JP7544194B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

An evaporative cooling type air conditioner is known that draws in indoor air, uses the heat of vaporization of water to lower the ambient temperature, and then blows the cooled air out into the room (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The air conditioner (cooling fan) of Patent Document 1 includes a blowing means disposed within a casing, a first flow path that connects the intake port and the first outlet and directs the airflow generated by the blowing means to the first outlet, a second flow path that connects the intake port and the second outlet and directs the airflow generated by the blowing means to the second outlet, and an evaporating means disposed in the second flow path that cools the air flowing through the second flow path using the heat of vaporization of water. A heat exchanger is provided to exchange heat between the airflow cooled by the evaporating means of the second flow path and the airflow flowing through the first flow path.

In the second flow path equipped with the vaporization means, the mist of water (unevaporated sprayed water) sprayed by the vaporization means and air whose absolute humidity has been increased by the evaporated water (evaporated sprayed water) flow downstream of the vaporization means. This air with increased humidity is blown out into the room from the second air outlet, which is the outlet of the second flow path.

JP 2014-092338 A

The air conditioner (cooling fan) of Patent Document 1 has the problem that the mist of water (unevaporated water) dispersed by the evaporation means is blown into the room, which is the space to be air-conditioned, further increasing the absolute humidity in the room.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide an air conditioner that prevents unevaporated spray water from being discharged outside the air conditioner.

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a spray unit that sprays water to be evaporated, a first flow path through which a first air flows that is cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water sprayed by the spray unit, a second flow path through which a second air flows that is blown into a conditioned space, and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first air and the second air and cools the second air, the heat exchanger including a first path that forms at least a part of the first flow path and a second path that forms at least a part of the second flow path, the first flow path is provided with a branching portion that branches upward and downward downstream of the first path in the flow direction of the first air, and a drain pan that is in communication with the branching portion is provided below the branching portion.

In this embodiment, the first flow path is provided with a branch section that branches upward and downward downstream of the first path in the flow direction of the first air, so that unevaporated spray water in the heat exchanger can be dripped downward from the branch section by gravity. The dripped spray water flows into a drain pan that communicates with the branch section, so that the unevaporated spray water can be efficiently collected, and the unevaporated spray water is prevented from being discharged into the conditioned space, and an increase in the absolute humidity in the conditioned space can be prevented.

In an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first flow path is formed upward before and after the branching portion and is formed in a U-shape.

In this embodiment, the first flow path is formed in a U-shape before and after the branching portion, i.e., the branching portion is provided in the arc portion of the U-shape. Therefore, when air and unevaporated spray water flow in the branching portion provided in the arc portion of the U-shape, the unevaporated spray water, which has a high specific gravity, is efficiently separated to the outer periphery by centrifugal force and can be dripped downward from the branching portion.

In an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in the first flow path, the distance from the spray section to the branch section is shorter than the distance from the branch section to the first outlet from which the first air is blown out.

In this embodiment, by making the distance from the spray section to the branch section shorter than the distance from the branch section to the first outlet from which the first air is blown out, it is possible to suppress the upward blowing of unevaporated spray water, reduce the amount of unevaporated spray water discharged into the room from the outlet of the first path, and suppress an increase in absolute humidity in the room.

In an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first fan for transporting the first air is provided in the first flow path, and the first fan is provided near the first air outlet.

In this embodiment, by providing the first fan near the first outlet, the first fan is positioned downstream of the branching section and the distance between the spray section and the first fan can be increased, reducing short circuit damage caused by sprayed water (water droplets) from the spray section and suppressing the sprayed water from being blown up.

In an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second fan for transporting the second air is provided in the second flow path, and the first path and the second path are formed so that the first air and the second air flow in countercurrent flow within the heat exchanger.

In this embodiment, the first and second paths are formed in the heat exchanger so that the first air and the second air flow in opposite directions, so that sensible heat exchange between the first air and the second air can be performed efficiently.

In an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a moisture absorbing member that covers the opening of the drain pan is provided between the branching portion and the drain pan.

In this embodiment, a moisture absorbing member that covers the opening of the drain pan is provided between the branch and the drain pan, so that the sprayed water that drips downward from the branch is absorbed by the moisture absorbing member. This further prevents the sprayed water that drips downward from the branch from being blown up and discharged into the conditioned space.

In an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first filter is provided upstream of the spray section in the first flow path, and the pressure loss value of the moisture absorbing member is greater than the pressure loss value of the first filter.

In this embodiment, the moisture absorbing member is provided so as to cover the opening of the drain pan, and the pressure loss value of the moisture absorbing member is set to be greater than the pressure loss value of the first filter. Therefore, even if water that has passed through the moisture absorbing member and flowed into the drain pan is vaporized in the drain pan to become water vapor, the phenomenon in which the water vapor flows back through the moisture absorbing member and returns to the first flow path can be effectively suppressed.

