High performance dehumidifier apparatus for low dew point applications

Abstract

A dehumidifier apparatus for low dew point application is disclosed, which deploys a desiccant wheel incorporating special adsorbent materials, which are highly porous, which are either crystalline or amorphous or both or multivariate, with surface area in a range of 500 m2 / g to 10000 m2 / g, and have an high uptake in a range of X to Y at 0.1-5% relative humidity (Rh), typically referred to as adsorbent materials with Type-1 isotherm. These dehumidifier apparatuses having desiccant wheels incorporating special materials have demonstrated the ability to not only be regenerated well at temperatures of less than 100 degC, but have also shown 15-25% higher adsorption performance (water removal), for achieving desired low dew point under similar operating conditions.

Description

[0001] HIGH PERFORMANCE DEHUMIDIFIER APPARATUS FOR LOW DEW POINT APPLICATIONS

[0002] FILED OF INVENTION

[0003] This present invention relates to a dehumidifier apparatus for low dew point application, including a desiccant wheel incorporating special adsorbent materials, such that the dehumidifier apparatus is ‘energy and performance’ optimized below 120 degC regeneration temperature, while achieving the desired very low dew point.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This section is intended to provide information relating to the field of the invention and thus, any approach or functionality described below should not be assumed to be qualified as prior art merely by its inclusion in this section.

[0006] There is a huge surge in demand for batteries for both storage and Electric vehicle applications. There are varieties of cells used in these batteries covered by range of technologies including Lithium Ion, solid state, etc. However, in all these types of cell production, very low dew point is required in the areas used for manufacturing referred to as dry rooms. Dry rooms are also used for other low dew point applications. Dry rooms are generally maintained between -30 and -60 degree C dew points. The dehumidifier apparatus, for re-activation, consumes generally greater than 40% of the total energy required for cell production. Hence, there is considerable work going on for finding ways and means to reduce this energy consumption. A dehumidifier apparatus typically utilizes a desiccant wheel carrying an adsorbent material, for adsorption purposes. Particularly, the desiccant wheel comprises a honeycomb matrix structure, wherein the adsorbent material(s) is formulated within and onto a porous substrate. The traditional materials used in desiccant wheel of such dehumidifier apparatuses, are silica gels, molecular sieves and combinations thereof. The apparatus of the present invention does not rely on such materials. Because of low dew points to be achieved in the supply air, these desiccant wheels are generally required to be reactivated between 160-180degC. There have been some innovative configurations using such existing materials to squeeze out more moisture removal and reduce the use of overall energy for reactivation, and also use has been made of multiple wheels in succession at a lower regeneration temperature and achieving a cascading moisture removal effect to achieve a similar objective which has limitation of very large footprint of equipment without any significant energy saving. A dehumidifier apparatus typically utilizes one or more desiccant wheel(s) incorporating an adsorbent material, for adsorption purposes. The traditional materials used in desiccant wheel of such dehumidifier apparatuses, are silica gels, molecular sieves and combinations thereof. In some limited cases, less than 1%, polymeric adsorbents have also been used.

[0007] The dehumidifier apparatus is generally considered a part of an open cycle system.

[0008] Besides these 2 aforementioned materials, i.e. silica gel and molecular sieve, which are used in greater than 99% open cycle dehumidifier apparatuses in the world, there are no special materials currently in commercial use except some very narrow type of polymeric type materials coated on plastic substrates with its own accompanying drawbacks.

[0009] Silica gels, used in nearly 99% of open-cycle dehumidifier apparatus(es), are amorphous, but suffer from substantial drop in performance at high inlet air temperatures. Molecular sieves, on the other hand, while crystalline in nature, are essentially used where high inlet temperatures are encountered, but have to pay the penalty of high energy use for reactivation.

[0010] Rotary silica gel desiccant dehumidifier apparatus(es) are generally regenerated at around 140 degC in most parts of the world, and in some relatively less humid areas at down to 120 degC, though, at temperatures lower than that the performance degrades rapidly. On the other hand, molecular sieves are generally regenerated at 160 degC to 200 degC.

[0011] The open cycle desiccant dehumidifiers for moisture removal are applied to inlet air streams incorporating very high moisture content (high specific humidity) to very low moisture content, with systems designed incorporating these desiccant units to achieve the target moisture removal and outlet dew points.

[0012] Desiccant dehumidifiers require considerable energy for the continuous reactivation of the desiccant wheel.

[0013] While the open-cycle dehumidifier apparatus(es) employ essentially silica gel family of material, though in limited cases molecular sieves are also used, and while these open-cycle dehumidifier apparatus(es) are honeycomb desiccant rotor type, there has been very limited advancement in performance, except for inventive approaches in flow configurations, including but not limited to, use of multiple rotors, combining with pre or intermediate cooling, control strategies, regeneration heat source inputs, etc. Hence, the current landscape seems to have eked out as much desired performance with reactivation energy reduction possibility for achieving desired low dew points.

[0014] United States Patent numbered US11874018, mainly teaches and claims only the use of a metal plate fin heat exchanger, fully or partially coated with adsorbents. It also teaches water harvesting with a closed loop reactivation sector which is far from the present invention. It continues to teach the use of silica gel. The present invention is far removed from any of the above.

[0015] PCT patent application numbered WO2024118724 Al, teaches essentially a multi-wheel system comprising of atleast two or more wheels in cascade. It additionally focuses on type-IV and type- V adsorbents which are highly macroporous silica gels having very limited surface area. Our invention is focused on microporous novel materials having very high surface area.

[0016] Unites States Patent numbered US9303884, teaches essentially a system configuration of at least 3 sectors for an application limited to Low Dew Points for Lithium Battery cell production and relies on conventional desiccant materials like silica gel or molecular sieves. Its focus is on unique configuration where one sector is specially engineered to treat fresh air both for regeneration and additional space required fresh air.

[0017] Accordingly, there is a well felt need to provide a dehumidifier apparatus for low dew point applications, deploying a desiccant wheel with a honeycomb adsorbent matrix incorporating desiccant materials formulated on the honeycomb adsorbent matrix, which help the dehumidifier apparatus achieve the desired low dew point performance while consuming low reactivation energy.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] This section is intended to introduce certain objects of the disclosed system in a simplified form and is not intended to identify the key advantages or features of the present disclosure.

