JP7377348B2 - Humidity control device and method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a humidity control device and a humidity control method.

Conventionally, several dehumidification devices have been proposed.
Patent Document 1 discloses a dehumidifier that includes a cylindrical casing that contains a moisture absorbent, a heater, and a fan, and has a pair of air supply ports and an exhaust port for dehumidification, drying, and regeneration on the same circumference. describes a dehumidifying device characterized by having a rotatably arranged cylindrical cover case having openings corresponding to an air supply port and an air exhaust port.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a dehumidifier for controlling humidity inside a switchboard, in which an adsorbent is accommodated in a housing, an exhaust port and an intake port are attached to the housing, and a dehumidifier is provided for heating the adsorbent. A dehumidifier is described that houses a heater, a drive system for opening and closing the exhaust port and the intake port, and a control system for heating the heater and controlling the drive system.

Further, Patent Document 3 describes a self-heating sheet for moisture absorption and desorption, which includes at least a self-heating layer and an adsorption layer in the stack, and the self-heating layer and the adsorption layer are connected in a heat conductive manner. A moisture absorbing and desorbing device is described, which includes a conductor and an energizing circuit for energizing an electrode.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-200235 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-347129 International Publication No. 2018/131591 pamphlet

It is preferable that the dehumidifier included in the humidity control device can be quickly regenerated. Moreover, it is preferable that the humidity control device can more quickly control the humidity in the internal space (indoor space, etc.) of the structure.

The present invention aims to solve the above problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a humidity control device that can quickly control the humidity of an internal space (indoor room, etc.) of a structure.

The present inventor has made extensive studies to solve the above problems and has completed the present invention.
The present invention includes the following (1) to (9).
(1) A humidity control section including a dehumidifier layer made of a dehumidifier;
a ventilation fan capable of blowing air so that the gas passes through the dehumidifier layer;
A structure that includes a space to dehumidify inside;
an air supply port that is connected to the humidity control unit and discharges the gas that has passed through the dehumidifier layer into the internal space of the structure;
an exhaust port connected to the ventilation fan and sucking gas from the internal space of the structure;
has
In the vertical cross section of the structure, the air supply port and the exhaust port are provided at both ends within a range of 20% of the vertical length of the structure from both vertical ends to the inside. exists,
or
In a vertical cross section of the structure, the air supply port and the exhaust port are provided at both ends within 20% of the horizontal length of the structure from both horizontal ends inward. exist,
Humidity control device.
(2) The humidity control section further includes a metal fiber layer that can generate heat when energized;
a first insulating layer sandwiched between the dehumidifier layer and the metal fiber layer and in contact with one main surface of the metal fiber layer;
including;
The ventilation fan is
Air can be blown so that gas passes through the metal fiber layer, the first insulating layer, and the dehumidifier layer in this order.
The humidity control device according to (1) above.
(3) The dehumidifier is in the form of particles or fibers, and is a group consisting of a composite of low-crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate, activated carbon, activated clay, diatomaceous earth, activated alumina, silica gel, and zeolite. The humidity control device according to (1) or (2) above, which is at least one selected from the following.
(4) The humidity control device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, further comprising a container for accommodating the dehumidifier.
(5) The humidity control device according to any one of (2) to (4) above, wherein the humidity control section further includes a second insulating layer in contact with the other main surface of the metal fiber layer.
(6) The humidity control device according to any one of (2) to (5) above, wherein the metal fiber layer and the first insulating layer are fixed by heat-resistant fibers and/or clay.
(7) The humidity control device according to (5) or (6) above, wherein the metal fiber layer and the second insulating layer are fixed by heat-resistant fibers and/or clay.
(8) Using the humidity control device according to any one of (2) to (7) above, energize the metal fiber layer to generate heat so that the heat generation temperature is 100 to 400°C, and A regeneration step of regenerating the dehumidifier by driving the ventilation fan to blow air so that the gas temperature immediately after being discharged from the agent layer is 40 to 350 ° C.;
After that, a humidity control step of controlling the humidity in the internal space of the structure by driving the ventilation fan;
A humidity control method comprising:
(9) In the regeneration step,
The dehumidifier is a particulate composite consisting of low crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate,
The metal fiber layer is energized to generate heat, and the blowing fan is configured to generate heat at a temperature of 100 to 200°C, and to maintain a gas temperature of 40 to 150°C immediately after being discharged from the dehumidifier layer. regenerating the dehumidifier by driving and blowing air;
The humidity control method described in (8) above.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidity control device that can quickly control the humidity in an internal space (indoor room, etc.) of a structure.

1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of the humidity control device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of a humidity control section and a ventilation fan in the humidity control device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic surface diagram of a preferred embodiment of a metal fiber layer. It is a schematic sectional view showing another humidity control part in the humidity control device of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the state before assembling another humidity control part in the humidity control device of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the humidity control device of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing still another preferred embodiment of the humidity control device of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing still another preferred embodiment of the humidity control device of the present invention.

