Patent Description:
An air conditioner of an evaporative cooling type is known which takes in air in a room and blows air, which is cooled by lowering the ambient temperature using the heat of vaporization of water, into the room (e.g., Patent Literature <NUM>). The air conditioner (evaporative cooler) of Patent Literature <NUM> includes an air blowing means disposed in a casing, a first channel, and a second channel. The first channel communicates with an inlet and a first outlet of the casing, and guides an air flow generated by the air blowing means to the first outlet. The second channel communicates with the inlet and a second outlet, and guides the air flow generated by the air blowing means to the second outlet. A vaporizing means is disposed in the second channel to cool air flowing through the second channel by the heat of vaporization of water. A heat exchanger is provided for exchanging heat between the air flow cooled by the vaporizing means in the second channel and the air flow flowing through the first channel. In the second channel where the vaporizing means is disposed, the vaporizing means sprays atomized water (unevaporated sprayed water), and air having its absolute humidity increased due to evaporation of the atomized water (evaporated sprayed water) flows in an area downstream of the vaporizing means. The air with increased humidity is blown out as exhaust air from the second outlet which is an exit of the second channel. The air flow flowing through the first channel cooled via the heat exchanger is blown out from the first outlet to a space to be air-conditioned as supply air.

In Patent Literature <NUM>, the air flowing through the second channel by the air blowing means passes through a plurality of tubes of a sensible heat exchanger, and the air flowing through the first channel by the air blowing means passes around the plurality of tubes, so that heat is exchanged between the air flowing through the second channel and the air flowing through the first channel.

Patent Literature <NUM> relates to an air conditioner equipped with a cleaning means for cleaning externally introduced air by bringing it into contact with cleaning water and improving energy efficiency thereof.

Patent Literature <NUM> relates to a method and apparatus for cooling air or other gas using a heat exchanger and is intended to cool the gas to be cooled with less energy and without using fluorocarbons.

Patent Literature <NUM> relates to means and method of cooling, heating and humidity changing of air for achieving controlled air-conditioning of a space which reduces the energy required for heating and cooling ventilation air.

However, in an air conditioner according to the prior art, for example in the air conditioner of Patent Literature <NUM>, the air that has passed through a vaporization filter included in the vaporization means is discharged from the second outlet after heat exchange with the air that is supplied to the room by the sensible heat exchanger, and thus cannot be efficiently cooled.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner capable of improving cooling capacity.

The invention is set out in in claim <NUM>. The dependent claims define preferred aspects of the invention.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes a housing having a first outlet and a second outlet, a first channel communicating with the first outlet, a second channel communicating with the second outlet, a tank unit to hold water for cooling first air flowing in the first channel and second air flowing in the second channel, a cooling unit to cool the first air by heat of vaporization of the water held in the tank unit, a water supply channel for supplying the water held in the tank unit to the cooling unit, and a water recovery channel for collecting water remaining in the cooling unit to the tank unit.

The cooling unit and the tank unit are connected by the water recovery channel to collect water remaining in the cooling unit to the tank unit. The cooling unit vaporizes water held in the tank unit, and cools the first air by the heat of vaporization of water, that is, latent heat. In this case, some water supplied from the tank unit to the cooling unit remains in a liquid state in the cooling unit without being vaporized, and the remaining liquid water is collected to the tank unit by the water recovery channel. The water remaining in the cooling unit, which is also cooled by the heat of vaporization of the vaporized water as with the first air, is collected to the tank unit, whereby the temperature of the water held in the tank unit can be lowered. By using the water in the tank unit whose temperature has been lowered in this way, the cooling efficiency in the cooling unit can be improved. That is, the heat of vaporization generated in the cooling unit is reused by collecting the water remaining in the cooling unit as a cold energy medium, whereby the cooling capacity of the air conditioner can be improved.

The tank unit of the air conditioner according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a first tank communicating with the water supply channel and the water recovery channel, and a second tank to hold water to be supplied from outside the housing and to be supplied to the first tank.

In this aspect, the tank unit includes a first tank communicating with the water supply channel and the water recovery channel, and a second tank to hold water to be supplied from outside the housing and to be supplied to the first tank. Therefore, in collecting the water remaining in the cooling unit, a circulation path through which the water circulates is formed in the order of the first tank as a starting point, the water supply channel, the cooling unit, the water recovery channel, and the first tank as an endpoint. A path configuration is employed in which the second tank is not directly included in the circulation path in this way, which can reduce the influence of the temperature rise due to the temperature of water to be held in the second tank, that is, water to be supplied from the outside, and further improve the cooling efficiency in the cooling unit.

Preferably, the first tank of the air conditioner according to an aspect of the present invention has a smaller volume than the second tank.

In this aspect, the volume of the first tank is smaller than the volume of the second tank, which can reduce the influence of the temperature of the water to be held in the second tank, and further improve the cooling efficiency in the cooling unit.

In the air conditioner according to a further aspect of the present invention, water in the second tank is supplied to the first tank when an amount of water in the first tank is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value.

In this aspect, the second tank has a water supply port at a location, for example, corresponding to a predetermined water level in the first tank, thereby when a level of water in the first tank is lower than or equal to a predetermined level, that is, when the amount of water in the first tank is lower than or equal to a predetermined amount, water in the second tank is supplied to the first tank. The water in the first tank is reduced while being vaporized by the cooling unit and then blown out to the space to be air-conditioned together with the first air, and when the amount of water in the first tank is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value, the water in the second tank is supplied to the first tank. This can prevent a decrease in cooling efficiency due to shortage of water in the first tank.

Preferably in the air conditioner according to an aspect of the present invention, an amount of water to be supplied from the second tank to the first tank at a time is smaller than or equal to half a total value of a volume of the first tank and a volume of the water supply channel, and a volume of the water recovery channel.

In this aspect, when the amount of water in the first tank is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value, the predetermined amount of water in the second tank is supplied to the first tank each time. The predetermined amount, that is, the amount of water to be supplied from the second tank to the first tank at a time is set to be smaller than or equal to half the total value of the volume of the first tank, the volume of the water supply channel, and the volume of the water recovery channel. Therefore, the temperature of water circulating between the first tank and the cooling unit can be stabilized at a relatively low temperature, and the cooling efficiency in the cooling unit can be further improved.

