WO2008015981A1 - Air-conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An air-conditioning apparatus including refrigerant circuit (20) for performing of vapor compression type refrigeration cycle and suction rotor (31) provided with an adsorbent. The refrigerant circuit (20) is provided with preheating exchanger (33) for preheating any regeneration air for the suction rotor (31) by the residual heat of refrigerant radiated from indoor heat exchanger (23) and provided with heating exchanger (32) for heating the preheated regeneration air by the refrigerant discharged from compressor (21). Accordingly, as the regeneration air flowing toward the suction rotor (31) is satisfactorily heated, the regenerative capacity of the adsorbent can be enhanced.

Description

 Specification

 Air conditioner

 Technical field

 [0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner that adjusts air humidity using an adsorbent.

 Background art

 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a humidity control device that performs moisture adsorption and desorption by an adsorbent using a refrigerant circuit that performs a refrigeration cycle, and controls the humidity of the air!

 This humidity control apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and an adsorption rotor that carries an adsorbent. The first rotor (adsorption air) and the second air (regeneration air) circulate in the adsorption rotor. In the adsorption rotor, an adsorption operation in which the moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent and a regeneration operation in which the moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent and applied to the second air are considered.

 [0004] Further, the refrigerant circuit of the humidity control apparatus is provided with an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the second air supplied to the adsorption rotor and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. That is, the second air flows to the adsorption rotor after being heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. As a result, in the adsorption rotor, the amount of moisture desorbed from the adsorbent is increased, and the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent is improved. Patent Document 1: JP 2005-134005 A

 Disclosure of the invention

 Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, the above-described humidity control apparatus has a problem that the adsorbent is not sufficiently regenerated. That is, the regeneration air (second air) cannot be heated sufficiently only by heating with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. As a result, there was a problem that sufficient humidification ability was not exhibited.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that adjusts air humidity using a refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and an adsorbent. It is to improve the regeneration capability of the adsorbent without separately providing an electric heater. Means for solving the problem

 [0007] The first invention includes a compressor (21), an indoor heat exchanger (23), an expansion mechanism (24), and an outdoor heat exchanger.

 An air conditioner equipped with a refrigerant circuit (20) having a (25) and performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is assumed. Then, the present invention includes an adsorbent, and regeneration of the adsorbent that desorbs moisture from the adsorbent using adsorption of moisture by the adsorbent and heat of refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21). An air humidity control mechanism (30) is provided. On the other hand, the refrigerant circuit (20) is preheated so that the regeneration air supplied to the humidity control mechanism (30) exchanges heat with the refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) or the outdoor heat exchanger (25). A heat exchanger (33) is provided.

 [0008] In the above invention, for example, the indoor heat exchanger (23) heats the room by radiating heat to the indoor air, and the indoor heat exchanger (23) absorbs heat from the room air. By this, the room is cooled. In the humidity control mechanism (30), adsorption air is supplied, and moisture in the adsorption air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Thereby, the adsorption air is dehumidified (dehumidified). In the humidity control mechanism (30), the adsorbent is regenerated by the heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21), and moisture desorbed by the regeneration is imparted to the regeneration air. As a result, the regeneration air is humidified. Therefore, when the adsorption air that has flowed through the humidity control mechanism (30) is supplied to the room, the room is dehumidified, and when the regeneration air is supplied to the room, the room is humidified.

 Here, the regeneration air supplied to the humidity control mechanism (30) is preheated by the residual heat of the refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) or the outdoor heat exchanger (25). Therefore, in the humidity control mechanism (30), the adsorbent is heated by the regeneration air in addition to the heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21). Therefore, the amount of moisture desorbed from the adsorbent increases, and the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent improves.

[0010] A second invention is the regeneration air according to the first invention, wherein the humidity control mechanism (30) is provided in the refrigerant circuit (20) and exchanges heat with the preheating heat exchanger (33). A heat exchanger (32) for exchanging heat with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21), and adsorbing air and adsorbing moisture by the adsorbent and regenerating the adsorbent. And a rotatable adsorption element (31) disposed across the circulation passage of the regeneration air heat-exchanged by the heating heat exchanger (32). [0011] According to the above invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the adsorption element (31), moisture is adsorbed in a portion where the adsorption air circulates, and adsorbed in a portion where the regeneration air circulates. Regeneration of the agent is performed. The adsorption element (31) rotates to alternately adsorb moisture and regenerate the adsorbent. Here, the regeneration air passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the heating heat exchanger (32) in this order, and is then supplied to the adsorption element (31). That is, the regeneration air is heated by the refrigerant in the preheating heat exchanger (33) and then heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) in the heating heat exchanger (32). As a result, the regeneration air is sufficiently heated, so that the adsorbent regeneration capability of the adsorption element (31) is improved.

 [0012] In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the humidity control mechanism (30) is provided in the refrigerant circuit (20), and has a moisture adsorbent supported on the surface thereof. ), The first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) that regenerate the adsorbent by being heated by the discharged refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (20) cuts the refrigerant flow so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows alternately to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). It has a switching mechanism (48, 49, 36) to change!

 In the above invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is the first adsorption heat exchanger.

 Alternately flows to (34) or the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). In the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35), the adsorbent is heated by the high-temperature discharged refrigerant, moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent, and the adsorbent is regenerated. On the other hand, in the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) does not flow, the moisture of the adsorbing air that flows is adsorbed by the adsorbent. That is, moisture adsorption and adsorbent regeneration are alternately performed in the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). Since the regeneration air supplied to the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is preheated by the preheating heat exchanger (33), the adsorbent is also generated by the regeneration air in addition to the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21). Is fully heated. Accordingly, the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent is improved.

