System and method for controlling the temperature and water content of airflow

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for controlling the temperature and humidity of an air stream, the method comprising receiving parameters indicative of the temperature and moisture content of the air stream in a downstream section and the temperature and moisture content of a medium in the system, further determining in a processing circuit a desired temperature change and a desired moisture content change of a first medium as a first function f1 based on the received parameters and based on a second function defining a relationship between air temperature and air moisture content as co-dependent variables, and further generating first and second control signals configured to apply the desired temperature change and the desired moisture content change to the first medium. The present invention also relates to a corresponding system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for controlling the temperature and water content of an airflow using a contact device for transferring thermal energy and water vapor between a first medium and the airflow. The present invention also relates to a computer implementation method for controlling the temperature and water content of an airflow. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the most important challenges today is climate change. Furthermore, buildings account for approximately 40% of the world's total energy consumption, primarily for climate control in indoor spaces.

[0003] Generally, when climate control is implemented, the parameters of the air being controlled are temperature and relative humidity, or the amount of water in the air. While various conventional systems are known to be able to change the temperature and moisture content of indoor air, such systems are generally expensive both in terms of purchase and installation, as well as in terms of the amount of energy they consume while operating. In many parts of the world, climate control is always needed because the temperature is outside the desired range for buildings such as homes and offices. Furthermore, the air can be too humid, or it can have rapidly changing humidity levels that must be controlled.

[0004] However, well-known systems have serious drawbacks. In some cases, well-known systems cannot control both the temperature and moisture content of the air in both directions; that is, they cannot both increase and decrease the temperature and relative humidity of the air. This limits the applications of well-known systems, especially in areas where ambient conditions change over time, requiring various operating modes to achieve a stable indoor environment. Furthermore, many systems operate by controlling humidity and temperature in two separate steps, so that the humidity of the air is controlled in the first step and the temperature in the second step. This is highly inefficient, as controlling humidity is generally done by cooling the air so that water condenses, and then reheating the air to reach the desired indoor temperature. Increasing humidity in this way is also impossible, further limiting the applications of such systems.

[0005] Some prior art systems in this field include US9518765B2 (Laughman), EP2971993B1 (Gerber), and JPH11132593A (Tanimotor).

[0006] The well-known document US10222078B2(Ma) acknowledges these problems and attempts to overcome them by changing relative humidity and temperature in a single step to avoid cooling and reheating of the air. However, US10222078B2(Ma) provides no explanation of how the problems can be solved and is vague about how the system actually works. There are no well-known inputs to the system that can provide information on any internal or external parameters of the system, nor is there any actual teaching on how the problems are solved. Therefore, a person skilled in the art cannot actually construct the system shown in US10222078B2(Ma), nor can they operate any well-known system that controls both the temperature and humidity or moisture content of indoor air to achieve energy-efficient and reliable climate control. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods that overcome these shortcomings and achieve improved temperature and moisture content control for airflow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to eliminate, or at least minimize, the problems discussed above. This is achieved by the system and computer implementation method for controlling the temperature and water content of an airflow, as described in the appended independent claims.

[0009] The system according to the present invention is A contact device for transferring thermal energy and water vapor between a medium and an airflow through a contact device, the contact device being configured to enable contact between the medium and the airflow through which thermal energy and water vapor are transferred, A first control device for controlling the water content of the medium, A second control device for controlling the temperature of the medium and Equipped with, The contact device, the first control device, and the second control device are connected so that a medium can flow through a loop that includes the contact device, the first control device, and the second control device.

[0010] The system further comprises processing circuits configured to control a first control device and a second control device, and the system also, Water content parameter of the medium wc medium A first sensor configured to measure and send a signal indicating a medium water content parameter to a processing circuit, wherein the medium water content parameter is a parameter indicating the amount of water in the medium, The temperature of the medium T mediumA second sensor configured to measure and send a signal indicating temperature to a processing circuit, the air temperature T of the air flow air A third sensor configured to measure and send a signal indicating air temperature to a processing circuit, the air water content parameter wc of the air flow air A fourth sensor configured to measure and send a signal indicating the air water content parameter to a processing circuit, wherein the air water content parameter is a parameter indicating the amount of water in the air flow, comprising The third sensor and the fourth sensor are configured to measure the air temperature and the air water content in a downstream section, which is a section through which the air flow passes after flowing through the contact device.

[0011] Furthermore, the processing circuit receives a first input signal including the medium water content parameter wc medium from the first sensor, receives a second input signal including the measured medium temperature T medium from the second sensor, receives a third input signal including the measured air temperature T air from the third sensor, receives a fourth input signal including the measured air water content parameter wc air from the fourth sensor, Based on the received parameters, the desired temperature change T of the medium change , the desired water content change wc change is obtained as a first function f1 (T change ,wc change ) = f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air )) wherein in the above formula, the second function f2(T air ,wc air ) is related to the air temperature T air and the air water content wc airThe relationship between temperature T air and air moisture content wc air Define them as codependent variables such that a change in one value affects the other value. The airflow through the contact device comes into contact with the medium inside the contact device and reaches a predetermined temperature setpoint T set and predetermined water content setting value wc set To approach the desired temperature change T change and desired water content change wc change What is required, what is required and It is configured to control the temperature and moisture content of the airflow passing through the contact device.

[0012] Furthermore, the processing circuit is, The water content of the medium is the water content parameter wc medium From the value, the desired change in water content f(wc medium ,wc change The first control device controls the water content change wc so that only the water content change wc changes. change A first control signal is generated that is configured to apply to the medium, Medium temperature is measured medium temperature T medium From the desired temperature change f(T) medium ,T change The second control device controls the temperature change T so that only that change occurs. change Generate a second control signal configured to apply to the medium. It is configured in this way.

[0013] The system has the advantage of being configured to simultaneously regulate both the temperature and moisture content of the airflow in an energy-efficient and thus cost-effective manner. A particular benefit is that the processing circuit is configured to use sensor inputs and a second function that defines the relationship between temperature and moisture content, so that the desired temperature and moisture content changes of the medium can be determined to move the airflow temperature and moisture content values ​​toward set values.

[0014] Ideally, the processing circuit should be: The system repeatedly receives the first input signal, the second input signal, the third input signal, and the fourth input signal. Update the first function f1, The first control signal and the second control signal are updated based on the updated first function f1. It is further configured in this way.

[0015] This allows the processing circuit to iteratively apply desired temperature and moisture content changes to the medium using feedback to bring the air moisture content and temperature closer to set values.