In one aspect of the air conditioner disclosed herein, a water reservoir section is provided below the drain pan to store the spray water to be supplied to the spray section, and the drain pan and the water reservoir section are in communication.

In this embodiment, the unevaporated spray water collected by the drain pan is stored in the water storage section, and the collected spray water is supplied to the spray section, allowing the collected spray water to be reused.

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tank that holds water supplied from the outside, a solenoid valve provided between the tank and the water reservoir, a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve, and a sensor that outputs information related to the water level in the water reservoir. When the control unit determines, based on the water level information output by the sensor, that the water level has fallen below the lower end of a communication passage that connects the drain pan and the water reservoir, it opens the solenoid valve until the water level rises above the lower end.

In this embodiment, when the control unit determines that the water level in the water reservoir is lower than the lower end of the communication passage, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve so that the lower end of the communication passage is underwater in order to open the solenoid valve until the water level is higher than the lower end. This makes it possible to prevent air in the drain pan from flowing back into the first flow passage from the lower end of the communication passage.

It is possible to provide an air conditioner that prevents unevaporated spray water from being discharged outside the air conditioner.

1 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration example (exhaust side L: supply side U) of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one configuration of a controller. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a control unit of the controller. 13 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger according to Modification 1 (exhaust air side L: intake air side L). FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger according to Modification 2 (exhaust air side L: intake air side Z). FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger according to Modification 3 (exhaust air side I: intake air side U). FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger according to variant example 4 (exhaust air side I: intake air side Z). FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger according to variant example 5 (exhaust air side Z: intake air side Z).

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration example (exhaust side L: supply side U) of an air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 includes a box-shaped housing 15, and is placed on the floor of a space to be air-conditioned, such as a factory, by casters 151 provided on the bottom of the housing 15. The placed state of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown from top to bottom to left to right as a normal use mode of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 includes a sensible heat exchanger 2 and a spray unit 5, and uses the heat of vaporization of the sprayed water sprayed from the spray unit 5 to lower the ambient temperature and cool the space to be air-conditioned, and is, for example, an indirect evaporative cooling type air conditioner 1.

The air conditioner 1 is provided with a first flow path 3 through which flows first air that is cooled directly by the heat of vaporization of the spray water sprayed from the spray unit 5, and a second flow path 4 through which flows second air that is cooled by heat exchange with the cooled first air flowing in the first flow path 3 by the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The second air flowing through the second flow path 4 is blown into the conditioned space as service air (SA) and supplied to the conditioned space. Therefore, the second flow path 4 functions as an air supply flow path. The first air flowing through the first flow path 3 is blown into the conditioned space as exhaust air (EA) and exhausted to the conditioned space. Therefore, the first flow path 3 functions as an exhaust flow path.

As will be described in detail later, a branch section 6 is provided in the first flow path 3 (exhaust flow path), and at least a portion of the unevaporated spray water from the spray section 5, i.e., water that has not evaporated and has not become water vapor, is recovered through a spray water recovery path 61 branched off from the branch section 6. This reduces the amount of mist-like water that has not become water vapor in the first air discharged from the first flow path 3, and suppresses an increase in the absolute humidity of the conditioned space due to the discharged first air.

The sensible heat exchanger 2 is provided so as to straddle the first flow path 3 (exhaust flow path) and the second flow path 4 (intake air flow path). The sensible heat exchanger 2 is provided with a first path 21 that forms at least a part of the first flow path 3, and a second path 22 that forms at least a part of the second flow path 4. The sensible heat exchanger 2 has a box-shaped case made of metal such as aluminum or made of resin, and a heat insulating member may be provided on the outer periphery of the case to limit heat exchange between the first air or the second air flowing inside the sensible heat exchanger 2 and the air surrounding the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The first path 21 and the second path 22 formed in the sensible heat exchanger 2 are configured, for example, by arranging multiple metal plates having a hollow structure through which the first air or the second air flows in parallel. The metal plate having the hollow structure may be, for example, configured with multiple fins or a flat tube. The plate can be made of a metal with good thermal conductivity (for example, aluminum, copper, etc., or an alloy mainly composed of these), thereby improving the efficiency of sensible heat exchange. Each of the first path 21 and the second path 22 is configured as multiple exhaust paths and multiple air supply paths by each of the multiple metal plates having a hollow structure.

The multiple exhaust paths constituting the first path 21 and the multiple supply paths constituting the second path 22 are stacked and arranged alternately parallel to the plane of the paper (parallel to the direction of supply and exhaust), so that the supply air and exhaust air do not mix in the sensible heat exchanger 2. The flow of air (supply air and exhaust air) in each of the first path 21 and the second path 22 forms a countercurrent in the opposite direction by the first fan 31 and the second fan 41 described below.