[0014] In a fourth aspect based on the second or third aspect, the refrigerant circuit (20) is configured such that the refrigerant circulation is reversible, and the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the outdoor heat exchanger ( 25), a unidirectional passage (43) through which the refrigerant always flows in the negative direction is provided by the rectifying mechanism (40). The preheating heat exchanger (33) and the expansion mechanism (24) are provided in order from the upstream side in the one-way passage (43). [0015] In the above invention, in the refrigerant circuit (20), switching is performed between the case where the refrigerant circulates in the heating cycle and the case where the refrigerant circulates in the cooling cycle. In both the cooling operation and the heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the order of the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the expansion mechanism (24). In other words, during heating, the refrigerant radiates heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23) and then flows to the preheating heat exchanger (33) .In cooling, the refrigerant radiates heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (25) and then the preheating heat exchanger ( 3 Flow to 3). Therefore, the regeneration capacity of the adsorption element (31) or the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is always improved regardless of the cooling / heating operation. Therefore, for example, in the case of heating operation, the humidification capability can be increased by supplying regeneration air into the room. In addition, when the regeneration capacity is improved, the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent is also increased, and the adsorbent adsorption capacity is improved. Therefore, for example, in the case of cooling operation, the dehumidifying capacity can be enhanced by supplying the adsorption air into the room.

[0016] In a fifth aspect based on the third aspect, the refrigerant circuit (20) includes an expansion mechanism (24) when the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). ) Flowed to the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), and when the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), it passed through the expansion mechanism (24). A switching mechanism (37) for switching the refrigerant flow so that the refrigerant flows to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) is provided! /.

 [0017] In the above invention, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows alternately to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) or the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) to regenerate the adsorbent. At the same time, moisture is adsorbed in the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) or the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) where the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) does not flow. Here, since the low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism (24) flows through the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) in which moisture is adsorbed, the adsorption heat generated when moisture is adsorbed is absorbed by the low-temperature refrigerant. It absorbs heat. Therefore, the temperature rise of the adsorbent is suppressed and the adsorption performance of the adsorbent is enhanced.

 [0018] A sixth invention is any one of the first to fifth powers described above, and in the first invention, the refrigerant circuit (20) uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant! /.

[0019] In the above invention, in the refrigerant circuit (20), carbon dioxide is compressed to a pressure higher than the critical pressure to perform a supercritical refrigeration cycle. In this supercritical refrigeration cycle, the regenerative capacity is further enhanced because the high temperature region of the refrigerant is large. The invention's effect

 [0020] According to the present invention, the regeneration air supplied to the humidity control mechanism (30) that regenerates the adsorbent using the heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is supplied to the refrigerant circuit ( Heating was performed with the residual heat of the refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) or the outdoor heat exchanger (25) of 20). Therefore, in addition to the heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21), it is possible to sufficiently heat the adsorbent with the regeneration air. Therefore, the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent can be increased. Accordingly, the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent can be increased. As a result, the force S is used to improve the humidification and dehumidification capabilities.

 [0021] According to the second invention, the preheated regeneration air is further heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21), so that the regeneration air can be sufficiently heated. As a result, the adsorbent can be sufficiently heated by the regeneration air, and the power S can be improved to improve the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent.

 [0022] Further, according to the third invention, the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) for heating the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) to regenerate the adsorbent is provided, and the adsorption heat exchanger (34 , 35) is preheated for regeneration air. Therefore, the adsorbent can be reliably and efficiently heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21). Thereby, the adsorbent can be heated more sufficiently, and the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent can be improved.

 [0023] Further, according to the fourth invention, the one-way passage (43) is provided in the refrigerant circuit (20) so that the refrigerant always flows in the order of the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the expansion mechanism (24). did. Therefore, it is possible to improve the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent related to the cooling and heating operation.

 [0024] Further, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism (24) is caused to flow to the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) in which moisture is adsorbed. Adsorption heat can be absorbed. As a result, the temperature rise of the adsorbent can be suppressed, and the adsorption performance of the adsorbent can be improved. As a result, the dehumidifying ability is enhanced.

[0025] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) can be increased by performing a supercritical refrigeration cycle. As a result, the adsorbent can be heated more sufficiently, and therefore, the power S can be improved to further improve the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 1 and the flow of refrigerant and air in a heating and humidifying operation.

 FIG. 2 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 2 and the flow of refrigerant and air in the heating and humidifying operation.

 FIG. 3 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner of Embodiment 2 and the flow of refrigerant and air in the cooling operation.

 FIG. 4 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 3 and the flow of refrigerant and air in heating and humidifying operation.

 FIG. 5 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner of Embodiment 3 and the flow of refrigerant and air in the cooling and dehumidifying operation.

 FIG. 6 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 4 and the refrigerant and air flows in the first operation of the heating and humidifying operation.

 FIG. 7 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 4 and the refrigerant and air flows in the second operation of the heating and humidifying operation.

 [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 4 and the refrigerant and air flows in the first operation of the cooling and dehumidifying operation.

 FIG. 9 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner of Embodiment 4 and the flow of refrigerant and air in the second operation of the cooling and dehumidifying operation.

 FIG. 10 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 5 and the refrigerant and air flows in the first operation of the heating and humidifying operation.

 [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 5 and the flow of refrigerant and air in the second operation of the heating and humidifying operation.

 FIG. 12 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 5 and the flow of refrigerant and air in the first operation of the cooling and dehumidifying operation.

 FIG. 13 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 5 and the refrigerant and air flows in the second operation of the cooling and dehumidifying operation.

Explanation of symbols 10 Air conditioner

 20 Refrigerant circuit

 21 Compressor

 23 Indoor heat exchanger

 24 Expansion valve (Expansion mechanism)

 25 Outdoor heat exchanger

 30 Humidity control mechanism

 31 Adsorption rotor (adsorption element)

 32 Heating heat exchanger

 33 Preheat heat exchanger

 34,35 First and second adsorption heat exchangers

 36,37 Second and third four-way selector valve (switching mechanism)

 40 Direction control circuit (rectifier mechanism)

 43 one-way passage

 48,49 1st and 2nd solenoid valve (switching mechanism)

 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are essentially preferable examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its application, or its use.

 [Embodiment 1 of the Invention]

 Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (10) of this embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit (20) and an adsorption rotor (31).

 [0030] The refrigerant circuit (20) is a closed circuit filled with carbon dioxide (CO 2) as a refrigerant.

 2

 . The refrigerant circuit (20) is configured to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (20) performs a supercritical refrigeration cycle with the high pressure set to a value equal to or higher than the critical pressure of carbon dioxide.