[0016] Furthermore, the system is appropriately configured to send a first control signal to a first control device and to change the water content of the medium in the first control device in response to the first control signal. Furthermore, the system is appropriately configured to send a second control signal to a second control device and to change the temperature of the medium in the second control device in response to the second control signal. This allows the desired temperature and water content changes to be applied to the medium efficiently and conveniently in order to control the temperature and water content of the airflow.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system also, Upstream temperature T of the airflow upstream A fifth sensor is configured to measure and send a signal indicating the temperature to a processing circuit, Airflow upstream air moisture content parameter wc upstream A sixth sensor configured to measure and send a signal indicating the upstream air moisture content to a processing circuit, wherein the upstream air moisture content parameter is a parameter indicating the amount of water in the airflow, and Equipped with, The fifth and sixth sensors are configured to measure the upstream air temperature and the upstream air moisture content within the upstream section, the upstream section being the section through which the airflow passes before flowing through the contact device.

[0018] In such an embodiment, the processing circuit is Temperature T on the upstream side of measurementupstream A fifth input signal, including the above, is received from the fifth sensor. Measured upstream air moisture content wc upstream A sixth input signal, including the above, is received from the sixth sensor. First function f1: (T change ,wc change )=f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air ),T upstream ,wc upstream ) It is further configured to seek.

[0019] This allows for taking into account the current values ​​of temperature and moisture content in the airflow input, and as a result, the changes determined for the medium are more suitable for bringing the airflow closer to the set value in a rapid and energy-efficient manner.

[0020] The processing circuit may be further configured to determine a first function f1 based on the received parameters, and further based on at least one contact device parameter cd of the contact device, as follows: (T change ,wc change )=f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air ),cd)

[0021] This allows us to take into account the characteristics of the contact device in order to determine the changes in the medium that can move the airflow towards a set value.

[0022] Ideally, one contact device parameter cd is the airflow or mass flow rate of the medium through the contact device. Additionally, another contact device parameter cd may be the back pressure. Using one or both of these contact device parameters improves the determination of the change in medium that can move the airflow toward a setpoint.

[0023] Furthermore, the first control device may appropriately include a buffer, the buffer containing the volume of the medium. Changing the water content of the medium then appropriately includes adding water to the buffer and / or removing water from the buffer by regenerating a portion of the volume. This allows the water content of the medium to be conveniently changed. By adjusting the amount of medium regenerated, the water content can be reduced at a desired rate. Conversely, by adjusting the amount of water added to the buffer, the water content can be increased at a desired rate.

[0024] Ideally, the second control device includes a heat exchanger, which allows the temperature of the medium to be changed efficiently and in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner as the medium passes through the heat exchanger.

[0025] Furthermore, the first sensor is located downstream of the second control device in the loop but upstream of the contact device, and measures the water content parameter of the medium wc medium It is positioned appropriately to measure the moisture content of the medium immediately before it comes into contact with the airflow. This provides information on the moisture content of the medium downstream of the first control device so that any newly applied changes to the moisture content can be measured.

[0026] Furthermore, the second sensor is located downstream of the second control device in the loop but upstream of the contact device, and measures the temperature T of the medium. medium It is positioned appropriately to measure the temperature of the medium after it has passed through a second control device, so that the temperature of the medium immediately before it comes into contact with the airflow in the contact device is known.

[0027] Furthermore, the system controls the temperature of the medium T medium or the water content parameter of the medium wc medium The loop may appropriately include at least one additional sensor configured to measure the medium temperature T in another part of the loop, following the first or second sensor. medium or the water content parameter of the medium wc medium The system is configured to measure the water content and / or temperature of the medium, so that these can be measured immediately downstream of the contact device or between the first and second control devices. Measuring the temperature and / or water content before the medium reaches the first control device is of particular interest, as it provides information about how these parameters of the medium have changed due to the interaction between the medium and the airflow within the contact device. These changes can be determined by comparing the water content and / or temperature measured by the first and / or second sensors with the water content and / or temperature measured by the additional sensor, providing information about how much thermal energy has passed between the medium and the airflow, and / or how much water vapor has passed between them.

[0028] The processing circuit may be further configured to determine a first function f1 using at least one proportional-integral-derivative controller PID. This is a convenient and very suitable way to determine the first function so that the temperature and water content of the medium are efficiently controlled. In some embodiments, one PID may be used to determine a desired temperature change and a second control signal, while another PID may be used to determine a desired water content change and a first control signal. If multiple PIDs are used, they can all be appropriately configured to have appropriate access to the second function and to communicate with each other so that information can be transmitted between them.

[0029] In some embodiments, the processing circuit may instead be configured to use a linear quadratic regulator LQR to determine the first function f1. The LQR is an optimal state feedback controller intended to minimize the cost described by the quadratic function. This suggests the elimination of errors with minimal controller effort, which is advantageous in realizing a reliable and convenient method for determining the first function and the first and second control signals.

[0030] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the processing circuit is instead configured to determine a first function f1 using model predictive control (MPC). The predictive elements of the controller can predict changes in the system operating point, allowing the system to prepare to eliminate disturbances before they occur. This is advantageous in achieving efficient control of airflow temperature and moisture content while minimizing the effects of potential disturbances.

[0031] The appropriate contact device is an evaporator pad. This allows for a cost-effective contact device that has the properties to maximize the surface area so that contact between the medium and the airflow can be achieved conveniently and reliably, and so that thermal energy and water vapor can be efficiently transferred. The evaporator pad also has the advantage of taking in particles from the airflow so that the air is filtered and purified.

[0032] Alternatively, the contact device could be a liquid-air film energy exchanger (LAMEE). This is advantageous in achieving efficient transfer of thermal energy and water vapor while preventing droplets of the medium from entering the airflow and being removed from the contact device through the air outlet.

[0033] Ideally, the medium is a salt such as calcium chloride (CaCl2), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), or potassium sulfate (K2SO4). This is advantageous in ensuring excellent transfer of thermal energy and water vapor between the airflow and the medium.

[0034] Furthermore, the first sensor measures the vapor pressure of the medium to obtain the medium water content parameter wc medium It is appropriately configured to measure [something], thereby allowing the water content to be conveniently determined.

