Desiccant dehumidifier pipeline device and desiccant dehumidifier

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a desiccant dehumidifier conduit arrangement (2) for a desiccant dehumidifier (36). The duct arrangement (2) comprises a housing (30) having an opening (32) configured to face a desiccant rotor (34) of the desiccant dehumidifier (36); the opening (32) is divided into a purge gas flow inlet opening (38), a purge gas flow outlet opening (40) and a regeneration gas flow outlet opening (42), and the housing (30) comprises at least one regeneration gas flow inlet opening (14, 16, 50). The present disclosure also relates to a desiccant dehumidifier (36).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a desiccant dehumidifier duct arrangement for a desiccant dehumidifier. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a desiccant dehumidifier duct arrangement comprising a desiccant rotor rotatably arranged around a central axis of the desiccant rotor, a process air circuit arranged to conduct a process air flow through a process sector of the desiccant rotor, a regeneration air circuit arranged to conduct a regeneration air flow through a regeneration sector of the desiccant rotor, a purge air circuit arranged to conduct a purge air flow through a first and a second purge sector of the desiccant rotor, an air fan arranged in the regeneration air circuit, the air fan being configured to generate the regeneration air flow in the regeneration air circuit and the purge air flow in the purge air circuit. BACKGROUND

[0002] Dehumidifiers, such as desiccant dehumidifiers, are used to separate and remove moisture from air. A desiccant dehumidifier typically comprises a dehumidifying element in the form of a wheel or rotor containing a desiccant material that effectively attracts and holds water vapour. The dehumidifier can comprise two sections for the desiccant rotor: a process section and a regeneration section. An air flow to be dehumidified (process air) will pass through the process section and through the desiccant rotor. The desiccant material in the rotor extracts moisture from the process air so that it can exit the rotor as dry air. At the same time, the desiccant material is regenerated by a regeneration air flow flowing through the regeneration section while the desiccant rotor can be slowly rotated around its central axis. The regeneration air in the regeneration air flow is heated in a heater arrangement before passing through the regeneration section of the rotor. An air fan can be configured to generate the regeneration air flow through the regeneration section. By simultaneously dehumidifying the process air and regenerating the desiccant material, the dehumidifier can be operated continuously.

[0003] The document US2007056307 discloses an example of a dehumidifier with a desiccant wheel.

[0004] In order for the regeneration process to be effective, the regeneration air in the regeneration air flow used to regenerate the desiccant material in the rotor needs to have a relatively high temperature and is typically required to be heated. The heat in the heater arrangement can be generated by electricity. The heated air flowing through the regeneration sector releases humidity from the desiccant rotor and thus dries the rotor.

[0005] If an additional air flow (purge air flow) is used for the regeneration of the desiccant material in the rotor, a more effective regeneration process can be achieved. SUMMARY

[0006] Currently, the industry is focused on minimizing energy consumption in the dehumidification process (due to economic and climatic considerations) and achieving stable operation of the dehumidification unit. The temperature of the regenerated air can be measured by a temperature sensor located within the desiccant dehumidifier. However, knowing the correct temperature of the heated regenerated air is crucial for minimizing energy consumption. In known desiccant dehumidifiers, measuring the correct temperature of the regenerated air can be difficult due to temperature fluctuations generated by the heater unit and interference in the reactivation airflow, leading to uneven temperature measurements. Furthermore, uniformly mixing the purge air with the heated regenerated air is challenging. Air mixing typically requires large spaces, long airflow distances, or high air velocities.

[0007] Although some known solutions exist in the art, it is desirable to develop an airflow temperature equalization arrangement device for desiccant dehumidifier ductwork that overcomes or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to alleviate, reduce or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art, and at least solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to realize an airflow temperature equalization arrangement device for desiccant dehumidifier ductwork, which creates conditions for providing accurate temperature measurement of heated regenerated air.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to realize a desiccant dehumidifier piping device that has a compact design, is easy to manufacture, easy to assemble, and easy to maintain.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a desiccant dehumidifier that reduces the energy requirements for air treatment in a space or room, thereby reducing the heating cost of regenerated air.

