Method of producing a desiccant rotor

Abstract

Method of producing a desiccant rotor (2) of a desiccant dehumidifier (1), the desiccant rotor (2) comprising a plurality of channels (4) extending through the rotor (2), the method comprising the steps of: a) building the rotor layer by layer, wherein at least every second layer (5) is corrugated such that a channel is defined between a first layer (3) and an adjacent second layer (5); and b) positioning a sensor (9, 11, 13, 15) on a surface of the first layer (3) or the second layer (5) which will define the channel (4) when the first layer (3) is attached to the second layer (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a desiccant rotor for a desiccant dehumidifier, the desiccant rotor comprising a plurality of channels extending through the rotor. Background Technology

[0002] A desiccant rotor is used to dry air passing through channels provided within it. The desiccant rotor is designed to rotate such that the surface of the channels is repeatedly subjected to a flow of gas (typically air) passing through them. Thus, the desiccant rotor dehumidifies the gas (such as air) passing through the rotor's channels. Regarding this operation, the focus is on obtaining information about the temperature and humidity of the gas passing through the rotor. During rotor rotation, the channels are also typically regenerated repeatedly, with the temperature and moisture content of the channels regulated by a regeneration process known per se.

[0003] JP3795630 B2 discloses a desiccant rotor in a dehumidifier system. This desiccant rotor includes sensors. The purpose of the solution shown in JP3795630 B2 is to diagnose the deterioration state of the rotor in a "second-stage drying moisture reduction device" without using a dew point meter. Two temperature sensors are disclosed. The rotor has a regeneration zone in a portion of its rotating chamber. The temperature sensing part of one temperature sensor is arranged on the outlet side of the regeneration zone near the dehumidification zone, and the temperature sensing part of the other temperature sensor is arranged on the side near the purging zone. Therefore, the regeneration outlet temperature measured by the two temperature sensors under normal rotor conditions can be compared with the regeneration outlet temperature when rotor deterioration occurs, thereby diagnosing the degree of rotor deterioration. JP3795630 B2 does not disclose in detail the exact location and arrangement of the sensors.

[0004] KR102191089 B1 discloses a desiccant rotor in a dehumidifier system. This rotor features "smart" technology, and the system is equipped with multiple sensors that transmit information to a control terminal. These sensors appear to be located within the space to be treated, rather than within the dehumidifier itself.

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a method for equipping a desiccant rotor with a sensor that facilitates efficient and accurate measurement of conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity of the gas passing through the rotor) and also facilitates measurement of conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity) on the rotor surface in contact with the gas. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is achieved by a method for producing a desiccant rotor for a desiccant dehumidifier, the desiccant rotor including a plurality of channels extending through the rotor, the method comprising the following steps: a) Constructing the rotor layer by layer, wherein at least every other layer is corrugated, thereby defining a channel between the first layer and the adjacent second layer; and b) Position the sensor on the surface of the first layer or the second layer, the surface of which will define the channel when the first layer is attached to the second layer.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method of the present invention includes the following steps: c) After positioning the sensor on the surface, apply an adhesive to the sensor and around it.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the invention, step c) includes applying the adhesive to all surfaces for defining the channel or plurality of channels formed between the first layer and the second layer.

[0009] The channels may extend partially in the axial direction and partially in the radial direction. According to some embodiments, the plurality of channels extend in the axial direction of the rotor.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the sensor or multiple sensors are sensors for sensing any one of humidity, temperature, pressure, or CO2 content or VOC (volatile organic compounds, such as NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone)) content.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a body comprising a first layer and a second layer is formed by repeating step a), wherein the desiccant rotor is formed by the following steps: d) Provide a hub or center of rotation for the body, the body being configured to rotate about the hub or center of rotation during operation.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps: e) An electrical contact ring is provided on the outer periphery of the main body; and f) Provide an electrical conductor extending from the contact ring to the sensor.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps: g) Attach a second sensor to the surface of the first or second layer, the surface defining a channel when the first sheet is attached to the second sheet, wherein the second sensor is arranged in the channel at the following locations: at a depth different from the depth at which the first sensor is disposed when viewed in the axial direction of the formed desiccant rotor; or at a distance different from the rotational center axis of the rotor.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to sense the same observable quantity.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed in the same channel.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed in different channels.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed in different channels, wherein the channels are disposed at different distances from the hub or the center of rotation.

