Variable speed vapor compression systems and methods of controlling humidity with vapor compression systems

Abstract

A variable speed vapor compression system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger connected to the compressor, an expansion valve connected to the first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger connecting the expansion valve to the compressor, a fan associated with the second heat exchanger, and a controller operatively connected to one or more of the compressor and the fan. The controller is responsive to instructions to receive a target humidity range for a conditioned space, receive a sensed humidity for the conditioned space, compare the sensed humidity to the target humidity range, and vary speed of one or more of the fan and the compressor based on the comparison of the sensed humidity and the target humidity range. Methods of controlling humidity in conditioned spaces and computer program products are also described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62 / 772,449 filed Nov. 28, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to vapor compression systems, and more particularly to humidity control in spaces conditioned by variable speed vapor compression systems.[0003]Environmental control systems, like air conditioners and heat pumps, are commonly used to control environmental conditions in structures such as buildings and vehicles. Air conditioners generally remove heat from air obtained from outside the structure, typically by cycling a working fluid through a closed working fluid loop. Heat pumps typically remove heat or add heat from air obtained from outside the structure, typically by altering the flow of a working fluid through a closed working fluid loop.[0004]In some applications it can be desirable to provide humidit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system for controlling humidity in conditioned spaces, such as homes. One feature is that the system can adjust the speed of the compressor in the refrigeration system based on the humidity level outside. This helps to maintain the desired humidity level and ensures that the refrigeration system operates at its highest efficiency. Overall, the system helps to control humidity in a more precise and efficient manner.

Problems solved by technology

Since humidity control typically entails a tradeoff between the efficiency of the environmental control system and the degree of humidity of control provided to the structure interior, systems operating with higher latent heat removal levels for humidity control commonly providing lower efficiency than systems operating with lower or no latent heat removal, some air conditioners and heat pumps allow the user to turn humidity control off.

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