[0012] These objectives are achieved by a desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly for the initially defined desiccant dehumidifier, the desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly further comprising a housing with openings configured to face the desiccant rotor of the desiccant dehumidifier; the openings are divided into a purge airflow inlet opening, a purge airflow outlet opening, and a regeneration airflow outlet opening, and the housing includes at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening. The desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly can have a compact design, can be easily manufactured, can be easily assembled, and can be easily maintained. The inlet and outlet openings for the purge airflow and the regeneration airflow outlet opening are arranged and collected in the duct assembly. These inlet and outlet openings can all be arranged in a common direction. These inlet and outlet openings can be configured to face the desiccant rotor when installed in the desiccant dehumidifier.

[0013] The housing includes an outer wall and a continuous inner wall extending within the housing from a position between a purge airflow inlet opening and a regeneration airflow outlet opening, and further extending to a position in the region between the regeneration airflow outlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening, wherein the continuous inner wall and the outer wall form a purge airflow channel, and wherein the purge airflow channel fluidly connects the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening. The continuous wall defines a volume within the housing. The continuous wall guides the regeneration airflow on an inner surface configured to face the desiccant rotor. The regeneration airflow outlet opening is arranged at a position between the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening. The continuous wall may be a separate element from the desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly, or the continuous wall may be integrated into the desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly. The continuous inner wall may be arranged at a distance from the outer wall. The outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall may be configured to guide the purge airflow from the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening.

[0014] The continuous inner wall is configured to guide the regeneration airflow from the at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening to the regeneration airflow outlet opening, and the continuous inner wall has thermal conductivity and is configured to conduct heat from the regeneration air in the regeneration airflow to the purge air in the purge airflow. Since the heated regeneration air in the regeneration airflow is guided by the interior of the continuous inner wall, heat can be conducted to the purge air in the purge airflow through the outer surface of the continuous inner wall. Due to the thermal conductivity of the continuous inner wall, the temperature of the purge air in the purge airflow channel can be further increased.

[0015] Heated regenerated air in a regenerated airflow guided from the interior of a continuous inner wall may dissipate heat, resulting in heat loss. However, purge air in a purge airflow guided from the outer surface of the continuous inner wall can reduce heat dissipation from the continuous inner wall, and thus reduce heat dissipation from the regenerated air. Since the purge air in the purge airflow channel has an elevated temperature, it can also provide thermal insulation.

[0016] The piping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piping device further comprises an airflow equalization arrangement device, and wherein the at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening is arranged in the airflow equalization arrangement device.

[0017] An airflow equalization system ensures accurate temperature measurement of the heated regenerated air. This system can be configured to collect heated regenerated air with a uniform temperature suitable for measurement. When a stable and uniform temperature of the heated regenerated air is measured, the heater unit can be controlled as accurately as possible to achieve improved energy efficiency.

[0018] The opening is further divided into the airflow equalization greenhouse outlet opening.

[0019] The wall structure of the airflow equalization arrangement device is configured to guide heated regenerated air into the airflow equalization chamber. The wall structure can generate and contribute to the equalization of the regenerated airflow within the airflow equalization chamber. The wall structure also protects and maintains the movement of regenerated air within the airflow equalization chamber from any environmental disturbances. The wall structure may have an inlet and an outlet for the regenerated airflow. The at least one regenerated airflow inlet opening may have a suitable shape, such as a square or a circle. The wall structure may be at least partially a barrier configured to guide the regenerated airflow. A temperature sensor may be arranged within the airflow equalization chamber. The temperature sensor may be arranged within the wall structure and configured to protrude into the airflow equalization chamber. The temperature sensor may be at least partially surrounded by the regenerated air and have a surface in contact with the regenerated air. The temperature sensor may be part of the wall structure and follow the shape of the wall structure. Regenerated air can enter the airflow equalization chamber through the at least one regenerated airflow inlet opening. Regenerated air can exit the airflow equalization chamber through an outlet opening. The airflow equalization chamber outlet opening may face the desiccant rotor. When exiting the outlet opening, the regenerated air from the airflow equalization chamber can enter and pass through the desiccant rotor. The airflow equalization arrangement for desiccant dehumidifier ductwork creates conditions for accurate temperature measurement of the heated regeneration air. Desiccant dehumidifier ductwork equipped with such an airflow equalization chamber can have a compact design, be easy to manufacture, easy to assemble, and easy to maintain.