In the air conditioner according to a further aspect of the present invention, the first tank is provided below the cooling unit, and a bottom surface of the first tank is provided below a bottom surface of the second tank.

According to this aspect, the bottom surface of the first tank provided below the cooling unit is provided below the bottom surface of the second tank. Therefore, the first tank provided at the lowermost portion of a circulation path of water circulating between the first tank and the cooling unit can use gravity for collecting of water from the cooling unit and receiving of water from the second tank. This eliminates the need for a pump for collecting and supplying of water, and thus can reduce power consumption.

The cooling unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention further includes a sensible heat exchanger cooling second air by heat exchange with water supplied from the tank unit and cooling first air by sensible heat exchange between the cooled second air and the first air; and an evaporation filter cooling the first air by latent heat of water supplied from the tank unit.

In this aspect, the cooling unit includes: the sensible heat exchanger cooling second air by heat exchange with water supplied from the tank unit and cooling first air by sensible heat exchange between the cooled second air and the first air; and an evaporation filter cooling the first air by latent heat of water supplied from the tank unit. Therefore, the first air can be cooled by the sensible heat exchanger and the vaporization filter in two steps, and the temperature of the first air blown out from the first outlet can be lowered efficiently.

The vaporization filter of the air conditioner according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is provided downstream of the sensible heat exchanger in a flow direction of the first air.

In this aspect, since the cooling capacity of the sensible heat exchanger with respect to the first air is lower than the cooling capacity of the vaporization filter, the first air can be efficiently cooled by providing the vaporization filter downstream of the sensible heat exchanger in the flow direction of the first air. That is, the sensible heat exchanger and the vaporization filter are provided in the first channel in the flow direction of the first air, so that the first air is cooled by the sensible heat exchanger, and then the vaporization filter having a total heat exchange capacity capable of exchanging not only sensible heat but also latent heat, and the first air can be thus efficiently cooled.

The water supply channel of the air conditioner according to a further aspect of the present invention includes a first water supply channel for supplying water to the vaporization filter and a second water supply channel for supplying water to the sensible heat exchanger, and a volumetric flow rate of water in the second supply channel is greater than a volumetric flow rate of water in the first water supply channel.

In this aspect, the water supply channel includes the first water supply channel for supplying water to the vaporization filter and the second water supply channel for supplying water to the sensible heat exchanger, and the volumetric flow rate of water in the second supply channel is greater than the volumetric flow rate of water in the first water supply channel. That is, the amount of water to be supplied to the vaporization filter per unit time is smaller than the amount of water to be supplied to the sensible heat exchanger. This can increase the amount of water for cooling the second air by sensible heat in the sensible heat exchanger while reducing the amount of water vapor blown out to the space to be air-conditioned together with the first air. The cooling efficiency in the cooling unit can be further improved.

In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the second channel has a turning portion provided downstream of the sensible heat exchanger in a flow direction of the second air and featuring a gas-liquid separator when turning a direction of the second channel from a lower side to an upper side, and a fan motor to rotate a fan for conveying the first air and the second air is provided downstream of the gas-liquid separator.

In this aspect of the invention, the portion of the second channel provided downstream of the sensible heat exchanger includes a turning portion to turn the flow direction of the second channel from the lower side to the upper side, thereby forming a gas-liquid separator. Therefore, the water supplied from the tank unit and the second air can be separated by the gas-liquid separator, and the separated water can be efficiently collected to the tank unit via the water recovery channel. Since the fan motor to rotate the fan for conveying the first air and the second air is provided downstream of the gas-liquid separator, the fan motor can be cooled by the second air after being separated from the water supplied from the tank unit. Since the temperature of the second air is lower than that of the fan motor, the cooling capacity for the fan motor is excellent.

Preferably the fan of the air conditioner according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first fan to convey first air and a second fan to convey second air, and a fan motor to rotate the first fan and the second fan is shared by the first fan and the second fan.

In this aspect, the fan includes the first fan to convey the first air and the second fan to convey the second air, and the first fan and the second fan are rotated by the single fan motor. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a fan motor for each of the first fan and the second fan, and it is possible to reduce the cost of parts, to reduce the size of the housing of the air conditioner, and to reduce the weight of the air conditioner.

In the air conditioner according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a separation plate that separates the first channel from the second channel is provided between the first fan and the second fan.

In this aspect, the separation plate that separates the first channel from the second channel is provided between the first fan and the fan motor, which can reliably prevent the first air and the second air from being mixed while cooling the fan motor with the second air. This configuration can prevent the temperature of the first air from rising due to the heat of the fan motor.

A first water supply part to hold water supplied from the tank unit and to supply water to the vaporization filter may be provided above the vaporization filter of the air conditioner according to an aspect of the present invention, the first water supply part is preferably provided with a water supply hole communicating with the vaporization filter, and the fan is provided downstream of the vaporization filter in a flow direction of the first air.

In this aspect, the first water supply part is provided above the vaporization filter, and is provided with the water supply hole communicating with the vaporization filter. Therefore, water supplied from the tank unit is temporarily held by the first water supply part. The held water is dripped from an upper portion of the vaporization filter through the water supply holes and supplied to the vaporization filter. Since the fan for conveying the first air is provided downstream of the vaporization filter in the flow direction of the first air, the inside of the vaporization filter becomes a negative pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, by using the negative pressure, water held in the first water supply part is efficiently supplied to the vaporization filter through the water supply holes.

The sensible heat exchanger of the air conditioner according to a preferred aspect of the present invention communicates with a left-right direction and an up-down direction, one end of an opening in the left-right direction communicates with the first channel, a lower end in the up-down direction communicates with the second channel, a second water supply part to supply water to the sensible heat exchanger by diverting water supplied from the tank unit into a plurality of paths through which second air flows in the sensible heat exchanger is provided above the sensible heat exchanger, and the second water supply part is provided with a water receiver to receive water supplied from the tank unit, and a plurality of ribs radially provided from the water receiver toward the plurality of paths.