[0031] The refrigerant circuit (20) includes a compressor (21), a four-way switching valve (22), a heating heat exchanger (32), an indoor heat exchanger (23), and a preheating heat exchanger. (33), expansion valve (24), outdoor heat exchanger (25) And are provided. In this refrigerant circuit (20), the compressor (21) has the suction side connected to the second port of the four-way switching valve (22) and the discharge side connected to the first port of the four-way switching valve (22). Yes. The third port of the four-way selector valve (22) is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (25). The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (25) is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger (23) through the expansion valve (24) and the preheating heat exchanger (33) in this order. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger (23) is connected to the 4th port of the four-way selector valve (22) via the Calo heat exchanger (32).

 [0032] The compressor (21) is configured as a so-called hermetic type. The compressor (21) compresses the sucked refrigerant (carbon dioxide) to its critical pressure or more and discharges it. The indoor heat exchanger (23) constitutes an air heat exchanger in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air (RA). The room air that exchanges heat with the cooling medium is supplied to the room. The outdoor heat exchanger (25) forms an air heat exchanger in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outdoor air (OA). The outdoor air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant is discharged to the outside. The expansion valve (24) is an electronic expansion valve with a variable opening. The heating heat exchanger (32) and the preheating heat exchanger (33) will be described later.

 [0033] The four-way switching valve (22) includes a first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1) in which the first port and the fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the third port communicate with each other; It is configured to switch to a second state (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) in which the first port and the third port communicate and the second port and the fourth port communicate. That is, in the refrigerant circuit (20), when the four-way selector valve (22) is in the first state, the refrigerant circulates in the heating cycle, and the indoor heat exchanger (23) serves as a radiator and the outdoor heat exchanger (25 ) Each function as an evaporator. Further, in the refrigerant circuit (20), when the four-way switching valve (22) is in the second state, the refrigerant circulates in the cooling cycle, and the outdoor heat exchanger (25) serves as a radiator and the indoor heat exchanger (23) Each function as an evaporator.

 [0034] The suction rotor (31) is constituted by a rotary suction element. The adsorption rotor (31) is composed of a gas-permeable disk-shaped base material such as a honeycomb structure and an adsorbent supported on the base material, and adsorbs and desorbs moisture with the adsorbent. Examples of the adsorbent used in the adsorption rotor (31) include zeolite, silica gel, activated carbon, an organic polymer polymer material having hydrophilicity or water absorption, an ion exchange resin material having a carboxylic acid group or a sulfonic acid group, temperature sensing. Functional polymer materials such as functional polymers can be used.

[0035] The adsorption rotor (31) includes a flow passage through which outdoor air (OA) flows as adsorption air; The outdoor air (OA) is arranged across the circulation passage that flows as regeneration air! The adsorption rotor (31) performs an adsorption operation (dehumidification operation) in a portion located in the adsorption air circulation passage, and an adsorbent regeneration operation (calorie operation) in a portion located in the regeneration air circulation passage. (Wet operation). That is, in the adsorption rotor (31), an adsorption operation in which moisture in the adsorption air is adsorbed by the adsorbent and a regeneration operation in which moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the regeneration air are performed.

[0036] In the air conditioner (10), as a feature of the present invention, when the refrigerant circulates in the heating cycle in the refrigerant circuit (20), the regeneration air before flowing to the adsorption rotor (31) is the above-mentioned. It is heated by the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the heating heat exchanger (32). In other words, in the air conditioning apparatus (10), in the heating operation, after the regeneration air flows in the order of the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the calo heat heat exchanger (32), it flows to the adsorption rotor (31). Is configured as

[0037] Specifically, the preheating heat exchanger (33) constitutes an air heat exchanger in which the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23) exchanges heat with the regeneration air. That is, the preheating heat exchanger (33) preheats (heats) the regeneration air with the refrigerant. The heating heat exchanger (32) constitutes an air heat exchanger in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) exchanges heat with the regeneration air. That is, the heating heat exchanger (32) further heats the regeneration air heated by the preheating heat exchanger (33). In the present embodiment, the adsorption rotor (31) and the heating heat exchanger (32) constitute the humidity control mechanism (30) according to the present invention.

 [0038] In this way, the regeneration air is heated by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat, and is further heated by the high-temperature discharged refrigerant of the compressor (21). Accordingly, the regeneration air can be sufficiently heated as compared with the case where it is heated only by the discharge refrigerant of the compressor (21). As a result, the regeneration air becomes hot, and the force S increases the regeneration capacity (humidification capacity) of the adsorption rotor (31).

 [0039] In the present embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger (23), the outdoor heat exchanger (25), the heating heat exchanger (32), and the preheating heat exchanger (33) are not shown, but are respectively crossed. It consists of fin-type fin and tube heat exchanger!

[0040] Driving action Next, the operation of the air conditioner (10) will be described. This air conditioner (10) switches between heating and humidifying operation and cooling operation.

 [0041] <Heating and humidification operation>

 In this heating and humidifying operation, as shown in FIG. 1, the air a heated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the air c humidified by the regeneration operation in the adsorption rotor (31) are supplied indoors. It is.

 [0042] In the heating and humidifying operation, the four-way selector valve (22) is set to the first state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is appropriately adjusted. In this state, the supercritical refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows into the indoor heat exchanger (23) and radiates heat to the air a which is the indoor air (RA). The heated air a is supplied indoors as supply air (SA), and the room is heated. The refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) is depressurized by the expansion valve (24) and then flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (25). In the outdoor heat exchanger (25), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air b which is outdoor air (OA) and evaporates. The air b is cooled and discharged to the outside as exhaust air (EA). The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (25) is sucked into the compressor (21) and discharged again. Thus, in the refrigerant circuit (20), the refrigerant circulates in the heating cycle.

 [0043] On the other hand, in the above state, air c as regeneration air (outdoor air (OA)) is supplied to the preheating heat exchanger (33). In the preheating heat exchanger (33), the air c is heated (preheated) by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23). The preheated air c is supplied to the heating heat exchanger (32). In the heating heat exchanger (32), the air c is further heated by the high-temperature refrigerant immediately after being discharged from the compressor (21). Thereafter, the air c is supplied to the adsorption rotor (31) to regenerate the adsorbent. At that time, the air c is moistened with moisture and supplied to the room as supply air (S A). The adsorption rotor (31) is supplied with air d which is adsorption air (outdoor air (OA)), and is dehumidified (dehumidified) by the adsorption operation. The dehumidified air d is discharged out of the room as exhaust air (EA).