[0020] The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening includes a main regeneration airflow inlet opening, a first regeneration airflow inlet opening, and a second regeneration airflow inlet opening. The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening may include a first regeneration airflow inlet opening and a second regeneration airflow inlet opening, wherein the first regeneration airflow inlet opening may be arranged near the temperature sensor, and the second regeneration airflow inlet opening may be arranged in a portion of the wall structure, facing the airflow equalization chamber on a first side and a portion of the regeneration air circuit on a second side. The first regeneration airflow inlet opening may be arranged adjacent to the temperature sensor, such that the temperature sensor can be exposed to heated regeneration air. A heater device may be arranged close to the first regeneration airflow inlet opening, such that the regeneration air can have a short flow distance between the location of the heater device and the location of the temperature sensor. The portion of the wall structure forming the second regeneration airflow inlet opening may be arranged at a distance from the desiccant rotor, such that heated regeneration air can pass between this portion of the wall structure and the rotor, thereby reaching the airflow equalization chamber and the temperature sensor. Furthermore, the second regeneration airflow inlet opening may generate a uniformly heated regeneration airflow due to its shape, and thus generate a uniformly heated airflow in the airflow equalization chamber.

[0021] The first regeneration airflow inlet opening can be arranged in the wall structure. The first regeneration airflow inlet opening can have a shape that helps to generate a uniformly heated airflow in the airflow equalization chamber. The positions and shapes of the first regeneration airflow inlet opening and the second regeneration airflow inlet opening can be arranged together to generate a uniformly heated regeneration airflow in the airflow equalization chamber.

[0022] The main regeneration airflow inlet includes a main airflow temperature equalization generating element, used to generate airflow temperature equalization in the regeneration airflow.

[0023] The first regenerated airflow inlet opening may include a first airflow temperature equalization generating element for generating airflow temperature equalization in the regenerated airflow. The first airflow temperature equalization generating element can both generate a mixed airflow of regenerated air in the airflow equalization chamber and promote the mixed airflow.

[0024] The airflow isotherm generating element may include rods configured to generate airflow isotherm of the regenerated airflow as it is deflected and passes between the rods. The rods may have flat surfaces, curved surfaces, or a combination of both. The rods may be provided with deflecting elements that further facilitate the generation of airflow isotherm of the regenerated airflow. The rods may also be shaped to promote and maintain an isothermal airflow of regenerated air within the airflow isotherm chamber.

[0025] The second regeneration gas inlet opening can have a slit shape, configured to generate a uniform temperature of the regeneration gas flow passing through the slit-shaped second regeneration gas inlet opening. The slit-shaped second regeneration gas inlet opening can be arranged between the wall structure and the desiccant rotor. The distance between the wall structure and the rotor, and the rotor-facing length of the wall structure, create the slit-shaped opening.

[0026] A protective barrier defines an airflow equalization chamber, facing the chamber on a first side and a portion of the purge air circuit on a second side. This barrier is configured to protect the temperature sensor from exposure to the purge airflow within the purge air circuit. The temperature of the purge air differs from the temperature of the regenerated air. Therefore, the temperature sensor can be protected from exposure to the purge airflow by the protective barrier. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor can thus be the correct temperature of the heated regenerated air.

[0027] A ducting device includes a housing with an outer wall, wherein the housing further includes an opening configured to face the desiccant rotor of a desiccant dehumidifier, the opening being divided into a purge airflow inlet opening, a purge airflow outlet opening, and a regeneration airflow outlet opening, wherein the housing also includes a continuous inner wall extending within the housing from a position between the purge airflow inlet opening and the regeneration airflow outlet opening, and further extending to a position in a region between the regeneration airflow outlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening, wherein the continuous inner wall and the outer wall form a purge airflow passage, and wherein the purge airflow passage fluidly connects the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening. The continuous wall defines a volume within the housing. The continuous wall guides the regeneration airflow on an inner surface configured to face the desiccant rotor. The regeneration airflow outlet opening is arranged at a position between the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening. The continuous wall may be a separate element from the desiccant dehumidifier ducting device, or the continuous wall may be integrated into the desiccant dehumidifier ducting device.