In this aspect, the second water supply part provided above the sensible heat exchanger is provided with the water receiver to receive water supplied from the tank unit, and the plurality of ribs provided radially from the water receiver toward the plurality of paths. Therefore, water supplied from the tank unit can be diverted by each of the plurality of ribs provided radially, and the diverted water can be dripped into each of the plurality of paths through which the second air flows in the sensible heat exchanger. Accordingly, sensible heat exchange between the second air flowing through each of the plurality of paths of the sensible heat exchanger and water supplied from the tank unit can be efficiently performed, and cooling efficiency for the second air can be improved.

The second water supply part of the air conditioner according to a futher aspect of the present invention may be provided downstream of the plurality of paths in the sensible heat exchanger through which the first air flows in a flow direction of the first air.

In this aspect, the second water supply part is provided downstream of each of the plurality of paths through which the first air flows in the sensible heat exchanger in the flow direction of the first air, that is, provided closer to an exit of each path through which the first air flows than to an entrance thereof in the sensible heat exchanger. The plurality of paths through which the first air flows in the sensible heat exchanger may have a lower temperature as the paths are located closer to the second water supply port due to the water supplied from the tank unit. By providing the second water supply unit downstream, that is, toward the outlet, a large temperature difference between the first air and the water can develop across the paths, and the cooling efficiency for the first air can be further improved.

The cooling capacity of the air conditioner can be improved.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a schematic sectional view of an air conditioner <NUM> according to the first embodiment, illustrating an example configuration. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the air conditioner <NUM>. The air conditioner <NUM> includes a box-shaped housing <NUM>, and is placed on a floor surface of a space to be air-conditioned, such as a factory, by casters <NUM> provided on a bottom portion of the housing <NUM>. The placement state of the air conditioner <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is illustrated as a normal use state of the air conditioner <NUM>, with up, down, left, and right directions. <FIG> schematically illustrates a cross section taken along line A-A in <FIG> and viewed from the right side in <FIG>.

The air conditioner <NUM> includes a tank unit <NUM> for storing water, and a cooling unit <NUM> including a vaporization filter <NUM> and a sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and uses the heat of vaporization of water supplied from the tank unit <NUM> to lower the ambient temperature by the vaporization filter <NUM> and provide cooling for the space to be air-conditioned, and is, for example, an evaporate cooling type air conditioner <NUM>. Further, the air conditioner <NUM> cools the space to be air-conditioned by lowering the ambient temperature mainly by using the sensible heat of water supplied from the tank unit <NUM> through the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the air conditioner <NUM> is provided with an inlet <NUM>, a first outlet <NUM>, and a second outlet <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> is for taking in air in the space to be air-conditioned. The first outlet <NUM> is for discharging air (first air), which has passed through and been cooled by the cooling unit <NUM> including the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and the vaporization filter <NUM>, to the space to be air-conditioned as supply air. The second outlet <NUM> is for discharging air (second air), which has passed through the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and exchanged sensible heat with water and the first air, as exhaust air.

The first outlet <NUM> and the second outlet <NUM> are provided on an upper surface of the housing <NUM>. The air conditioner <NUM> is provided with a fan for conveying first air and second air, and the fan includes a first fan <NUM> for conveying the first air and a second fan <NUM> for conveying the second air.

The fans including the first fan <NUM> and the second fan <NUM> may be, for example, centrifugal fans such as sirocco fans or propeller fans. The first fan <NUM> is provided in proximity to the first outlet <NUM>, and the second fan <NUM> is provided in proximity to the second outlet <NUM>. That is, when, with respect to a flow of air of the air conditioner <NUM>, the inlet <NUM> is the most upstream end and the first outlet <NUM> and the second outlet <NUM> are the most downstream ends, the first fan <NUM> and the second fan <NUM> are provided downstream in a flow direction of air. As the first fan <NUM> and the second fan <NUM> are provided downstream, these fans function as so-called suction fans, and ventilation channels in the air conditioner <NUM> can be maintained under negative pressure.

The first fan <NUM> and the second fan <NUM> share a single fan motor <NUM>, and are connected to shafts at both ends of the fan motor <NUM>, respectively. A partition plate <NUM> is provided between the second fan <NUM> and the first fan <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> can reliably prevent the first air conveyed by the first fan <NUM> from being mixed with the second air conveyed by the second fan <NUM>.

The fan motor <NUM> is located on the second fan <NUM> side. Therefore, the partition plate <NUM> is provided between the fan motor <NUM> and the first fan <NUM>. As the fan motor <NUM> is provided on the second fan <NUM> side in this way, the fan motor <NUM> can be cooled by the second air conveyed by the second fan <NUM>, that is, exhaust air. Therefore, the fan motor <NUM> can be cooled efficiently using cold energy by the exhaust air without increasing the temperature of the first air conveyed by the first fan <NUM>, that is, the supply air.

The air conditioner <NUM> is provided with a suction channel <NUM>, a first channel <NUM>, and a second channel <NUM> as ventilation channels. The suction channel <NUM> starts from the inlet <NUM> and communicates with the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. That is, the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> is provided downstream of the suction channel <NUM> in a flow direction of suction air flowing in the suction channel <NUM>.

The sensible heat exchanger <NUM> is provided with first paths <NUM> through which the first air flows and second paths <NUM> through which the second air flows. The first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> are defined by a plurality of metal plates disposed in parallel and each having a hollow structure. Each of the metal plates having a hollow structure may be composed of, for example, a plurality of fins or flat tubes. For example, the plate may be formed of a metal excellent in heat transfer, such as aluminum, copper, or an alloy containing these as main components, thereby improving the efficiency of sensible heat exchange. The metal plates constituting the first paths <NUM> and the metal plates constituting the second paths <NUM> are stacked so as to be perpendicular to flow directions of the first air and the second air, and sensible heat is exchanged between the first air and the second air through the metal plates. The first paths <NUM> constitute part of the first channel <NUM> communicating with the first outlet <NUM>. The second paths <NUM> constitute part of the second channel <NUM> communicating with the second outlet <NUM>. The first paths <NUM> extend through the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> in the left-right direction (lateral direction) in <FIG>, and the second paths <NUM> extend through the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> in the up-down direction (vertical direction) in <FIG>. That is, the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> are orthogonal to each other.