 [0044] Here, the regeneration air supplied to the adsorption rotor (31) becomes higher in temperature because it is preheated by the preheating heat exchanger (33) before being heated by the heating heat exchanger (32). Therefore, the regeneration capability in the adsorption rotor (31) is improved. Thereby, a humidification capability is improved.

<0045><Coolingoperation> Although not shown, this cooling operation is an operation in which the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (23) is supplied indoors. In this cooling operation, the adsorption rotor (31), the heating heat exchanger (32), and the preheating heat exchanger (33) are in a dormant state.

 In this cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (22) is set to the second state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is adjusted as appropriate. In this state, the refrigerant in the supercritical state discharged by the compressor (21) flows into the outdoor heat exchanger (25) and radiates heat to the outdoor air (OA). This heated air is discharged to the outside as exhaust air (EA). The refrigerant radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger (25) is depressurized by the expansion valve (24), then passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and flows to the indoor heat exchanger (23). In the indoor heat exchanger (23), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air (RA) and evaporates. The cooled air is supplied to the room as supply air (SA), and the room is cooled. The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (23) passes through the heating heat exchanger (32), is sucked into the compressor (21), and is discharged again.

 [0047] Effect of Embodiment 1

 According to the first embodiment, during the heating and humidifying operation, the regeneration air to be sent to the adsorption rotor (31) is preheated once by the preheating heat exchanger (33) and further heated by the heating heat exchanger (32). Therefore, the temperature of the regeneration air can be made sufficiently high. Thereby, the regeneration capability of the adsorption rotor (31) can be improved, and the humidification capability can be increased.

 [0048] Further, according to the present embodiment, the regeneration air is preheated by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23). In other words, the amount of heat of the remaining refrigerant used for indoor heating is used, so the COP (coefficient of performance) of the refrigeration cycle is improved. In addition, as in the present embodiment, when heating a room in a supercritical refrigeration cycle using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, the high temperature region of the refrigerant is large, so that the remaining refrigerant that is not used for room heating remains. The amount of heat increases and only a low COP is obtained. However, in this embodiment, in this embodiment, since the remaining heat quantity of the cooling medium is used for preheating the regeneration air, the COP can be increased.

 [0049] Further, as described above, since the high temperature region of the refrigerant is large in the supercritical refrigeration cycle, the heating amount of the regeneration air by the heating heat exchanger (32) can be further increased. As a result, the humidifying ability can be further enhanced.

[Embodiment 2 of the Invention] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the refrigerant flows only in the heating and humidifying operation in the heating heat exchanger (32) and the preheating heat exchanger (33) in Embodiment 1 described above. It is. Here, differences from the air conditioner (10) of the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] Specifically, the refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment bypasses the heating heat exchanger (32) first; the L bypass passage ( ₄₁ ) and the first bypassing the preheating heat exchanger (33). 2 Bypass passage (42) and are provided. Each of the bypass passages (41, 42) is provided with one check valve (CV). The check valve (CV) in the first bypass passage (41) allows only the refrigerant flow flowing from the left side to the right side in FIG. The check valve (CV) in the second bypass passage (42) allows only the refrigerant flow flowing from the right side to the left side in FIG. That is, the refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment is configured such that the refrigerant flows bypassing the heating heat exchanger (32) and the preheating heat exchanger (33) in the cooling operation.

 Accordingly, in the heating and humidifying operation, as shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is converted into the heating heat exchanger (32), the indoor heat exchanger (23), and the preheating heat exchanger ( 33) in order. As in the first embodiment, the regeneration air is sequentially heated by the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the calo heat heat exchanger (32), and is supplied to the adsorption rotor (31). Thereby, the regeneration capacity of the suction port (31) is improved.

 On the other hand, in the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve (24) does not flow to the preheating heat exchanger (33) but passes through the second bypass passage (42). To the indoor heat exchanger (23). The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (23) is sucked into the compressor (21) through the first bypass passage (41) without flowing into the heating heat exchanger (32).

 [Embodiment 3 of the Invention]

 Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit (20) of the first embodiment is changed to perform the cooling and dehumidifying operation. Here, differences from the air conditioner (10) of the first embodiment will be described.

[0055] Specifically, the refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment includes an indoor heat exchanger (23) and an outdoor heat exchange. A direction control circuit (40) and a one-way passage (43) are provided between the vessels (25).

 [0056] The direction control circuit (40) is a rectifying mechanism constituted by a bridge circuit. The direction control circuit (40) is configured by connecting a first inflow pipe (44) and a second inflow pipe (45), and a first outflow pipe (46) and a second outflow pipe (47) in a bridge shape. Being! / Each inflow pipe (44, 45) and each outflow pipe (46, 47) is provided with a check valve (CV). The one-way passage (43) is connected to the direction control circuit (40) and is configured such that the refrigerant always flows in the negative direction. The one-way passage (43) is provided with a preheating heat exchanger (33) and an expansion valve (24) in order from the upstream side.

 [0057] When the refrigerant circulates in the heating cycle (that is, in the case of the heating / humidifying operation), the direction control circuit (40) causes the indoor heat exchanger (23) force to flow out from the first inflow pipe (44). The unidirectional passage (43) and the second outflow pipe (47) are sequentially passed to the outdoor heat exchanger (25). In addition, the direction control circuit (40) allows the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger (25) to flow in the second inflow pipe (45), when the refrigerant circulates in the cooling cycle (that is, in the cooling and dehumidifying operation), It is configured to flow to the indoor heat exchanger (23) through the passage (43) and the first outlet pipe (46) in this order. Thus, in the refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment, the refrigerant flows into the expansion valve (24) after passing through the preheating heat exchanger (33) in both the heating and humidifying operation and the cooling and dehumidifying operation. To do.

 In this embodiment, the heating heat exchanger (32) is connected to the discharge side of the compressor (21) and the four-way switching valve.

 (22) between the first port. That is, in the present embodiment, the refrigerant immediately after discharge of the compressor (21) flows through the heating heat exchanger (32) in both the heating and humidifying operation and the cooling and dehumidifying operation.