[0018] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a desiccant rotor comprising a plurality of channels extending through the rotor, the rotor comprising at least one first sensor attached to a surface defining one of the channels.

[0019] The channels may extend partially in the axial direction and partially in the radial direction. According to some embodiments, the plurality of channels extend in the axial direction of the rotor.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the sensor or multiple sensors are sensors for sensing any one of humidity, temperature, pressure, or CO2 content or VOC (such as NMP) content.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the desiccant rotor includes: a body formed by stacking a first layer and a second layer and having a hub or rotation center, the body being configured to rotate about the hub or rotation center during operation; an electrical contact ring located on the outer periphery of the body; and an electrical conductor extending from the contact ring to the sensor.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the desiccant rotor includes a second sensor attached to a surface defining one of the channels, wherein the second sensor is arranged in the channel at: a depth different from the depth at which the first sensor is disposed when viewed in the axial direction of the formed desiccant rotor; and / or at a distance different from the rotational center axis of the rotor.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed in different channels.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the desiccant rotor includes sensor clusters, each cluster including at least two sensors, wherein multiple clusters are arranged at a first level in the axial direction of the rotor, and corresponding multiple clusters are arranged at a second level in the axial direction of the desiccant rotor.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the desiccant rotor is produced according to the method disclosed above.

[0026] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the object of the invention is achieved by a desiccant dehumidifier, the desiccant dehumidifier comprising: Desiccant rotor according to this disclosure; Control unit; A transmitter, which transmits the output of the sensor as an input to the control unit; At least one of the following: a fan for forcing regenerated air through a first sector of the rotor; a heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; a fan for forcing process air through a second sector of the rotor; and a rotor drive for rotating the rotor. The control unit is configured to control the output of at least one of the following based on input from the transmitter: a fan for forcing regenerated air through a first sector of the rotor; a heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; a fan for forcing process air through a second sector of the rotor; and a rotor drive for rotating the rotor.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the desiccant dehumidifier includes: a fan for forcing regenerated air through a first sector of the rotor; a heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; a fan for forcing process air through a second sector of the rotor; and a rotor drive for rotating the rotor, wherein the control unit is configured to control the output of each of the following based on input from the transmitter: the fan for forcing regenerated air through the first sector of the rotor; the heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; the fan for forcing process air through the second sector of the rotor; and the rotor drive for rotating the rotor.

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be presented in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1A desiccant dehumidifier including a desiccant rotor according to the invention is shown; and

[0030] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The rotor has a layered structure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 The principle of an example desiccant dehumidifier 1 is schematically illustrated. The desiccant dehumidifier 1 includes a desiccant rotor 2. Multiple channels 4 are arranged in the desiccant rotor 2. The channels 4 extend from one side of the desiccant rotor 2 to the other. The channels 4 are parallel to the central axis 6 of the desiccant rotor 2. Process air 8 can pass through the channels 4. The desiccant rotor 2 is adapted to process process air by reducing the moisture content in the process air that can pass through the channels 4 of the desiccant rotor 2. A generally V-shaped partition member 10 separates the disc-shaped portion 12 of the desiccant rotor 2 from the rest, defining a reactivation section 14 of the desiccant rotor 2. The remaining portion of the desiccant rotor 2 defines a process section 16. The reactivation section 14 of the desiccant rotor 2 may occupy approximately one-quarter to one-third of the surface area of ​​the desiccant rotor 2. In the desiccant dehumidifier 1, the process air to be dehumidified is allowed to flow through the channels 4 in the desiccant rotor 2. Simultaneously, a heated reactivation airflow 18 is allowed to flow counter-currently through the reactivation section 14 of the desiccant rotor 2. The reactivation airflow 18 increases the temperature of the desiccant rotor 2, causing it to release its moisture, which is then carried away by the reactivation airflow 18. The dried desiccant material in the desiccant rotor 2 rotates into process section 16, where it reabsorbs moisture from the process air. A process air fan 20 is configured to draw process air from the air surrounding the desiccant dehumidifier 1 and force it through the filter element 22 and process section 16 of the desiccant rotor 2 to remove moisture from the process air. Downstream of process section 16 of the desiccant rotor 2, the dehumidified process airflow 8 is discharged into the enclosed space surrounding the desiccant dehumidifier 1. The reactivation air is drawn from the air surrounding the desiccant dehumidifier 1 and heated in heater 24. A reactivating air fan 26 is arranged to draw reactivating air from the air surrounding the desiccant dehumidifier 1 and force it through the reactivation section 14 of the desiccant rotor 2, so that moisture trapped in the reactivation section 14 is released into the reactivating airflow 18. A reactivating air outlet 20 is located downstream of the reactivation section 14 of the desiccant rotor 2 to discharge the humidified reactivating airflow 18 outside the enclosed space containing the desiccant dehumidifier 1. A particle detector 30 is arranged at the desiccant dehumidifier 1 to detect particles in the air surrounding the desiccant dehumidifier 1. A sensor is provided in the channel 4 (in... Figure 1(Not visible in the image). These sensors are used to sense any of the following: humidity, temperature, pressure, or CO2 content or VOC (volatile organic compounds, such as NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone)) content. The dehumidifier 1 also includes a control unit 31 and a rotor drive 32. A transmitter (not shown) is connected to the sensors and is used to send the sensor outputs as inputs to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 is configured to control the outputs of the heater 24, the reactivation air fan 26, the process air fan 20, and the rotor drive 32 based on the inputs from the sensors.