Suction air having passed through the suction channel <NUM> flows into the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> from entrances of the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> defined in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and is divided into first air to flow into the first paths <NUM> and second air to flow into the second paths <NUM>. That is, the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> defined in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> form a flow dividing mechanism for dividing suction air.

As illustrated in the drawing, the entrances of the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> are defined in a side surface (left side surface in the drawing) of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and the inlet <NUM> similarly defined in the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> communicates with the entrances of the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> through the suction channel <NUM>. A dust collecting filter <NUM> is disposed between the inlet <NUM> and the entrances of the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> or in the middle of the first paths <NUM>.

The dust collecting filter <NUM> may be attached to the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> where the entrances of the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> are defined, as illustrated in the drawing. The dust collection filter <NUM> can collect dust in suction air sucked from the inlet <NUM> and prevent dust buildup in the ventilation channels through which air in the air conditioner <NUM> flows.

As illustrated in the drawing, the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM> in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> are defined in parallel from the entrances of the respective paths to intermediate points thereof. In a region from these points onward, a crossflow is formed by first air flowing through the first paths <NUM> and second air flowing through the second paths <NUM>. After passing through the region where the crossflow is formed, the second paths <NUM> extend toward a lower portion of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. That is, exits which are terminal ends of the second paths <NUM> are provided at a bottom surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>.

A drain pan <NUM> is provided below the exits of the second paths <NUM> in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> from the drain pan <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM> extends upward from the drain pan <NUM>, and is provided behind the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> in the drawing. Therefore, the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and the second channel <NUM> from the drain pan <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM> form a channel that turns up. As described above, the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> constitute part of the second channel <NUM>, and are included in the second channel <NUM>. Accordingly, the second channel <NUM> extends downward from an upper portion of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and includes a vertically turning portion from which the second channel <NUM> extends upward after passing through a place where the drain pan <NUM> is located.

The second fan <NUM> for conveying the second air is provided downstream of the second channel <NUM> from the drain pan <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> from the drain pan <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM> extends upward, and the second fan <NUM> is provided above the drain pan <NUM>. The second air conveyed by the second fan <NUM> is blown out as exhaust air (EA) from the second outlet <NUM>.

The exits which are terminal ends of the first paths <NUM> are provided on a side surface opposite to the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> on which the entrances of the first paths <NUM> are provided. In the illustrated example, the first paths <NUM> are provided linearly from the left side surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> to the right side surface.

In the flow direction of the first air, a vaporization filter <NUM> is provided downstream of the terminal ends of the first paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, that is, the exits of the first paths <NUM>. The vaporization filter <NUM> is provided downstream of the exits of the first paths <NUM> and between the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and the first fan <NUM>.

The vaporization filter <NUM> is provided such that one surface of a rectangular filter element faces the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> provided with the exits of the first paths <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> from the vaporization filter <NUM> to the first outlet <NUM> extends upward from the vaporization filter <NUM>. The first fan <NUM> for conveying the first air is provided downstream of the first channel <NUM> from the vaporization filter <NUM> to the first outlet <NUM>. The first fan <NUM> is provided above the vaporization filter <NUM>. The first air conveyed by the first fan <NUM> is blown out as supply air (SA) from the first outlet <NUM>.

As described above, the air conditioner <NUM> includes the tank unit <NUM> for storing water to be supplied to the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and the tank unit <NUM> includes a first tank <NUM> and a second tank <NUM>. The first tank <NUM> forms, for example, a rectangular box body having an opening in an upper portion thereof, and is provided below the vaporization filter <NUM> and the drain pan <NUM>.

The first tank <NUM> is used to hold water collected through a water recovery channel <NUM> for collecting water remaining in the cooling unit <NUM>. The water recovery channel <NUM> includes a first water recovery channel <NUM> and a second water recovery channel <NUM>. The first tank <NUM> and the vaporization filter <NUM> are communicated with each other through the first water recovery channel <NUM>. The first tank <NUM> and the drain pan <NUM> are communicated with each other through the second water recovery channel <NUM>. Ends of the first water recovery channel <NUM> and the second water recovery channel <NUM> proximate to the first tank <NUM>, that is, exits of the first water recovery channel <NUM> and the second water recovery channel <NUM>, are directed to the opening of the first tank <NUM>. Although the details will be described later, water remaining in the cooling unit <NUM> is water supplied from the first tank <NUM> to the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and is water remaining in a liquid state without being vaporized.

The vaporization filter <NUM> and the drain pan <NUM> provided below the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> are provided above the first tank <NUM>. Therefore, the water remaining in a liquid state without being vaporized in the vaporization filter <NUM> flows into the first tank <NUM> through the first water recovery channel <NUM> by gravity. Water that has not been vaporized in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and remains in a liquid state flows into the first tank <NUM> via the drain pan <NUM> and the second water recovery channel <NUM>.

The first tank <NUM> is provided inside with a pump <NUM> for supplying water held in the first tank <NUM> to the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. The pump <NUM> is not limited to a case where the pump <NUM> is provided inside the first tank <NUM>. A main body of the pump <NUM> may be provided outside the first tank <NUM> to convey water in the first tank <NUM> through a channel that communicates with the pump <NUM> and the first tank <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> is connected to a controller <NUM> constituted by, for example, a microcomputer, through a communication line, and is driven or stopped based on a control signal output from the controller <NUM>. Although the controller <NUM> is illustrated as being provided in a lower portion of the air conditioner <NUM> in the drawing, the controller <NUM> is not limited to this. For example, the controller <NUM> may be provided proximate to an outer peripheral surface of a channel wall forming the second channel <NUM> from the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM>, and may be cooled by the second air via the channel wall forming the second channel <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> is communicated with the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> by a supply channel <NUM>. Therefore, the first tank <NUM> communicates with the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> via the pump <NUM> and the water supply channel <NUM>. The water supply channel <NUM> includes a first water supply channel <NUM> and the second water supply channel <NUM>, and is branched into the first water supply channel <NUM> and the second water supply channel <NUM> in proximity to the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. The first water supply channel <NUM> communicates with the vaporization filter <NUM>. The second water supply channel <NUM> communicates with the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>.