The first path 21 and the second path 22 are stacked alternately between each other, and sensible heat is exchanged between the first air (exhaust air) flowing through the first path 21 (exhaust path) and the second air (supply air) flowing through the second path 22 (supply path). As described above, the first air cooled by the heat of vaporization of the sprayed water flows through the first path 21 (exhaust path).
The second air flowing in the (air supply path) is cooled by exchanging sensible heat with the first air.

The first path 21 starts (entrance) on the top surface of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and terminates (exit) on the lower right side, forming an L-shape in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. The second path 22 starts (entrance) on the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and terminates (exit) on the upper left side, forming a U-shape in the cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. In this way, by terminating (exit) the second path 22 on the upper left side, the distance from the spray unit 5 provided on the top surface of the sensible heat exchanger 2 can be increased, and spray water from the spray unit 5 can be prevented from entering the second path 22.

The spray unit 5 includes a spray nozzle (spray nozzle) that sprays (sprays) mist-like water, and the spray nozzle is connected to the water reservoir unit 9 described later by piping. The spray unit 5 is provided in the first flow path 3 (exhaust flow path), and is provided upstream of the sensible heat exchanger 2 in the flow direction of the first air. Therefore, the sprayed water sprayed by the spray unit 5 and turned into a mist flows into the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. At this time, the more the tip direction of the spray nozzle, which is the spray direction of the sprayed water, faces downstream at an angle closer to parallel to the first flow path 3, the higher the efficiency of the sprayed water flowing into the first path 21.

The first flow path 3 includes a first intake port 33 and a first outlet port 34 located on the upper surface side of the air conditioner 1, and is configured in a U-shape starting from the first intake port 33 and ending at the first outlet port 34. The lowest end of the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is located near the apex of the U-shape. Therefore, the first flow path 3 is formed so as to turn back upward at the lowest end of the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2, i.e., at the outlet of the first path 21.

A first filter 32 is provided at the first suction port 33 so as to cover the first suction port 33. The first filter 32 is made of, for example, polyester or olefin-based fibers, and collects dust in the air sucked in from the first suction port 33.

A first fan 31 is provided near the first air outlet 34 and functions as an exhaust fan by transporting the first air (exhaust air) flowing in the first flow path 3 (first route 21). The first air (exhaust air) is blown out (discharged) from the first air outlet 34 to the outside of the air conditioner 1. In the first embodiment, the vicinity of the first air outlet 34 refers to a position immediately before the first air outlet 34 in the first flow path 3 as shown in FIG. 1. In another example, the vicinity of the first air outlet 34 may be a position that is at least closer to the first air outlet 34 than the branch section 6 described below.

The second flow path 4 includes a second intake port 43 located on the lower left side of the air conditioner 1 and a second outlet port 44 located on the upper side of the air conditioner 1, and is configured in a U-shape starting from the second intake port 43 and ending at the second outlet port 44 (when the air conditioner 1 is in its normal operating state, the U-shape is rotated 90 degrees to the left, forming an inverted C-shape).

A second filter 42 is provided at the second suction port 43 so as to cover the second suction port 43. The second filter 42 is made of, for example, polyester or olefin-based fibers, and collects dust in the air sucked in from the second suction port 43.

A second fan 41 is provided near the second air outlet 44 and functions as a supply air fan by transporting the second air (supply air) flowing in the second flow path 4 (second path 22). The position at which the second fan 41 is provided is not limited to the vicinity of the second air outlet 44, but may be provided on the second air inlet 43 side, i.e., between the second filter 42 and the inlet of the second path 22 of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The first air (exhaust air) transported by the first fan 31 flows from top to bottom in the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. The second air (supply air) transported by the second fan 41 flows from bottom to top in the second path 22 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. Therefore, in the sensible heat exchanger 2, the first air (exhaust air) flowing in the first path 21 and the second air (supply air) flowing in the second path 22 form countercurrents, improving the heat exchange rate of the sensible heat exchange between the first air (exhaust air) and the second air (supply air).

As described above, sensible heat exchange occurs between the first air (exhaust air) flowing through the first passage 21 and the second air (supply air) flowing through the second flow path 4, so that the second air is cooled by the first air. In addition, the first passage 21 may also have mist-like sprayed water sprayed from the spraying unit 5 flowing therethrough, and the sprayed water may evaporate in the first passage 21, thereby cooling the first air and the second air by the heat of vaporization (latent heat). More specifically, as an example, a physical phenomenon may be considered in which the sprayed water adhering to the wall surface of the first passage 21 exchanges heat with the second air in the second passage 22 to evaporate and cool the second air. In addition, when the second air is cooled by the sprayed water, the second air may be cooled by heat exchange (sensible heat exchange) due to the temperature difference between the sprayed water and the second air, as a physical phenomenon other than cooling by heat of vaporization. In this case, since the cooling efficiency increases as the temperature difference between the spray water and the second air increases, it is effective to store relatively low-temperature water, such as ice water or groundwater, as the spray water in the water reservoir 9 or tank 14 described below. The above-mentioned physical phenomena occur in a complex manner depending on the physical states of the components involved in heat exchange inside the air conditioner 1.