[0035] The present invention also includes a computer implementation method for controlling the temperature and humidity of an airflow in a system comprising: a contact device for transferring thermal energy and water vapor between a medium and an airflow through a contact device, the contact device configured to enable contact between the medium and the airflow through which thermal energy and water vapor are transferred; a first control device for controlling the water content of the medium; a second control device for controlling the temperature of the medium; and a processing circuit configured to control the first and second control devices, wherein the contact device, the first control device, and the second control device are connected so that the medium can flow through a loop including the contact device, the first control device, and the second control device. The processing circuit receives a first input signal from a first sensor, wherein the first input signal is a measurement medium water content parameter wc that indicates the water content of the medium. medium Including receiving, The processing circuit receives a second input signal from a second sensor, wherein the second input signal is a measurement medium temperature T indicating the temperature of the medium. medium Including receiving, The processing circuit receives a third input signal from a third sensor, wherein the third input signal is a measured temperature T indicating the temperature of the airflow in the downstream section of the system. air The downstream section is the section through which the airflow passes after it has flowed through the contact device, and the receipt of The processing circuit receives a fourth input signal from a fourth sensor, wherein the fourth input signal is a measured air moisture content parameter wc that indicates the amount of water in the airflow in the downstream section of the system. air Including receiving, Using a processing circuit, the desired temperature change T of the medium is determined based on the received parameters. changeand a desired water content change wc change as a first function f1 (T change , wc change ) = f1(T medium , wc medium , T air , wc air , f2(T air , wc air )) is obtained as, where the second function f2(T air , wc air ) in the above formula defines the relationship between the air temperature T air and the air water content wc air as co-dependent variables such that a change in one value of the air temperature T air and the air water content wc air affects the other value, the desired temperature change T set and the desired water content change wc set are obtained such that the airflow flowing through the contact device approaches a predetermined temperature setting value T change and a predetermined water content setting value wc change through contact with the medium in the contact device, and includes.

[0036] Furthermore, the method includes using a processing circuit to generate a first control signal C1 configured to cause a first control device to apply a water content change wc medium to the medium such that the medium water content changes by a desired water content change f(wc medium , wc from the value of the medium water content parameter wc change ), change and using a processing circuit to generate a second control signal C2 configured to cause a second control device to apply a temperature change T to the medium such that the medium temperature changes by a desired temperature change f(T medium , T medium , T change ) from the measured medium temperature T change , and includes.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method also The processing circuit repeatedly receives the first input signal, the second input signal, the third input signal, and the fourth input signal, The process involves updating the first function f1 using a processing circuit, Using a processing circuit, the first control signal and the second control signal are updated based on the updated first function f1. This also includes.

[0038] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the method is Sending a first control signal to a first control device, wherein the first control device is configured to change the water content of the medium, In response to the first control signal, the water content of the medium is changed. Includes.

[0039] Furthermore, the method is, Sending a second control signal to a second control device, wherein the second control device is configured to change the medium temperature of the medium, In response to the second control signal, the medium temperature is changed. It may appropriately include...

[0040] Furthermore, the method is, In the processing circuit, the upstream temperature T of the airflow upstream Receiving a fifth input signal from a fifth sensor configured to measure the upstream temperature T upstream Including receiving, In the processing circuit, the upstream air moisture content parameter wc upstream Receiving a sixth input signal from a sixth sensor configured to measure the upstream air moisture content parameter wc upstream Including receiving, Based on the received parameters, the first function f1 (T change ,wc change )=f1(Tmedium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air ),T upstream ,wc upstream ) What to seek and It may include.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method also Based on the received parameters and at least one predetermined contact device parameter cd of the contact device, a first function f1 is calculated. (T change ,wc change )=f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air ),cd) To request Includes.

[0042] Appropriately, the method may involve finding a first function f1 using at least one proportional-integral-derivative controller PID.

[0043] Alternatively, the method involves instead using a linear quadratic tuner LQR to find the first function f1.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method instead involves using model predictive control (MPC) to find the first function f1.

[0045] These various features of the method achieve the advantages pointed out above with reference to corresponding embodiments of the system of the present invention.

[0046] In light of the following detailed description, those skilled in the art will readily understand the many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention.

[0047] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically disclosing a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically disclosing a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 schematically discloses the input and output of the processing circuit of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram disclosing the equations that form the second function in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram disclosing the first graph showing the results of Example 1 of the usage case. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram disclosing a second graph showing the results of Example 2 of the usage case. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] All figures are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Generally, only the parts necessary to illustrate each embodiment are shown, while other parts are omitted or only suggested. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference numbers appearing in multiple drawings refer to the same object or feature throughout the drawings.

[0050] introduction The aspects of this disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the methods and systems disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Similar numbering in the drawings refers to similar elements throughout.

[0051] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific aspects of this disclosure and do not limit the invention. In this specification, unless the context expressly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also include the plural forms.

[0052] The embodiments presented herein can be used to control the temperature and moisture content of airflow in any real-world environment, and there are numerous application areas that may benefit from the solutions presented herein. However, the inventors assume that the greatest advantage of the embodiments presented herein lies in their use in climate control systems for indoor spaces where the temperature and humidity or moisture content of airflow should be controlled to reach a set value. An important understanding that plays a fundamental role in the invention is that the temperature and moisture content of a medium, such as air, are codependent variables, where a change in the value of one variable also causes a change in the value of the other. Changing the temperature of a medium, such as airflow, by heating or cooling affects the relative humidity of the airflow, while changing the moisture content of air by humidifying or dehumidifying is an endothermic or exothermic process and affects the temperature. By determining the desired temperature and moisture content of a medium based on both a measurement parameter and a second function defining the relationship between the temperature and moisture content of the air, the control of these parameters is significantly improved compared to prior art solutions.

[0053] Embodiments of the methods, systems, and computer program products disclosed herein can be used in any environment and can be adapted to a particular purpose by configuring the system to measure desired parameters in various parts of the system and using such measurements as inputs, and further by having a processing circuit determine a first function based on such inputs, the characteristics of the system, and any other input data provided within the methods, systems, and computer program products. Thereafter, the disclosed solutions can be adapted to contribute to any suitable purpose requiring highly individualized control of airflow temperature and moisture content.

[0054] As used herein, the term "water content" should be understood to refer to the amount of water present in a fluid, such as a gas or liquid. Water content should be understood as the amount of water molecules present in a fluid.

[0055] Therefore, the water content parameter refers to a parameter of the fluid that indicates the presence of water molecules in the fluid. In gases such as air, the water content parameter may be relative humidity expressed as a percentage, but alternatively, it may be another property that can be measured and provide information about the water content in the fluid. In liquids such as the medium used in the system of the present invention, the water content parameter may be the vapor pressure of the liquid obtained at any point in the system, but alternatively, it may be another property that can be measured and provide information about the water content in the liquid. Examples of such properties include the density or conductivity of the liquid. It should also be noted that, regardless of the property being measured, the processing circuit may be configured to perform any operations to convert the measurement into any desired form suitable for further processing in the system to determine the first function.