 [0059] In this embodiment, in both the heating and humidifying operation and the cooling and dehumidifying operation, the regeneration air flows in order through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the heating heat exchanger (32), The adsorbing air is dehumidified by the adsorption rotor (31). The circulation path of the air c and the air d is switched so that the regeneration air is supplied into the room during the heating / humidifying operation and the adsorption air is supplied into the room during the cooling / dehumidifying operation.

 [0060] <Heating and humidification operation>

As shown in FIG. 4, the heating and humidifying operation of the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above. In this operation, air a heated by the heat exchanger (23) and air c humidified by the regeneration operation in the adsorption rotor (31) are supplied to the room.

 [0061] In this heating and humidifying operation, the four-way selector valve (22) is set to the first state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is appropriately adjusted. In this state, the supercritical refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the indoor heat exchanger (23) through the heating heat exchanger (32), and the air a which is indoor air (RA) a To dissipate heat. The heated air a is supplied indoors as supply air (SA), and the room is heated. The refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) flows to the one-way passage (43) through the first inflow pipe (44) of the direction control circuit (40). This refrigerant passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and is decompressed by the expansion valve (24), and then passes through the second outflow pipe (47) of the direction control circuit (40) to the outdoor heat exchanger (25 ). In the outdoor heat exchanger (25), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air b which is outdoor air (OA) and evaporates. Air b is cooled and discharged to the outside as exhaust air (EA). The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (25) is sucked into the compressor (21).

 [0062] On the other hand, the air c as regeneration air (outdoor air (OA)) is heated through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the heating heat exchanger (32) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Is done. Thereafter, the air c is humidified when it flows through the adsorption rotor (31), and is supplied indoors as supply air (SA). In addition, air d, which is adsorption air (outdoor air (OA)), flows through the adsorption rotor (31), dehumidifies (dehumidifies), and is discharged to the outside as exhaust air (EA).

 [0063] Thus, also in the present embodiment, the regeneration air is heated by the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the heating heat exchanger (32), so that the regeneration capacity of the adsorption rotor (31) is improved. To do. Thereby, a humidification capability is improved.

 [0064] <Air-cooling dehumidifying operation>

 In this cooling and dehumidifying operation, as shown in FIG. 5, the air a cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the air d dehumidified (dehumidified) by the adsorption operation in the adsorption rotor (31) enter the room. It is a supplied operation.

In this cooling and dehumidifying operation, the four-way switching valve (22) is set to the second state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is adjusted as appropriate. Then, the flow of air is performed so that the air c that is the regeneration air that has passed through the adsorption rotor (31) is supplied to the outside of the room, and the air d that is the adsorption air that has passed through the adsorption rotor (31) is supplied to the room. The passage is switched. [0066] In this state, the refrigerant in the supercritical state discharged by the compressor (21) is heated by the heating heat exchanger (3

2) Flows through the outdoor heat exchanger (25) through the heat and radiates heat to the air b, which is outdoor air (OA). The heated air b is discharged outside as outdoor air (EA). The refrigerant released from the outdoor heat exchanger (25) flows through the second inflow pipe (45) of the direction control circuit (40) to the one-way passage (43). This refrigerant passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and is depressurized by the expansion valve (24), and then passes through the first outlet pipe (46) of the direction control circuit (40) to the indoor heat exchanger (23). To flow. In the indoor heat exchanger (23), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air a which is room air (RA) and evaporates. The cooled air a is supplied into the room as supply air (SA), and the room is cooled. The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (23) is sucked into the compressor (21).

 [0067] On the other hand, air c as regeneration air (outdoor air (OA)) flows in order through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the heating heat exchanger (32) in the same manner as in the heating and humidifying operation. At that time, in the preheating heat exchanger (33), the air c is heated (preheated) by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (25). In the heating heat exchanger (32), the air c is further heated by the high-temperature refrigerant immediately after being discharged from the compressor (21). Thereafter, the air c is supplied to the adsorption rotor (31) and humidified. The humidified air c is discharged outside as outdoor air (EA). Air d which is the air for adsorption (outdoor air (OA)) is supplied to the adsorption rotor (31) and dehumidified. The dehumidified air d is supplied indoors as supply air (SA).

 [0068] In this cooling and dehumidifying operation, the regeneration air of the adsorption rotor (31) is also used as the preheating heat exchanger (3

Since it is heated by 3) and the heating heat exchanger (32), the regeneration capacity of the adsorption rotor (31) is improved. That is, the moisture desorption amount of the adsorbent in the adsorption rotor (31) increases. As a result, the amount of moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent increases and the adsorption capacity is improved.

 [0069] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the regeneration air of the adsorption rotor (31) can be sufficiently heated in both the heating and humidifying operation and the cooling and dehumidifying operation. Therefore, the regeneration capacity of the adsorption rotor (31) can be improved, and the humidification capacity can be reliably increased during heating and the dehumidification capacity during cooling.

 [0070] Embodiment 4 of the Invention

Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment The configuration of the humidity control mechanism (30) in the third embodiment is changed. That is, in the present embodiment, the adsorption rotor (31) and the heating heat exchanger (32) in the third embodiment are omitted, and the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is provided as the humidity control mechanism (30). did. Here, differences from the air conditioner (10) of the third embodiment will be described.

 [0071] In the refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment, the adsorption rotor (31) and the heating heat exchanger (32) of the third embodiment are omitted, and two adsorption heat exchangers (34, 35) are provided. ing.

 [0072] Specifically, the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) include a discharge side of the compressor (21) and a first port of the four-way switching valve (22). Are provided in parallel with each other. That is, the discharge side piping of the compressor (21) branches in two directions and is connected to the adsorption heat exchangers (34, 35). The first solenoid valve (48) is provided in the branch pipe upstream of the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), and the second solenoid valve (49) is provided in the branch pipe upstream of the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). Are provided. These solenoid valves (48, 49) are on-off valves.

 [0073] Although not shown, the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is composed of a cross fin type fin 'and' tube type heat exchanger, and has a large number of rectangular plates. A fin and a heat transfer tube penetrating the fin are provided. An adsorbent is supported by dip molding (immersion molding) on the fins of the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) and the outer surface of the heat transfer tube. In other words, the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is a heat exchanger having an adsorbent supported on the surface, and is configured to dehumidify and humidify the circulating air by adsorbing and desorbing moisture with the adsorbent.