The air conditioner 1 further includes a drain pan 8, a water reservoir 9, and a tank 14. The drain pan 8, the water reservoir 9, and the tank 14 are housed in a housing 15 and are located below the area (air chamber) in which the first path 21, the second path 22, and the sensible heat exchanger 2 are located.

The tank 14 is a container that stores water supplied from a water pipe external to the air conditioner 1. For example, a water supply valve (not shown) is provided in the tank 14, and the water supplied from the water pipe is stored by connecting the water supply valve to the water pipe and opening the water supply valve. After storing a certain amount of water, the water supply valve is closed and the air conditioner 1 can be moved to any location by disconnecting it from the water pipe.

The water reservoir 9 is a container that stores water, similar to the tank 14, and is provided below the tank 14. The water reservoir 9 and the tank 14 are connected by an electromagnetic valve 13. By opening the electromagnetic valve 13, the water in the tank 14 flows into the water reservoir 9, and the water level stored in the water reservoir 9 rises.

One or more air holes 91 are provided on the top surface of the water reservoir 9. By providing the air holes 91, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the water reservoir 9 from increasing when the water level stored in the water reservoir 9 rises.

A pipe that is connected to the spray nozzle of the spray unit 5 is inserted inside the water reservoir 9, and the water in the water reservoir 9 is supplied to the spray nozzle of the spray unit 5 via the pipe. A pump 11 is connected to the pipe, and when the pump 11 is driven, water is supplied to the spray unit 5. The supplied water is sprayed (sprayed) from the spray nozzle to become mist water, which flows into the first path 21 together with the first air sucked in from the first suction port 33.

Inside the water reservoir 9, a sensor 10 is provided to detect the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9. The sensor 10 is a water level sensor 10 that is provided at a position on the inner surface of the water reservoir 9 where the water level is a predetermined level, and outputs a predetermined signal when the terminal of the sensor 10 comes into contact with water, or a sensor 10 that has a float that floats on the water and outputs a predetermined signal based on the height position of the float. The sensor 10 is provided at the height position of the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 provided in the drain pan 8 described later, and outputs a predetermined signal based on the height relationship between the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9 and the lower end 82. As an example, the sensor 10 is provided to detect the water level at a position that is a predetermined amount higher than the height position of the lower end 82. As a result, the water level of the water reservoir 9 is controlled to always be higher than the height of the lower end 82 by the control of the control unit 121 described later.

The first flow path 3 is provided with a branching section 6 that branches upward and downward downstream of the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2 with respect to the flow direction of the first air (exhaust air). As shown in FIG. 1, the branching section 6 is provided at the outlet of the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2, and the branching section 6 forms a spray water recovery path 61 that branches downward from the first path 21. In other words, the spray water recovery path 61 branched off from the first flow path 3 by the branching section 6 is configured downward from the branching section 6.

The first flow path 3 downstream of the branch 6, i.e., downstream of the outlet of the first path 21, is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the case of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 15 of the air conditioner 1, and is configured upward relative to the branch 6.

As described above, the first flow path 3 is configured in a U-shape, and the bottom end of the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2 is located near the apex of the U-shape. Since the outlet of the first path 21 is located at the bottom end of the first path 21, the branching section 6 is located near the apex of the U-shape (near the bottom end). That is, in the height direction, the branching section 6 and the bottom end of the first path 21 are located at approximately the same position. Therefore, the first flow path 3 is formed in a U-shape by folding back upward with the front and rear of the branching section 6 as the bottom end. As shown in FIG. 1, the branching section 6 may be provided downstream of the apex of the U-shape of the first path 21, i.e., the turning point of the first air.

The first flow path 3 is not limited to being formed immediately after the branching portion 6, i.e., immediately on the downstream side of the branching portion 6, facing upward. The first flow path 3 may be formed in the horizontal direction (to the right on the paper, approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity) at a predetermined distance downstream of the branching portion 6, and then formed in the upward direction.

The branching section 6 is not limited to a portion of the first path 21, but may be configured as a branching chamber with a predetermined capacity. That is, in FIG. 1, the space immediately after the outlet of the first path 21 is the branching section 6 (branching chamber), and downstream of the branching chamber, it branches into the first path 21 (corresponding to the straight part on the right side of the U-shape) which is formed upward, and the spray water recovery passage 61 which is formed downward.

Although the branching section 6 is described as being provided after the outlet of the first path 21, i.e., downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 2, this is not limiting. The branching section 6 may be provided on the outlet side (downstream side) of the first path 21, i.e., midway along the first path 21 (inside the sensible heat exchanger 2). For example, the branching section 6 may be provided downstream of the first path 21, at a location of the first path 21 after sensible heat exchange by counterflow with the second air.

