Blower-Controlled Dehumidification for Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
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Summary
Problems
Existing air processing systems face inefficiencies in dehumidification due to electromechanical humidity monitors that are inefficient and lack precise control, leading to higher energy costs and inadequate comfort levels.
Innovation solutions
A method that compares actual space humidity to the desired level after the compressor is shut off, allowing the blower to continue running if humidity is near or below the desired level, and forcing it off for a period if humidity is higher, optimizing dehumidification by adjusting blower operation based on humidity differences.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If the blower runs continuously at high speed to maintain air circulation, then air movement is maximized, but dehumidification effectiveness decreases due to rapid air passage through the coil
Why choose this principle:
The blower speed is dynamically adjusted based on operational phase: high speed during compressor operation for air circulation, and low speed during compressor OFF cycles for enhanced dehumidification. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing air movement speed for different operational requirements.
Principle concept:
If the blower runs continuously at high speed to maintain air circulation, then air movement is maximized, but dehumidification effectiveness decreases due to rapid air passage through the coil
Why choose this principle:
The system employs periodic blower operation during compressor OFF cycles, running the blower at low speed for specific durations (e.g., 5-15 minutes) to enhance dehumidification without continuous high-speed operation. This periodic action allows the system to achieve precise dehumidification control while maintaining energy efficiency.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
A method that compares actual space humidity to the desired level after the compressor is shut off, allowing the blower to continue running if humidity is near or below the desired level, and forcing it off for a period if humidity is higher, optimizing dehumidification by adjusting blower operation based on humidity differences.
Abstract
The present invention provides a method for enhancing dehumidification of a conditioned space, while optimizing the effectiveness of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) devices that are present in the HVAC system. After the system compressor is shut off, the actual space humidity is compared to the desired humidity. If the actual humidity is very close to or lower than the desired level the indoor blower (air handler) is allowed to continue running. However, if the actual humidity is greater than the desired level by a specified amount, the blower is forced off for a period of time proportional to the difference between the actual and desired humidity. At the next compressor activation, the blower is allowed to run as normal.