The present invention will be explained.
The present invention provides a humidity control unit including a dehumidifier layer made of a dehumidifier, a ventilation fan capable of blowing air so that gas passes through the dehumidifier layer, and a structure including a dehumidifying space therein. an air supply port that is connected to the humidity control section and discharges the gas that has passed through the dehumidifier layer into the internal space of the structure; and an exhaust port that is connected to the ventilation fan and sucks the gas inside the structure. , and in the vertical cross section of the structure, the air supply ports are provided at both ends within a range of 20% of the vertical length of the structure from both ends in the vertical direction inward. and the exhaust port exist, or at both ends within a range of 20% of the horizontal length of the structure from both horizontal ends inward in a vertical cross section of the structure, Each of them is a humidity control device that exists with the air supply port and the air exhaust port.
Such a humidity control device is also referred to below as a "humidity control device of the present invention."

Further, in the humidity control device of the present invention, the humidity control section is sandwiched between a metal fiber layer that can generate heat by further applying electricity, the dehumidifier layer, and the metal fiber layer, and one of the metal fiber layers is main. a first insulating layer in contact with a surface, and the blowing fan blows air through the metal fiber layer, the first insulating layer, and the dehumidifier layer in this order so that gas passes through these layers. It is preferable that you can.
In other words, the humidity control device of the present invention is
a dehumidifier layer consisting of a dehumidifier;
a metal fiber layer capable of generating heat when energized; and a first insulating layer sandwiched between the dehumidifier layer and the metal fiber layer and in contact with one main surface of the metal fiber layer;
a humidity control section including;
a ventilation fan capable of blowing air so that gas passes through the metal fiber layer, the first insulating layer, and the dehumidifier layer in this order;
A structure that includes a space to dehumidify inside;
an air supply port that is connected to the humidity control unit and discharges the gas that has passed through the dehumidifier layer into the internal space of the structure;
an exhaust port connected to the ventilation fan and sucking gas from the internal space of the structure;
has
In the vertical cross section of the structure, the air supply port and the exhaust port are provided at both ends within a range of 20% of the vertical length of the structure from both vertical ends to the inside. exists,
or
In a vertical cross section of the structure, the air supply port and the exhaust port are provided at both ends within 20% of the horizontal length of the structure from both horizontal ends inward. Preferably, there is a tempering device.

Further, the present invention uses the above-described preferred embodiment of the humidity control device of the present invention, energizes the metal fiber layer to generate heat so that the heat generation temperature is 100 to 400°C, and the dehumidifier A regeneration step of regenerating the dehumidifier by driving and blowing the air so that the temperature of the gas immediately after being discharged from the layer is 40 to 350°C, and then driving the air blowing fan. This is a humidity control method comprising a humidity control step of controlling the humidity of the space inside the structure.
Such a humidity control method is also referred to below as the "humidity control method of the present invention".

<Humidity control device of the present invention>
The humidity control device of the present invention will be explained using the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a humidity control device of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a humidity control device 1 of the present invention includes a humidity control section 3, a blowing fan 5, a structure 8, an air supply port 91, and an exhaust port 92.

The humidity control section 3 includes a dehumidifier layer 10 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the humidity control section 3 may be formed by stacking and fixing a dehumidifier layer 10, a first insulating layer 12, a metal fiber layer 14, and a second insulating layer 16 in this order. Although the first insulating layer 12, the metal fiber layer 14, and the second insulating layer 16 are not essential in the humidity control device of the present invention, the humidity control device of the present invention has the first insulating layer 12 and the metal fiber layer 14. It may further include a second insulating layer 16.

<Dehumidifier layer>
The dehumidifier layer 10 in the humidity control device 1 of the present invention will be explained.
The dehumidifier layer 10 is made of a dehumidifier. However, the dehumidifier layer may contain 10% by mass or less of a substance other than the dehumidifier.
Conventionally known dehumidifiers can be used.
The dehumidifier is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a composite of low-crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate, activated carbon, activated clay, diatomaceous earth, activated alumina, silica gel, and zeolite. More preferably, it is a composite consisting of crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate.

Further, the dehumidifier is preferably in the form of particles or fibers, more preferably in the form of particles, and even more preferably in the form of particles with an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 10 mm (preferably 2 to 3 mm). preferable.

The dehumidifier is preferably a composite consisting of low crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate, and is preferably in the form of particles.

The dehumidifier layer 10 is a layer made of a dehumidifier, and can be obtained, for example, by molding a dehumidifier into a layer. Moreover, the layered dehumidifier layer 10 can also be formed by inserting or filling the inside of a box-shaped container with the dehumidifier. The manner in which the dehumidifier is charged into the container will be described later.

The thickness of the dehumidifier layer 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 50 mm, more preferably 10 to 40 mm, and even more preferably about 25 mm.

Here, the thickness of the dehumidifier layer shall be determined as follows.
After obtaining a photograph of the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the humidity control section (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, etc.), the dehumidifier layer in the direction in which the gas flows (in the case of Fig. 1, the vertical direction) is shown in the photograph. The thickness is measured at 100 randomly selected locations, and a simple average value thereof is determined. Then, the obtained average value is taken as the thickness of the dehumidifier layer.
When the dehumidifier is packed or packed in a box-shaped container, the height of the container in the gas flow direction in the cross section perpendicular to the main surface of the container is the thickness of the dehumidifier layer. It can also be used as a salad.