[0020] One object of the present invention relates to providing a dehumidifier apparatus for low dew point application, which deploys a desiccant wheel incorporating special adsorbent materials, which are highly porous, and which are either crystalline or amorphous materials or both or multivariate, with surface area in a range of 500 m2 / g to 10000 m2 / g, and has a desiccant wheel adsorption capacity , of upto 50%, at 0.1-5% relative humidity (Rh), typically referred to as adsorbent materials with Type-1 isotherm. These dehumidifier apparatuses having desiccant wheels carrying special materials have demonstrated the ability to not only be regenerated well at temperatures of less than 120 degC, but have also shown 15-25% higher adsorption performance (water removal), for achieving desired low dew point under similar operating conditions, when compared with dehumidifier apparatuses deploying desiccant wheel carrying benchmark materials (silica gels, molecular sieves, and combinations thereof). Another object of the present disclosure relates to providing an open-cycle dehumidifier apparatus with a desiccant wheel incorporating special adsorbent materials, which are highly porous, which are either crystalline or amorphous or both or multivariate, with surface area in a range of 500 m2 / g to 10000 m2 / g, and a regeneration temperature of less than 120 degC, wherein the opencycle dehumidifier apparatus can be any of: dehumidifier apparatus with single or multiple rotors, dehumidifier apparatus with multiple flow sectors and arrangement, dehumidifier apparatus with pre or intermediate cooling, dehumidifier apparatus with control strategies, dehumidifier apparatus with regeneration heat source inputs, and the like.

[0021] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier apparatus. The dehumidifier apparatus comprises a desiccant wheel, a housing with internal baffles and air seals installed proximal to a face of the desiccant wheel, to create at least a regeneration sector and a process sector for passing air therethrough, and a wheel drive capable of rotating the desiccant wheel. In such embodiment, the desiccant wheel comprises a honeycomb matrix structure. The honeycomb matrix structure comprises a plurality of honeycomb flutes and is prepared by formulating a desiccant material formulated onto and within a porous substrate, and thus rolling the desiccant loaded substrate in form the desiccant wheel. The desiccant material is porous, and is selected from the group consisting of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIFs), an inorganic material, and / or combinations thereof, and the desiccant material is regenerated at a temperature <120 degC, Further, the desiccant material is selected, such that the energy requirement of the desiccant wheel with special desiccant material capable of being regenerated at < 120°C is at least 10% less, in terms of kW / kg of water removed, compared to desiccant wheel with silica gel -type desiccant material, at identical operating conditions. Moreover, the desiccant material is selected, such that the moisture removal capacity of the desiccant wheel with special desiccant material capable of being regenerated at < 120°C is at least 10% more, in terms of kg of water removal / kg of air, compared to desiccant wheel with silica-gel type desiccant material, at identical operating conditions. Further, the desiccant material has a surface area in a range of 500 m2 / g to 10000 m2 / g.

[0022] Some examples of the types of dehumidifier apparatus(es) in use are shown in the following drawings, incorporating the invention.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to explain the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application more clearly, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the application. For those ordinarily skilled in the art, without any creative work, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0025] Figure la shows a first embodiment of a dehumidifier apparatus for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure lb shows a second embodiment of a dehumidifier apparatus with mechanical heat pump, for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1c shows a third embodiment of a dehumidifier apparatus with water heat pump, for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2a shows a fourth embodiment of a dehumidifier apparatus with outside reactivation air for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2b shows a fifth embodiment of a dehumidifier apparatus with outside reactivation air and mechanical heat pump for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2c shows a sixth embodiment of a dehumidifier apparatus with outside reactivation air and water heat pump, for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3a shows a seventh embodiment of OSA sector in the dehumidifier apparatus for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3b shows an eighth embodiment of OSA sector in the dehumidifier apparatus with mechanical heat pump for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3c shows a ninth embodiment of OSA sector in the dehumidifier apparatus with water heat pump, for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4a shows a tenth embodiment of two-wheel dehumidifier apparatus for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4b shows an eleventh embodiment of two-wheel dehumidifier apparatus with mechanical heat pump for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 4c shows a twelfth embodiment of two-wheel dehumidifier apparatus with water heat pump, for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5a shows a thirteenth embodiment of two-wheel dehumidifier apparatus with mechanical heat pump for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5b shows a fourteenth embodiment of two-wheel dehumidifier apparatus with water heat pump, for achieving desired low dew point, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Exemplified embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

[0040] In the appended figures, the reference numbers are described as follows:

[0041] ‘Low Dew Point’ refers to very dry air available in a closed room space, i.e. less than 60 degrees Celsius.

[0042] The terms ‘system’, 'apparatus’, and ‘dehumidifier apparatus’, ‘desiccant dehumidifier apparatus’, ‘desiccant apparatus’ interchangeably, refer to an arrangement of various components for adsorbing moisture from airstream.

[0043] The terms ‘air’, ‘airstream’, ‘airflow’, are interchangeably referred to each other, wherein the terms refer to a flowing air from which moisture is intended to be adsorbed / desorbed.

[0044] The terms ‘rotor’, ‘wheel’, and ‘module’, ‘desiccant ‘wheel’, ‘desiccant rotor’, ‘honeycomb matrix’, are interchangeably referred to each other, wherein the terms refer to a rotary desiccant wheel, such that moisture is adsorbed at one portion thereof while passing the air therethrough, while moisture is desorbed from another portion thereof while passing the air therethrough.

[0045] The terms ‘special material’, ‘novel material’, and ‘identified material’, are interchangeably referred to each other hereinafter, wherein the terms refer to the desiccant / adsorbent that carry special characteristics, including, has high porosity, is crystalline or amorphous or both or multivariate, high surface area in a range of 500 to 10000 m2 / g, low regeneration temperature of less than 120 degC, improved kinetics, high water uptake, and high hydrothermal and hydrolytic stability.