[0074] The adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is not limited to a cross fin type fin 'and' tube type heat exchanger, but other types of heat exchangers such as corrugated fin type heat exchangers. An exchange etc. may be sufficient. In addition, the method of supporting the adsorbent on the outer surfaces of the fins and heat transfer tubes of the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is not limited to dip molding, and any method is acceptable as long as the performance as an adsorbent is not impaired. Use it.

[0075] In the air conditioner (10) of the present embodiment, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is exchanged with the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchange in the heating / humidifying operation and the cooling / dehumidifying operation. The solenoid valves (48, 49) are switched so that they flow alternately to the vessel (35). That is, the solenoid valve (48, 49) is operated in the first operation (FIGS. 6 and 8) in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). And a switching mechanism for switching the second operation (states of FIGS. 7 and 9) in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) at predetermined intervals. Yes. In the air conditioner (10), during the first operation, the regeneration air (air c) is supplied to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and at the same time the adsorption air (air d) becomes the second adsorption heat. Is supplied to the exchanger (35), and during the second operation, regeneration air is supplied to the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) and at the same time, adsorption air is supplied to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). Thus, the air passage is switched. As described above, the air conditioner (10) of the present embodiment is configured such that the regeneration operation and the adsorption operation are alternately performed in each adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35).

 [0076] <Heating and humidification operation>

 In the heating and humidifying operation of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first operation and the second operation are alternately performed, and the air a heated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the heat of adsorption are performed. In this operation, the air c humidified by the regeneration operation by the exchanger (34, 35) is supplied to the room.

 [0077] First, the first operation will be described. In this first operation, as shown in FIG. 6, the four-way switching valve (22) is set to the first state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is appropriately adjusted. Then, the first solenoid valve (48) is set in the open state, and the second solenoid valve (49) is set in the closed state.

 In this state, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor (21) flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) to the indoor heat exchanger (23) and radiates heat to the air a. The heated air a is supplied to the room and the room is heated. The refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23) flows to the one-way passage (43) through the direction control circuit (40), passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33), and is decompressed by the expansion valve (24). Is done. The decompressed refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (25) through the direction control circuit (40), and absorbs heat from the air b to evaporate. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (25) is sucked into the compressor (21).

[0079] The air c, which is the regeneration air, sequentially flows through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). In the preheating heat exchanger (33), the air c is heated by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), the regeneration operation of the adsorbent is performed. That is, the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) is heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the air c flowing, and moisture is desorbed. The desorbed moisture is given to the air c, and the air c is humidified. Humidified air c is supplied indoors as supply air (SA). It is. Further, the air d which is the adsorption air flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), an adsorption operation is performed. That is, moisture in the air d is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the air d is dehumidified (dehumidified). The dehumidified air d is discharged out of the room as exhaust air (EA).

 [0080] Next, the second operation will be described. When the first operation is performed for a predetermined time, as shown in FIG. 7, the first solenoid valve (48) is set to the closed state and the second solenoid valve (49) is set to the open state, and the operation is switched to the second operation. . The four-way selector valve (22) remains in the first state.

 [0081] In this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the indoor heat exchanger (23) through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) and radiates heat to the air a. The heated air a is supplied to the room and the room is heated. The refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and is depressurized by the expansion valve (24), and then the outdoor heat exchanger (25). To flow and evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor (21).

 [0082] The air c, which is the regeneration air, passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) in this order. In the preheating heat exchanger (33), the air c is heated by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), an adsorbent regeneration operation is performed. In other words, the adsorbent in the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) is heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the air c flowing, and moisture is desorbed. As a result, the air c is humidified and supplied to the room as supply air (SA). Air d, which is the adsorption air, flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), an adsorption operation is performed. In other words, the moisture in the air d is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the air d is dehumidified (dehumidified). The dehumidified air d is discharged out of the room as exhaust air (EA).

 [0083] In this way, the high-temperature refrigerant of the compressor (21) flows through the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) that performs the regeneration operation, and the regeneration air heated by the preheating heat exchanger (33) Circulate. Therefore, the adsorbent is sufficiently heated by the high-temperature refrigerant and the regeneration air. As a result, the amount of water desorption in the adsorbent increases, and the regeneration capacity of the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) improves. As a result, the humidification capacity is increased.

 [0084] <Cooling and dehumidifying operation>

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cooling and dehumidifying operation of the present embodiment includes the first operation and the second operation. In which the air a cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the air d dehumidified by the adsorption operation by the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) are supplied indoors. .

 First, in the first operation, as shown in FIG. 8, the four-way selector valve (22) is set to the second state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is appropriately adjusted. Then, the first electromagnetic valve (48) is set in the open state, and the second electromagnetic valve (49) is set in the closed state.

 [0086] In this state, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor (21) flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) to the outdoor heat exchanger (25) and radiates heat to the air b. The refrigerant after heat dissipation flows to the one-way passage (43) through the direction control circuit (40), passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33), and is decompressed by the expansion valve (24). The decompressed refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger (23) via the direction control circuit (40), and absorbs heat from the air a to evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor (21).

 [0087] The air c, which is the regeneration air, sequentially flows through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). In the preheating heat exchanger (33), the air c is heated by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (25). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), the adsorbent is heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the air c flowing therethrough, and the regeneration operation is performed. Humidified air c is discharged outside the room. Air d, which is the adsorption air, flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), an adsorption operation is performed to dehumidify the air d. The dehumidified air d is supplied into the room.

 In the second operation, as shown in FIG. 9, the first solenoid valve (48) is set to the closed state, and the second solenoid valve (49) is set to the open state. The four-way selector valve (22) remains in the second state.

 In this state, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor (21) flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) to the outdoor heat exchanger (25) and radiates heat to the air a. The refrigerant after heat dissipation passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the expansion valve (24), and then flows to the indoor heat exchanger (23) and evaporates, as in the first operation.