The spray water recovery passage 61 is formed starting from the branch 6 and is connected to the drain pan 8 located below the branch 6. The spray water recovery passage 61 is formed between a partition plate 62 provided between the lower part of the outlet of the first passage 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and the opening of the drain pan 8, and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 15 of the air conditioner 1, and is formed toward the bottom of the branch 6.

The drain pan 8 is, for example, a dish-shaped container with an opening on the top surface. A communication passage 81 is provided on the bottom surface of the drain pan 8 to communicate with the water reservoir section 9.

The communication passage 81 extends from the bottom surface of the drain pan 8 toward the water reservoir 9 located below, and the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 is located inside the drain pan 8.

An opening on the top surface of the drain pan 8 is provided with a moisture absorbing member 7 to cover the opening. The moisture absorbing member 7 is made of a hydrophilic material such as PET, polyolefin, olefin, rayon, polyester, or modacrylic, and absorbs unevaporated spray water and drips the absorbed spray water toward the drain pan 8 to recover the unevaporated spray water. By making the moisture absorbing member 7 out of a hydrophilic material, it is possible to efficiently absorb the spray water and drip it toward the drain pan 8. The moisture absorbing member 7 also functions as a filter, and can collect dust even if dust is contained in the spray water that flows down from the partition plate 62.

The pressure loss value of the moisture absorbing member 7 is set to be larger than the pressure loss value of the first filter 32. Since the first fan 31 is provided at the first outlet 34 (the outlet of the first flow path 3) of the first flow path 3, the first flow path 3 is in a negative pressure environment lower than atmospheric pressure. In contrast, since the pressure loss value of the moisture absorbing member 7 is larger than the pressure loss value of the first filter 32, it is possible to suppress the air in the drain pan 8 from flowing back into the first flow path 3. The air in the drain pan 8 has a relatively high absolute humidity due to the water stored in the drain pan 8 or in the water reservoir 9. In contrast, by suppressing the air in the drain pan 8 from flowing back into the first flow path 3, it is possible to suppress an increase in the absolute humidity of the first air that flows through the first flow path 3 and is discharged from the first outlet 34.

According to the first flow path 3 configured as described above, the mist of sprayed water sprayed from the spray unit 5 is mixed with the first air sucked in from the first suction port 33, and vaporizes into water vapor around the spray unit 5 and in the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2. The first air cooled by the heat of vaporization and the mist of sprayed water that has not been vaporized and evaporated flow downward through the first path 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

A portion of the mist of spray water that has not evaporated and is not vaporized turns into droplets on the inner wall surface of the first passage 21 of the sensible heat exchanger 2, and the droplets flow down the inner wall surface of the first passage 21 and the partition plate 62 by gravity, and are absorbed by the moisture absorbing member 7 and collected in the drain pan 8. A portion of the mist of spray water that has not evaporated and does not turn into droplets on the inner wall surface of the first passage 21 and flows with the first air is absorbed by the moisture absorbing member 7 via the spray water recovery passage 61 that branches downward from the branching portion 6, and is collected in the drain pan 8. By collecting the mist of spray water that has not evaporated and is not vaporized in this way in the drain pan 8 via the spray water recovery passage 61, it is possible to suppress an increase in the absolute humidity of the first air discharged from the first outlet 34.

As shown in FIG. 1, it is desirable that the branching section 6 is provided downstream of the apex of the U-shape, i.e., the turning point of the first air. When the first air turns back (changing from a downward flow direction to an upward flow direction) at the curved section of the U-shape, centrifugal force is generated. The unevaporated spray water flowing together with the first air has a higher specific gravity than air, so it is biased toward the outer periphery of the curved section by centrifugal force and separated from the first air (gas-liquid separation). Therefore, the unevaporated spray water can be efficiently collected through the partition plate 62 located on the outer periphery of the curved section.

The cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 (first path 21) on the upstream side of the U-shaped curved portion may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 on the downstream side of the U-shaped curved portion. It goes without saying that the first path 21 is composed of a plurality of exhaust paths stacked as described above, and the cross-sectional area of the first path 21 is the total value of the cross-sectional areas of each of these plurality of exhaust paths. By making the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 on the upstream side of the U-shaped curved portion smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 3 on the downstream side of the U-shaped curved portion, the flow rate of the first air in the upstream first flow path 3 can be made faster than the flow rate of the first air in the downstream first flow path 3. By increasing the flow rate of the first air in the upstream first flow path 3, the centrifugal force generated in the curved portion is increased, and the unevaporated spray water flowing with the first air can be efficiently biased toward the outer periphery of the curved portion and separated, thereby improving the recovery efficiency of the unevaporated spray water. In addition, by lowering the flow rate of the first air in the downstream first flow path 3, it is possible to prevent unevaporated spray water that has passed through the branching portion 6 from being blown up and discharged from the first outlet 34.