<Metal fiber layer>
The metal fiber layer 14 in the humidity control device 1 of the present invention will be explained.
Although the humidity control device 1 of the present invention does not need to include the metal fiber layer 14, it is preferable to include the metal fiber layer 14 as in the embodiment shown in FIG.
The metal fiber layer 14 generates heat when energized.

The metal fibers constituting the metal fiber layer 14 are preferably metal fibers having a cross-sectional equivalent area circle diameter of 1 to 100 μm (preferably 5 to 20 μm) and a length of 1 to 60 mm.
The metal fiber layer 14 is preferably formed into a sheet-like structure (metal fiber sheet) in which countless such metal fibers are intricately intertwined.

Here, since the metal fiber layer 14 is energized, the metal fibers are in contact with each other to the extent that the energization occurs. Moreover, it is preferable that the metal fibers are connected to each other at contact points. For example, it is preferable that the metal fibers have a history of being partially melted and solidified by sintering at a high temperature, so that the metal fibers are fused to each other at the contact points.

The metal fiber sheet is preferably an SUS fiber sheet because it has high heat resistance and chemical resistance. Examples of the SUS fiber sheet include a stainless steel fiber sheet (for example, Tomy Firec SS, manufactured by Tomogawa Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd.).

The basis weight of the metal fiber sheet is preferably 25 g/m ² or more, and preferably 40 g/m ² or more. Moreover, it is preferably 1000 g/m ² or less, more preferably 200 g/m ² or less, and even more preferably 70 g/m ² or less.

The thickness of the metal fiber sheet is preferably 10 to 600 μm, more preferably 20 to 150 μm, and preferably about 50 μm from the viewpoint of flexibility and strength.

In addition, the thickness of the metal fiber layer shall be determined as follows.
After obtaining an enlarged photograph (200x) of the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the humidity control section (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, etc.), check the direction in which the gas flows in the photograph (vertical direction in the case of Fig. 1). The thickness of the metal fiber layer was measured at 100 randomly selected locations, and the simple average value was determined. Then, the obtained average value is taken as the thickness of the metal fiber layer. It can also be determined by a method based on JIS P 8118.

The density of the metal fiber sheet is preferably 0.8 to 5.0 g/cm ³ , more preferably 0.9 to 2.0 g/cm ³ , and approximately 1.2 g/cm ³ preferable.
The density of the metal fiber sheet can be determined according to JIS P 8118 by density (g/cm ³ )=basis weight (g/m ² )/thickness (mm)×1000. (Basic weight is based on JIS P 8124)

The space factor of the metal fiber sheet is preferably 5 to 50%, more preferably 10 to 30%, and even more preferably about 20%.
To determine the space factor of a metal fiber sheet, measure the cross-sectional area of the metal fiber sheet at 10 randomly selected locations, calculate each space factor using the following formula, and calculate the simple average value of the metal fiber sheet. It was taken as the space factor of the fiber sheet.
W=Sm/Sp×100
W: Space factor Sp: Cross-sectional area of metal fiber sheet Sm: Area occupied by metal fibers in cross-sectional area of metal fiber sheet

The sheet resistance of the metal fiber sheet is preferably 40 to 500 mΩ/□, more preferably 150 to 350 mΩ/□, and even more preferably about 285 mΩ/□.
The sheet resistance of the metal fiber sheet was measured according to the double ring electrode method (JIS K 6911).

The metal fiber sheet can be manufactured by a dry nonwoven fabric manufacturing method or a wet paper forming method. In the case of manufacturing by the wet papermaking method, countless metallic fibers with a cross-sectional equivalent area diameter of 1 to 100 μm and a length of 1 to 60 mm are stirred in a dispersion medium (water, organic solvent, etc.). , an organic flocculant, etc. are added, and the sheet is formed into a sheet using a square hand-sheeting device (for example, manufactured by Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd.), and a dry sheet with a basis weight of 50 to 1100 g/m ² is obtained using a ferro-type drying device. Thereafter, a metal fiber sheet is obtained by firing at 400 to 1300°C. In addition, as a general rule, no organic flocculant remains in the metal fiber sheet.

The material of the metal fiber is not particularly limited as long as it generates heat when energized. Stainless steel is preferable, but Cu (copper), Al (aluminum), Ni (nickel), W (tungsten), nichrome It may be.

A preferred embodiment of the metal fiber layer 14 will be described using FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing a preferred embodiment of the main surface of the metal fiber layer 14.
As shown in FIG. 3, the metal fiber layer 14 is patterned so that when energized, electricity is passed through a band-shaped electrical flow path with a generally constant width from the electricity input side (141) to the electricity output side (143). It is preferable that the The width of the band-shaped electric flow path is preferably 5 to 50 mm. This is because when electricity is passed through the band-shaped electric flow path, the current density in the width direction falls within an appropriate range, and as a result, heat can be generated evenly to an appropriate extent.
Here, patterning of the metal fiber layer can be performed by physical cutting such as a fiber laser, a CO ₂ laser, or a Thomson blade.

