Partitioning device and desiccant dehumidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a zoning device (1) and a desiccant dehumidifier (6), the zoning device (1) for guiding an air flow through a desiccant wheel (4) in the desiccant dehumidifier (6), the zoning device (1) comprising: at least one sealing element (8a to 8d) resting and sealing against the desiccant wheel (4); a frame (10) configured to abut and seal the at least one sealing element (8a to 8d) against the dryer runner (4), characterized in that the frame (10) is partially detachable for replacing the at least one sealing element (8a to 8d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a partitioning device and a desiccant dehumidifier including such a partitioning device. The partitioning device includes at least one sealing element configured to rest against and seal a desiccant wheel. The partitioning device further includes a frame configured to fix the at least one sealing element in a rest and seal position at the desiccant wheel. Background Art

[0002] The partitioning device is used to direct an air flow through a desiccant wheel in a desiccant dehumidifier. A desiccant dehumidifier typically includes a dehumidifying element in the form of a wheel or rotor that holds a desiccant material and is effective in absorbing and retaining water vapor. The dehumidifier may include two sections for the desiccant wheel, namely a treatment section and a regeneration section. An air flow to be dehumidified, i.e., treatment air, will pass through the treatment section and through the desiccant wheel. The desiccant material in the rotor extracts moisture from the treatment air so that the treatment air can leave the rotor as dry air. At the same time, the desiccant material is regenerated by a regeneration air flow flowing through the regeneration section, and the desiccant wheel can always rotate slowly about the central axis of the desiccant wheel. An even more effective regeneration process can be achieved in the case where an additional air flow, i.e., a purge air flow, is used for the regeneration of the desiccant material in the rotor. The partitioning device is configured to direct the treatment air through the treatment section, direct the regeneration air through the regeneration section, and direct the purge air through one or more purge sections. The partitioning device may include a sealing element configured to abut the rotor and prevent mixing of different air flows. The regeneration air in the regeneration air flow is heated in a heater device before passing through the regeneration section of the rotor. An air fan may be configured to generate the regeneration air flow through the regeneration section. By simultaneously dehumidifying the treatment air and regenerating the desiccant material, the dehumidifier can operate continuously.

[0003] Document US2007056307 discloses an example of a dehumidifier having a desiccant wheel and a partitioning device. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The sealing element connected to the partitioning device may wear after long-term use of the desiccant dehumidifier. Replacing the sealing element may be a time-consuming process. For a dehumidifier equipped with a purge system, it may be necessary to disassemble the purge box or disassemble the rotor to gain access to the sealing element for replacement. Disassembling the purge box may require removing the silicone sealant and adding new sealant, which may be time-consuming. In addition, it may be difficult to apply sufficient silicone sealant when assembling the purge box.

[0005] Although there are known solutions in the art, there is a desire to develop a partitioning device and a desiccant dehumidifier including such a partitioning device that overcome or mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to alleviate, mitigate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and to solve at least the problems mentioned above.

[0007] These objects are achieved by the partitioning device initially defined, which further includes the feature that the frame can be partially disassembled for replacing at least one sealing element. The desiccant dehumidifier can include a housing that houses a desiccant wheel and a partitioning device for guiding an air flow through the desiccant wheel. The frame of the partitioning device can fix at least one sealing element in a predetermined position relative to an end surface of the desiccant wheel. The sealing element can be a silicone foam sealing element including a strip made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The partially detachable frame of the partitioning device will facilitate the replacement of the sealing element, which will reduce the time for the replacement process. Due to the partially detachable frame, the wheel does not need to be disassembled to gain access to the sealing element for replacement.

[0008] The partitioning device can include a first sealing element, a second sealing element, a third sealing element, and a fourth sealing element configured to rest against and seal the desiccant wheel. The frame can be partially detachable for replacing the sealing element. Three of the sealing elements can be configured to seal against the surface of the wheel for guiding a regeneration air flow through the desiccant wheel. Two of the sealing elements can be configured to seal against the surface of the wheel for guiding a purge air flow through the desiccant wheel.

[0009] The frame can include an elongated U-shaped fixing element including a pair of flanges connected by a web, wherein at least one sealing element can be configured to be fixed between the pair of flanges. The sealing element can abut against the web of the elongated U-shaped fixing element. The sealing element can be configured to extend beyond the flange such that at least one sealing element can rest against and abut the surface of the desiccant wheel through a sealing surface.

