculation means 76 calculates the absolute humidity difference of the air flowing through the hygroscopic portion 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4. (Δx = x ₁ −x ₂ ) is calculated (step S 6), and this absolute humidity difference (Δx) becomes the moisture absorption amount in the moisture absorption part 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4.

Thereafter, the clogging state is determined based on the absolute humidity difference (Δx) (step S7), and the absolute humidity difference (Δx) is equal to or less than the caution determination reference value (x _t ) (Δx ≦ x _t ). In addition, it is determined whether this absolute humidity difference (Δx) is equal to or smaller than the warning determination reference value (x _k ) (Δx ≦ x _k ). When the absolute humidity difference (Δx) exceeds the attention determination reference value (x _t ) (Δx> x _t ), the moisture absorption amount of the first desiccant rotor 4 has hardly decreased, In this case, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8 and then proceeds to step S9. The clogging determination unit 78 determines that there is no clogging in the first desiccant rotor 4 and determines "no clogging". The clogging check is finished.

When the absolute humidity difference (Δx) is greater than the warning determination reference value (x _k ) (Δx> x _k ) and less than or equal to the caution determination reference value (x _t ) (Δx ≦ x _t ), the first desiccant This means that the amount of moisture absorption of the rotor 4 is reduced to some extent due to adhesion of dust, dust, etc., and in such a case, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S12 through step S8 and step S11. It is determined that the first desiccant rotor 4 is clogged to some extent, and “clogging caution” is determined. Thus, the caution signal generating means 80 generates a caution signal based on the determination of “attention of clogging” (step S13), and the caution display means 88 is operated based on the caution signal (step 14). The caution display means 88 notifies the user that the clogging state has progressed to some extent.

Further, when the absolute humidity difference (Δx) is equal to or smaller than the warning determination reference value (x _k ) (Δx ≦ x _t ), the moisture absorption amount of the first desiccant rotor 4 is greatly reduced due to adhesion of dust, dust, and the like. Therefore, in such a case, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S15 through step S8 and step S11, and the clogging determination means 78 determines that the first desiccant rotor 4 is largely clogged, “clogging”. The warning is determined. Then, the warning signal generation means 82 generates a warning signal based on the determination of “clogging warning” (step S16), and the warning display means 90 operates based on the warning signal (step 17). The warning display means 90 informs the user that the clogging state has advanced greatly.

  Next, another embodiment of a desiccant rotor clogging detection device will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, in this embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected about the thing substantially the same as embodiment mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  4 and 6, in this embodiment, the first temperature detection means 60 is located upstream of the first moisture absorption area K1 in the suction flow path 24 (functioning as a moisture absorption side flow path section) when viewed in the flow direction of the intake air. (First moisture absorption side temperature detection means) and first humidity detection means 62 (first moisture absorption side humidity detection means) are disposed, and second temperature detection means 64 (second moisture absorption side) is provided downstream of the first moisture absorption region K1. Side temperature detection means) and second humidity detection means 66 (second moisture absorption side humidity detection means) are further provided, and the intake flow path 24 (also functions as a regeneration side flow path section) when viewed in the flow direction of the intake air. The third temperature detection means 102 (which constitutes a regeneration side temperature detection means) and the third humidity detection means 104 (which constitutes a regeneration side humidity detection means) are disposed upstream of the first regeneration zone S1. The third temperature detection means 102 detects the temperature of the inflow side air flowing into the first regeneration zone S1, and the third humidity detection means 104 detects the humidity (relative humidity) of the inflow side air.

In this embodiment, a warning determination reference value (x _k ) serving as a reference for issuing a clogged warning is set using the detected temperature and detected humidity of the third temperature detecting means 102 and the third humidity detecting means 104, and this Based on the warning determination reference value (x _k ), clogging is determined as follows. More specifically, the controller 72A includes, in addition to the absolute humidity calculating means 74A, the clogging determining means 78A, and the integration timer 84, the maximum absolute humidity extracting means 106, the minimum regeneration amount calculating means 108, the determination reference value setting means 110, the moisture absorption amount. Calculation means 112, clogging signal generation means 113, first memory means 114, and second memory means 116 are included.