<First insulating layer>
The first insulating layer 12 in the humidity control device 1 of the present invention will be explained.
Although the humidity control device 1 of the present invention does not need to include the first insulating layer 12, it is preferable to include the first insulating layer 12 as in the embodiment shown in FIG.
The first insulating layer 12 is sandwiched between the dehumidifier layer 10 and the metal fiber layer 14. The main surface of the first insulating layer 12 is in contact with one main surface of the metal fiber layer 14. The first insulating layer 12 and the dehumidifier layer 10 may have their main surfaces in contact with each other, or may have another layer between them.

The first insulating layer 12 serves to insulate the metal fiber layer 14 from other layers (such as the dehumidifier layer 10).
The first insulating layer 12 is not particularly limited as long as it plays such a role.
As the first insulating layer 12, for example, a glass nonwoven fabric, an alumina nonwoven fabric, an organic fiber nonwoven fabric, or the like can be used.

The thickness of the first insulating layer 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 15 to 500 μm, more preferably 30 to 200 μm.
Note that the thickness of the first insulating layer 12 is determined by the same method as for the metal fiber layer described above.

The first insulating layer 12 is preferably fixed to the metal fiber layer 14 by heat-resistant fibers and/or clay. When the metal fiber layer is energized, it generates heat up to a maximum temperature of about 400°C. Ordinary adhesives cannot withstand high temperatures of 400°C and cannot be fixed. It must also be an insulator in order to come into direct contact with the metal fibers. Heat-resistant fibers and clay materials are suitable as materials that are heat-resistant and insulating. In addition, the fiber shape is more preferable because it physically entangles with the metal fibers of the metal fiber layer and ensures strength during fixing. In addition, clay is useful in the case of partial adhesion by using it as a clay solution dispersed in a solvent. Since the first insulating layer and the metal fiber layer are usually porous, the solvent is easily removed when the clay solution is applied and dried, and the first insulating layer and the metal fiber layer can be fixed, so they are preferably used. be able to. Furthermore, a composite agent of heat-resistant fibers and a clay solution is more preferable because it is suitable for localized bonding and can ensure bonding strength.
Examples of the heat-resistant fibers include polyparaphenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fibers, para-aramid fibers, meta-aramid fibers, polyimide fibers, fluorine fibers, and polyarylate fibers.
Examples of the clay include mica, vermiculite, montmorillonite, iron-montmorillonite, beidellite, saponite, hectorite, stevensite, and nontronite.

<Second insulating layer>
When the humidity control section includes a metal fiber layer and a first insulating layer in the humidity control device of the present invention, it is preferable that the humidity control section further includes a second insulating layer in contact with the other main surface of the metal fiber layer.
The humidity control section 3 shown in FIG. 2 has a first insulating layer 12 on one main surface of the metal fiber layer 14, and further has a second insulating layer 16 on the other main surface.

The type, thickness, etc. of the second insulating layer 16 may be the same as those of the first insulating layer 12.

As with the first insulating layer 12, the second insulating layer 16 is preferably fixed to the metal fiber layer 14 by heat-resistant fibers and/or clay.

<Blower fan>
The humidity control device 1 of the present invention includes a humidity control section 3 as described above and a ventilation fan 5.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation fan 5 is connected to an exhaust port 92 through piping or the like. Then, the gas in the space inside the structure 8 sucked through the exhaust port 92 can be blown so as to pass through the dehumidifier layer 10.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation fan 5 is arranged on the side of the humidity control section 3 where the second insulating layer 16 is present, and the metal fiber layer 14, the first insulating layer 12 and the dehumidifier layer 10 There are no particular limitations as long as the gas can pass through in this order.

The ventilation fan 5 is operated in a manner such that the gas blown from the ventilation fan 5 flows uniformly inside the dehumidifier layer 10 (preferably inside the metal fiber layer 14, the first insulating layer 12, and the dehumidifier layer 10). 1. It is preferable to include a hood 51 as shown in FIG.

As the ventilation fan, it is preferable to use one that can produce a wind speed of 0.05 m/s or more, preferably 0.3 m/s or more immediately after passing through the dehumidifier layer 10, in order to quickly control humidity. . Such a fan is not particularly limited, and a general fan can be used.

<Another humidity control section>
Next, another humidity control section in the humidity control device of the present invention will be explained using FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another humidity control section and a ventilation fan in the humidity control device of the present invention.
Further, FIG. 5 is a diagram (schematic perspective view) for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing the humidity control section 52 shown in FIG. 4, and shows a state before each layer is assembled.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the humidity control section 52 has a formwork 651 that serves as a container 65 for accommodating a dehumidifier, and two heat-resistant meshes 653 and 655 that sandwich the formwork from both sides. Further, it has a metal fiber sheet 69 that serves as a metal fiber layer, and the first insulating layer 67 is sandwiched between the metal fiber sheet 69 and the heat-resistant mesh 655. Further, a second insulating layer 71 is provided to sandwich the metal fiber sheet 69 together with the first insulating layer 67 . Yet another insulating layer (third insulating layer 63) is attached on the main surface of the heat-resistant mesh 653. Here, the metal fiber sheet 69 may have a frame attached to the edge of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, or may have a plurality of holes on the edge as shown in FIG. It may be configured such that it can be connected to other layers by passing a connecting means such as the like.
Note that the third insulating layer 63 may be the same as the first insulating layer or the second insulating layer.
All of these layers are sandwiched between an upper frame 61 and a lower frame 73.