[0056] The term "operably connected" should be understood as one component being connected to another component in such a way that one component can influence the other in some manner, or that matter or signals can be passed from one to the other. Thus, an operable connection may include a conduit or a wire connection through which electric current can flow, but alternatively, it may be a wireless connection through which a transmitter in one component can send a signal that is received by a receiver in the other component.

[0057] When the term “parameter” is used herein, it should be understood to mean both properties that can be detected and / or measured on their own, such as temperature or temperature value, and properties that can be determined based on detection and / or measurement, such as moisture content that can be determined based on measured relative humidity or measured vapor pressure. “Parameter” should also be understood to mean known properties, as well as measured or detected properties and / or determined properties. An example of a known contact device parameter that may be given by the manufacturer of the contact device is the inclination angle of the grooves in the pad of the contact device. An example of a measured or detected parameter is the thickness of the pad, and an example of a parameter that can be determined based on a measured or detected parameter is a function of the air velocity in the contact device, which is the contact device parameter α that can be determined based on a measured value of the air velocity. For ease of understanding, the system architecture is described first, followed by a more detailed description of method embodiments and other embodiments that enable the present invention. Subsequently, several non-limiting purposes or fields of application in which the present invention is particularly useful are described in the Use Cases section.

[0058] System Architecture Figure 1 discloses a system 1 for controlling the temperature and water content of an airflow, which includes a contact device 10 through which an airflow A passes to come into contact with a medium M flowing within the system 1. In the contact device 10, thermal energy and water vapor are transferred between the airflow A and the medium M, which controls the temperature setpoint T set and water content setting value wc set The function is to control the temperature of airflow A so that it approaches, or preferably reaches or maintains, a certain temperature. The contact device 10 is configured to allow contact between the medium and the airflow, which is achieved by a contact device comprising a flow of medium M and a conduit or passage for airflow A, arranged so that airflow A comes into contact with medium M, thereby allowing thermal energy and water vapor to be transferred from airflow A to medium M and from medium M to airflow A.

[0059] Airflow A is delivered to the contact device 10 in any suitable manner, including providing a conduit configured to transfer airflow A to the contact device 10, or locating the contact device 10 in a space such as a room in which air can circulate or move to form airflow A. In some embodiments, mechanical ventilation in the form of a fan may be provided to create a steady airflow A to the contact device 10, while in other embodiments, natural ventilation may be used instead, with air moving through the space or conduit in a passive flow.

[0060] In the first embodiment, medium M is a salt that acts as medium M and has suitable properties for transferring thermal energy and water vapor to and from airflow A. Examples or suitable mediums are calcium chloride (CaCl2), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and potassium sulfate (K2SO4), each of which is very suitable for use with the present invention. Other salts that should also be very suitable are sodium formate (NaCOOH), potassium acetate (KC2H3O2), potassium formate (KCOOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), lithium chloride (LiCl), and magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2). However, in some embodiments, other mediums may also be suitable as long as they can transfer thermal energy and water and can transfer thermal energy and water vapor to and from airflow A.

[0061] The contact device 10 may be an evaporation pad or a liquid-air film energy exchanger LAMEE, as described in the use cases below, and optionally, the contact device 10 may also be any other type, as long as it enables thermal contact and mass transport contact between the airflow A and the medium M, and as a result, thermal energy and water molecules in the form of water vapor can be transferred from one to the other.

[0062] In the contact device 10, the airflow A flows perpendicular to the medium M in this preferred embodiment, i.e., the flow of airflow A is at 90° to the flow of medium M. The angle between the flow of airflow A and the flow of medium M may differ slightly but can still be considered perpendicular; therefore, the term “perpendicular” in this context should be understood as 80–100°, preferably 85–95°, and even more preferably 87–93°. In another embodiment, the flow of airflow A and the flow of medium M may be parallel or merge at a different angle. Determining what is suitable for a particular application of the system is based on thermodynamic principles as well as mechanical and technical considerations of how the system may be constructed. System 1 includes a loop 50 in which the medium M can flow from the contact device 10 to the first control device 20, toward the second control device 30, and further toward the contact device 10, thus allowing the medium to circulate. Alternatively, the first control device 20 may be called a water content control device 20 and is configured to change the water content of the medium M when the medium M is inside the first control device 20 in response to a first control signal C1. The fact that the first control device 20 is configured to change the water content in response to a first control signal C1 is also referred to as water content change wc change This can be defined as applying the water content of a medium M by injecting water into a container or conduit in which the medium M is held or transported, or by adding a quantity of medium M having a smaller water content than the medium M already present in the conduit or container, thereby reducing the water content by reducing the combined water content of the added medium M and the already present medium M. One particularly useful embodiment of the first control device 20 is disclosed and discussed below with reference to Figure 2, and another embodiment is given and discussed further below in the use examples.

[0063] It is advantageous for loop 50 to have the first control device 20 upstream of the second control device 30 so that the medium M only needs to travel a short distance within loop 50 after being heated, in order to retain thermal energy within the medium M and avoid cooling that occurs within the conduit of loop 50. However, in some embodiments, the second control device 30 may instead be located upstream of the first control device 20, which may be particularly advantageous in embodiments where the buffer is small and therefore the total amount of medium M in system 1 is not much greater than the amount circulating within loop 50 at a given time. After passing through the first control device 20, the medium M reaches the second control device 30, which may be represented as a thermal energy control device 30, and which regulates the temperature of the medium M by heating or cooling it as it passes through the second control device 30 in response to a second control signal C2. The fact that the second control device 30 is configured to change the temperature of the medium M in response to a second control signal C2 also means that the temperature change T change This can be defined as applying thermal energy. This can be done by adding thermal energy through heating the conduit or container in which the medium M is present, or by removing thermal energy through cooling the conduit or container. A particularly useful embodiment of the second control device is given below with reference to Figure 2, and another embodiment is given and discussed in the following use case section.

[0064] From the second control device 30, the medium M is passed to the contact device 10, where the medium M comes into contact with the airflow A to transfer thermal energy and water vapor.

[0065] System 1 further comprises a plurality of sensors S1, S2, S3, S4 for measuring the water content and temperature in the medium M and airflow A, and System 1 also receives input signals from the sensors S1, S2, S3, S4 and a desired change in water content wc change and the desired temperature change T changeThe system also includes a processing circuit 40 configured to determine the first function f1 of the sensor input, and further, a second function f2 that defines the relationship between the water content and temperature of airflow A as a codependent variable. The steps performed by the processing circuit will be described in detail in the following section on method embodiments.