The absolute humidity calculation means 74A calculates the absolute humidity of the inflow side air upstream of the first regeneration zone S1 based on the detection temperature of the third temperature detection means 102 and the detection humidity of the third humidity detection means 104, and Similarly, the absolute humidity of the inflow side air upstream of the first moisture absorption region K1 is calculated based on the detected temperature of the first temperature detecting means 60 and the detected humidity of the first humidity detecting means 62, and the second temperature Based on the detection temperature of the detection means 64 and the detection humidity of the second humidity detection means 66, the absolute humidity of the outflow side air downstream of the first moisture absorption region K1 is calculated. Further, the maximum absolute humidity extracting means 106 extracts the maximum value (maximum absolute humidity) of the absolute humidity of the inflow side air over a set predetermined time (for example, set to about 3 to 5 hours), and the minimum Based on the maximum absolute humidity, the regeneration amount calculating means 108 calculates the minimum regeneration amount (minimum regeneration value) of the first desiccant rotor 4, and the determination reference value setting means 110 calculates the minimum regeneration amount as a clogging determination reference value. It is set as (x _k ) (corresponding to the warning determination reference value in the above-described embodiment).

Further, the moisture absorption amount calculating means 112 calculates the amount of moisture absorption of the moisture absorbing portion 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4, and the clogging determining means 78A is based on the set clogging determination reference value (x _k ) as described later. Then, the clogging state is determined, and the clogging signal generation unit 113 generates a clogging signal as described later. The accumulation timer 84 measures the accumulated operation time of the desiccant air conditioner, as described above.

  Further, the first memory means 114 detects the accumulated operation time for executing the clogging check (in this embodiment, 100 hours, 200 hours,...), The temperature and humidity of the inflow side air in the first regeneration zone S1. A map showing the relationship between the relative humidity of the inflow side air and the moisture desorption amount is registered for a predetermined set time, and the second memory means 116 detects the temperature detected by the third temperature detecting means 102 and the third humidity detecting means. The detected humidity 104, the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the first regeneration zone S1, the maximum absolute humidity, the clogging determination reference value, and the like are stored. A clogging display means 120 is provided in association with the controller 72A, and the clogging display means 120 is activated when clogging occurs in the first desiccant rotor 4.

  Next, the flow of clogging detection using this clogging detection device will be described. Referring mainly to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, when a power switch (not shown) of the desiccant air conditioner is turned on (closed), the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22, the desiccant air conditioner is activated, and the integration timer 84 is activated. Operates and accumulates operating hours. Then, when the integration time of the integration timer 84 reaches the clogging check time (for example, reaches 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours,... From the start of use of the device), the process proceeds to step S24 via step S23. The clogging check of the first desiccant rotor 4 is performed.

  In checking the clogged state, first, the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the first regeneration zone S1 is detected (step S25). The absolute humidity calculating unit 74A calculates the absolute humidity of the inflow side air upstream of the first regeneration zone S1 based on the detected temperature of the third temperature detecting unit 102 and the detected humidity of the third humidity detecting unit 104, and is calculated. The absolute humidity is stored in the second memory means 116 together with the detected temperature and the detected humidity at that time (step S26). The calculation of the absolute humidity of the inflow side air is performed over a set predetermined time (for example, 3 to 5 hours), and after the set predetermined time, the process proceeds from step S27 to step S28.

  In step S28, the maximum absolute humidity is extracted (step S28). The maximum absolute humidity extracting means 106 extracts the maximum value (maximum absolute humidity) from the absolute humidity of the inflow side air at the set predetermined time. When the absolute humidity is maximum, the regeneration of the hygroscopic material in the regeneration unit 31 of the first desiccant rotor 4 is the least, and the amount of moisture desorbed from the hygroscopic material is the smallest (as a result, the hygroscopic part of the first desiccant rotor 4 Accordingly, the moisture absorption amount of the moisture absorbing material is minimized at this minimum absolute humidity.

Next, the minimum regeneration amount of the first desiccant rotor 4 is calculated using the minimum absolute humidity of the inflow side air. In this embodiment, the minimum regeneration amount calculating means 108 is based on the minimum absolute humidity of the inflow side air and the temperature of the inflow side air at this time (the detected temperature of the third temperature detection means 104), and the corresponding relative humidity at this time. (Step S29), and using the map data showing the relationship between the relative humidity of the inflow side air and the desorption amount (regeneration amount) shown in FIG. 4, the calculated relative humidity and the temperature at this time (detected temperature) Based on the above, the minimum reproduction amount is calculated (step S30). For example, when the temperature of the inflow side air (detection temperature of the third temperature detection means 102) is 20 ° C. and the humidity (relative humidity) is P (%), the desorption amount (regeneration amount) is x _k (g / m ³ ) (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the relative humidity is calculated in step S29. Instead of the calculation, the relative humidity at the minimum absolute humidity (the detected humidity of the third humidity detecting means 104) is used. It may be.