Here, the mold 651 constituting the container 65 can be made of resin, ceramic, or metal. More preferably, it is made of metal in terms of workability, cost, and heat resistance, and even more preferably aluminum or stainless steel.
The thickness of the formwork 651 may be similar to the thickness of the dehumidifier layer.

The heat-resistant meshes 653 and 655 are not particularly limited as long as they are heat-resistant and can allow the air generated from the blower fan 54 to pass through, but they may be mesh-like meshes made of metal such as stainless steel. It is preferable that there be.
The thickness of the heat-resistant meshes 653 and 655 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 to 0.4 mm. Note that the thickness of the heat-resistant meshes 653 and 655 is measured by the same method as the thickness of the dehumidifier layer.

The dehumidifier layer 56 can be formed by charging a dehumidifier into the container 65 .
For example, when attaching the two heat-resistant meshes 653 and 655 to both main surfaces of the formwork 651, the dehumidifier layer 56 can be formed by inserting a dehumidifier into the formwork 651.
Further, for example, as in the formwork 651 shown in FIG. 5, holes 657 may be formed in the side surfaces, etc., and two heat-resistant meshes 653 and 655 may be pasted on both main surfaces of the formwork 651 to form a container. After forming the holes 65, a dehumidifier is introduced into the container 65 through the holes 657, and then the holes 657 are covered, thereby forming the dehumidifier layer 56. After each layer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is tightly fixed, a dehumidifier may be introduced into the container 65 through the hole 657.
Here, it is preferable that the formwork 651 has crosspieces 659 so that the dehumidifier charged inside is difficult to segregate. It is preferable that the beams 659 are arranged in a grid pattern as shown in FIG.

Since the upper frame 61 and the lower frame 73 are used to fix each layer, they are not particularly limited as long as they have a certain level of rigidity or higher and are capable of passing the air generated from the air blowing fan 54. . The upper frame 61 and the lower frame 73 are preferably made of metal such as stainless steel.

As shown in FIG. 4, the blower fan 54 preferably includes a hood 541 so that the air from the blower fan 54 is sent to the entire main surface of the humidity control section 52.

<Structure>
The structure 8 in the humidity control device 1 of the present invention will be explained.
The structure 8 includes a dehumidifying space therein. This space will also be referred to as internal space below.

The structure 8 may be a room (building). In this case, the interior of the room corresponds to the interior space to be dehumidified.
Furthermore, the structure 8 may be a container. In this case, the interior of the container corresponds to the internal space for dehumidification.
Further, the structure 8 may be a structure in which an object to be protected (for example, a precision instrument) is placed on a trolley, and a protective cover is placed over the object. In this case, the space surrounded by the trolley and the protective cover, that is, the space where the object to be protected exists, corresponds to the internal space to be dehumidified.

Other objects (for example, a precision machine) may exist in the internal space of the structure 8 as described above.

It is preferable that the internal space included in the structure 8 has no path connected to the outside other than the air supply port and the exhaust port. That is, it is preferable that the internal space included in the structure 8 is sealed.

<Air supply port, exhaust port>
The air supply port 91 in the humidity control device 1 of the present invention will be explained.
The air supply port 91 is a hole for discharging the gas that has passed through the dehumidifier layer 10 into the internal space of the structure 8 . Usually, the air supply port 91 is an outlet of a pipe or the like connected to the outlet side of the humidity control section 3, as shown in FIG.
Further, the air supply port 91 is connected to the outlet side of the humidity control section 3 through piping or the like, as shown in FIG. However, there is no piping, etc., and for example, the outlet side of the humidity control section 3 is directly connected to a wall, etc. that constitutes the structure 8, and an air supply port 91 is formed in the wall, etc., and dehumidification is performed from the air supply port 91. The gas that has passed through the agent layer 10 may be discharged into the internal space of the structure 8.
Further, as in the embodiment described later using FIG. 6, the air supply port 91 does not need to be formed in the wall or the like that constitutes the structure 8.

The amount of gas discharged from the humidity control section 3 (the gas that has passed through the dehumidifier layer 10) supplied to the internal space of the structure 8 is connected to the piping connecting the outlet side of the humidity control section 3 and the air supply port 91. A flow rate regulating valve may be installed to adjust the flow rate.

The exhaust port 92 in the humidity control device 1 of the present invention will be explained.
The exhaust port 92 is a hole for sucking gas from the internal space of the structure 8. Gas sucked in from the exhaust port 92 is supplied to the ventilation fan 5.
Usually, the exhaust port 92 is an inlet of a pipe or the like connected to the inlet side of the blower fan 5, as shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the exhaust port 92 is connected to the inlet side of the ventilation fan 5 through piping or the like. However, there is no piping, etc., and the inlet side of the ventilation fan 5 is directly connected to a wall, etc. that constitutes the structure 8, and an exhaust port 92 is formed in the wall, etc., and the exhaust port 92 is connected to the structure 8. Gas from the internal space may be inhaled.
Further, as in the embodiment described later with reference to FIG. 6, the exhaust port 92 does not need to be formed in the wall or the like that constitutes the structure 8.