[0066] The sensor measures the water content parameter of the medium, wc. medium The system includes a first sensor S1 configured to measure the media water content parameter wc and send a signal indicating the media water content parameter to a processing circuit 40. medium wc is a parameter indicating the amount of water in the medium, and in the first embodiment, it is appropriately measured as the vapor pressure of the medium M. In another embodiment, alternatively, this parameter may be measured as the conductivity or density of the medium M. In the first embodiment, the first sensor S1 is located in the system 1, downstream of the second control device 30 in the loop 50 but upstream of the contact device 10, and measures the medium water content parameter wc medium It is arranged so that the water content of the medium M can be measured. This has the advantage that the water content of the medium M will be known immediately before the medium M enters the contact device 10.

[0067] The sensor also detects the medium temperature T medium The system also includes a second sensor S2 configured to measure the temperature and send a signal indicating the temperature to a processing circuit. In the first embodiment, the second sensor S2 is also located upstream of the contact device 10 and downstream of the second control device 30 within the system 1, i.e., between the second control device 30 and the contact device 10 in the loop 50, so that the temperature of the medium M can be measured immediately before the medium M enters the contact device 10. This is advantageous because the temperature of the medium M is known immediately before the medium M enters the contact device 10.

[0068] In some embodiments, alternatively, the first sensor S1 and / or the second sensor S2 may be located in another part of the loop 50, and further together with the first control device 20 or the second control device 30, or any optional component located within the system 1 through which the medium M flows. In some embodiments, the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 may be integrated to form a single component.

[0069] System 1 also controls the temperature T of the airflow. air The system also includes a third sensor S3 configured to measure the temperature and send a signal indicating the temperature to a processing circuit 40. The third sensor S3 is positioned in the downstream section D through which the airflow A passes after passing the contact device 1, so that the temperature is measured after the airflow comes into contact with the medium M. By measuring downstream of the contact device 10, i.e., after the airflow A comes into contact with the medium M, the system can determine how the temperature T is measured when the airflow comes into contact with the medium M. air Set value T set Information can be obtained on whether it was possible to move towards it. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the processing circuit 40 measures the temperature T air and temperature set value T set The circuit is configured to find an error function that includes the following: The processing circuit 40 then calculates the error function so that the error function is minimized, i.e., the actual temperature T of the airflow measured by the third sensor. air The temperature set value T set Approaching, and furthermore, the temperature setting value T set The first function f1 can be configured to find such a value. In some embodiments, a combined error function of temperature and water content can be found, as will be further described below.

[0070] Furthermore, System 1 controls the airflow's water content parameter wc airThe system includes a fourth sensor S4 configured to measure and send a signal indicating the air moisture content parameter to a processing circuit 40. The air moisture content parameter is a parameter indicating the moisture content, i.e., the amount of water present in the airflow, and can be measured as relative humidity or as any other suitable characteristic of airflow A that can directly or indirectly provide information about the moisture content of airflow A. The fourth sensor may be a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a dew point sensor. Alternatively, the fourth sensor may be a sensor configured to measure the refractive index or to detect or measure the vapor pressure in airflow A.

[0071] The fourth sensor S4 also detects the water content wc of the airflow A after the airflow A has come into contact with the medium M within the contact device 10. air To measure the air moisture content wc, the device is placed in the downstream section D. By measuring the air moisture content wc after the airflow A has come into contact with the medium M, the device measures how the contact with the medium M affects the air moisture content wc. air Set value wc set Information can be obtained regarding whether it was possible to move towards it. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the processing circuit 40 measures the water content of the air wc air and water content setting value wc set The system is configured to determine an error function that includes the actual air moisture content wc of the airflow measured by the fourth sensor S4, so that the error function is minimized. air The water content setting value wc set Approaching the set water content value wc set The first function f1 can be configured to find such a value. In some embodiments, a combined error function of temperature and water content can be found, as will be further described below.

[0072] The downstream section D may be a conduit guiding the airflow A from the contact device 10, or alternatively, an area within the space in which at least part of the system 1 is located, insofar as the airflow A can reach the third sensor S3 and the fourth sensor S4 after coming into contact with the medium M within the contact device 10.

[0073] Optionally, System 1 may be equipped with additional sensors, as described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0074] Each sensor in System 1 is connected to a processing circuit 40 in an operable manner, which may be either a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof.

[0075] The processing circuit 40 may be in the form of a control unit that includes a processor, can access a memory unit to receive input in the form of a signal from the sensor, and emits output in the form of a control signal to the first control device 20 and the second control device 30. One suitable implementation of the processing circuit is an industrial PC such as a Beckhoff Industrial PC equipped with a programming and numerical computing platform such as Matlab. Alternatively, other programming and numerical platforms, as well as other industrial PCs, may be used instead. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 40 may be integrated into a single component that also optionally includes other parts of the system such as memory 60. However, in other embodiments, the processing circuit 40 may instead be distributed within the system 1. The processing circuit 40 further includes temperature T air and air moisture content wc air The relationship between temperature T air and air moisture content wc air We can access a second function f2 defined as a codependent variable such that a change in one value affects the other. Thus, the second function f2 is f2(T air ,wc air ) can be expressed as. In the first embodiment, the second function f2 is the set of equations (1) to (9), which will be described in more detail below. However, insofar as we can define the effect that a change in one of temperature and air moisture content has on the other, temperature T can be used as an alternative. air and air moisture content wc airIt should be noted that any relationship between them may be used. As shown in Figure 3, System 1 may include a memory 60, or be communicably connected to a memory 60, which is configured to store data including, but not limited to, one or more definitions of a second function f2. In these embodiments, the processing circuit 40 is configured to receive or retrieve the second function f2 from the memory 60.

[0076] Therefore, the processing circuit 40 receives signals from sensors S1, S2, S3, and S4, and uses the parameters and a second function f2 to determine the desired temperature change T of the medium. change and the change in desired water content wc change It is constructed to find the first function f1. (T change ,wc change )=f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air )) The desired temperature change T is given by the above equation. change and desired water content change wc change After the desired change is applied, the first and second control devices 30 and 40 are used to control the airflow A flowing through the contact device 10 to a predetermined temperature setpoint T through contact with the medium M in the contact device 10. set and predetermined water content setting value wc set They are asked to get closer to it.

[0077] This means that the processing circuit 40 thus determines how the temperature and moisture content of the medium M should change so that the airflow A coming out of the contact device 10 reaches or approaches a predetermined setpoint, based on the measured temperature and moisture content parameters, and further based on the known relationship f2 between the air temperature and the air moisture content. By selecting setpoints for the air temperature and air moisture content, and using the inputs from sensors S1, S2, S3, and S4, and the second function f2, the processing circuit 40 can determine in a single step how to reach these setpoints in an energy-efficient and favorable manner.