[0046] The terms ‘outside air’, ‘outside airstream’, ‘ambient air’, and ‘ambient airstream’, are interchangeably referred to each other, wherein the terms refer to air generally available in outside environment.

[0047] Referring to figs. la-4c, there are shown various embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus deploying the desiccant rotor with special materials. Although, the present disclosure describe various embodiments of the dehumidifier apparatus deploying the desiccant rotor with special materials, however, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. Details of such embodiments of the dehumidifier apparatus, will be discussed later in details.

[0048] The honeycomb matrix structure comprises of a porous substrate, and a desiccant material formulated onto and within the porous substrate. The substrate is a porous substrate selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, ceramic fibers, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, biosoluble fibers, pulp and combination thereof, and optionally strengthened with 2 to 8% by weight of a rigidifying agent selected from the group consisting of silica sol, alumina sol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and acrylate. The desiccant is formulated onto and within the porous substrate. The ‘adsorbent sheet’ so prepared is then configured to form the honeycomb matrix structure. A weight ratio of the desiccant material to the porous substrate, in the adsorbent sheet, is upto 8:1. The adsorbent sheets are configured to form the honeycomb matrix structure, with defined plurality of honeycomb flutes. The plurality of the honeycomb flutes has a polygonal or circular cross-section, wherein the polygonal cross-section is sinusoidal. In an embodiment, the honeycomb matrix structure comprises a rolled single facer. In another embodiment, the honeycomb matrix structure comprises a plurality of stacked facers.

[0049] In the present invention, the special materials possesses a combination of the following characteristics: - High porosity: The desiccant material(s), deployed in the desiccant wheel of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention, have a high porosity characteristics. High porosity is reflective of high surface area. This helps the dehumidifier apparatus achieve high adsorption uptake.

[0050] - Increased overall surface area: The desiccant material(s), deployed in the desiccant wheel of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention, have increased surface area in a range of 500 m2 / g to 10000 m2 / g. This helps the dehumidifier apparatus achieve high adsorption performance.

[0051] - Low Regeneration Temperature: The desiccant material(s), deployed in the desiccant wheel of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention, have low regeneration temperature of less than 120 degC. This helps the dehumidifier apparatus achieve the desired performance levels with low reactivation energy requirements.

[0052] - Metal Ions: The desiccant material(s), deployed in the desiccant wheel of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention, have metal ions that are water-molecule friendly, e.g. Aluminium (Al), Zirconium (Zr), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Magnesium (Mg), Titanium (Ti), and the like. This helps the dehumidifier apparatus achieve high performance efficiency in terms of specific performance of water removed per unit energy in inlet conditions identical to benchmark materials, e.g. silica gels.

[0053] - Type-1 material characteristics: As a standard classification, most adsorbents have been categorised as type-I to type- VI as Langmuir Isotherms as shown in figurela-lf. As can be observed from these isotherms, type-I adsorbents have a very steep water adsorption (between 20-30% by wt) at very low relative humidities of less than 5%. In the present disclosure, the desiccant wheel incorporating the desiccant materials, have a desiccant wheel adsorption capacity, at a relative humidity of uptp 5%, is upto 50%. Most molecular sieves fall within this category, and have a surface area of about 600 m2 / g, and require a very high energy input and penalty for reactivation in the range of 180-200degC. The present invention relates to the dehumidifier apparatus deploying desiccant wheel carrying special materials having the isotherm characteristics of Type-I adsorbent materials.

[0054] - Pore Size: The desiccant material(s), deployed in the desiccant wheel of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention, have a pore size less than 15 Angstrom, preferably less than 10 Angstrom, additionally being characterized with regeneration or desorption temperatures of less than 120 DegC. These special materials formulated into the desiccant wheel incorporated into the desiccant apparatus can be doped with additives, from the category of Graphene, Titanium salts, Silver salts, Nano-carbon based materials, to improve kinetics and / or performance, and impart anti-microbial properties. Furthermore, it may also be noted that these special desiccant material(s) may be selected from a group consisting of Metal Organic framework (MOF) desiccant material, Covalent Organic Framework (COF) desiccant material, and Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF) desiccant material, and inorganic material, hybrid material, and multivariate material. Some of the special desiccant material(s) are selected from the group consisting of MOF-841, NiCPO-27, Co2C12BTDD, MOF-801, MIL-125(Ti), NH2-MIL-125(Ti), MIL-16O(A1), MIL-120, Co-CUK- 1, cyanometallates, and / or a combination thereof. For MOFs material, metal ions in the MOF material, as example of the desiccant material, may be selected from the group consisting of: Al, Co, Zr, Cr, Ca, Fe, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mg, Ti, Ni, Zr.

[0055] Further, the desiccant material is selected, such that the energy requirement of the desiccant wheel with special desiccant material capable of being regenerated at < 120°C is at least 10% less, in terms of kW / kg of water removed, compared to desiccant wheel with silica gel-type desiccant material, at identical operating conditions. Moreover, the desiccant material is selected, such that the moisture removal capacity of the desiccant wheel with special desiccant material capable of being regenerated at < 120°C is at least 10% more, in terms of kg of water removal / kg of air, compared to desiccant wheel with silica-gel type desiccant material, at identical operating conditions. Therefore, it is clarified that usage of such desiccant material in the desiccant wheel of the dehumidifier apparatus, increases the overall dehumidifier apparatus performance (waterremoval) while consuming less reactivation energy or both. Accordingly, not only high- performance (water-removal) requirements are achieved by the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention, but also substantial energy savings are observed.

[0056] The special materials, deployed in the desiccant wheel of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention achieve high adsorption performance in terms of water-uptake and can be customized or optimized water uptake in different Relative Humidity (Rh), and application ranges.