[0032] In other words, the dehumidifier 1 includes a desiccant rotor 2, a fan 26 for forcing regenerated air through a first sector of the rotor 2, a heater 24 for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor 2, a fan 20 for forcing process air through a second sector of the rotor 2, and a rotor drive 32 for rotating the rotor 2, wherein the control unit 31 is configured to control the output of each of the following based on input from the transmitter: the fan 26 for forcing regenerated air through the first sector of the rotor 2; the heater 24 for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor 2; the fan 20 for forcing process air through the second sector of the rotor 2; and the rotor drive 32 for rotating the rotor.

[0033] During the rotor manufacturing process, a square or rectangular cube is constructed, and rotor 2 is cut out from the cube such that the channel of rotor 2 extends through rotor 2 in the axial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, rotor 2 has a diameter of 150 cm and a thickness of 40 cm in its axial direction.

[0034] Figure 2 The layered structure forming the desiccant rotor 2 is shown. According to one embodiment, the method of producing the desiccant rotor 2 includes the step of constructing the rotor 2 layer by layer, wherein a first layer 3 is formed of a flat sheet 3 and a second layer 5 is formed of a corrugated sheet 5, such that a channel 4 is defined between each first layer 3 and an adjacent second layer 5. A suitable adhesive can be used to attach the first layer 3 and the second layer 5 to each other. The first layer 3 and the second layer 5 can be made of a glass fiber material embedded in a polymer. Other materials are also possible.

[0035] A sensor cluster 7 is formed, each cluster 7 including a humidity sensor 9, a temperature sensor 11, a pressure sensor 13, and a CO2 content sensor 15. These sensors are placed on the surface of the second layer 5, which defines the channel 4 when the first layer 3 is attached to the second layer 5. A suitable adhesive can be used to attach the sensors to the rotor layer. Preferably, the same adhesive used to adhere the first layer 3 to the second layer 5 is used.

[0036] Each sensor in the cluster is positioned in a dedicated channel 4, and the distance between sensors in a cluster is at most two channels. In the illustrated embodiment, sensors in a cluster are located in four adjacent channels.

[0037] Clusters 7 are also arranged at different levels along the axial direction of rotor 2. Clusters 7 arranged at the same level are preferably spaced 100 mm to 200 mm apart. In the illustrated embodiment, they are spaced 150 mm apart. At each level, clusters 7 cover the entire cross-section of rotor 2. In the disclosed embodiment, the distance between adjacent levels in the axial direction of rotor is 100 mm.

[0038] Adjacent clusters at different levels (three levels are proposed in the disclosed embodiments) are arranged such that the sensors of these clusters do not share channels. Preferably, each channel 4 of the rotor 2 is provided with no more than one sensor.

[0039] Each layer (preferably the first layer 3 formed of a flat sheet) is provided with printed leads (not shown). The sensor is connected to the printed leads on the adjacent first layer via leads extending from the corresponding sensor and passing through the second layer to which the sensor is attached. A conductive ring (not shown) may be arranged around the rotor, which is connected to the power supply and the leads, thereby energizing the sensor.