In the first path 21, the distance L1 in the height direction from the spraying section 5 to the branching section 6 is shorter than the distance L2 in the height direction from the branching section 6 to the first outlet 34. By making the distance L1 in the height direction from the spraying section 5 to the branching section 6 shorter than the distance L2 in the height direction from the branching section 6 to the first outlet 34, it is possible to suppress the spray water that has passed through the branching section 6 from being blown up. In the first embodiment, since the branching section 6 is near the lowest end, the distance from the lowest end to the spraying section 5 is the distance L1, and the distance from the lowest end to the first outlet 34 is the distance L2. Furthermore, the distance L1 from the spraying section 5 to the branching section 6 and the distance L2 from the branching section 6 to the first outlet 34 may be the distance L1 in the height direction from the spraying section 5 to the lowest end of the branching section 6 (the moisture absorbing member 7), and the distance L2 in the height direction from the lowest end of the branching section 6 (the moisture absorbing member 7) to the first outlet 34.

In the first path 21, the first fan 31 is provided near the first outlet 34, so that the first fan 31 can be arranged above and downstream of the branching section 6. Furthermore, the distance to the spraying section 5 provided near the first suction port 33 can be increased, and the effect of the spraying water of the spraying section 5 on the electric components such as the motor included in the first fan 31 can be reduced. It is desirable that the heightwise distance from the spraying section 5 to the branching section 6 is shorter than the heightwise distance from the branching section 6 to the first fan 31. It is possible to further suppress the unevaporated spraying water that has passed through the branching section 6 from being blown up. In addition, in the first embodiment, since the first air and the second air flow in the sensible heat exchanger 2 in a counterflow manner, the first flow path 3 takes in air from above, and the second flow path 4 takes in air from below. Therefore, it is possible to further cool and supply air from the lower part of the air-conditioned space, which has a relatively low temperature in the air-conditioned space. This results in a higher cooling efficiency than if warm air were drawn in through the second air inlet 43.

The drain pan 8 and the water reservoir section 9 are connected by a communication passage 81 provided on the bottom surface of the drain pan 8. Therefore, the unevaporated spray water collected in the drain pan 8 flows into the water reservoir section 9 through the communication passage 81 and is stored in the water reservoir section 9. The water stored in the water reservoir section 9 is to be sprayed by the spray section 5, and therefore, by reusing the collected unevaporated spray water, water consumption can be reduced.

The opening of the drain pan 8 is provided with a moisture absorbing member 7 that functions as a filter, so even if dust is mixed in the unevaporated spray water, the moisture absorbing member 7 can capture the dust. Therefore, the unevaporated spray water from which the dust has been removed can be reused, and clogging of the spray nozzle of the spray unit 5 can be prevented.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing one configuration of the controller 12. The air conditioner 1 is equipped with a controller 12 that is configured, for example, by a microcomputer. The controller 12 includes a control unit 121, a memory unit 122, and an input/output I/F 123, and performs, for example, on/off control or rotation speed control of the first fan 31 and the second fan 41, and drive, stop, or capacity control of the pump 11 that supplies water from the water reservoir 9 to the spray unit 5 when spraying spray water from the spray unit 5.

The control unit 121 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and performs various control processes and calculation processes by reading and executing programs and data pre-stored in the memory unit 122.

The storage unit 122 is composed of a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or a flash memory, and stores in advance the control program and data to be referenced during processing.

The input/output I/F 123 is a group of interfaces for connecting serial cables from the first fan 31, the second fan 41, the pump 11, the solenoid valve 13, and the sensor 10, and connects the control unit 121 to the solenoid valve 13, etc., and the sensor 10 via an internal bus in the controller 12 so that communication is possible.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control unit 121 of the controller 12. The control unit 121 of the controller 12 periodically or steadily executes the following processing when the air conditioner 1 is operating.

The control unit 121 acquires information about the water level in the water reservoir 9 (S10). The control unit 121 acquires information about the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 9 from the sensor 10 connected via the input/output I/F 123.

The control unit 121 determines whether the water level in the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S11). The control unit 121 determines whether the water level in the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 based on the signal output from the sensor 10. For example, the sensor 10 outputs a high signal when the water level in the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82, and outputs a low signal when the water level in the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82. The control unit 121 determines whether the water level in the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 based on the signal output from the sensor 10.

If the control unit 121 determines that the water level in the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S11: NO), i.e., if the water level is equal to or higher than the height of the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81, the control unit 121 performs a loop process to execute the process of S10 again.

If the control unit 121 determines that the water level in the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S11: YES), the control unit 121 outputs a signal to open the solenoid valve 13 (S12). The solenoid valve 13 is provided between the tank 14 and the water reservoir 9, and the tank 14 and the water reservoir 9 are in communication with each other via the solenoid valve 13. Based on the open signal from the control unit 121, the solenoid valve 13 opens, and the water in the tank 14 flows into the water reservoir 9 via the solenoid valve 13, causing the water level in the water reservoir 9 to rise.

The control unit 121 acquires information about the water level in the water reservoir 9 in the same manner as in the processing of S10 (S13).