Water supplied from the first water supply channel <NUM> is once held in a first water supply part <NUM> provided above the vaporization filter <NUM>, dripped into the vaporization filter <NUM> from water supply holes <NUM> provided in the first water supply part <NUM>, and permeates into the vaporization filter <NUM>. Water supplied from the second water supply channel <NUM> is dripped into the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> through the second water supply parts <NUM> provided above the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. The first water supply part <NUM> is formed as a part of the vaporization filter <NUM>. As an example, the vaporization filter <NUM> may be detachable from a mounting position to the outside of the housing <NUM>. As the unit includes the water supply holes <NUM>, a clogged water supply hole <NUM> can be cleaned by removing the unit from the main body.

The second water supply parts <NUM> are located downstream of the first paths <NUM> above the entrances of the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. That is, the second water supply parts <NUM> are provided closer to the exits of the first paths <NUM> than to the entrances thereof and above the entrances of the second paths <NUM>. In the first paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, the closer to the second water supply parts <NUM>, the lower the temperature due to the water supplied from the first tank <NUM>. The temperature of the first air at the entrance of the first path <NUM> corresponds to the room temperature of the space to be air-conditioned, and is the highest temperature in the temperature distribution of the first air in the first path <NUM>. In contrast, as the second water supply parts <NUM> are provided downstream of the first paths <NUM>, that is, closer to the exits of the first paths <NUM> than to the entrances thereof, the temperature difference between the first air and the water can be made large over the entire region of the first paths <NUM>, and the cooling efficiency for the first air can be improved.

In the present embodiment as illustrated in the drawing, since two second water supply parts <NUM> are provided above the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, the second water supply channel <NUM> is bifurcated corresponding to each of the two second water supply parts <NUM>, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, one second water supply part <NUM> may be provided above the sensible heat exchanger, and the second water supply channel <NUM> may not be branched. Three or more second water supply parts <NUM> may be provided above the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and the second supply water channel <NUM> may be branched into the number of the second water supply parts <NUM>. Alternatively, the second water supply parts <NUM> provided above the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> may be combined into one, eliminating the need to branch the second water supply part <NUM>.

Water is transported from the first tank <NUM> to the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> by the pump <NUM> provided in the first tank <NUM>, and water remaining in the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> in a liquid state without being vaporized is returned to the first tank <NUM> by gravity. That is, the first tank <NUM>, the water supply channel <NUM>, the cooling unit <NUM>, and the water recovery channel <NUM> form a circulating water channel.

The water supply channel <NUM> is branched into the first water supply channel <NUM> and the second water supply channel <NUM> in response to the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> included in the cooling unit <NUM>. The water recovery channel <NUM> is branched into the first water recovery channel <NUM> and the second water recovery channel <NUM> in response to the vaporization filter <NUM> and the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> included in the cooling unit <NUM>. Therefore, the circulating water channel includes a vaporization filter <NUM>-based channel and a sensible heat exchanger <NUM>-based channel that are in parallel. The vaporization filter <NUM>-based channel is constituted by the first water supply channel <NUM>, the vaporization filter <NUM>, and the first water recovery channel <NUM>. The sensible heat exchanger <NUM>-based channel is constituted by the second water supply channel <NUM>, the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and the second water recovery channel <NUM>.

In terms of the volumetric flow rate per unit time of water conveyed by driving of the pump <NUM>, the volumetric flow rate in the first water supply channel <NUM>, which is in the vaporization filter <NUM>-based channel, is smaller than the volumetric flow rate in the second water supply channel <NUM>, which is in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>-based channel. For example, the volumetric flow rate in the first water supply channel <NUM> may be <NUM>/min, the volumetric flow rate in the second water supply channel <NUM> may be <NUM>/min, and the volumetric flow rate in the first water supply channel <NUM> may be <NUM>/<NUM> of the volumetric flow rate in the second water supply channel <NUM>. This can increase the amount of water for cooling the second air by sensible heat in the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> while suppressing the amount of water vapor blown out to the space to be air-conditioned together with the first air. The cooling efficiency in the cooling unit <NUM> can be further improved.

A heat insulating member <NUM> may be attached to outer peripheral surfaces of the first tank <NUM>, that is, the outer surfaces of a bottom plate and side plates of the first tank <NUM>. As described above, water collected from the vaporization filter <NUM> is held in the first tank <NUM>, and the water is cooled by the heat of vaporization. The heat insulating member <NUM> on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first tank <NUM> can prevent heat exchange between the water collected from the vaporization filter <NUM> and the ambient air of the first tank <NUM> via the bottom plate and the side plates of the first tank <NUM>, to hold an increase in the temperature of the water collected from the vaporization filter <NUM>. Similarly, the heat insulating member <NUM> may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first water recovery channel <NUM> that communicates with the vaporization filter <NUM> and the first tank <NUM>.

The second tank <NUM> forms, for example, a rectangular box body, and is provided above the first tank <NUM> with a water supply hole <NUM> provided in a bottom surface facing downward. For example, the second tank <NUM> may be detachably provided with respect to the housing <NUM>, and may be stored in the housing <NUM> after being replenished with tap water or other water in a state of being detached from the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the second tank <NUM> may be provided with a valve body for receiving replenishment of water from outside the housing <NUM>, and tap water or the like may be replenished via the valve body. The volume of the second tank <NUM> is larger than the volume of the first tank <NUM>. In the present embodiment, two second tanks <NUM> are provided, and the total volume of the two second tanks <NUM> is larger than the volume of the first tank <NUM>. The number of second tanks <NUM> is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. That is, irrespective of the number of the second tanks <NUM>, the volume of the first tank <NUM> is smaller than the total volume of the second tanks <NUM>. That is, since the amount of water to be circulated is small, a configuration that makes it easy to maintain a low water temperature is adopted.