[0040] The sensors are Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with their own IP addresses. The data collected from the sensors can be used to control the operation of the desiccant dehumidifier 1, particularly control parameters such as the temperature and flow rate of the air flowing through the rotor 2 for its regeneration, as well as other parameters that may affect the rotor's operating conditions.

Claims

1. A method for producing a desiccant rotor for a desiccant dehumidifier, the desiccant rotor including a plurality of channels extending through the rotor, the method comprising the steps of: a) The rotor is constructed layer by layer, wherein at least every other layer is corrugated, thereby defining a channel between the first layer and the adjacent second layer; as well as b) Position the sensor on the surface of the first layer or the second layer, the surface of which will define the channel when the first layer is attached to the second layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following step: c) After positioning the sensor on the surface, apply an adhesive to the sensor and around it.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Step c) includes applying the adhesive to all surfaces used to define the channel or multiple channels formed between the first layer and the second layer.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, A body comprising a first layer and a second layer is formed by repeating step a), wherein the desiccant rotor is formed by the following steps: d) Provide a hub or center of rotation for the body, the body being configured to rotate about the hub or center of rotation during operation.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the following step: e) An electrical contact ring is provided on the outer periphery of the main body; and f) Provide an electrical conductor extending from the contact ring to the sensor.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following step: g) Attach a second sensor to the surface of the first or second layer, the surface defining a channel when the first sheet is attached to the second sheet, wherein the second sensor is arranged in the channel at the following locations: at a depth different from the depth at which the first sensor is disposed when viewed in the axial direction of the formed desiccant rotor; or at a distance different from the rotational center axis of the rotor.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to sense the same observable quantity.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are located in the same channel.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are located in different channels.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are disposed in different channels, and the channels are disposed at different distances from the hub or the center of rotation.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of channels extend in the axial direction of the rotor.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor or multiple sensors are sensors used to sense any one of humidity, temperature, pressure, or CO2 content or VOC (such as NMP) content.

13. A desiccant rotor including a plurality of channels extending through the rotor, the rotor including at least one first sensor attached to a surface defining one of the channels.

14. The desiccant rotor according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of channels extend in the axial direction of the rotor.

15. The desiccant rotor according to claim 13, wherein, The sensor or multiple sensors are sensors used to sense any one of humidity, temperature, pressure, or CO2 content or VOC (such as NMP) content.

16. The desiccant rotor according to claim 13, wherein, The desiccant rotor includes: a body formed by stacking a first layer and a second layer and having a hub or center of rotation, the body being configured to rotate about the hub or center of rotation during operation; an electrical contact ring located on the outer periphery of the body; and an electrical conductor extending from the contact ring to the sensor.

17. The desiccant rotor of claim 13, further comprising a second sensor attached to a surface defining one of the channels, wherein the second sensor is disposed in the channel at: a depth different from the depth at which the first sensor is disposed when viewed in the axial direction of the formed desiccant rotor; and / or at a distance different from the rotational center axis of the rotor.

18. The desiccant rotor according to claim 17, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are located in different channels.

19. The desiccant rotor of claim 13, further comprising sensor clusters, each cluster comprising at least two sensors, wherein a plurality of clusters are arranged at a first level in the axial direction of the rotor, and corresponding plurality of clusters are arranged at a second level in the axial direction of the desiccant rotor.

20. A desiccant rotor produced by the method according to claim 1.

21. A desiccant dehumidifier, comprising: The desiccant rotor according to claim 13; Control unit; A transmitter, which transmits the output of the sensor as an input to the control unit; as well as At least one of the following: a fan for forcing regenerated air through a first sector of the rotor; a heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; a fan for forcing process air through a second sector of the rotor; and a rotor drive for rotating the rotor. The control unit is configured to control the output of at least one of the following based on input from the transmitter: a fan for forcing regenerated air through a first sector of the rotor; a heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; and a fan for forcing process air through a second sector of the rotor. And the rotor drive device for rotating the rotor.

22. The desiccant dehumidifier according to claim 21, further comprising: A fan used to force regenerated air through the first sector of the rotor; A heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; A fan for forcing process air through the second sector of the rotor; and a rotor drive for rotating the rotor, wherein the control unit is configured to control the output of each of the following based on input from the transmitter: the fan for forcing regenerated air through the first sector of the rotor; the heater for heating the regenerated air before it passes through the rotor; and the fan for forcing process air through the second sector of the rotor. And the rotor drive device for rotating the rotor.

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