The control unit 121 determines whether the water level in the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S14). Similar to the process of S11, the control unit 121 determines whether the water level in the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 based on the signal output from the sensor 10. The control unit 121 may determine whether the water level in the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82 by a predetermined value or more to prevent chattering of the solenoid valve 13.

If the control unit 121 determines that the water level in the water reservoir 9 is lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S14: NO), the control unit 121 performs a loop process to execute S13 process again. In other words, the state in which water in the tank 14 is supplied to the water reservoir 9 via the solenoid valve 13 continues.

If the control unit 121 determines that the water level in the water reservoir 9 is higher than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 (S14: YES), the control unit 121 outputs a signal to close the solenoid valve 13 (S15). Based on the close signal from the control unit 121, the solenoid valve 13 closes, and the supply of water from the tank 14 to the water reservoir 9 stops.

When the control unit 121 determines that the water level in the water reservoir 9 has become lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81, it controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 13 so that the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 is located underwater in order to open the solenoid valve 13 until the water level becomes higher than the lower end 82. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air in the water reservoir 9 and the drain pan 8 from flowing back into the first flow path 3 from the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 121 has been described as periodically or cyclically acquiring information about the water level (the output value of the sensor 10), which is the process of S10 or S13, by loop processing, but this is not limited to this. The sensor 10 may output a signal only when the water level is lower than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81, and when the control unit 121 acquires the signal, it may output a signal to open the solenoid valve 13. And when the water level becomes higher than the lower end 82 of the communication passage 81 and the sensor 10 stops outputting the signal, the control unit 121 may output a signal to close the solenoid valve 13 when the signal is no longer acquired.

(Variation 1)
4 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of sensible heat exchanger 2 according to Modification 1 (exhaust air side L: supply air side L). Similar to the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Embodiment 1, the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Modification 1 is provided with a first path 21 (multiple exhaust paths) and a second path 22 (multiple supply air paths), and the first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form counter flows.

As in the first embodiment, the first path 21 starts (entrance) on the top side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the lower right side, and is L-shaped in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The second path 22 starts (entrance) on the underside of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the upper left side, forming an inverted L-shape in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

By making both the first path 21 and the second path 22 L-shaped, the number of bends (the number of bent parts) in the first path 21 and the second path 22 can be reduced, thereby reducing the flow path resistance (pressure loss). By reducing the flow path resistance, the efficiency of the first fan 31 and the second fan 41 can be improved.

(Variation 2)
5 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of sensible heat exchanger 2 according to Modification 2 (exhaust side L: supply side Z). Similar to the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Embodiment 1, the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Modification 2 is provided with a first path 21 (multiple exhaust paths) and a second path 22 (multiple supply paths), and the first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form counter flows.

As in the first embodiment, the first path 21 starts (entrance) on the top side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the lower right side, and is L-shaped in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The second path 22 starts (entrance) on the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the upper right side, forming a Z-shape in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The heat exchange rate can be improved by forming the second path 22 in a Z-shape and configuring the portion near the end (outlet) of the second path 22 and the start (inlet) of the first path 21 to overlap in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. However, the modified example 2 shown in FIG. 5 does not indicate that the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4 are connected to each other, and each is provided as an independent flow path, as in the first embodiment.

(Variation 3)
6 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger 2 according to Modification 3 (exhaust air side I: supply air side U). Similar to the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Embodiment 1, the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Modification 3 is provided with a first path 21 (multiple exhaust paths) and a second path 22 (multiple supply air paths), and the first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form counter flows.

The first path 21 starts (entrance) on the top side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the bottom side, and is I-shaped in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

As in the first embodiment, the second path 22 starts (entrance) on the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the upper left side, forming a U-shape in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

By making the first path 21 I-shaped, the number of bends (number of bent parts) in the first path 21 can be reduced, thereby reducing flow path resistance (pressure loss). By reducing the flow path resistance, the efficiency of the first fan 31 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent unevaporated spray water from remaining in the sensible heat exchanger 2 due to gravity. This also makes it possible to suppress the proliferation of bacteria caused by spray water remaining in the first path 21.

The partition plate 62 is arranged to cover the outlet of the first path 21 from below, and the end of the partition plate 62 on the sensible heat exchanger 2 side is arranged in a position closer to the second path 22 than the outlet of the first path 21.

The branching section 6 is located below the outlet of the first path 21. The branching section 6 is provided downstream of the outlet of the first path 21 after passing between the lower surface of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and the partition plate 62, and the branching section 6 forms a spray water recovery passage 61 branched off from the first path 21.

The partition plate 62 forms a curved section including the apex of the U-shape of the first path 21 (the turning point of the first air). In this curved section, the unevaporated spray water separated by centrifugal force on the outer periphery of the curved section can be efficiently broken down into droplets by the partition plate 62. The partition plate 62 forms a spray water recovery passage 61 by inclining downward from the outlet side of the first path 21 toward the moisture absorbent member 7 side, so that the unevaporated spray water that has been turned into droplets can be efficiently guided to the moisture absorbent member 7 (drain pan 8) and recovered.