A flow rate regulating valve may be installed in a pipe or the like connecting the inlet side of the blower fan 5 and the exhaust port 92 in order to adjust the flow rate of the gas sucked from the internal space of the structure 8.

Furthermore, in the humidity control device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. It is formed on the side wall and is connected to the outlet side of the humidity control section 3 and the inlet side of the ventilation fan 5 by piping, respectively.As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. The fan 5 may exist in a space inside the structure 8, and the air supply port 91 and the exhaust port 92 may not be formed on the wall or the like of the structure 8.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the inlet side of the blower fan 5 constitutes an exhaust port 92, and the gas that has passed through the humidity control section 3 (dehumidifier layer 10) passes through the pipe 95 and enters the structure 8. The air moves to the upper part and is discharged into the internal space of the structure 8 from the air supply port 91 which is the outlet of the piping 95.

In the humidity control device 1 of the present invention, the air supply port 91 and the exhaust port 92 are located apart from each other, and in the vertical cross section of the structure 8, the air supply port 91 and the exhaust port 92 are arranged inward from both vertical ends of the structure 8. An air supply port 91 and an air exhaust port 92 are present at both ends within a range of 20% (preferably 15%, more preferably 10%) of the length, or in the vertical direction of the structure 8. In the cross section, air supply ports are provided at both ends within a range of 20% (preferably 15%, more preferably 10%) of the horizontal length of the structure 8 from both horizontal ends inward. 91 and an exhaust port 92.
This will be explained using FIG. 1 and FIGS. 6 to 8.

In the case of the humidity control device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, in the vertical cross section of the structure 8, the length of the structure 8 in the vertical direction (in FIG. ₁ ) at both ends (upper end α and lower end β surrounded by dotted lines in FIG. 1), which are within the range of 20% (0.2L ₁ in FIG. 1), are provided with air supply ports 91 and An exhaust port 92 is present.
Here, like the air supply port 91 in FIG. 1, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the air supply port 91 exists within the range of both ends (the upper end α in the case of FIG. 1).
In addition, in FIG. 1, an air supply port 91 exists at the upper end α and an exhaust port 92 exists at the lower end β, but conversely, an exhaust port 92 exists at the upper end α, and an air supply port 92 exists at the lower end β. Air holes 91 may be present.

In the case of the humidity control device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, in the vertical cross section of the structure 8, the vertical length of the structure 8 (in FIG. 6, L ₂ ) at both ends (upper end α and lower end β surrounded by dotted lines in FIG. 6) within a range of 20% (0.2L ₂ in FIG. 6) of the air supply port 91 and An exhaust port 92 is present.
In addition, in FIG. 6, an air supply port 91 exists at the upper end α, and an exhaust port 92 exists at the lower end β, but conversely, an exhaust port 92 exists at the upper end α, and an air supply port 92 exists at the lower end β. Air holes 91 may be present.

In the case of the humidity control device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 7, in the vertical cross section of the structure 8, the length of the structure 8 in the horizontal direction (in FIG. 7, L ₃ ) at both ends (left end γ and right end δ surrounded by dotted lines in FIG. 7) within a range of 20% (0.2L ₃ in FIG. 7) of the air supply port 91 and An exhaust port 92 is present.
In addition, in FIG. 7, an air supply port 91 exists at the left end γ, and an exhaust port 92 exists at the right end δ, but conversely, an exhaust port 92 exists at the left end γ, and an air supply port 92 exists at the right end δ. Air holes 91 may be present.

The humidity control device 1 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 above has an air supply port 91 and an exhaust port 92 at the upper end α and the lower end β, and the humidity control device 1 according to the present invention shown in FIG. Although the humidity control device 1 shown in FIG. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, both of these may apply.

In the case of the humidity control device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, in the vertical cross section of the structure 8, the length of the structure 8 in the vertical direction (in FIG. 8, L ₄ ) at both ends (upper end ε and lower end ζ surrounded by dotted lines in FIG. 8) within a range of 20% (0.2L ₄ in FIG. 8) of the air supply port 91 and An exhaust port 92 is present.
In the case of the humidity control device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, in the vertical cross section of the structure 8, the length of the structure 8 in the horizontal direction ( is L ₅ ) at both ends (left end η and right end θ surrounded by dotted lines in FIG. 8) within 20% of the length (0.2L ₅ in FIG. 8), respectively. An air supply port 91 and an air exhaust port 92 are present.
Even such a case as shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the humidity control device of the present invention.

<Humidity control method of the present invention>
Next, the humidity control method of the present invention will be explained.
The humidity control method of the present invention includes a regeneration step and a humidity control step.

<Regeneration process>
In the regeneration process, a humidity control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. This is a process of regenerating the dehumidifier by driving a blower fan to blow air so that the temperature of the gas immediately after being discharged from the layer is 40 to 350°C.

When electricity is applied to the metal fiber layer, the metal fiber layer generates heat. The heat generation temperature can be determined by placing a thermocouple on the surface of the metal fiber layer and measuring the temperature constantly or intermittently.
Adjustment is made so that the exothermic temperature thus determined is 100 to 400°C.