[0010] One of the flanges can be arranged at the fixing element in a removable manner. One of the flanges in each pair of flanges can be a removable flange. The first sealing element can be fixed by the first removable flange, the second sealing element can be fixed by the second removable flange, the third sealing element can be fixed by the third removable flange, and the fourth sealing element can be fixed by the fourth removable flange.

[0011] The removable flange can be connected to the housing of the desiccant dehumidifier in a removable manner. The removable flange can be connected to the housing of the desiccant dehumidifier in a removable manner. The removable flange can be connected to the housing in a removable manner via a fixing element.

[0012] The removable flange can be connected to the housing by at least one threaded screw. The removable flange can be a single metal sheet component. The first removable flange can be provided with a hole at one end, which is configured to be penetrated by the threaded screw. The wall of the housing can be provided with a threaded hole, which is configured to receive the threaded screw. The first removable flange can be provided with holes at both ends, each hole being configured to be penetrated by the threaded screw. Access to the first removable flange for removing the first removable flange from the frame can be given by a front opening in the housing.

[0013] The removable flange can include a T-shaped protrusion, and the T-shaped protrusion of the flange can be configured to be inserted into a T-shaped recess or notch arranged in the wall of the housing. The removable flange can include a T-shaped protrusion, which can be configured to be inserted into a T-shaped recess or notch arranged in the wall of the housing. The first removable flange can be provided with a hole configured to be penetrated by the threaded screw at one end and a T-shaped protrusion at the other end. The T-shaped protrusion configured to be inserted into the T-shaped recess is similar to the solution of the third aspect, such that the operator can place the attachment plate in position before adding and attaching the threaded screw.

[0014] The device can include three sealing elements for guiding the regeneration air flow through the desiccant wheel, and each sealing element can be fixed in an elongated U-shaped fixing element. The three sealing elements for guiding the regeneration air flow through the desiccant wheel can be a first sealing element, a second sealing element, and a third sealing element. These three sealing elements can prevent the regeneration air flow from mixing with the process air flow and the purge air flow.

[0015] The device can include two sealing elements for guiding the purge air flow through the desiccant wheel, and each sealing element can be fixed in an elongated U-shaped fixing element. The third sealing element and the fourth sealing element can be arranged to guide the purge air flow through the desiccant wheel. These two sealing elements can prevent the purge air flow from mixing with the process air flow and the regeneration air flow. The first sealing element, the second sealing element, and the fourth sealing element can be arranged to guide the process air flow through the desiccant wheel. These three sealing elements can prevent the process air flow from mixing with the regeneration air flow and the purge air flow. Wherever the U-shaped element is mentioned, it is intended to refer to the cross-section of the U-shaped element.

[0016] The housing may include at least one opening positioned such that the device can be accessed from the exterior of the housing for replacing at least one seal. The housing may include a plurality of doors and hatches that can be opened to gain access to components and perform maintenance on components such as the partitioning device and the desiccant wheel. The housing may include a front door configured to cover a front opening in the housing. Additionally, the housing may include a hatch located on the rear side portion of the housing that can cover a rear opening in the housing. The partitioning device can be reached through the front and rear openings.

[0017] According to a second aspect, there is provided a desiccant dehumidifier including the partitioning device as mentioned herein. In such a desiccant dehumidifier, the frame of the partitioning device for replacing the sealing element may be partially removable for replacing at least one sealing element. The housing may include at least one opening positioned such that the device can be accessed from the exterior of the housing for replacing at least one seal. The housing may include a plurality of doors and hatches that can be opened to gain access to components and perform maintenance on components such as the partitioning device and the desiccant wheel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above objects, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following illustrative and non - limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of a desiccant dehumidifier according to an example is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A front view of a partitioning device according to an example is schematically illustrated;

[0021] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Schematically illustrate a partitioning device according to Figure 4 in the presence of a sealing element and in the case where the sealing element is removed, respectively;

[0022] Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of a first removable flange of the frame of a partitioning device according to an example is shown;

[0023] Figure 8 A detailed perspective view of a second removable flange of the frame of a partitioning device according to an example is shown;

[0024] Figure 9 A detailed perspective view of a third removable flange of the frame of a partitioning device according to an example is shown;

[0025] Figure 10 A detailed perspective view of a fourth removable flange of the frame of the partitioning device according to an example is shown; and