[0028] The wall structure may include a plane disposed near the location of the temperature sensor; and the plane is configured to maintain a uniformly heated regenerative airflow surrounding the temperature sensor. The plane is positioned adjacent to a first regenerative airflow inlet opening. The plane may be represented by an airflow uniformization generating element. The plane may be represented by a surface of a rod facing the airflow uniformization chamber.

[0029] According to a second aspect, a desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly is provided, comprising a housing with an opening configured to face the desiccant rotor of the desiccant dehumidifier; the opening is divided into a purge airflow inlet opening, a purge airflow outlet opening, a regeneration airflow outlet opening, and an airflow equalization chamber outlet opening, and the housing includes at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening of the airflow equalization arrangement. The desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly with such an airflow equalization chamber can have a compact design, is easy to manufacture, easy to assemble, and easy to maintain. The purge airflow inlet and outlet openings, the regeneration airflow outlet, and the regeneration air outlet in the airflow equalization chamber are arranged and collected in the duct assembly. These inlet and outlet openings can all be arranged in a common direction. These inlet and outlet openings can be configured to face the desiccant rotor when installed in a desiccant dehumidifier.

[0030] A continuous inner wall may extend within the housing from a position between the purge airflow inlet opening and the regeneration airflow outlet opening, and further extend to a position in the region between the regeneration airflow outlet opening, the purge airflow outlet opening, and the airflow equalization chamber outlet opening. The continuous wall defines a volume within the housing. The continuous wall guides the regeneration airflow on its inner surface, which is configured to face the desiccant rotor. The regeneration airflow outlet opening is arranged at a position between the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening. The continuous wall may be a separate element from the desiccant dehumidifier ductwork, or it may be integrated into the desiccant dehumidifier ductwork.

[0031] The purge airflow passage can fluidly connect the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening. The purge airflow enters the purge airflow inlet passage and flows within the passage toward the purge airflow outlet opening. The purge airflow passage can be arranged within a housing.

[0032] The piping device includes a housing with an outer wall, wherein a continuous inner wall and an outer wall form a purge airflow channel.

[0033] A continuous inner wall can be positioned at a distance from the outer wall. The outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall can be configured to guide the purge airflow from the purge airflow inlet and outlet openings. The heated regeneration air in the regeneration airflow guided by the interior of the continuous inner wall may dissipate heat, resulting in heat loss. However, the purge air in the purge airflow guided by the outer surface of the continuous inner wall can reduce heat dissipation from the continuous inner wall, and thus reduce heat dissipation from the regeneration air. Since the purge air in the purge airflow channel has an elevated temperature, it can have a thermal insulation effect.

[0034] The continuous inner wall is configured to guide the regeneration airflow from the at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening to the regeneration airflow outlet opening, and the continuous inner wall has thermal conductivity and is configured to conduct heat from the regeneration air in the regeneration airflow to the purge air in the purge airflow. Since the heated regeneration air in the regeneration airflow is guided by the interior of the continuous inner wall, heat can be conducted to the purge air in the purge airflow through the outer surface of the continuous inner wall. Due to the thermal conductivity of the continuous inner wall, the temperature of the purge air in the purge airflow channel can be further increased.

[0035] The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening may include a main regeneration airflow inlet opening, a first regeneration airflow inlet opening, and a second regeneration airflow inlet opening. The main regeneration airflow inlet opening may be arranged adjacent to a volume defined by a continuous inner wall. A heater device may be arranged close to the main regeneration airflow inlet opening, allowing the regeneration air to flow a short distance between the location of the heater device and the location of the continuous inner wall. The first regeneration airflow inlet opening may be arranged adjacent to a location of an airflow equalization chamber, which may include a temperature sensor, such that the temperature sensor is exposed to the heated regeneration air. The heater device may be arranged close to the first regeneration airflow inlet opening, allowing the regeneration air to flow a short distance between the location of the heater device and the location of the temperature sensor in the airflow equalization chamber. The portion of the wall structure forming the second regeneration airflow inlet opening may be arranged at a distance from the desiccant rotor, allowing the heated regeneration air to pass between this portion of the wall structure and the rotor, thereby reaching the airflow equalization chamber and the temperature sensor. Furthermore, the second regeneration airflow inlet opening may, due to its shape, generate a uniformly heated airflow of regeneration air, and thus generate a uniformly heated airflow within the airflow equalization chamber.