[0090] The air c, which is the regeneration air, passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) in this order. Similarly to the first operation, the air c is heated in the preheating heat exchanger (33), and the adsorbent regeneration operation is performed in the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). Further, the air d, which is the adsorption air, flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), an adsorption operation is performed to dehumidify the air d. The dehumidified air d is supplied into the room. [0091] Also in this cooling and dehumidifying operation, the high-temperature refrigerant of the compressor (21) flows through the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) that performs the regeneration operation, and the regeneration heated by the preheating heat exchanger (33) is performed. Commercial air circulates. Thereby, the regeneration capability of the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is improved. Accordingly, the adsorption capacity of the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) is improved, so that the dehumidification capacity is enhanced.

 [Embodiment 5 of the Invention]

 Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve (48, 49) in the fourth embodiment is omitted, and three four-way switching valves (22, 36, 37) are provided. Here, differences from the air conditioner (10) of the fourth embodiment will be described.

 [0093] The refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment is provided with a first four-way switching valve (22), a second four-way switching valve (36), and a third four-way switching valve (37). . The first four-way switching valve (22) corresponds to the four-way switching valve of Embodiment 4, and is used for switching the refrigerant circulation between the heating cycle and the cooling cycle in the refrigerant circuit (20).

 [0094] Specifically, in the first four-way switching valve (22), the first port is the first port of the third four-way switching valve (37), and the second port is the suction side of the compressor (21). The third port is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (25), and the fourth port is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger (23). The second four-way selector valve (36) has a first port at the discharge side of the compressor (21), a second port at the downstream of the expansion valve (24) in the one-way passage (43), and a third port at the third port. The third port of the third four-way selector valve (37) and the fourth port are connected to the fourth port of the third four-way selector valve (37), respectively. The second port of the third four-way selector valve (37) is connected between the expansion valve (24) and the second four-way selector valve (36) in the one-way passage (43).

 [0095] In the present embodiment, the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) includes a fourth port of the second four-way selector valve (36) and a fourth port of the third four-way selector valve (37). It is provided in the connecting pipe. The second adsorption heat exchanger (35) is provided between the second four-way switching valve (36) and the third four-way switching valve (37) in the one-way passage (43).

[0096] The first four-way selector valve (22) has the same first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 10) and second state (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 10), as in the first embodiment. It is configured to switch to. That is, in the refrigerant circuit (20), when the first four-way selector valve (22) is in the first state, the refrigerant Circulates in the heating cycle, and when the first four-way selector valve (22) is in the second state, the refrigerant circulates in the cooling cycle.

 [0097] The second four-way switching valve (36) and the third four-way switching valve (37) are each a first port in which the first port and the fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the third port communicate with each other. Switching between the state (shown by the solid line in FIG. 10) and the second state (shown by the broken line in FIG. 10) where the first port and the third port communicate and the second port and the fourth port communicate It is configured as follows.

 [0098] In the air conditioner (10) of the present embodiment, in the heating / humidifying operation and the cooling / dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is exchanged with the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchanger. The second four-way selector valve (36) is switched so as to flow alternately to the vessel (35). Further, in the heating / humidifying operation and the cooling / dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve (24) so that the refrigerant alternately flows to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). The path switching valve (37) is switched. In other words, the second four-way selector valve (36) and the third four-way selector valve (37) are both in the first operation (the state shown in FIGS. 10 and 12) in which both are set to the first state and both in the second state. A switching mechanism for switching the second operation (the state shown in FIGS. 11 and 13) set to the state every predetermined time is configured. In the air conditioner (10), the regeneration air (air c) is supplied to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the adsorption air (air d) is exchanged in the second adsorption heat exchange during the first operation. So that during the second operation, regeneration air is supplied to the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) and at the same time, adsorption air is supplied to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). The air passage is switched to X_.

 As described above, in this embodiment, the low-temperature refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve (24) always flows through the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) in which the adsorption operation is performed. When moisture is adsorbed by the adsorbent, heat of adsorption is generated and the adsorbent becomes high temperature. Therefore, the adsorption performance of the adsorbent is reduced. However, when the low-temperature refrigerant flows into the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35), the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the adsorption heat. Thereby, the temperature rise of the adsorbent is suppressed, and the adsorbent adsorption performance is improved.

 [0100] <Heating and humidification operation>

In the heating and humidifying operation of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first operation and the second operation are alternately performed, and the air a heated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the heat of adsorption are performed. Exchanger (3 4, 35) is an operation in which the air c humidified by the regeneration operation is supplied indoors.

[0101] First, in the first operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the first four-way switching valve (22), the second four-way switching valve (

 36) and the third four-way selector valve (37) are each set to the first state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is appropriately adjusted.

 [0102] In this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the indoor heat exchanger (23) through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and radiates heat to the air a. The heated air a is supplied to the room and the room is heated. The refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) flows to the one-way passage (43) via the direction control circuit (40), passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33), and is decompressed by the expansion valve (24). It is done. The decompressed refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (25) through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), absorbs heat from the air b, and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor (21).

 [0103] Air c as regeneration air flows through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) in this order. In the preheating heat exchanger (33), the air c is heated by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat in the indoor heat exchanger (23). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), the adsorbent is sufficiently heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the circulating air c, and the amount of moisture desorption from the adsorbent increases. Accordingly, the regeneration capacity of the adsorbent is improved. The desorbed moisture is given to the air c, and the air c is humidified. This air c is supplied indoors as supply air (SA).

[0104] Air d, which is the adsorption air, flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), an adsorption operation is performed. That is, moisture in the air d is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the air d is dehumidified (dehumidified). Here, adsorption heat is generated by the adsorption operation, and this adsorption heat is absorbed by the low-temperature refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve (24). Therefore, the temperature rise of the adsorbent is suppressed and the adsorption performance is improved. The dehumidified air d is discharged to the outside as exhaust air (EA).

 Next, in the second operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the second four-way switching valve (36) and the third four-way switching valve (37) are each set to the second state. The first four-way selector valve (22) remains in the first state.

In this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) to the indoor heat exchanger (23) and radiates heat to the air a. The refrigerant that dissipated heat from the indoor heat exchanger (23) As in the first operation, the pressure is reduced by the expansion valve (24) after passing through the preheating heat exchanger (33). The decompressed refrigerant flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) to the outdoor heat exchanger (25) and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor (21).