Then, the determination reference value setting unit 110 sets the minimum reproduction amount as the clogging determination reference value (x _k ) (step S31), and uses the clogging determination reference value (x _k ) as described above. Thus, the clogging is determined. The moisture absorption amount calculating means 112 calculates the amount of moisture absorption in the moisture absorbing portion 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4 in the same manner as the absolute humidity calculating means 74 and the absolute humidity difference calculating means 76 in the above-described embodiment (step S32). That is, the moisture absorption amount calculating means 112 is based on the temperature of the inflow side air upstream of the first moisture absorption area K1 (the detected temperature of the first temperature detecting means 60) and the humidity (the detected humidity of the first humidity detecting means 62). Then, the absolute humidity (x ₁ ) of the inflow side air is calculated, and the temperature of the outflow side air (the detection temperature of the second temperature detection means 64) and the humidity (the second humidity detection means 66) downstream of the first moisture absorption region K1. The absolute humidity (x ₂ ) of the outflow side air is calculated based on the detected humidity), and the absolute humidity difference (Δx) is calculated based on the absolute humidity (x ₁ ) of the inflow side air and the absolute humidity (x ₂ ) of the outflow side air. = X ₁ −x ₂ ), and this absolute humidity difference (Δx) is the amount of moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing portion 28 of the first desiccant rotor 4.

Thereafter, the clogging state is determined based on the clogging determination reference value (x _k ) set by the determination reference value setting unit 110 and the absolute humidity difference (Δx) (that is, the moisture absorption amount) (step S33). . If the absolute humidity difference (Δx) (moisture absorption amount) exceeds the clogging determination reference value (x _k ) (Δx> x _k ), the moisture absorption amount of the first desiccant rotor 4 has not decreased. In such a case, the process proceeds from step S33 to step S34 to step S35, and the clogging determination unit 78A determines that there is no clogging in the first desiccant rotor 4 and determines “no clogging”. Then, the process proceeds to step S36, where the check of the clogging state is completed.

In addition, when the absolute humidity difference (Δx) (moisture absorption amount) is equal to or less than the clogging determination reference value (x _k ) (Δx ≦ x _k ), the moisture absorption amount of the first desiccant rotor 4 is caused by adhesion of dust, dust, and the like. In such a case, the process proceeds from step S33 through step S34 to step S37, and the clogging determination unit 78A assumes that the first desiccant rotor 4 is clogged. Judge “clogging”. Then, the clogging signal generation unit 113 generates a clogging signal (corresponding to the warning signal in the above-described embodiment) based on the determination result of “clogging” (step S38), and the clogging signal is generated. Based on this, the clogging display means 120 is operated (step 39), and the clogging display means 120 notifies the user that clogging has occurred.

  The embodiment of the desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description is applied to a desiccant air conditioner including two desiccant rotors (the first desiccant rotor 4 and the second desiccant rotor 8), but the present invention is not limited to such an air conditioner. The present invention can be similarly applied to an air conditioner including two desiccant rotors. In such a desiccant air conditioner, there are provided a suction flow path for guiding the air from the outside to the air conditioned space (indoor space) and a discharge flow path for bringing the room air from the air conditioned space to the outside. A moisture absorption area is provided in the suction flow path (a part of which constitutes the moisture absorption side flow path part), and a regeneration area is provided in the discharge flow path (a part of which constitutes the regeneration side flow path part), The desiccant rotor is disposed across the moisture absorption area of the suction flow path and the regeneration area of the discharge flow path.

4 First Desiccant Rotor 8 Second Desiccant Rotor 24 Suction Channel 26 Discharge Channel 60 First Temperature Detection Means 62 First Humidity Detection Means 64 Second Temperature Detection Means 66 Second Humidity Detection Means 74, 74A Absolute Humidity Calculation Means 76 Absolute humidity difference calculation means 78, 78A Clogging determination means 102 Third temperature detection means 104 Third humidity detection means 106 Maximum absolute humidity extraction means 108 Minimum regeneration amount calculation means 110 Judgment reference value setting means K1 First moisture absorption area K2 Second Moisture absorption area S1 1st regeneration area S2 2nd regeneration area

Claims (5)