[0057] Referring to fig. 1 a, there is shown a first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. In accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure, the dehumidifier apparatus comprises the desiccant wheel (1); a wheel drive (5) for continuously rotating / driving the desiccant wheel (1); a housing provided with internal baffles and air seals proximate to the wheel face to create plenums or sectors and prevent air from leaking between adjacent sectors defined in the desiccant wheel (1) while creating air paths for air to pass through desiccant wheel (1); and one or more fans (10, 14, 18) to create airflows through the air paths (11,12,13,15, 17, 19) defined by the housing. Referring to fig. la, in the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, defined in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, i.e. a process sector (2), a reactivation sector (3), and a purge sector (4). In an embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and mixed with the reactivation inlet air, thereby the reactivation is a mixture of ‘outside air’ and the purge air. In another embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and supplied entirely as the reactivation inlet air. The ‘process inlet air’ passes through the process sector to be dehumidified therein and exit as ‘process outlet air’, while ‘reactivation inlet air’ passes through the reactivation sector to desorb moisture therefrom and exit as ‘reactivation outlet air’. Notably, the air-paths (11,12,13,15, 17, 19) defined are a process inlet air-path (11), a process outlet air-path (12), a purge inlet air-path (13), a purge outlet air-path (15), a reactivation inlet airpath (17), and a reactivation outlet-air path (19). The definition are as follows:

[0058] Air flowing in the process inlet air-path (11) can be termed as ‘process inlet air’;

[0059] Air flowing in the process outlet air-path (12) can be termed as ‘process outlet air’;

[0060] A combination of the ‘process inlet air’ and the ‘process outlet air’ is termed as ‘process air’;

[0061] Air flowing in the purge inlet air-path (13) can be termed as ‘purge inlet air’;

[0062] Air flowing in the purge outlet air-path (15) can be termed as ‘purge outlet air’;

[0063] A combination of the ‘purge inlet air’ and the ‘purge outlet air’ is termed as ‘purge air’;

[0064] Air flowing in the reactivation inlet air-path (17) can be termed as ‘reactivation inlet air’;

[0065] Air flowing in the reactivation outlet air-path (19) can be termed as ‘reactivation outlet air’,

[0066] A combination of the ‘reactivation inlet air’ and the ‘reactivation outlet air’ is termed as ‘reactivation air’.

[0067] Further, a first fan (10) is deployed to generate a flow of the process air, wherein the process inlet air (for example, room air from closed room space, or ambient air from external environment) is received through the process inlet air-path (11), passed through the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1), and then the process outlet air is vent (for example, to the closed room space) through the process outlet air-path (12). It may be noted that ‘process return air’, i.e. a portion of air already supplied to the room by the dehumidifier apparatus is also added to the ‘process inlet air’, through the process return air-path (9). Moreover, it may be noted that since the process air is passed through the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1), the process outlet air is low in humidity than the process inlet air. Particularly, the moisture in the process inlet air is adsorbed by the special adsorbent material carried in the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1). In an embodiment, one or more cooling units (7 and 7a) are also provided to pre-cool the process inlet air in the process inlet air-path (11). As explained earlier, some portion of the room air received from process outlet air-path (12), can be recirculated as the process inlet air in the process inlet air-path (11), for further dehumidification. Further, a second fan (14) as well as a third fan (18) are deployed to generate purge airflow and reactivation air flow. Particularly, the second fan (14) is operated to extract a portion of the ‘process inlet air’, and direct the same to the purge inlet airpath (13). This portion of the process inlet air is termed as ‘purge inlet air’. Further, the second fan (14) causes the purge air, to pass through the purge sector (4) of the desiccant wheel (1), to supply purge outlet air in the purge outlet air-path (15). Now, the third fan (18) is operated to cause the purge outlet air to be transferred as the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path (17). Thus, the third fan (18) is installed to generate reactivation air, wherein reactivation inlet air is received through the reactivation inlet air-path (17), passed through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1), and then the reactivation outlet air is vent (for example, to external environment) through the reactivation outlet air-path (19). Furthermore, a heating unit (16) is installed within the reactivation inlet air-path (17) to heat the reactivation inlet air, before passing the reactivation air through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1). The heating unit (16) can be either of an electric heating unit, a solar heating unit, a waste-heat utilization unit, and the like. By doing so, the moisture in reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1) is desorbed from the special adsorbent material carried therein, and thus the reactivation outlet air is high in humidity than the reactivation inlet air. A placement / location of the fans in the figures are exemplary in nature, and does not limit a scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] In operation of the first embodiment of the apparatus, the first fan (10) is operated to generate the flow of process air. Particularly, process inlet air passes (for example, room air from closed room space, or ambient air from external environment, or a mixture of already dehumidified air supplied to the room and outside air) is received through the process inlet air-path (11), to be further passed through the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1), and to be later vent the process outlet air (for example, to closed room space) through the process outlet air-path (12). While passing the process air through the process sector of the desiccant wheel, moisture within the process air is adsorbed by the special material provided therein. Therefore, the process outlet air vent through the process outlet air-path (12) has relatively low humidity, as compared to the process inlet air entering through the process inlet air-path (11), thereby achieving dehumidification. Further, the second fan (14) causes a portion of the process inlet air to be supplied as the purge inlet air in the purge inlet air-path (13), and further causes the purge air to be passed through the purge sector (4) of the desiccant wheel (1), to be later outlet through as the purge outlet air in the purge outlet airpath (15). Furthermore, the third fan (18) causes the purge outlet air to be transferred as the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path (17). Moreover, the third fan (18) also causes the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path (17), to be passed through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1), and further vent the reactivation outlet air in the reactivation outlet air-path (19). It may be noted that passing the reactivation air through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1), causes desorption of the moisture from the special material carried in the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1). Therefore, the desiccant wheel (1) is regenerated, to be reused again. In particular, the wheel drive (5) continuously rotates the desiccant wheel (1), for enabling various portions / sectors of the desiccant wheel (1) to be used and reused.

[0069] Advantages of the present invention relates to the dehumidifier apparatus for low dew point applications, deploying the desiccant wheel incorporating special adsorbent materials.

[0070] One advantage of the present invention can be clearly understood from the table below, which shows a comparison of output (both in terms of energy as well as performance) between a conventional dehumidifier apparatus deploying desiccant wheel incorporating benchmark material of ‘silica gel’, with respect to the dehumidifier apparatus deploying desiccant wheel carrying desiccant material:

[0071] As is shown in tabulation above, while keeping the inlet condition same, the conventional dehumidifier apparatus consumed a reactivation energy of 97.9 kW for achieving very low dew points of less than 60 degree C, while the present dehumidifier apparatus consumed a reactivation energy of 47.8 kW for achieving same very low dew points.