Further, the temperature of the gas immediately after being discharged from the dehumidifier layer is set to be 40 to 350°C. This temperature is also called discharge temperature.
The discharge temperature is determined by using a thermocouple on the surface of the dehumidifier layer on the side where the first insulating layer is not present (for example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, between the third insulating layer 63 and the heat-resistant mesh 653). It is possible to grasp the temperature by placing a holder and measuring its temperature constantly or intermittently.

The above-mentioned heat generation temperature and discharge temperature can be adjusted by optimizing the combination of the amount of current applied to the metal fiber layer and the output of the ventilation fan.
For example, if the output of the ventilation fan is too high, the heat generation temperature tends to be low. Conversely, if the output of the blower fan is too low, the exhaust temperature tends to increase.

In the regeneration process, a particulate composite consisting of low-crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate is used as a dehumidifier, the exothermic temperature is set to 100 to 200°C, and the discharge temperature is set to 40 to 150°C. It is preferable to regenerate the dehumidifier in such a manner. In this case, the internal space (indoor space, etc.) of the structure can be more efficiently dehumidified and the humidity can be adjusted to a desired level.

Through such a regeneration step, the dehumidifier in the humidity control device of the present invention can be regenerated.

<Humidity control process>
After the dehumidifier is regenerated through the regeneration process as described above, the humidity control device of the present invention is used to dehumidify the internal space (indoor space, etc.) of a structure.
For example, in the humidity control device of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 or Figs. The humidity in the interior space can be adjusted to a desired value.

Experiments (Examples 1 to 3) were conducted using the dehumidifier layer and the ventilation fan of the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Here, when fixing each layer in the humidity control section 52 in close contact with each other, there are two locations: between the third insulating layer 63 and the heat-resistant mesh 653, and between the metal fiber sheet 69 and the second insulating layer 71. A thermocouple was embedded in the area, making it possible to constantly measure the temperature at that location.

As a dehumidifier, 1.68 kg of a particulate composite consisting of low-crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate was used. Further, the average particle diameter of this composite was 2 to 3 mm.
Here, the composite of amorphous aluminum silicate and low crystalline layered clay mineral may be synthesized as follows.
100 ml of a 0.4M aqueous sodium orthosilicate solution and 100 ml of a 0.5M aqueous aluminum chloride solution were mixed, and 1N sodium hydroxide was added dropwise until the pH reached 6.5. Next, the solution was centrifuged, desalted, and purified water was added to adjust the total volume to 1 L. After reacting the prepared solution at 180°C for 24 hours, it was filtered and dried at 60°C for 24 hours to obtain the desired composite of amorphous aluminum silicate and low-crystalline layered clay mineral.

Further, as the formwork 651, one made of aluminum and having a thickness of 25 mm was used. Therefore, the thickness of the dehumidifier layer is also 25 mm. As shown in FIG. 5, the formwork 651 used had crosspieces 659 arranged in a grid pattern inside. The size of the grid was 80 mm x 80 mm, and the number of grids was six. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the formwork 651 has a hole 657 on the side surface. A dehumidifier was charged into the container 65 through the hole 657 to form a dehumidifier layer 56.

Further, as the heat-resistant meshes 653 and 655, stainless steel mesh (60 mesh) was used.

The metal fiber sheet used had a thickness of 50 μm, a basis weight of 50 g/m ² , a space factor of 13%, and a sheet resistance of 285 mΩ/□.

Moreover, a glass nonwoven fabric was used as the first insulating layer 67, the second insulating layer 71, and the third insulating layer 63. This glass nonwoven fabric has a thickness of 130 μm and a basis weight of 20 g/m ² .

Furthermore, the upper frame 61 and the lower frame 73 were made of stainless steel.

<Example 1>
A room was dehumidified using the humidity control device of the present invention including such a dehumidifier layer and a blower fan. When the metal fiber layer was energized to generate heat, the blower fan was driven, and the outlet air speed was set to 0.3 m/s, the heat generation temperature was 150°C, the discharge temperature was 100°C, and the dehumidifier was regenerated in about 75 minutes. We have confirmed that it is possible.

<Example 2>
As in the case of Example 1 above, the metal fiber layer is energized to generate heat, the ventilation fan is driven, and the exit air velocity is 0.3 m/s, so that the heat generation temperature is 150°C and the discharge temperature is 100°C. And so. The dehumidifier was then left in that state for about 2 hours to regenerate the dehumidifier.
Thereafter, the blower fan in the humidity control device of the present invention was turned off, and the metal fiber layer was left in a room adjusted to 25° C. and 47% humidity for 1 hour without electricity to allow the dehumidifier to absorb moisture. Then, when the mass of the dehumidifier was measured, the mass increased by about 20% in terms of the dehumidifier mass ratio. From this, it was confirmed that the regenerated dehumidifier had a moisture absorption performance of about 20%.

Thereafter, the dehumidifier was regenerated again by the same method as in Example 1. Then, when the mass of the dehumidifier was measured, the mass of the dehumidifier was almost the same as that before moisture absorption. That is, it was confirmed that almost the entire amount of water could be separated from the dehumidifier by the regeneration method shown in Example 1.