[0036] The main regeneration airflow inlet opening may include a main airflow temperature equalization generating element for generating a temperature equalization of the regeneration airflow. The heated regeneration airflow may be laminar as it exits the heater assembly. Laminar regeneration airflow can result in non-uniform temperatures sensed by a temperature sensor. The main airflow temperature equalization generating element can both generate and promote a temperature equalization airflow within a volume defined by a continuous inner wall. The main airflow temperature equalization generating element may include rods configured to generate a temperature equalization of the regeneration airflow as it is deflected and passes between the rods. The rods may have flat surfaces or curved surfaces, or a combination of flat and curved surfaces. The rods may be provided with deflection elements that further promote the generation of a temperature equalization of the regeneration airflow. The rods may also be shaped to promote and retain a temperature equalization of the regeneration airflow within the volume defined by a continuous inner wall.

[0037] The desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly itself can be provided without an airflow equalization arrangement device. The airflow equalization arrangement device can be connected to the desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly as a separate arrangement device. Furthermore, the desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly itself can be configured without an airflow equalization chamber and without an airflow equalization chamber outlet opening. The airflow equalization chamber and the airflow equalization chamber outlet opening can be connected to the desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly as separate arrangement devices. Additionally, the first regeneration airflow inlet opening can be configured without a first airflow equalization generating element, and the main regeneration airflow inlet opening can be configured without a main airflow equalization generating element. The first airflow equalization generating element and the main airflow equalization generating element can be connected to the desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly as separate arrangement devices.

[0038] According to a second aspect, a desiccant dehumidifier, initially defined, is provided, further comprising a desiccant dehumidifier ductwork arrangement according to the second aspect, the desiccant dehumidifier ductwork arrangement being arranged in the desiccant dehumidifier, wherein the purge airflow inlet opening, the purge airflow outlet opening, and the airflow equalization chamber outlet opening are connected to the purge air circuit, and wherein at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening and the regeneration airflow outlet opening are connected to the regeneration air circuit. This desiccant dehumidifier may include a desiccant rotor rotatably arranged about a central axis of the desiccant rotor. A process air circuit may be arranged to conduct process airflow through a process sector of the desiccant rotor. A regeneration air circuit may be arranged to conduct regeneration airflow through a regeneration sector of the desiccant rotor. A purge air circuit may be arranged to conduct purge airflow through a first purge sector and a second purge sector of the desiccant rotor. An air fan may be arranged in the regeneration air circuit, the air fan being configured to generate the regeneration airflow in the regeneration air circuit and the purge airflow in the purge air circuit. The air fan can be arranged in the regeneration circuit upstream or downstream of the desiccant rotor.

[0039] The purge air circuit is arranged to conduct the purge airflow through the first purge sector of the desiccant rotor in a first direction and through the second purge sector of the desiccant rotor in a second direction, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction, and wherein the purge airflow inlet opening and the purge airflow outlet opening are connected to the purge air circuit. The purge air circuit can be arranged to conduct the purge airflow through the first purge sector of the desiccant rotor in a first direction and through the second purge sector of the desiccant rotor in a second direction. The first direction can be configured to be opposite to the second direction. A heater device can be arranged upstream of the desiccant rotor and downstream of the location where the purge air circuit connects to the regeneration air circuit. The heater device is configured to increase the temperature of the regeneration air in the regeneration air circuit. Because the heater device is arranged downstream of the location where the purge air circuit connects to the regeneration air circuit, the purge air will not be heated by the heater device. Instead, the purge airflow flowing through the first purge sector can reduce the temperature of the portion or section of the desiccant rotor through which the regeneration airflow has passed. The air fan can be positioned upstream of the heater assembly. The heater assembly can be positioned upstream of the location where the purge air circuit connects to the regeneration air circuit.