[0026] Figures 11 to 14 Steps for removing the first removable flange to replace the first sealing element are schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of a desiccant dehumidifier 6 according to an example is shown. The desiccant dehumidifier 6 includes a housing 3 that houses a desiccant wheel 4 and a partitioning device 1 for guiding air flows 2a to 2c through the desiccant wheel 4. The housing 3 includes a front door 5 and a hatch 7, and the front door 5 and the hatch 7 can be opened for performing maintenance on components such as the partitioning device 1 and the desiccant wheel 4. Figure 1 How the front door 5 of the housing 3 is opened is shown. The front door 5 is configured to cover a front opening 9 in the housing. Figure 2 How the hatch 7 on the rear side portion 12 of the housing 3 is opened is shown. The hatch 7 is configured to cover a rear opening 14 in the housing 3. Figure 3 How the front door 5 is opened and removed for accessing components of the partitioning device 1 and the desiccant wheel 4 through the front opening 9 is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A front view of a partitioning device 1 according to an example is schematically illustrated. The partitioning device 1 includes a first sealing element 8a, a second sealing element 8b, a third sealing element 8c, and a fourth sealing element 8d. The partitioning device 1 further includes a frame 10 that is configured to fix the sealing elements 8a to 8d in a resting and sealing position at the desiccant wheel 4 ( Figure 3 ). The frame 10 is partially removable for replacing the sealing elements 8a to 8d. Three of the sealing elements 8a, 8b, and 8c are configured to seal against a surface 16 of the wheel 4 ( Figure 3 ) for guiding a regeneration air flow 2a through the desiccant wheel 4. Two of the sealing elements 8b and 8d are configured to seal against the surface 16 of the wheel 4 for guiding a purge air flow 2b through the desiccant wheel 4. The frame 10 is disposed in the housing 3 of the desiccant dehumidifier 6. The partitioning device 1 is further configured to guide a process air flow 2c through a process section 11c, guide a regeneration air flow 2a through a regeneration section 11a, and guide a purge air flow 2b through a purge section 11c.

[0029] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Schematically illustrate, respectively, the case with the sealing elements 8a to 8d and the case where the sealing elements 8a to 8d are removed, according to Figure 4Perspective view of the partitioning device 1. The frame 10 includes an elongated U-shaped fixing element 18, and the U-shaped fixing element 18 is provided with a pair of flanges 20 connected by a web 21. The sealing elements 8a to 8d are configured to be fixed between the pair of flanges 20, wherein one of the flanges in each pair of flanges 20 of the U-shaped fixing element 18 is a removable flange 20a to 20d, and the removable flanges 20a to 20d can be disconnected from the U-shaped fixing element 18 and removed from the U-shaped fixing element 18. The first sealing element 8a is fixed by the first removable flange 20a, the second sealing element 8b is fixed by the second removable flange 20b, the third sealing element 8c is fixed by the third removable flange 20c, and the fourth sealing element 8d is fixed by the fourth removable flange 20d. The removable flanges 20a to 20c are removably connected to the housing 3 of the desiccant dehumidifier 6. In Figure 5 , the removable flanges 20a to 20d are mounted to the housing 3, and the sealing elements 8a to 8d are fixed between the corresponding pair of flanges 20. In Figure 6 , the removable flanges 20a to 20d have been removed, and the sealing elements 8a to 8d have been removed.

[0030] Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of the first removable flange 20a of the frame 10 of the partitioning device 1 according to the example is shown. The first removable flange 20a is connected to the housing 3 by a first threaded screw 22a. The first removable flange 20a includes a T-shaped protrusion 24 configured to be inserted into a T-shaped recess 26 or notch provided in the wall 28 of the housing 3. The first removable flange 20a is provided with a first hole 30a configured to be penetrated by the first threaded screw 22a at one end, and a T-shaped protrusion 24 at the other end. The wall 28 of the housing 3 is provided with a first threaded hole 32a configured to receive the first threaded screw 22a. Access to the first removable flange 20a for removing the first removable flange 20a from the frame 10 is provided by a front opening 9 in the housing 3 ( Figure 1 ). Figure 7 The surface 16 of the first sealing element 8a and the desiccant wheel 4 is also shown in

[0031] Figure 8 A detailed perspective view of the second removable flange 20b of the frame 10 of the partitioning device 1 according to the example is shown. The second removable flange 20b is provided with a second hole 30b to be penetrated by a second threaded screw 22b at one end. A second threaded hole 32b in the housing 3 is configured to receive the second threaded screw 22b. Access to the second removable flange 20b for removing the second removable flange 20b from the frame is provided by a rear opening 14 in the housing 3 ( Figure 2 ).

[0032] Figure 9 A detailed perspective view of the third removable flange 20c of the frame 10 of the partitioning device 1 according to the example is shown. The third removable flange 20c is configured to secure the third sealing element 8c such that the third sealing element 8c abuts against the first removable flange 20a and the second removable flange 20b. The third sealing element 8c, together with the first sealing element 8a and the second sealing element 8b, can prevent the recirculation air flow 2a from leaking into the process air flow 2c.