[0078] Desired temperature change T change and desired water content change wc change When this is required, the processing circuit 40 is also configured to generate a first control signal C1, which is the desired change in water content f(wc medium ,wc change By applying the medium water content parameter wc medium The first control device 20 controls the water content change wc so that it changes from the value of wc. change The processing circuit 40 is configured to apply to the medium M. The processing circuit 40 is also configured to generate a second control signal C2, which generates a desired temperature change f(T medium ,T change By applying ), the medium temperature is measured. medium The second control device controls the temperature change T, so that it changes from change It is configured to apply to the medium. Desired change in water content f(wc medium ,wc change Applying the change f(T) may include adding water to or removing water from the buffer in the first control device 20, either in a single change or in multiple stepwise changes applied over a period of time. Similarly, the desired temperature change f(T) medium ,T changeApplying ) may involve increasing or decreasing the heat applied to the medium by the second control device 30, and the increase or decrease may be achieved as a single change or as a series of stepwise changes over time. Furthermore, the desired change in water content f(wc medium ,wc change ) and the desired temperature change f(T medium ,T change These can be in the form of an expression that includes both the current water content and the change in water content, and both the current temperature and the change in temperature. Such an expression can be in the form of a polynomial, an integral, or any other suitable form.

[0079] The processing circuit 40 is further configured to be appropriately operably connected to the first control device 20 and the second control device 30, and to control the first control device 20 and the second control device 30 by sending a first control signal C1 and a second control signal C2 to the first control device 20 and the second control device 30.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the first control signal C1 may cause the first control device 20 to apply a change in water content by opening or closing a valve and / or operating at least one pump and / or at least one injector for any other suitable component, or by increasing or decreasing the water content of the medium M.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second control signal C2 may cause the second control device 20 to apply a temperature change by raising or lowering the temperature of a heating element in thermal contact with the medium M, or by operating at least one valve and / or at least one pump, or any other suitable component for raising or lowering the temperature of the medium M.

[0082] System 1 may also include at least one circulation means, such as a pump 51 (see Figure 2), which works to circulate the medium M within the loop 50.

[0083] Next, the functions and operation of System 1 will be described in more detail, with reference to the flow of medium M within Loop 50.

[0084] After coming into contact with the airflow A, the medium M exiting the contact device 10 through the contact device outlet 12 is transferred to the first control device 20, where the water content of the medium M is adjusted in response to the first control signal C1. One method of adjustment is disclosed below in more detail with reference to Figure 2, and other methods are described further below in the use cases. In some embodiments, as a result of adjusting the water content of the medium, the medium M exiting the first control device 20 to travel through the loop 50 is directed by the airflow A to a water content setpoint wc set It may have a water content that reaches a set water content wc, but in another embodiment, instead the medium M has an airflow A that reaches a set water content wc set It may have a water content that brings it close to the air water content wc air The error between the set value and the water content is reduced. The first control device 20 includes a first control device inlet 21 connected to the loop 50 downstream of the contact device 10, and further includes a first control device outlet 22 connected to the loop 50 downstream of the first contact device 20, so that the medium M can proceed to the second control device 30 and enter through the second control device inlet 31.

[0085] After leaving the first control device 20, the medium M is thus transferred to the second control device 30, where the temperature of the medium M is adjusted in response to the second control signal C2. In some embodiments, the medium M leaving the second control device 30 is heated by thermal contact with the airflow A in the contact device 10 to a temperature setpoint T set It has a temperature that reaches a certain temperature when the medium M exits the second control device 30. set It has a temperature that brings it close to the ambient temperature and the temperature set value T. set The error between the two is reduced.

[0086] In response to the first control signal C1, the change in water content applied by the first control device 20, and in response to the second control signal C2, the change in temperature applied by the second control device 30, causes the medium M to reach a water content setpoint wc through contact with the medium M in the contact device 10. set and temperature set value T set Obtain a water content and temperature that approaches or reaches the target. Therefore, the air water content wc air and temperature T air Since both the water content and temperature change in response to the first function f1 being derived using a second function f2 which defines the relationship between and as a codependent variable, the water content and temperature of the medium change in a single step. Then, from the second control device outlet 32 ​​of the second control device 30, the medium M is transported in the loop 50 to the contact device inlet 11, inserted into the contact device 10, and through contact between the medium M and the airflow A, thermal energy and water vapor are transferred from the medium M to the airflow A, or from the airflow A to the medium M. In some situations, the airflow A receives water vapor and / or thermal energy from the medium M, and in some situations, instead, the medium M receives water vapor and / or thermal energy from the airflow A. Temperature setpoint T set and water content setting value wc set A major benefit of the present invention is the ability to selectively transfer thermal energy and water vapor from one of the airflow A and the medium M to the other.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 are configured to measure the water content and temperature of the medium M in the loop 50 between the second control device 30 and the contact device 10, i.e., after both the water content and temperature of the medium M have been adjusted. In some embodiments, instead, the first sensor S1 and / or the second sensor S2 may be configured to measure the medium M in another part of the loop 50, such as immediately downstream of the contact device 10 or between the first control device 20 and the second control device 30.

[0088] During operation, System 1 is appropriately configured to iteratively measure the water content and temperature of the medium M and airflow A downstream of the contact device 10, and the processing circuit 40 is configured to iteratively receive signals from each of the sensors S1, S2, S3, and S4 and update a first function f1 using the measurement parameters and / or measured values ​​as input. Furthermore, the processing circuit 40 is configured to update a first control signal C1 and a second control signal C2 in response to the updated first function f1. Thereafter, the temperature and water content of the medium M are iteratively adjusted by the first control device 20 and the second control device 30.

[0089] It should be noted that sensors described herein as measuring parameters and / or values ​​of parameters of medium M may be configured to perform measurements in loop 50 or any other conduit through which medium M is transported. However, alternatively, such sensors may be configured to measure parameters and / or values ​​in a side conduit or similar location through which a certain amount of medium M is transported, as long as the measured parameters and / or values ​​can provide information about properties such as temperature, water content, or other properties of medium M circulating within system 1. Similarly, sensors described herein as measuring parameters and / or values ​​of airflow A may be configured to perform measurements in a conduit leading airflow A to and from a contact device, but alternatively, such measurements may be performed in separate conduits or areas through which airflow A passes before or after being led through contact device 10. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may be appropriate to perform such measurements together with or inside contact device 10.