[0040] The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening and regeneration airflow outlet opening are connected to the regeneration air circuit. The regeneration air circuit can be arranged to conduct the regeneration airflow through the regeneration sector of the desiccant rotor. The purge air circuit can be arranged to conduct the purge airflow through a first purge sector and a second purge sector of the desiccant rotor. An air fan can be arranged in the regeneration air circuit, configured to generate the regeneration airflow in the regeneration air circuit and the purge airflow in the purge air circuit. The air fan can be arranged in the regeneration circuit upstream or downstream of the desiccant rotor.

[0041] The outlet opening of the airflow equalization chamber is connected to the purge air circuit. The outlet opening of the airflow equalization chamber can be fluidly connected to the purge air circuit.

[0042] This disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The foregoing objects, additional objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be more fully understood when the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view of a desiccant dehumidifier according to an example is shown schematically; Figure 2 A desiccant dehumidifier according to an example is schematically shown; Figures 3 to 5 The desiccant dehumidifier ductwork assembly according to the example is schematically shown in the front view and perspective view, and Figure 6 and Figure 7 Schematic illustration along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from lines AA and BB in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0045] This disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. However, this disclosure may be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0046] Figure 1 A perspective view of a desiccant dehumidifier 36 according to an example is shown schematically. According to the example, the desiccant dehumidifier 36 includes an airflow equalization arrangement 1 for the desiccant dehumidifier ductwork 2. The desiccant dehumidifier includes a desiccant rotor 34, which is rotatably arranged about a central axis 54 of the desiccant rotor 34. A process air circuit 56 is arranged to conduct process airflow 58 through a process sector 60 of the desiccant rotor 34. A regeneration air circuit 18 is arranged to conduct regeneration airflow 10 through a regeneration sector 62 of the desiccant rotor 34. A temperature sensor 12, schematically arranged inside the airflow equalization chamber 6, is shown for measuring the temperature of the regeneration air in the regeneration airflow 10. A portion of the regeneration airflow 10 is connected to the airflow equalization chamber 6, as indicated by arrow 55. A purge air circuit 26 is arranged to conduct purge airflow 25 through a first purge sector 64 and a second purge sector 66 of the desiccant rotor 34. An air fan 68 is arranged in the regeneration air circuit 18, configured to generate a regeneration airflow 10 in the regeneration air circuit 18 and a purge airflow 25 in the purge air circuit 26. The purge air circuit 26 is arranged to conduct the purge airflow 25 through a first purge sector 64 of the desiccant rotor 34 in a first direction and through a second purge sector 66 of the desiccant rotor 34 in a second direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. A desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly 2 is arranged in the desiccant dehumidifier 36. A heater assembly 70 is arranged upstream of the desiccant rotor 34 and downstream of the location where the purge air circuit 26 connects to the regeneration air circuit 18.

[0047] Figure 2A desiccant dehumidifier 36 according to an example is schematically shown. According to the example, the desiccant dehumidifier 36 includes an airflow equalization arrangement 1 for the desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly 2. A process airflow 58 passes through the desiccant rotor 34 in the opposite direction to the direction of the regeneration airflow 10 passing through the desiccant rotor 34. The regeneration airflow 10 and the purge airflow 25 have a common inlet 72. A purge air circuit 26 is connected to a regeneration air circuit 18 downstream of the heater assembly 70. Therefore, the air from inlet 72 is split into the purge air circuit 26 and the regeneration air circuit 18. After the purge airflow 25 and the regeneration airflow 10 have separated from each other and passed through the desiccant rotor 34, they combine into a common passage 74 in which an air fan 68 is arranged. The purge airflow 25 and the regeneration airflow 10 exit the common passage 74 through an outlet 76. A temperature sensor 12 is arranged inside the airflow equalization chamber 6 to measure the temperature of the regeneration air in the regeneration airflow 10. Process air circuit 56 is arranged to conduct process airflow 58 through process sector 60 of desiccant rotor 34. Regeneration air circuit 18 is arranged to conduct regeneration airflow 10 through regeneration sector 62 of desiccant rotor 34. Purge air circuit 26 is arranged to conduct purge airflow 25 through first purge sector 64 and second purge sector 66 of desiccant rotor 34.