<Example 3>
As in the case of Example 1 above, the metal fiber layer is energized to generate heat, the ventilation fan is driven, and the exit air velocity is 0.3 m/s, so that the heat generation temperature is 150°C and the discharge temperature is 100°C. And so. The dehumidifier was then left in that state for about 2 hours to regenerate the dehumidifier.
Thereafter, the humidity control device of the present invention was placed in a room adjusted to 24.4°C and humidity of 58%, and was operated for 1 hour to dehumidify the room.
As a result, the humidity in the room dropped to 15% after 13 minutes. Note that the room temperature was 29.7°C.

From Examples 1 to 3 above, it was confirmed that the humidity control device of the present invention can control the humidity in a room in a short time, and can also regenerate the dehumidifier almost completely in a short time. It was done.

Conventionally, before launching a satellite, a large amount of nitrogen was introduced into the satellite over a long period of time in order to cover the satellite with a protective cover and keep the internal humidity at about 20%. However, by controlling the humidity inside the satellite protective cover using the humidity control device of the present invention, the humidity can be easily controlled, so the amount of nitrogen used can be significantly reduced, and the humidity control time can also be shortened. It can be done. As a result, the time until satellite launch can be shortened. In addition, the present invention can be applied not only to humidity control inside the satellite protective cover, but also to fields that require humidity control, such as when transporting precision equipment, storing hygroscopic parts (molds, etc.), and storing hygroscopic materials. A device can be used.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-74197 filed on April 17, 2020, and the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein.

1 Humidity control device of the present invention 3 Humidity control section 5 Ventilation fan 51 Hood 10 Dehumidifier layer 12 First insulating layer 14 Metal fiber layer 141 Electricity inlet side 143 Electricity outlet side 16 Second insulating layer 52 Humidity control section 54 Ventilation fan 541 Hood 56 Dehumidifier layer 61 Upper frame 63 Third insulating layer 653 Heat-resistant mesh 651 Formwork 655 Heat-resistant mesh 67 First insulating layer 69 Metal fiber sheet 71 Second insulating layer 73 Lower frame 8 Structure 91 Supply Air port 92 Exhaust port 95 Piping

Claims (11)

a humidity control section including a dehumidifier layer made of a dehumidifier;
a ventilation fan capable of blowing air so that the gas passes through the dehumidifier layer;
A structure that includes a space to dehumidify inside;
an air supply port that is connected to the humidity control unit and discharges the gas that has passed through the dehumidifier layer into the internal space of the structure;
an exhaust port connected to the ventilation fan and sucking gas from the internal space of the structure;
has
In the vertical cross section of the structure, the air supply port and the exhaust port are provided at both ends within a range of 20% of the vertical length of the structure from both vertical ends to the inside. exists,
or
In a vertical cross section of the structure, the air supply port and the exhaust port are provided at both ends within 20% of the horizontal length of the structure from both horizontal ends inward. exists ,
The humidity control section further
a metal fiber layer composed of metal fibers, the metal fibers being fused together at contact points, and capable of generating heat when energized;
a first insulating layer sandwiched between the dehumidifier layer and the metal fiber layer and in contact with one main surface of the metal fiber layer;
a second insulating layer in contact with the other main surface of the metal fiber layer;
including;
The ventilation fan is
Air can be blown so that gas passes through the second insulating layer, the metal fiber layer, the first insulating layer, and the dehumidifier layer in this order.
Humidity control device. The metal fiber layer is made of a SUS fiber sheet,
2. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein the metal fiber layer is patterned so that when energized, electricity is passed through a band-shaped electrical flow path from an electricity input side to an electricity output side. The humidity control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are a glass nonwoven fabric and/or an alumina nonwoven fabric. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein a dehumidifier layer different from the dehumidifier layer is not provided between the ventilation fan and the second insulating layer. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the metal fiber layer and the first insulating layer are fixed by heat-resistant fibers and/or clay. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the metal fiber layer and the second insulating layer are fixed by heat-resistant fibers and/or clay. The heat-resistant fiber is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyparaphenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber, para-aramid fiber, meta-aramid fiber, polyimide fiber, fluorine fiber, and polyarylate fiber. The humidity control device according to item 5 or 6. The dehumidifier is in particulate or fibrous form and is selected from the group consisting of a composite of low-crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate, activated carbon, activated clay, diatomaceous earth, activated alumina, silica gel, and zeolite. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is at least one. The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a container for accommodating the dehumidifier. Using the humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , the metal fiber layer is energized to generate heat so that the heat generation temperature is 100 to 400°C, and the dehumidifier is discharged from the dehumidifier layer. A regeneration step of regenerating the dehumidifier by driving the ventilation fan to blow air so that the gas temperature immediately after is 40 to 350°C;
After that, a humidity control step of controlling the humidity in the internal space of the structure by driving the ventilation fan;
A humidity control method comprising: In the regeneration step,
The dehumidifier is a particulate composite consisting of low crystalline clay and amorphous aluminum silicate,
The metal fiber layer is energized to generate heat, and the blowing fan is configured to generate heat at a temperature of 100 to 200°C, and to maintain a gas temperature of 40 to 150°C immediately after being discharged from the dehumidifier layer. regenerating the dehumidifier by driving and blowing air;
The humidity control method according to claim 10 .

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