[0090] Figure 2 discloses a second embodiment of System 1, comprising additional sensors in the form of a fifth sensor S5 and a sixth sensor S6. The fifth sensor S5 detects the upstream temperature T of the airflow. upstreamThe sixth sensor S6 measures the water content parameter wc of the upstream airflow A and is configured to send a signal indicating the temperature to the processing circuit 40 via either a wired or wireless connection. upstream The sensors are configured to measure the upstream air temperature and upstream air moisture content and send a signal indicating the upstream air moisture content to the processing circuit 40. The upstream air moisture content parameter is a parameter indicating the amount of water in airflow A. The fifth sensor S5 and the sixth sensor S6 are configured to measure the upstream air temperature and upstream air moisture content in the upstream section U, which is the section through which airflow A passes before flowing through the contact device. In this way, the fifth sensor S5 and the sixth sensor S6 can measure these characteristics of airflow A before it reaches the contact device 10.

[0091] The processing circuit 40 measures the upstream temperature T upstream A fifth input signal including is received from the fifth sensor S5, and furthermore, the moisture content of the upstream air wc is measured. upstream The system is configured to receive a sixth input signal, including the following, from the sixth sensor S6. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the processing circuit 40 is configured to determine a first function f1 based on the parameters received from the fifth sensor S5 and the sixth sensor S6, and thus the first function f1 is determined as follows. (T change ,wc change )=f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air ),T upstream ,wc upstream )

[0092] This has the advantage of being able to take into account not only the temperature and moisture content values ​​when airflow A leaves the contact device 10, but also the temperature and moisture content values ​​before airflow A enters the contact device 10. Therefore, the processing circuit is configured to take into account how much the temperature setpoint and moisture content setpoint differ from the upstream temperature and upstream air moisture content.

[0093] Furthermore, the processing circuit 40 is appropriately configured to also use at least one contact device parameter cd when determining the first function f1. Thus, the first function f1 is defined as follows: (T change ,wc change )=f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air ),cd)

[0094] At least one contact device parameter cd may be predetermined and stored in memory 60 or otherwise available to processing circuit 40. However, alternatively, at least one contact device parameter cd may be determined using an input signal from at least one of the sensors of system 1. Optionally, at least one contact device parameter cd may also have a predetermined value but may be adjusted at appropriate intervals using sensor inputs and / or other suitable inputs measured or detected within system 1 or provided as input from an external unit or human operator.

[0095] One contact device parameter cd can be the mass flow rate of airflow A. This can be determined by measuring the airflow upstream or downstream of the contact device 10, or inside the contact device 10 itself. A high mass flow rate indicates a short contact time between airflow A and the medium M, while a low mass flow rate indicates a long contact time. By using the mass flow rate of airflow A as the contact device parameter cd, the processing circuit 40 can compensate for short or long contact times by adjusting the desired temperature change T of the medium M. change and desired water content change wc changeThis can be determined. It is beneficial to be able to adjust the temperature and / or water content of the medium M depending on whether it is necessary to transfer a large amount of water vapor or heat energy per unit time compared to the case where only a small amount of water vapor or heat energy needs to be transferred per unit time.

[0096] Appropriately, another contact device parameter cd is the mass flow rate of the medium M. This can be determined by using at least one additional sensor S7 to measure the flow of the medium M, either with the contact device 10 or upstream or downstream of the contact device 10 in the loop 50. In Figure 2, the additional sensor S7 is shown downstream of the contact device 10, but it should be noted that other arrangements of the additional sensor S7 are equally possible, as long as the additional sensor S7 can measure the flow of the medium M. Knowing the mass flow rate of the medium M is beneficial. A high mass flow rate indicates that a large amount of medium M enters the contact device 10 per unit time, while a low mass flow rate indicates that a small amount of medium M enters the contact device 10 per unit time. This allows a processing circuit to use this information to determine or update a first function f1, and as a result, the temperature and water content of the medium M can be determined so that thermal energy and water vapor can be transferred to the airflow A to approach or reach the temperature and water content setpoints.

[0097] Another contact device parameter cd is, appropriately, back pressure. This may be a known parameter of a particular contact device 10 used in a given embodiment of System 1, but alternatively, it may be measured or estimated before or during use of System 1, and further optionally, updated in use for variations that may occur during long-term use of System 1. Back pressure and other contact device parameters cd may be used as parameters in a second function f2 to define the relationship between temperature and air moisture content.

[0098] In the second embodiment of Figure 2, the first control device 20 includes a buffer B that holds a certain amount of medium M. This amount can be large, such as at least 10 times, or even at least 100 times, the volume of medium M circulating in the loop 50 during system use. However, the amount in buffer B can also be smaller, such as less than 5 times the volume of medium M circulating in the loop 50 at a given time. A large amount of medium M in buffer B is advantageous in that it ensures that a supply of medium M into the loop 50 is always possible, and that water can be added to and removed from the medium M continuously or at appropriate intervals as needed. However, a small buffer B is advantageous because any change in the water content of the medium M in buffer B will have a very rapid effect on the medium M in the loop 50, since the addition or removal of water in buffer B will affect the medium M currently introduced into the loop 50 downstream of the first control device 20.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the first control device 20 is configured to increase the water content of the medium by directly injecting water into the buffer. This is achieved by a first control signal C1 configured to open a water addition valve u3, through which water is supplied into the buffer B. The first control device 20 is configured to control the amount of water added through the control of water flowing into the buffer through the water addition valve u3 by opening and closing the water addition valve u3 as needed. This amount can be precisely adjusted. To remove water, instead, the first control device 20 is configured to operate a regeneration valve u4 in response to the first control signal C1 so that a certain amount of medium M in the buffer B to be regenerated is transferred from the buffer B. Regeneration may occur with or within the first control device 20, but in some embodiments, it may alternatively occur in a separate regeneration unit located in another part of the system 1, or even outside the system 1. In such embodiments, a regeneration supply conduit 23 is arranged to supply the medium M from the buffer B to such a regeneration unit, and within the regeneration unit, water is removed from the medium M through regeneration. This process is well known within the art and will not be described in further detail herein. The water content of the medium M in buffer B can be increased by injecting water from the water conduit 25.

[0100] From the regeneration unit, the regeneration discharge conduit 24 supplies the regenerated medium M to buffer B, where it is mixed with the medium M already present in buffer B. In some embodiments, instead, the regenerated medium M may be supplied directly to the first control device outlet 22. The amount of medium M to be regenerated may be controlled by selectively operating the regeneration valve u4 in response to a first control signal C1.