The second tank <NUM> is provided above the first tank <NUM>, that is, the bottom surface of the second tank <NUM> is located above the bottom surface of the first tank <NUM>. When a level of water in the first tank <NUM> is lower than or equal to a predetermined value, a predetermined amount of water the second tank <NUM> is supplied to the first tank <NUM>. That is, the predetermined amount of water in the second tank <NUM> is supplied to the first tank <NUM> every time the amount of water held in the first tank <NUM> is lower than or equal to a predetermined value, thereby preventing water shortage or depletion in the first tank <NUM>. As an example, when the opening for supplying water from the second tank <NUM> to the first tank <NUM> is at a position lower than the water surface of the first tank <NUM>, the inside of the tank becomes a negative pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure, and water is not supplied. When the opening is at a position higher than the water surface of the first tank <NUM>, a mechanism may be adopted in which air enters the second tank <NUM> from the opening and water is supplied to the first tank <NUM>. Alternatively, a mechanism may be adopted in which a solenoid valve that can be controlled by the controller <NUM> and a sensor that detects the level of the water surface in the first tank <NUM> are provided, and the solenoid valve is opened for a certain period of time when the sensor detects that the level of the water surface is lower than a predetermined level.

Every time the level of water in the first tank <NUM> is lower than or equal to a predetermined value, a predetermined amount of water is to be supplied from the second tank <NUM> to the first tank <NUM>. The predetermined amount of water, that is, a water supply amount at a time, is set to be smaller than or equal to half a total value of the volume of the first tank <NUM>, the volume of the water supply channel <NUM>, and the volume of the water recovery channel <NUM>. As described above, water collected from the vaporization filter <NUM> is held in the first tank <NUM>, and the water is cooled by the heat of vaporization. Therefore, the temperature of the water circulating between the first tank <NUM> and the cooling unit <NUM> can be stabilized at a relatively low temperature by setting the amount of water to be supplied from the second tank <NUM> to the first tank <NUM> at a time to be smaller than or equal to half the total value of the volume of the first tank <NUM> and the channel volume of the water supply channel <NUM> and the water recovery channel <NUM>.

The air conditioner <NUM> sucks air in the space to be air-conditioned from the inlet <NUM>, and the sucked air passes through the suction channel <NUM> and the dust collecting filter <NUM> and flows into the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. The entrances of the first paths <NUM> (SA: supply air paths) and the second paths <NUM> (EA: exhaust air paths) of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> are provided on the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> corresponding to an exit of the suction flow path <NUM>, and suction air is divided into first air (SA) flowing through the first paths <NUM> and second air (EA) flowing through the second paths <NUM>.

Water supplied from the first tank <NUM> is dripped into the second paths <NUM> through the second water supply parts <NUM> provided above the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. That is, in the second paths <NUM>, the second air and the water dripped from the second water supply parts <NUM> are mixed. The water held in the first tank <NUM> is water collected from the vaporization filter <NUM> and is water cooled by the heat of vaporization. Therefore, the temperature of the water supplied from the first tank <NUM> is lower than the temperature of the second air immediately after flowing into the second paths <NUM>. The second air exchanges sensible heat with water dripped from the second water supply parts <NUM>, and is thus cooled by the water. In addition, although the structure of the second water supply parts <NUM> will be described in detail later, the water dripped from the second water supply parts <NUM> is distributed to the metal plates constituting the second paths <NUM> and drips into the metal plates, so that the surface area of the water in contact with the second air increases. Thus, part of the water dripped from the second water supply parts <NUM> is vaporized, and the second air is cooled by the heat of vaporization.

The first air flowing through the first paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and the second air flowing through the second paths <NUM> form a crossflow, and sensible heat is exchanged between the first air and the second air. As described above, the second air flowing through the second paths <NUM> is cooled by the water supplied from the first tank <NUM>, and the first air is cooled by the second air cooled by the water supplied from the first tank <NUM>.

The first air that has passed through the first paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> flows into the first channel <NUM> from the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> to the first outlet <NUM>. In the first channel <NUM>, the vaporization filter <NUM> is provided downstream of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and the first air passes through the vaporization filter <NUM>.

Water supplied from the first tank <NUM> is dripped into the vaporization filter <NUM> through the first water supply part <NUM> provided above the vaporization filter <NUM>. Since the inside of the first channel <NUM> is maintained at a negative pressure, water supplied from the first tank <NUM> is sucked into the vaporization filter <NUM> from the water supply holes <NUM> provided in the bottom surface of the first water supply part <NUM>, and penetrates into the vaporization filter <NUM>. The water permeating into the vaporization filter <NUM> is vaporized by the first air passing through the vaporization filter <NUM>, and is contained in the first air as water vapor by vaporization, that is, evaporation. The first air is cooled by the heat of vaporization, and the temperature of the first air is lowered. The cooled first air is blown out as supply air (SA) from the first outlet <NUM> into the space to be air-conditioned by the first fan <NUM>.

With such a configuration, the first air blown out to the space to be air-conditioned as supply air (SA) can be cooled with a two-tiered cooling including primary cooling by the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and secondary cooling by the vaporization filter <NUM>. Therefore, the temperature of the first air can be further lowered in comparison with the direct vaporization system using only the vaporization filter <NUM>.

Part of the water supplied from the first tank <NUM> to the vaporization filter <NUM> remains in the vaporization filter <NUM> as liquid water without being vaporized. The remaining water is also cooled by the heat of vaporization. The water remaining in the vaporization filter <NUM> moves below the vaporization filter <NUM> by gravity and is collected in the first tank <NUM> through the first water recovery channel <NUM> provided below the vaporization filter <NUM>. Collecting of the water remaining in the vaporization filter <NUM> in this way can lower the temperature of the water stored in the first tank <NUM> and stabilize the water at a relatively low temperature.