[0072] Figure lb shows a second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention. The second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention also comprises the desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 14, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,13,15, 17, 19). Similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, defined in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, i.e. a process sector (2), a reactivation sector (3), and a purge sector (4). In an embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and mixed with the reactivation inlet air, thereby the reactivation is a mixture of ‘outside air’ and the purge air. In another embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and supplied entirely as the reactivation inlet air. The ‘process inlet air’ passes through the process sector to be dehumidified therein and exit as ‘process outlet air’, while ‘reactivation inlet air’ passes through the reactivation sector to desorb moisture therefrom and exit as ‘reactivation outlet air’. A structure and arrangement of various components of the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. An operation of the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of an operation of various components of the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore also not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that the cooling units (7 and 7a) and the heating unit (16) in the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus has been replaced with, a mechanical heat pump in the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. In this second embodiment, the mechanical heat pump comprises a compressor (21), a condenser (22), an expansion valve, and an evaporator (20), such that the compressor (21) and the condenser (22) are positioned in the reactivation inlet air-path (17) to supply heat to the reactivation inlet air, while the evaporator (20) is positioned in the process inlet air-path (11) to supply pre-cooling to the process inlet air. A structure, arrangement, and operation of the mechanical heat pump is commonly known and is therefore not repeated herein.

[0073] Figure 1c shows a third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention. The third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention also comprises the desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 14, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,13,15, 17, 19). Similar to the first embodiment, in the third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, defined in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, i.e. a process sector (2), a reactivation sector (3), and a purge sector (4). In an embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and mixed with the reactivation inlet air, thereby the reactivation is a mixture of ‘outside air’ and the purge air. In another embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and supplied entirely as the reactivation inlet air. The ‘process inlet air’ passes through the process sector to be dehumidified therein and exit as ‘process outlet air’, while ‘reactivation inlet air’ passes through the reactivation sector to desorb moisture therefrom and exit as ‘reactivation outlet air’. A structure and arrangement of various components of the third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. An operation of the third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of an operation of various components of the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore also not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that an additional water heat pump (24) is provided in the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, such that the water heat pump (24) supplies heat to heating unit (23) in the reactivation inlet air, while the water heat pump (24) supplies heat to cooling unit (7a) positioned in the process inlet air-path (11) to supply pre-cooling to the process inlet air. The heating unit (23) can be either of an electric heating unit, a solar heating unit, a waste-heat utilization unit, and the like. A structure, arrangement, and operation of the water heat pump is commonly known and is therefore not repeated herein.

[0074] Figure 2a shows a fourth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention. The fourth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the fourth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention also comprises the desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 14, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,13,15, 17, 19). Similar to the first embodiment, in the fourth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, defined in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, i.e. a process sector (2), a reactivation sector (3), and a purge sector (4). In an embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and mixed with the reactivation inlet air, thereby the reactivation is a mixture of ‘outside air’ and the purge air. In another embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and supplied entirely as the reactivation inlet air. The ‘process inlet air’ passes through the process sector to be dehumidified therein and exit as ‘process outlet air’, while ‘reactivation inlet air’ passes through the reactivation sector to desorb moisture therefrom and exit as ‘reactivation outlet air’. A structure and arrangement of various components of the fourth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that in this fourth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, an outside air is added to the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path. Remaining operation of the fourth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of the first embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore note repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0075] Figure 2b shows a fifth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention. The fifth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the fifth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention also comprises the desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 14, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,13,15, 17, 19). Similar to the second embodiment, in the fifth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, defined in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, i.e. a process sector (2), a reactivation sector (3), and a purge sector (4). In an embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and mixed with the reactivation inlet air, thereby the reactivation is a mixture of ‘outside air’ and the purge air. In another embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and supplied entirely as the reactivation inlet air. The ‘process inlet air’ passes through the process sector to be dehumidified therein and exit as ‘process outlet air’, while ‘reactivation inlet air’ passes through the reactivation sector to desorb moisture therefrom and exit as ‘reactivation outlet air’. A structure and arrangement of various components of the fifth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that in this fifth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, an outside air is added to the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path. Remaining operation of the fifth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of the second embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore note repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0076] Figure 2c shows a sixth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention. The sixth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the sixth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention also comprises the desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 14, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,13,15, 17, 19). Similar to the third embodiment, in the sixth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, defined in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, i.e. a process sector (2), a reactivation sector (3), and a purge sector (4). In an embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and mixed with the reactivation inlet air, thereby the reactivation is a mixture of ‘outside air’ and the purge air. In another embodiment, a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and supplied entirely as the reactivation inlet air. The ‘process inlet air’ passes through the process sector to be dehumidified therein and exit as ‘process outlet air’, while ‘reactivation inlet air’ passes through the reactivation sector to desorb moisture therefrom and exit as ‘reactivation outlet air’. A structure and arrangement of various components of the sixth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that in this sixth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, an outside air is added to the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path. Remaining operation of the sixth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of the third embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore note repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0077] Referring to fig. 3a, there is shown a seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. In accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure, the dehumidifier apparatus comprises the desiccant wheel (1); a wheel drive (5) for continuously rotating / driving the desiccant wheel (1); a housing provided with internal baffles and air seals proximate to the wheel face to create plenums or sectors and prevent air from leaking between adjacent sectors defined in the desiccant wheel (1) while creating air paths for air to pass through desiccant wheel (1); and one or more fans (10, 18) to create airflows through the air paths (11,12,27,28, 17, 19) defined by the housing. Referring to fig. la, in the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, the process sector (2), the reactivation sector (3), and the outside air (OSA) sector (26) such that ‘outside inlet air’ is passed through the outside air sector to exit as ‘outside outlet air’, and whereby a portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is mixed to the process inlet air, while remaining portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is supplied entirely as reactivation inlet air. Notably, the air-paths (11,12,27,28, 17, 19) defined are a process inlet airpath (11), a process outlet air-path (12), an outside air inlet air-path (27), an outside air outlet airpath (28), a reactivation inlet air-path (17), and a reactivation outlet-air path (19). The definition are as follows: Air flowing in the process inlet air-path (11) can be termed as ‘process inlet air’;