(Variation 4)
7 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger 2 according to Modification 4 (exhaust air side I: supply air side Z). Similar to the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Embodiment 1, the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Modification 4 is provided with a first path 21 (multiple exhaust paths) and a second path 22 (multiple supply air paths), and the first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form counter flows.

The first path 21, like the third modification, has a path configuration that starts (entrance) on the top side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the bottom side, and is I-shaped in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2, achieving the same effect as the third modification.

The second path 22, like the second modification, has a path configuration that starts (inlet) on the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (outlet) on the upper right side, and is Z-shaped in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2, achieving the same effect as the second modification. The fourth modification shown in FIG. 7 does not show that the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4 are connected, but rather, like the second modification, they are provided as independent flow paths.

The partition plate 62 is arranged to cover the outlet of the first path 21 from below, as in the third modification, and the end of the partition plate 62 on the sensible heat exchanger 2 side is arranged in a position closer to the second path 22 than the outlet of the first path 21, achieving the same effect as the third modification.

(Variation 5)
8 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a sensible heat exchanger 2 according to Modification 5 (exhaust side Z: supply side Z). Similar to the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Embodiment 1, the sensible heat exchanger 2 of Modification 5 is provided with a first path 21 (multiple exhaust paths) and a second path 22 (multiple supply paths), and the first air flowing through the first path 21 and the second air flowing through the second path 22 form counter flows.

The sensible heat exchanger 2 is hexagonal in cross section.

The first path 21 starts (entrance) on the upper left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the lower right side, forming a Z-shape in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The second path 22 starts (entrance) on the lower left side of the sensible heat exchanger 2 and ends (exit) on the upper right side, forming a Z-shape in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2.

The heat exchange rate can be improved by forming the first path 21 and the second path 22 in a Z-shape and overlapping the first path 21 and the second path 22 in the center of the sensible heat exchanger 2 in a cross-sectional view of the sensible heat exchanger 2. In addition, it is possible to prevent unevaporated spray water from remaining in the sensible heat exchanger 2 due to gravity. This also suppresses the proliferation of bacteria caused by spray water remaining in the first path 21. In FIG. 8 corresponding to the fifth modification, the first path 21 is formed from the upper left to the lower right, and the second path 22 is formed from the lower left to the upper right. However, the fifth modification also includes a case in which the first path 21 (not shown) is formed from the upper right to the lower right, and the second path 22 is formed from the lower left to the upper left, as a case that produces the same effect.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Air conditioner 2 Sensible heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
21 First path 22 Second path 3 First flow path (exhaust flow path)
31 First fan (exhaust fan)
32 First filter 33 First intake port 34 First outlet port 4 Second flow path (air supply flow path)
41 Second fan (supply fan)
42 Second filter 43 Second suction port 44 Second outlet 5 Spray section 6 Branch section 61 Spray water recovery passage 62 Partition plate 7 Moisture absorbing member 8 Drain pan 81 Communication passage 82 Lower end 9 Water reservoir 91 Air hole 10 Sensor 11 Pump 12 Controller 121 Control unit 122 Storage unit 123 Input/output I/F
13 Solenoid valve 14 Tank 15 Housing 151 Caster

Claims (7)

A housing and
A spray unit that sprays water;
A first flow path through which a first air flows that is cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water sprayed by the spraying unit;
a second flow path through which the second air blown into the conditioned space flows;
a heat exchanger including a first passage forming at least a part of the first flow path and a second passage forming at least a part of the second flow path, exchanging heat between the first air and the second air and cooling the second air;
a first intake port that is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger in a flow direction of the first air and through which the first air is drawn from outside the housing;
a first filter that collects dust in the first air sucked in from the first suction port;
a drain pan that collects unevaporated water that has passed through the first path out of the water sprayed by the spray unit;
A pump that supplies the water collected in the drain pan to the spray unit through a pipe that communicates with the spray unit,
the first flow path includes a first outlet through which the first air is blown out of the housing,
the first flow path toward the first air outlet downstream of an outlet of the first path of the heat exchanger communicates with the first air outlet without passing through an inside of the heat exchanger,
The drain pan further includes a moisture absorbing member that covers an opening of the drain pan.
The pressure loss value of the moisture absorbent member is greater than the pressure loss value of the first filter.
An air conditioner characterized by: A first fan for transporting the first air is provided in the first flow path,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the first fan is provided in the vicinity of the first air outlet. the second flow path includes a second outlet through which the second air is blown out of the housing,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second fan disposed near the second air outlet for transporting the second air. The air conditioner according to claim 3 , wherein the first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided on an upper surface of the housing. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first filter is provided upstream of the spray unit in the first flow path. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first filter is provided so as to cover the first air inlet. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first air inlet is provided on an upper surface of the housing.

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