[0048] Figures 3 to 5 A desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly 2 according to an example is schematically shown in front and perspective views. The desiccant dehumidifier duct assembly 2 includes an airflow equalization arrangement device 1. The duct assembly 2 includes a housing 30 with an opening 32 configured to face the desiccant rotor 34 of the desiccant dehumidifier 36. Figure 1 and Figure 2The opening 32 is divided into a purge airflow inlet opening 38, a purge airflow outlet opening 40, a regeneration airflow outlet opening 42, and an airflow equalization chamber outlet opening 8. Furthermore, the housing 30 includes at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening 14, 16, 50 for the airflow equalization arrangement device 1. A continuous inner wall 45 extends within the housing 30 from a position between the purge airflow inlet opening 38 and the regeneration airflow outlet opening 42, and further extends to a position in the region between the regeneration airflow outlet opening 42, the purge airflow outlet opening 40, and the airflow equalization chamber outlet opening 8. A purge airflow passage 46 connects the purge airflow inlet opening 38 and the purge airflow outlet opening 40. The purge airflow passage 46 extends between the outer wall 48 and the continuous inner wall 45 of the housing 30. The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening 14, 16, 50 includes a main regeneration airflow inlet opening 50, a first regeneration airflow inlet opening 14, and a second regeneration airflow inlet opening 16. The main regeneration airflow inlet opening 50 includes a main airflow equalization generating element 52 for generating airflow equalization in the regeneration airflow 10. The purge airflow inlet opening 38, purge airflow outlet opening 40, and airflow equalization chamber outlet opening 8 are connected to the purge air circuit 26. The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening 14, 16, 50, and regeneration airflow outlet opening 42 are connected to the regeneration air circuit 18. The airflow equalization arrangement device 1 includes a wall structure 4. The wall structure 4 at least partially surrounds the airflow equalization chamber 6, the at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening 14, 16, 50 leading to the airflow equalization chamber 6, the airflow equalization chamber outlet opening 8 for the regeneration airflow 10, and a temperature sensor 12 inside the airflow equalization chamber 6 for measuring the temperature of the regeneration air in the regeneration airflow 10. The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening 14, 16, 50 includes a first regeneration airflow inlet opening 14 and a second regeneration airflow inlet opening 16. The first regeneration airflow inlet opening 14 is arranged near the temperature sensor 12. The second regeneration airflow inlet opening 16 is arranged in a portion of the wall structure 4, with a first side facing the airflow equalization chamber 6 and a second side facing a portion of the regeneration air circuit 18. The first regeneration airflow inlet opening 14 is arranged in the wall structure 4. The first regeneration gas flow inlet opening 14 includes a first gas flow temperature equalization generating element 20 for generating a gas flow temperature equalization in the regeneration gas flow 10. The first gas flow temperature equalization generating element 20 includes rods 22 configured to generate a gas flow temperature equalization in the regeneration gas flow 10 when the regeneration gas flow 10 is deflected and passes between the rods 22. A second regeneration gas flow inlet opening 16 has a slit shape and is configured to generate a gas flow temperature equalization in the regeneration gas flow 10 passing through the slit-shaped second regeneration gas flow inlet opening 16. A heater assembly 70 is arranged upstream of the first regeneration gas flow inlet opening 14 and the main regeneration gas flow inlet opening 14. Figure 4In this configuration, a heater assembly 70 is disposed within a heater housing 78. Regeneration air in the regeneration flow 10 is heated as it passes through the heater assembly 70. A protective barrier 24 defines an airflow equalization chamber 6, facing the airflow equalization chamber 6 on a first side and a portion of the purge air circuit 26 on a second side. The protective barrier 24 is configured to protect the temperature sensor 12 from exposure to the purge airflow 25 in the purge air circuit 26. The wall structure 4 includes a plane 28 disposed near the location of the temperature sensor 12. The plane 28 is configured to maintain a uniformly heated regeneration airflow 10 surrounding the temperature sensor 12.