[0078] Air flowing in the process outlet air-path (12) can be termed as ‘process outlet air’;

[0079] A combination of the ‘process inlet air’ and the ‘process outlet air’ is termed as ‘process air’;

[0080] Air flowing in the outside air inlet air-path (27) can be termed as ‘makeup inlet air’;

[0081] Air flowing in the outside air outlet air-path (28) can be termed as ‘makeup outlet air’;

[0082] A combination of the ‘makeup inlet air’ and the ‘makeup outlet air’ is termed as ‘makeup air’;

[0083] Air flowing in the reactivation inlet air-path (17) can be termed as ‘reactivation inlet air’;

[0084] Air flowing in the reactivation outlet air-path (19) can be termed as ‘reactivation outlet air’,

[0085] A combination of the ‘reactivation inlet air’ and the ‘reactivation outlet air’ is termed as ‘reactivation air’.

[0086] Further, a first fan (10) is deployed to generate a flow of the ‘process air’ as well as the ‘makeup air’. Particularly, the make-up inlet air, i.e. the outside ambient air, is received in outside air inlet air-path (27), and passed through the outside air sector (26) of the desiccant wheel (1) to be dehumidified, and the makeup outlet air (dehumidified) is passed to the makeup outside air-path (28). Further, the first fan (10) causes a mixture of a portion of the makeup outlet air in the makeup outside air-path (28), and a portion of recirculated air from room, to be supplied as the process inlet air in the process inlet air-path (11), to be further passed through the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1), and then the process outlet air is vent (for example, to the closed room space) through the process outlet air-path (12). Moreover, it may be noted that since the process air is passed through the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1), the process outlet air is low in humidity than the process inlet air. Particularly, the moisture in the process inlet air is adsorbed by the special adsorbent material carried in the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1). In an embodiment, one or more cooling units (7b) is also provided to pre-cool the process inlet air in the process inlet air-path (11). As explained earlier, some portion of the room air received from process out air-path (12), can be recirculated as the process inlet air in the process inlet air-path (11), for further dehumidification. Further, a second fan (18) is deployed to generate reactivation air flow, wherein reactivation inlet air is received as remaining portion of the makeup air within the reactivation inlet air-path (17), passed through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1), and then the reactivation outlet air is vent (for example, to external environment) through the reactivation outlet air-path (19). Furthermore, a heating unit (16) is installed within the reactivation inlet air-path (17) to heat the reactivation inlet air, before passing the reactivation air through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1). The heating unit (16) can be either of an electric heating unit, a solar heating unit, a waste-heat utilization unit, and the like. By doing so, the moisture in reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1) is desorbed from the special adsorbent material carried therein, and thus the reactivation outlet air is high in humidity than the reactivation inlet air. A placement / location of the fans in the figures are exemplary in nature, and does not limit a scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] In operation of the seventh embodiment of the apparatus, the first fan (10) is operated to generate the makeup air and the flow of process air. Particularly, the makeup air inlet air is received within the makeup inlet air path (27), passed through the outside air sector (26), and supplied as the makeup outside air in the makeup outlet air-path (28). Further, by operation of the first fan (10), a process inlet air passes, i.e. a mixture of already dehumidified air supplied to the room and a portion of makeup air) is received through the process inlet air-path (11), to be further passed through the process sector (2) of the desiccant wheel (1), and to be later vent the process outlet air (for example, to closed room space) through the process outlet air-path (12). While passing the process air through the process sector of the desiccant wheel, moisture within the process air is adsorbed by the desiccant material provided therein. Therefore, the process outlet air vent through the process outlet air-path (12) has relatively low humidity, as compared to the process inlet air entering through the process inlet air-path (11), thereby achieving dehumidification. Furthermore, the second fan (18) causes remaining portion of the makeup air to be transferred as the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path (17). Moreover, the second fan (18) also causes the reactivation inlet air in the reactivation inlet air-path (17), to be passed through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1), and further vent the reactivation outlet air in the reactivation outlet air-path (19). It may be noted that passing the reactivation air through the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1), causes desorption of the moisture from the special material carried in the reactivation sector (3) of the desiccant wheel (1). Therefore, the desiccant wheel (1) is regenerated, to be reused as again. In particular, the wheel drive (5) continuously rotates the desiccant wheel (1), for enabling various portions / sectors of the desiccant wheel (1) to be used and reused.

[0088] Figure 3b shows an eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention. The eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention also comprises the desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 14, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,27,28, 17, 19). Similar to the seventh embodiment, in the eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, the process sector (2), the reactivation sector (3), and the outside air (OSA) sector (26) such that ‘outside inlet air’ is passed through the outside air sector to exit as ‘outside outlet air’, and whereby a portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is mixed to the process inlet air, while remaining portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is supplied entirely as reactivation inlet air. A structure and arrangement of various components of the eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. An operation of the eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of an operation of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore also not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that the cooling units (7b) and the heating unit (16) in the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus has been replaced with, a mechanical heat pump in the eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. In this eighth embodiment, the mechanical heat pump comprises a compressor (21), a condenser (22), an expansion valve, and an evaporator (20), such that the compressor (21) and the condenser (22) are positioned in the reactivation inlet air-path (17) to supply heat to the reactivation inlet air, while the evaporator (20) is positioned in the process inlet air-path (11) to supply pre-cooling to the process inlet air. A structure, arrangement, and operation of the mechanical heat pump is commonly known and is therefore not repeated herein.