 [0107] Air c as regeneration air flows in order through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), as in the first operation, the adsorbent is sufficiently heated by the discharged refrigerant of the compressor (21) and the circulating air c, and the regeneration operation is performed. The air c humidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) is supplied indoors as supply air (SA). In addition, air d, which is adsorption air, flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), an adsorption operation is performed, and the air d is dehumidified (dehumidified). At this time, the generated heat of adsorption is absorbed by the low-temperature refrigerant, and the temperature rise of the adsorbent is suppressed. The dehumidified air d is discharged out of the room as exhaust air (EA).

 Thus, in the heating and humidifying operation, the regeneration capability of the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35) can be improved and the adsorption performance can be enhanced. As the adsorption performance increases, the amount of moisture adsorption increases and the amount of moisture desorption during the regeneration operation increases. Therefore, the regeneration ability can be further improved and the humidification ability can be further enhanced.

 [0109] <Cooling and dehumidifying operation>

 In the cooling and dehumidifying operation of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first operation and the second operation are alternately performed, and the air a cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the heat of adsorption are performed. In this operation, the air d dehumidified by the adsorption operation by the exchanger (34, 35) is supplied into the room.

 First, in the first operation, as shown in FIG. 12, the first four-way switching valve (22) is set to the second state, and the opening degree of the expansion valve (24) is appropriately adjusted. Then, the second four-way selector valve (36) and the third four-way selector valve (37) are each set to the first state.

 In this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) to the outdoor heat exchanger (25) and radiates heat to the air b. The refrigerant after heat dissipation flows to the one-way passage (43) via the direction control circuit (40), passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33), and is decompressed by the expansion valve (24). The decompressed refrigerant flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) to the indoor heat exchanger (23), absorbs heat from the air a, and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor (21).

[0112] Air c, which is the regeneration air, is supplied to the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). Circulate in order. In the preheating heat exchanger (33), the air c is heated by the residual heat of the refrigerant after radiating heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (25). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), the adsorbent is sufficiently heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the air c flowing therethrough, and the regeneration operation is performed. Even in this case, the playback capability is improved. The air c humidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) is discharged to the outside.

 [0113] Air d, which is the adsorption air, flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), an adsorption operation is performed to dehumidify the air d. The dehumidified air d is supplied to the room as supply air (SA). Again, adsorption heat is generated by the adsorption operation, and this adsorption heat is absorbed by the low-temperature refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve (24). Therefore, the temperature rise of the adsorbent is suppressed and the adsorption performance is improved. As a result, the dehumidifying capacity can be increased.

 Next, in the second operation, as shown in FIG. 13, the second four-way switching valve (36) and the third four-way switching valve (37) are each set to the second state. The first four-way selector valve (22) remains in the second state.

 [0115] In this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows through the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) to the outdoor heat exchanger (25) and radiates heat to the air a. The refrigerant after heat dissipation is decompressed by the expansion valve (24) through the preheating heat exchanger (33) as in the first operation. The decompressed refrigerant flows to the indoor heat exchanger (23) through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), absorbs heat from the air a, and evaporates.

 [0116] The air c, which is the regeneration air, passes through the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35) in this order. Similar to the first operation, in the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), the adsorbent is sufficiently heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the circulating air c to perform the regeneration operation. Air d, which is adsorption air, flows through the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), an adsorption operation is performed to dehumidify the air d. The dehumidified air d is supplied indoors. Also in this case, since the heat of adsorption is absorbed by the low-temperature refrigerant, an increase in the temperature of the adsorbent can be suppressed.

[0117] As described above, also in the cooling and dehumidifying operation, it is possible to improve the regeneration capability of the adsorption heat exchanger (34, 35), and to further enhance the adsorption performance. As the adsorption performance increases, the amount of moisture adsorption increases, so the dehumidification capacity can be increased. Industrial applicability

 As described above, the present invention is useful as an air conditioner that adjusts air humidity using a moisture adsorbent.

Claims

The scope of the claims  [1] Air having a refrigerant circuit (20) having a compressor (21), an indoor heat exchanger (23), an expansion mechanism (24), and an outdoor heat exchanger (25) for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle A harmony device comprising an adsorbent, adsorption of moisture by the adsorbent, and regeneration of the adsorbent that desorbs moisture from the adsorbent using heat of refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21). While equipped with an air humidity control mechanism (30)  In the refrigerant circuit (20), preheating heat exchange is performed in which the air for regeneration supplied to the humidity control mechanism (30) exchanges heat with the refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger (23) or the outdoor heat exchanger (25). Vessel (33) is provided  An air conditioner characterized by that. [2] In claim 1,  The humidity control mechanism (30)  A heating heat exchanger (32) provided in the refrigerant circuit (20) for exchanging heat between the regenerative air exchanged by the preheating heat exchanger (33) and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21);  The adsorbent has the adsorbent, adsorbs moisture by the adsorbent, and regenerates the adsorbent that desorbs moisture from the adsorbent. A rotatable adsorbing element (31) disposed across the circulation path of the heat exchanged regeneration air  An air conditioner characterized by that. [3] In claim 1,  The humidity control mechanism (30) is provided in the refrigerant circuit (20), carries a moisture adsorbent on the surface, and is heated by the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) to regenerate the adsorbent. 1 adsorption heat exchanger (34) and second adsorption heat exchanger (35)  The refrigerant circuit (20) has a switching mechanism for switching the refrigerant flow so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows alternately to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). (48,49,36)  An air conditioner characterized by that. [4] In claim 2 or 3, The refrigerant circuit (20) is configured such that the refrigerant circulation is reversible and the refrigerant always flows in the negative direction between the indoor heat exchanger (23) and the outdoor heat exchanger (25) by the rectifying mechanism (40). A counter-path (43) is provided,  The preheating heat exchanger (33) and the expansion mechanism (24) are provided in order from the upstream side force in the one-way passage (43).  An air conditioner characterized by that. [5] In claim 3,  In the refrigerant circuit (20), when the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34), the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism (24) is the second adsorption heat exchanger (35). When the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows to the second adsorption heat exchanger (35), the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism (24) flows to the first adsorption heat exchanger (34). Equipped with a switching mechanism (37) for switching the refrigerant flow  An air conditioner characterized by that. [6] In claim 2 or 3,  The refrigerant circuit (20) uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.  An air conditioner characterized by that.