As described above, the water stored in the first tank <NUM> is supplied to the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and the vaporization filter <NUM>, and the cooling capacity of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and the vaporization filter <NUM> can be improved by stabilizing the water stored in the first tank <NUM> so as to have a low temperature.

The second air flowing into the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> is mixed with water dripped and supplied from the second water supply parts <NUM>, and is conveyed toward the exits of the second paths <NUM> located below the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. Since the second paths <NUM> extend toward the lower portion of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> after passing through the region where the crossflow with the first paths <NUM> is formed, the second air mixed with the water supplied from the second water supply parts <NUM> flows from the upper portion of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> toward its lower portion.

The drain pan <NUM> is provided downstream of the exits of the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and the second channel <NUM> from the drain pan <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM> is extended upward from the drain pan <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> is formed in a rear direction which is a depth direction of <FIG>. Therefore, the second air mixed with the water supplied from the second water supply parts <NUM> flows out from the exits of the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and then flows upward with respect to a certain point where the drain pan <NUM> is located as the lowest point. That is, the second channel <NUM> including the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> extends downward from the upper portion of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, and includes a vertically turning portion from which the second channel <NUM> extends upward after passing through a place where the drain pan <NUM> is located.

When the second air mixed with the water supplied from the second water supply parts <NUM> passes through the turning portion, that is, when the flow direction is changed from the downward flow direction to the upward flow direction, centrifugal force is generated. Since water flowing together with the second air has a greater specific gravity than air, the water is moved toward the outer peripheral side of the turning portion due to centrifugal force, and thus separated from the second air, that is, gas-liquid separation is performed.

The water separated from the second air (by gas-liquid separation) is temporarily held in the drain pan <NUM>, and is collected in the first tank <NUM> via the second water recovery channel <NUM> provided at a bottom surface of the drain pan <NUM>. The water adhering to inner wall surfaces of the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> also moves to the exits of the second paths <NUM> by gravity and drips from the exits, whereby the water is held in the drain pan <NUM> and collected via the second water recovery channel <NUM> in the first tank <NUM>.

Portions of the second paths <NUM> extending from an upper side of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> to its lower side, the drain pan <NUM> provided below the exits of the second paths <NUM>, and the second channel <NUM> extending upward from the drain pan <NUM> constitute a gas-liquid separator for separating water from a mixture of the second air and water supplied from the second water supply parts <NUM>. The gas-liquid separator separates water from the second air, thus preventing an increase in the absolute humidity of the second air.

The second air having passed through the drain pan <NUM> flows into the second channel <NUM> from the drain pan <NUM> to the second outlet <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> is provided, for example, between a side surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> and an inner surface of the housing <NUM> opposed to the side surface, and the second air is conveyed from the drain pan <NUM> via the second channel <NUM> to a fan chamber in which the fan motor <NUM> and the second fan <NUM> are mounted. That is, the fan motor <NUM> is provided in the middle of the second channel <NUM>, and thus cooled by the second air. The fan motor <NUM> is provided downstream of the gas-liquid separator, and thus can be efficiently cooled by the second air from which water has been separated. The second air that has cooled the fan motor <NUM> is blown out as exhaust air from the second outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the vaporization filter <NUM>, illustrating an example configuration. For example, the vaporization filter <NUM> is detachable, and <FIG> shows a state in which the vaporization filter <NUM> is detached from the housing <NUM> for cleaning. The vaporization filter <NUM> has a rectangular plate shape, for example, and is formed of rayon polyester, nonwoven fabric, or the like. The vaporization filter <NUM> has water absorbency, and water supplied from the first water supply part <NUM> permeates the entire surface of the vaporization filter <NUM>, thereby promoting vaporization of the water.

The first water supply part <NUM> constitutes a box body having an opening on an upper side and is placed above the vaporization filter <NUM>. The bottom plate of the box body is formed in a rectangular shape, and a plurality of water supply holes <NUM> are provided in the bottom plate along the longitudinal direction.

The opening of the first water supply part <NUM> communicates with the first water supply channel <NUM> branched from the water supply channel <NUM> that extends from the first tank <NUM>. Water supplied from the first water supply channel <NUM> is once held in the first water supply part <NUM> forming a box body, drips from the water supply holes <NUM> into the vaporization filter <NUM>, and permeates into the vaporization filter <NUM>.

The vaporization filter <NUM> is provided in a portion of the first channel <NUM> upstream of the first fan <NUM> in the flow direction of the first air. Therefore, the inside of the vaporization filter <NUM> becomes a negative pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure, and water once held in the first water supply part <NUM> is sucked into the vaporization filter <NUM> from the water supply holes <NUM>. Therefore, the water can efficiently permeate into the vaporization filter <NUM>. That is, a configuration is adopted in which the amount of water to be supplied can be adjusted by the degree of negative pressure due to the number of revolutions of the fan and an air velocity. In the present embodiment, a mechanism for supplying water by utilizing a negative pressure is adopted, but various configurations such as a mechanism for supplying water by its own weight can also be adopted.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view of the second water supply parts <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, illustrating an example configuration. <FIG> is an explanatory view for explaining a main part of the second water supply part <NUM>. On the upper surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, two second water supply parts <NUM> each having a rectangular box shape in a plan view are provided side by side. As described above, each of the second water supply parts <NUM> is provided downstream of the first paths <NUM>. Each of the second water supply parts <NUM> is placed on the upper surface of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> so that the longitudinal direction of the upper surface is perpendicular to the path directions of the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM>.

A cylindrical water receiver <NUM> and a plurality of ribs <NUM> radially extending from the water receiver <NUM> are provided on an upper surface of each of the second water supply parts <NUM>. The water receiver <NUM> is provided proximate to one side of the upper surface in the longitudinal direction. The water receiver <NUM> communicates with the second water supply channel <NUM> branched from the water supply channel <NUM> that extends from the first tank <NUM>.

Water supplied from the second water supply channel <NUM> is received in the water receiver <NUM> and then diverted along the ribs <NUM> radially extending from the water receiver <NUM>, and diverted water is dripped into the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. That is, the second water supply part <NUM> functions as a water spray unit that sprays water supplied from the first tank <NUM> to each of the plurality of metal plates constituting the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>.