[0089] Figure 3c shows a ninth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention. The ninth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the ninth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention also comprises the desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,27,28, 17, 19). Similar to the seventh embodiment, in the ninth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors, in series, for allowing air to pass therethrough, the process sector (2), the reactivation sector (3), and the outside air (OSA) sector (26) such that ‘outside inlet air’ is passed through the outside air sector to exit as ‘outside outlet air’, and whereby a portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is mixed to the process inlet air, while remaining portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is supplied entirely as reactivation inlet air. A structure and arrangement of various components of the ninth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. An operation of the ninth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of an operation of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore also not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that an additional water heat pump (24) is provided in the eighth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, such that the water heat pump (24) supplies heat to heating unit (23) in the reactivation inlet air, while the water heat pump (24) supplies cooling to cooling unit (7b) positioned in the process inlet airpath (11) to supply pre-cooling to the process inlet air. The heating unit (23) can be either of an electric heating unit, a solar heating unit, a waste-heat utilization unit, and the like. A structure, arrangement, and operation of the water heat pump is commonly known and is therefore not repeated herein.

[0090] Figure 4a shows a tenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, comprising: a main dehumidifier apparatus, and a supplementary dehumidifier apparatus. The main dehumidifier apparatus deploying a main desiccant wheel the main desiccant wheel defining in series a main outside air sector, a main reactivation sector. The supplementary dehumidifier apparatus deploying a supplementary desiccant wheel the supplementary desiccant wheel defining at least a supplementary process sector and a supplementary reactivation sector, such that the reactivation outlet air from the main desiccant wheel further passes through the reactivation sector of the supplementary desiccant wheel to be dehumidified, while outside air is passed through the process sector to be supplied as the outside air sector of the main desiccant wheel.

[0091] The tenth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is very similar to the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Particularly, the main dehumidifier apparatus of the present invention comprises the main desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,27, 28, 17, 19), which is same as that of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus. Similar to the seventh embodiment, in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the main desiccant wheel (1) defines in series, a main process sector (2), a main reactivation sector (3), and a main outside air (OSA) sector (26). In addition to this, the tenth embodiment of the present invention comprises a supplementary desiccant wheel (la) positioned upstream of the main desiccant wheel (1), which comprises two sectors, i.e. at least a supplementary process sector (2b) and a supplementary reactivation sector. Notably, the outside air is preconditioned (pre-dehumidified) in the supplementary process sector (2b), before being supplied as the makeup inlet air in the makeup inlet air-path (32). Additionally, the reactivation outlet air in the reactivation outlet air-path (19) is introduced to the supplementary reactivation sector (3b) of the supplementary desiccant wheel (la). A structure and arrangement of various other components of the tenth embodiment of the present invention is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. An operation of the ninth embodiment of the present invention is also same as that of an operation of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore also not repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0092] Figure 4b shows an eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the dehumidifier system of the present invention. The eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the dehumidifier system is very similar to the tenth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the dehumidifier system. Particularly, the eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the dehumidifier system of the present invention also comprises the main desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10, 18), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,27,28, 17, 19). Similar to the tenth embodiment, in the eleventh embodiment, the main desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors the main process sector (2), the main reactivation sector (3), and the main outside (OSA) sector (26). A structure and arrangement of various components of the eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the tenth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. An operation of the eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of an operation of various components of the tenth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore also not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that the cooling units (7b) and the heating unit (16) in the tenth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus has been replaced with, a heat pump in the eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the dehumidifier system. In this eleventh embodiment, the heat pump comprises a heat-supplying heat exchanger and a heatextracting heat exchanger. The heat supplying heat exchanger comprises a compressor (21), and a condenser (22). The heat-extracting heat exchanger comprises an expansion valve, and an evaporator (20). The heat supplying heat exchanger and the heat-extracting heat exchanger work in conjunction, such that the compressor (21) and the condenser (22) are positioned in the reactivation inlet air-path (17) to supply heat to the reactivation inlet air, while the evaporator (20) is positioned in the process inlet air-path (11) for extracting heat from the process inlet air. A structure, arrangement, and operation of the mechanical heat pump is commonly known and is therefore not repeated herein.

[0093] Figure 4c shows a twelfth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the dehumidifier system of the present invention. The twelfth embodiment of the present invention is very similar to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, the twelfth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus of the dehumidifier system of the present invention also comprises the main desiccant wheel (1); the wheel drive (5); the housing; and one or more fans (10), and also defines one or more air paths (11,12,27, 28, 17, 19). Similar to the seventh embodiment, in the twelfth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, the desiccant wheel (1) comprises of three sectors the main process sector (2), the main reactivation sector (3), and the main purge sector (4). A structure and arrangement of various components of the twelfth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of a structure and arrangement of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. An operation of the twelfth embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus is also same as that of an operation of various components of the seventh embodiment of the dehumidifier apparatus, and is therefore also not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. It may be noted that an additional water heat pump (24) is provided in this embodiment of the present invention. The additional heatpump is a water-based heat pump, whereby the heat-supplying heat exchanger is a hot-water supply unit, while the heat-extracting heat exchanger is a cold-water supply unit. A structure, arrangement, and operation of the water heat pump is commonly known and is therefore not repeated herein.

[0094] Figure 5a shows a thirteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. In the thirteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, the dehumidifier apparatus is same as that of the eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier system, in terms of structure, arrangement, and operation. Further, in the thirteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, the heat pump has an additional component i.e. an auxiliary condenser (22a). Remaining structure, arrangement, and process of the thirteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system is similar to the eleventh embodiment of the dehumidifier system, and is not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. In the thirteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, the auxiliary condenser (22a) is positioned within the the main desiccant wheel (1), to supply heat to the reactivation outlet air from the main desiccant wheel (1).

[0095] Figure 5b shows a fourteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. In the fourteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, the dehumidifier apparatus is same as that of the twelfth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, in terms of structure, arrangement, and operation. Further, in the fourteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, the heat pump has an additional component i.e. an auxiliary condenser (22a). Remaining structure, arrangement, and process of the fourteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system is similar to the twelfth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, and is not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. In the fourteenth embodiment of the dehumidifier system, the auxiliary hot water coil (22a) is positioned within the the main desiccant wheel (1), to supply heat to the reactivation outlet air from the main desiccant wheel (1). Although, particular embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended in any way to limit the intended scope of the invention. Variations and adaptions of the system as described herein do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention and is within the expertise of a person skilled in the art.