[0033] Figure 10 A detailed perspective view of the fourth removable flange 20d of the frame 10 of the partitioning device 1 according to the example is shown. The fourth removable flange 20d is provided with a third hole 30c and a fourth hole 30d at two ends respectively. The third hole 30c is configured to be penetrated by a third threaded screw 22c. The fourth hole 30d is configured to be penetrated by a fourth threaded screw 22d. The third threaded hole 32c and the fourth threaded hole 32d in the housing 3 are configured to receive the third threaded screw 22c and the fourth threaded screw 22d respectively. Access to the fourth removable flange 20d for removing the fourth removable flange 20d from the frame 10 is provided by a rear opening 14 in the housing 3 ( Figure 2 ).

[0034] Figures 11 to 14 Schematically illustrates the steps for removing the first removable flange 20a to replace the first sealing element 8a. In Figure 11 , the front door 5 has been opened, and the first threaded screw 22a that clamps and secures the first removable flange 20a to the housing 3 has been removed. The T-shaped protrusion 24 of the housing 3 is still arranged in the T-shaped recess 26 arranged in the housing 3. In Figure 12 , the first removable flange 20a has been shifted downward such that the T-shaped protrusion 24 has been shifted in the T-shaped recess 26. In this position, the T-shaped protrusion 24 is allowed to move out of the T-shaped recess 26. Due to the removal of the first threaded screw 22a, the downward shift of the first removable flange 20a is allowed. In Figure 13 , the first removable flange 20a has been shifted in the direction away from the housing 3 and the position of the T-shaped recess 26 in the housing 3 such that the T-shaped protrusion 24 has moved out of the T-shaped recess 26. From this position, the first removable flange 22a can be removed from the frame 10 such that the first sealing element 8a is exposed and can be replaced. In Figure 14 , the first removable flange 20a has been removed such that the first sealing element 8a is exposed and can be replaced. The first removable flange 20a can be removed from the housing 3 through the front opening 9 from the position shown in Figure 14 . In addition, the replacement of the first sealing element 8a can be performed through the front opening 9. After the first seal 8a has been replaced, the first removable flange 20a is installed on the frame 10 and the housing in a manner opposite to the above description.

[0035] Wherever the U-shaped element is mentioned, it is intended to refer to the cross-section of the U-shaped element.

Claims

1. A partitioning device (1) for directing an air flow through a desiccant wheel (4) in a desiccant dehumidifier (6), the partitioning device (1) comprising: at least one sealing element (8a to 8d) configured to rest and seal against the desiccant wheel (4); and A frame (10) configured to fix the at least one sealing element (8a to 8d) in a resting and sealing position on the desiccant wheel (4), characterized in that The frame (10) is partially removable for replacing the at least one sealing element (8a to 8d).

2. The partitioning device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame comprises an elongated U-shaped fixing element, the fixing element comprising a pair of flanges (20) connected by a web (21), wherein the at least one sealing element (8a to 8d) is configured to be fixed between the pair of flanges (20).

3. The partitioning device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the pair of flanges (20) is a removable flange (20a to 20d) which is removably arranged at the fixing element (18).

4. The partitioning device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The removable flange (20a to 20d) is removably connected to the housing (3) of the desiccant dehumidifier (6).

5. The partitioning device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The removable flange (20a to 20d) is connected to the housing (3) by at least one threaded screw (22a to 22d).

6. The partitioning device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The removable flange (20a to 20d) includes a T-shaped protrusion (24), and the T-shaped protrusion (24) of the removable flange (20a to 20d) is configured to be inserted into a T-shaped recess (26) or cutout arranged in a wall (28) of the housing (3).

7. The partitioning device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The partitioning device (1) comprises three sealing elements for guiding the regeneration air flow (2a) through the desiccant wheel (4), each sealing element being fixed in an elongated U-shaped fixing element (18).

8. The partitioning device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The partitioning device (1) comprises two sealing elements for guiding a purge air flow (2b) through the desiccant wheel (4), each sealing element being fixed in an elongated U-shaped fixing element (18).

9. The partitioning device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing (3) comprises at least one opening (9, 14) positioned such that the partitioning device (1) is accessible from outside the housing (3) for replacement of the at least one sealing element (8a to 8d).

10. A desiccant dehumidifier (6), characterized in that: The desiccant dehumidifier (6) comprises a partitioning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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