A clogging detection device for detecting clogging in a desiccant rotor disposed across a moisture absorption side flow path portion on the air suction side and a regeneration side flow path portion on the air discharge side. ,
A first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and a first moisture absorption side humidity detection means disposed on the upstream side of the moisture absorption area as viewed in the direction of intake air flow in the moisture absorption side flow path section, and are arranged on the downstream side of the moisture absorption area. Based on the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the second moisture absorption side humidity detection means provided, the detected temperature of the first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the detected humidity of the first moisture absorption side humidity detection means, The absolute humidity of the inflow side air is calculated, and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air in the hygroscopic area is calculated based on the detected temperature of the second moisture absorption side temperature detecting means and the detected humidity of the second moisture absorption side humidity detecting means. Absolute humidity calculating means, absolute humidity difference calculating means for calculating a humidity difference between the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the hygroscopic area and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air of the hygroscopic area, and the absolute of the inflow side air in the hygroscopic area For humidity and the absolute humidity of the outflow side air of the hygroscopic area Zui provided with a determining clogging determination means clogging of the desiccant rotor, the clogging determining means determines the absolute the humidity difference is equal to or less than the determination reference value and the clogging caused by the absolute humidity difference calculating means A clogging detection device for a desiccant rotor. A clogging detection device for detecting clogging in a desiccant rotor disposed across a moisture absorption side flow path portion on the air suction side and a regeneration side flow path portion on the air discharge side. ,
A regeneration-side temperature detection means and a regeneration-side humidity detection means disposed upstream of the regeneration area as viewed in the flow direction of the exhaust air in the regeneration-side flow path section, and a detected temperature of the regeneration-side temperature detection means and the regeneration An absolute humidity calculating means for calculating the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the regeneration area based on the detected humidity of the side humidity detecting means, and a regeneration amount of the desiccant rotor based on the absolute humidity calculated by the absolute humidity calculating means. A desiccant rotor comprising: a reproduction amount calculation means for calculating; and a determination reference value setting means for setting the reproduction amount calculated by the reproduction amount calculation means as a determination reference value serving as a determination reference for clogging Clogging detection device. The regeneration-side temperature detection means and the regeneration-side humidity detection means detect the temperature and humidity of the inflow side air in the regeneration area of the regeneration-side flow path section over a predetermined time, and the absolute humidity calculation means is the predetermined time The absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the regeneration area is calculated based on the detected temperature of the regeneration side temperature detecting means and the detected humidity of the regeneration side humidity detecting means, and the regeneration amount calculating means The minimum regeneration amount of the desiccant rotor is calculated based on the maximum absolute humidity of the absolute humidity at the predetermined time calculated by the calculation means, and the determination reference value setting means is the minimum regeneration calculated by the regeneration amount calculation means. 3. The desiccant clogging detection device according to claim 2 , wherein an amount is set as the determination reference value. A first moisture absorption side temperature detection means and a first moisture absorption side humidity detection means are disposed on the upstream side of the moisture absorption area as viewed in the direction of the intake air flow in the moisture absorption side flow path section, and the second moisture absorption area on the downstream side of the moisture absorption area. Moisture absorption side temperature detection means and second moisture absorption side humidity detection means are provided, and further, clogging determination means for determining clogging of the desiccant rotor is provided, and the absolute humidity calculation means is configured to detect the first moisture absorption side temperature. Based on the detection temperature of the detection means and the detection humidity of the first moisture absorption side humidity detection means, the absolute humidity of the inflow side air in the moisture absorption area is calculated, and the detection temperature of the second moisture absorption side temperature detection means and the second Based on the humidity detected by the moisture absorption side humidity detection means, the absolute humidity of the outflow side air of the moisture absorption area is calculated, and the clogging determination means is the absolute value of the inflow side air of the moisture absorption area calculated by the absolute humidity calculation means. Humidity and moisture absorption Clogging of the desiccant rotor according to claim 2 in which the absolute of the outflow-side air humidity and on the basis of the determination reference value set by the determination reference value setting means and judging the clogging of the desiccant rotor Detection device. The desiccant rotor is used in an air conditioner having a suction flow path for guiding outside air into the room and a discharge flow path for guiding air from the room to the outside, and the moisture absorption side flow path portion is formed in the suction side. 3. The desiccant rotor clogging detection device according to claim 1, wherein the clogging detection device is a flow channel inflow channel portion, and the regeneration side flow channel portion is a discharge flow channel portion of the suction flow channel.

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