Methods and systems for mini-split liquid desiccant air conditioning

Abstract

A split liquid desiccant air conditioning system is disclosed for treating an air stream flowing into a space in a building. The split liquid desiccant air-conditioning system is switchable between operating in a warm weather operation mode and a cold weather operation mode.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 783,176 filed on Mar. 14, 2013 entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MINI-SPLIT LIQUID DESICCANT AIR CONDITIONING, which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]The present application relates generally to the use of liquid desiccants to dehumidify and cool, or heat and humidify an air stream entering a space. More specifically, the application relates to the replacement of conventional mini-split air conditioning units with (membrane based) liquid desiccant air conditioning system to accomplish the same heating and cooling capabilities as those conventional mini-split air conditioners.[0003]Desiccant dehumidification systems—both liquid and solid desiccants—have been used parallel to conventional vapor compression HVAC equipment to help reduce humidity in spaces, particularly in spaces that require large amounts of outdoor air or that have large humidi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent aims to provide a system for providing heated, humidified air to a space by using an indirect evaporator and a conditioner. This allows the system to provide heated, humidified air in winter conditions. The conditioner heats and removes water vapor from a desiccant, while the indirect evaporator heats and removes water vapor from liquid water. Combining the two provides heated humidified air for the space. The patent also mentions the use of various construction variations to combine the elements in different ways. The technical effect is the ability to provide heated, humidified air to a space for winter heating conditions.

Problems solved by technology

However, residential and small commercial buildings often use mini-split air conditioners wherein the condenser is located outside and the evaporator cooling coil is installed in the room or space than needs to be cooled, and unitary rooftop units are not an appropriate choice for servicing those spaces.

This often can result in high humidity and cool temperatures in the space since the evaporator coil is not very efficient for removing moisture.

On days where only a small amount of cooling is required the building can reach unacceptable levels of humidity since not enough natural heat is available to balance the large amount of sensible cooling.

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