[0049] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Schematic illustration along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken by lines AA and BB in the diagram. Figure 6 The image shows a purge airflow passage 46 extending between the outer wall 48 and the continuous inner wall 45 of the housing 30. Figure 7 The diagram shows a second regeneration airflow inlet opening 16 with a slit shape. Furthermore, a purge airflow passage 46 extending between the outer wall 48 and the continuous inner wall 45 of the housing 30 is shown. Figure 7 A portion of the protective barrier 24 is shown.

Claims

1. A desiccant dehumidifier piping device (2) for a desiccant dehumidifier (36), characterized in that: The piping device (2) includes a housing (30) having an opening (32) configured to face the desiccant rotor (34) of the desiccant dehumidifier (36); The opening (32) is divided into a purge airflow inlet opening (38), a purge airflow outlet opening (40), and a regeneration airflow outlet opening (42), and The housing (30) includes at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening (14, 16, 50).

2. The pipeline device (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (30) includes an outer wall (48) and a continuous inner wall (45) extending in the housing (30) from a position between the purge airflow inlet opening (38) and the regeneration airflow outlet opening (42), and further extending to a position in the region between the regeneration airflow outlet opening (42) and the purge airflow outlet opening (40), wherein the continuous inner wall (45) and the outer wall (48) form a purge airflow channel (46), and wherein the purge airflow channel (46) fluidly connects the purge airflow inlet opening (38) and the purge airflow outlet opening (40).

3. The piping device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The continuous inner wall (45) is configured to guide the regeneration airflow from the at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening (14, 16, 50) to the regeneration airflow outlet opening (42), and The continuous inner wall (45) has thermal conductivity and is configured to conduct heat from the regenerated air in the regenerated airflow to the purge air in the purge airflow.

4. The piping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pipeline device (2) further includes an airflow equalization arrangement device (1), wherein at least one regenerated airflow inlet opening (14, 16, 50) is arranged in the airflow equalization arrangement device (1).

5. The piping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening (32) is further divided into the airflow equalization chamber outlet opening (8).

6. The piping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one regeneration airflow inlet opening (14, 16, 50) includes a main regeneration airflow inlet opening (50), a first regeneration airflow inlet opening (14), and a second regeneration airflow inlet opening (16).

7. The piping device (2) according to claim 6, wherein, The main regeneration airflow inlet opening (50) includes a main airflow temperature equalization generating element (52) for generating airflow temperature equalization in the regeneration airflow (10).

8. A desiccant dehumidifier (36), comprising a desiccant dehumidifier piping assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The desiccant dehumidifier (36) includes: A desiccant rotor (34) is rotatably arranged around the central axis (54) of the desiccant rotor (34); Process air circuit (56) is arranged to conduct process airflow (58) through process sector (60) of the desiccant rotor (34); A regenerated air circuit (18) is arranged to conduct regenerated airflow (10) through the regeneration sector (62) of the desiccant rotor (34); A purge air circuit (26) is arranged to conduct the purge airflow (25) through a first purge sector (64) and a second purge sector (66) of the desiccant rotor (34); and An air fan (68) is arranged in the regenerated air circuit (18) and is configured to generate a regenerated airflow (10) in the regenerated air circuit (18) and a purge airflow (25) in the purge air circuit (26).

9. The dehumidifier (36) according to claim 8, wherein, The purge air circuit (26) is arranged to conduct the purge airflow (25) through the desiccant rotor (34) in a first direction via the first purge sector (64), and through the desiccant rotor (34) in a second direction via the second purge sector (66), wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction, and wherein The purge airflow inlet opening (38) and the purge airflow outlet opening (40) are connected to the purge air circuit (26).

10. The dehumidifier (36) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein, The at least one regenerated airflow inlet opening (14, 16, 50) and regenerated airflow outlet opening (42) are connected to the regenerated air circuit (18).

11. The dehumidifier (36) according to any one of claims 5 and 8-10, wherein, The outlet opening (8) of the airflow equalization chamber is connected to the purge air circuit (26).

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