The ribs <NUM> radially extending from the water receiver <NUM> are provided at equal intervals, and the pitch is, for example, <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> are each formed in an L-shape, a U-shape (C-shape) or a crank-shape by being bent once or more from the water receiver <NUM> toward a long edge portion of the upper surface.

Each of the ribs <NUM> is branched into two parallel ribs <NUM> at a point proximate to a long edge portion of the upper surface. The branched two ribs <NUM> are bent from the upper surface of the second water supply part <NUM> toward a side surface thereof and extend downward from an upper portion of the side surface.

On the upper surface of the second water supply part <NUM>, a V-shaped notch is provided on a short side opposite to a short side where the water receiver <NUM> is provided. Some of the ribs <NUM>, which are extended from the water receiver <NUM> toward the short side provided with the V-shaped notch, are bent toward an inner wall surface by which a V-shaped notch is defined, and extended downward from the upper part of the inner wall surface.

Pairs of parallel ribs <NUM> provided on side surfaces on the long sides and inner wall surfaces by which the V-shaped notch is defined, are defined as vertical ribs. The vertical ribs are arranged side by side at equal intervals on the side surfaces and the inner wall surfaces. As shown in <FIG>, the vertical ribs on one side surface corresponding to the long side and the vertical ribs on the other side surface are staggered so as not to overlap with each other in a side view. That is, the vertical ribs on each side surface are provided such that, in a side view, a vertical rib on one side surface is located between adjacent vertical ribs on the other side surface. Similarly, as to the inner wall surfaces by which the V-shaped notch is defined, the vertical ribs on the respective inner wall surfaces facing each other are staggered.

The vertical ribs constituted by the pairs of parallel ribs <NUM> are provided in association with the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>. The second water supply part <NUM> is located above the sensible heat exchanger <NUM> so that, as shown in <FIG>, a direction where each vertical rib extends agrees with the vertical direction of each of the metal plates constituting the first paths <NUM> and the second paths <NUM>. The second water supply part <NUM> is provided so that a rib of a pair of ribs <NUM> constituting a vertical rib is aligned with a second path of adjacent two second paths <NUM>. The second water supply part <NUM> is provided so that a first path <NUM> is positioned between a pair of ribs <NUM> constituting a vertical rib.

Water diverted from the water receiver <NUM> flows between adjacent ribs <NUM> of the ribs <NUM> radially provided on the upper surface of the second water supply part <NUM>. Water, which flows downward from the upper surface of the second water supply part <NUM> along its side surfaces or inner wall surfaces by which the V-shaped notch is defined, flows down along outer surfaces of two ribs <NUM> constituting a vertical rib. Since a rib of a pair of ribs <NUM> constituting a vertical rib is aligned with a second path of adjacent two second paths <NUM>, water flowing down along an outer surface side of the pair of ribs <NUM> can be dripped into each of the adjacent two second paths <NUM>.

In order to keep a spacing between ribs <NUM> provided on the upper surface, the number of vertical ribs that can be formed on a side surface is also limited. Thus, one of the side surfaces may have a second path <NUM> in which no water is dripped. In contrast, since the vertical ribs provided on the respective side surfaces are formed at staggered positions as shown in <FIG>, water can be dripped into a second path <NUM> to which water is not dripped on one side surface by a vertical rib provided on the other side surface. Similarly, as to the inner wall surfaces by which the V-shaped notch is defined, water can be dripped into each of the corresponding second paths <NUM> by the vertical ribs provided at staggered positions. By the vertical ribs staggered as described above, the pitch between the ribs <NUM> provided on the upper surface can be sufficiently kept and water supplied from the first tank <NUM> can be dripped into all the second paths <NUM> of the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the cooling unit <NUM> employs a configuration in which the remaining water is collected at the first tank <NUM> by the first water recovery channel <NUM> and the second water recovery channel <NUM>. However, the cooling unit <NUM> may employ a configuration in which the first water recovery channel <NUM> is connected to the second water supply parts <NUM> and a pump is provided in the first water recovery channel <NUM> so that only the second water recovery channel <NUM> is connected to the first tank <NUM>. This allows for cooling the circulating water more efficiently. Similarly, various configurations can be employed for the cooling unit <NUM> and the shape of channels of water in the cooling unit <NUM>. Further, various types of heat exchangers can be applied to the cooling unit <NUM>. As an example, not only heat is exchanged between at least one of the first air and the second air and water, but also a configuration for simply cooling water may be used as a substitute for the vaporization filter <NUM> or the sensible heat exchanger <NUM>, or be included additionally.

Claim 1:
An air conditioner (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having a first outlet (<NUM>) and a second outlet (<NUM>);
a first channel (<NUM>) communicating with the first outlet (<NUM>);
a second channel (<NUM>) communicating with the second outlet (<NUM>);
a tank unit (<NUM>) to hold water for cooling first air flowing through the first channel (<NUM>) and second air flowing through the second channel (<NUM>);
a cooling unit (<NUM>) to cool the first air by heat of vaporization of the water held in the tank unit (<NUM>);
a water supply channel (<NUM>) for supplying the water held in the tank unit (<NUM>) to the cooling unit (<NUM>); and
a water recovery channel (<NUM>) for collecting water remaining in the cooling unit (<NUM>) to the tank unit (<NUM>),
wherein the cooling unit (<NUM>) includes:
a sensible heat exchanger (<NUM>) to cool the second air by heat exchange with water supplied from the tank unit (<NUM>) and cool the first air by sensible heat exchange between the cooled second air and the first air; and
a vaporization filter (<NUM>) to cool the first air by heat of vaporization of water supplied from the tank unit (<NUM>), and
characterized in that the second channel (<NUM>) has a turning portion provided downstream of the sensible heat exchanger (<NUM>) in a flow direction of the second air in which the flow direction of the second air changes from a downward flow direction to an upward flow direction, thereby forming a gas-liquid separator for separating water from the second air.