[0096] LIST OF COMPONENTS

[0097] 1 - Desiccant wheel la - Preconditioned Desiccant wheel

[0098] 5 - Wheel Drive 10, 14, 18 - Blower more fans

[0099] 11,12,13,15, 17, 19, 27, 28 - Air paths

[0100] 2 - Process Sector

[0101] 3 - Reactivation Sector

[0102] 4 - Purge Sector 26 - Outside Air Sector

Claims

E CLAIM:

1. A dehumidifier apparatus, comprising: o a desiccant wheel, comprising:■ a honeycomb matrix structure, said honeycomb matrix structure comprising a plurality of honeycomb flutes, the honeycomb matrix structure comprising a porous substrate, and a desiccant material formulated onto and within the porous substrate,■ wherein the desiccant material is selected from the group consisting of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIFs), an inorganic material, and / or combinations thereof,■ wherein the desiccant material is porous,■ wherein the desiccant material is micropore having a pore size less than 15 Angstrom;■ wherein the desiccant material is regenerated at a temperature <120 degC,■ wherein the energy requirement of the desiccant wheel with the desiccant material capable of being regenerated at < 120°C is at least 10% less, in terms of kW / kg of water removed, compared to desiccant wheel with silica gel-type desiccant material, at identical operating conditions,■ wherein the moisture removal capacity of the desiccant wheel with special desiccant material capable of being regenerated at < 120°C is at least 10% more, in terms of kg of water removal / kg of air, compared to desiccant wheel with silica-gel type desiccant material, at identical operating conditions, and■ wherein the desiccant material has a surface area in a range of 500 m2 / g to 10000 m2 / g, o a housing with internal baffles and air seals proximal to a face of the rotary desiccant bed, to create at least a reactivation sector and a process sector, for passing air therethrough; and o a wheel drive capable of rotating the rotary desiccant wheel, o wherein ‘process air’ after exiting the process sector has a dew point of less than -60 DegC. , The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the desiccant wheel adsorption capacity is up to 50%, at a relative humidity (RH) of up to 5%. , The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein ‘process inlet air’ passes through the process sector to be dehumidified therein and exit as ‘process outlet air’, while ‘reactivation inlet air’ passes through the reactivation sector to desorb moisture therefrom and exit as ‘reactivation outlet air’. , The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 2, defines, in series, the reactivation sector, a purge sector, and the process sector, such that a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and supplied entirely as the reactivation inlet air. , The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 2, defines, in series, the reactivation sector, a purge sector, and the process sector, such that a portion of the process inlet air termed as ‘purge air’ is passed through the purge sector to be dehumidified, and mixed with the reactivation inlet air, thereby the reactivation is a mixture of ‘outside air’ and the purge air. , The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 2, defines, in series, the reactivation sector, the process sector, and an outside air sector, such that ‘outside inlet air’ is passed through the outside air sector to exit as ‘outside outlet air’, and whereby a portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is mixed to the process inlet air, while remaining portion of the ‘outside outlet air’ is supplied entirely as reactivation inlet air. , The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3, 4, and 5, comprises a heat-pump comprising: a heat-supplying heat exchanger for supplying heat to the reactivation inlet air; and heat-extracting heat exchanger for extracting heat from the process inlet air.8, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heat-pump is a mechanical vapour compression heat pump, whereby the heat-supplying heat exchanger is a condenser, while the heat-extracting heat exchanger is an evaporator.9, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heat-pump is a water-based heat pump, whereby the heat-supplying heat exchanger is a hot-water supply unit, while the heat-extracting heat exchanger is a cold-water supply unit.

10. A dehumidifier system, comprising: a main dehumidifier apparatus deploying a main desiccant wheel as claimed in claim 5, the main desiccant wheel defining in series a main outside air sector, a main reactivation sector, and a main process sector; and a supplementary dehumidifier apparatus deploying a supplementary desiccant wheel as claimed in claim 1, the supplementary desiccant wheel defining at least a supplementary process sector and a supplementary reactivation sector, such that the reactivation outlet air from the main desiccant wheel further passes through the reactivation sector of the supplementary desiccant wheel to be dehumidified, while outside air is passed through the process sector to be supplied as the outside air sector of the main desiccant wheel.

11. The dehumidifier system as claimed in any of claim 9, comprises a heat-pump comprising: a heat-supplying heat exchanger for supplying heat to the reactivation inlet air; and heat-extracting heat exchanger for extracting heat from the process inlet air.12, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the heat-pump is a mechanical vapour compression heat pump, whereby the heat-supplying heat exchanger is a condenser, while the heat-extracting heat exchanger is an evaporator.13, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the heat-pump is a water-based heat pump, whereby the heat-supplying heat exchanger is a hot-water supply unit, while the heat-extracting heat exchanger is a cold-water supply unit.14, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the desiccant wheel is regenerated at a temperature of less than 70°C, less than 60°C, or less than 50°C.15, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an adsorbent sheet, formed by formulating the adsorbent material onto and within the porous substrate, has a weight ratio between the adsorbent material and the porous substrate, in a ratio of upto 8: 1.16, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the desiccant material is selected from the group consisting of MOF-841, NiCPO-27, Co2C12BTDD, MOF- 801, MIL-125(Ti), NH2-MIL-125(Ti), MIL-16O(A1), MIL-120, Co-CUK-1, cyanometallates, and combination thereof.17, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the honeycomb matrix structure substrate is a porous substrate selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, ceramic fibres, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, biosoluble fibers, pulp and combination thereof, and optionally strengthened with 2 to 8% by weight of a rigidifying agent selected from the group consisting of silica sol, alumina sol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and acrylate.18, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of the honeycomb flutes has a polygonal or circular cross-section.19, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the polygonal cross-section is sinusoidal.20, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the honeycomb matrix structure comprises a rolled single facer.21, The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the honeycomb matrix structurecomprises a plurality of stacked facers. , The dehumidifier apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the desiccant material is micropore having a pore size preferably less than 10 Angstrom.

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