[0101] When a large buffer B is provided, the regeneration of the medium M to apply the change in water content can be carried out over a longer period than in embodiments where a small buffer B is used. This is because the change in the water content of the medium M in buffer B as a whole depends on the amount of regenerated medium compared to the medium M in buffer B.

[0102] A pump 51 is provided downstream of the first control device 20 in the loop 50, and the medium M can be pumped towards the second control device 30. This has the advantage that the flow of the medium M in the loop 50 can be controlled by a processing circuit that appropriately operates the pump in response to a third control signal. Alternatively, the pump may be configured to operate to pump a predetermined volume per unit time and to continue this operation as long as system 1 is active. In some embodiments, the pump 51 may be located in other parts of the loop 50, and alternatively, multiple pumps may also be provided. In a second embodiment, a filter 52 is also provided for filtering the medium M to remove any impurities. In some embodiments, the filter 52 may be located in other parts of the loop 50, or alternatively, may be located together with either the first control device 20 or the second control device 30.

[0103] In a second embodiment, the second control device 30 comprises at least one heat exchanger H, which may be located within the second control device 30 or as a separate unit, and a heat exchanger supply conduit 33 is arranged to supply a medium M to the separate unit. A heat exchanger discharge conduit 34 is provided to return the medium M to the second control device 30 after it has been heated or cooled in the separate heat exchanger. A heat addition valve u1 may be provided together with a heat removal valve u2 to transfer the medium M to the heat exchanger H. Preferably, two separate heat exchangers may be provided, each serving to heat or cool the medium M, and the supply of the medium M to the two separate heat exchangers is controlled by the heat addition valve u1 and the heat removal valve u2, respectively. The second control device 30 then operates the heat addition valve u1 and the heat removal valve u2 in response to a second control signal C2 to control the temperature change T change It is appropriately configured to selectively supply a medium M to be heated or cooled in order to apply the treatment. Downstream of the second control device 30, the medium M is supplied to the contact device 10 as described above.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first control device 20 and the second control device 30 may be combined as a single component, and in other embodiments, instead, they may be divided into a number of separate units that interact as needed to change the water content and temperature of the medium M after it has been discharged from the contact device outlet 12, in order to prepare the medium M to re-enter the contact device inlet 11 of the contact device 10.

[0105] Figure 3 discloses a processing circuit 40 and other parts of System 1 configured to communicate with the processing circuit 40 by sending signals to or receiving signals from the processing circuit 40. Thus, the processing circuit 40 is configured to receive sensor inputs from a first sensor S1, a second sensor S2, a third sensor S3, a fourth sensor S4, and optionally a further optional fifth sensor S5, a sixth sensor S6, and / or additional sensors S7.

[0106] Based on the received parameters, and further based on a second function f2 and optionally at least one optional contact device parameter cd, the processing circuit 40 uses the first function f1 to determine a desired change value. In this embodiment, the memory 60 may be configured to store one or more measurement parameters and / or measurements from any or all of the sensors included in the system, as well as at least one contact device parameter cd, and the processing circuit 40 may be configured to receive or retrieve them from the memory 60. The memory 60 may appropriately store the measurement parameters and / or measurements over time. The processing circuit 40 then generates a first control signal C1 and a second control signal C2, which are appropriately sent to the first control device 20 and the second control device 30, respectively, so that the water content and temperature of the medium M are adjusted in response to the control signals C1 and C2.

[0107] A second function f2 used by the processing circuit 40 is disclosed in more detail below. By using the second function f2 and the sensor input, system 1 can control the moisture content and temperature of airflow A in a highly time- and cost-effective manner, avoiding a common problem associated with prior art systems: changing one of the airflow temperature or moisture content causes a change in the other, which then needs to be compensated for. The desired temperature change T change and desired water content change wc change By applying a second function f2 when calculating this, and thereby taking into account the codependency between temperature and air moisture content, the need for such compensation can be minimized, or even eliminated.

[0108] The processing circuit 40 can appropriately determine the first function f1 using at least one proportional-integral-derivative controller PID. If multiple controllers are used, they appropriately share the second function f2 and communicate with each other at appropriate intervals to efficiently control the water content and temperature of the medium M.

[0109] In some embodiments, the processing circuit instead uses a linear second-order tuner LQR to determine the first function f1. Alternatively, the processing circuit 40 instead uses model predictive control MPC to determine the first function f1. The advantages of LQR and MPC are given in the summary section above.

[0110] System 1 operates within the operating range of temperature T air and air moisture content wc air The system can operate with a set value for the temperature. For example, if the second control device 30 can cool the medium M to a minimum temperature of 7°C and heat the medium M to a maximum temperature of 45°C, the temperature set value is appropriately set to the range of 7 to 45°C. In some embodiments, it may be possible to operate with a set value outside this range as an alternative, but it should be understood that the most cost-effective operation of system 1 is within this range. If it is desirable to change the operating range, this can be done by configuring the second control device 30 to be able to heat and / or cool the medium to even higher or lower temperatures, thereby updating the operating range or forming a new range. Similarly, the water content of the medium M is limited by the properties of the first control device 20 and the medium M itself. The operating range of system 1 is determined by how much water can be held by the medium M. As an example, magnesium chloride MgCl2 may hold about 33% water at the lower end of the range, and the upper end of the range may be determined by how much water can be injected into the buffer. In some embodiments, the additional sensor S7 may be a plurality of sensors configured to measure different parameters within system 1. In one embodiment, such parameters may be the air velocity upstream of the contact device 10, the air velocity downstream of the contact device 10, or the air velocity inside the contact device 10 or the air velocity associated with the contact device 10.

[0111] Method Embodiment Next, the computer implementation method of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The computer implementation method shown in Figure 4 includes the following:

[0112] In step 110, the processing circuit 40 receives parameters from the first sensor S1, the second sensor S2, the third sensor S3, and the fourth sensor S4. These parameters are used to obtain the measured wc as described above. medium , T medium , T air , and wc medium That is the case.

[0113] In step 120: Using the processing circuit 40, based on the received parameters and the second function f2, the desired temperature change T of the medium M is processed. change and desired water content change wc change We find this as the first function f1. (T change ,wc change )=f1(T medium ,wc medium ,T air ,wc air ,f2(T air ,wc air ))

[0114] The second function f2(T air ,wc air ) is temperature T air and air moisture content wc air The relationship between temperature T air and air moisture content wc air We define them as codependent variables such that a change in the value of one variable affects the value of the other.

[0115] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the second function f2 is given by the set of equations (1) to (9), which are explained as follows. Equations (1) to (9) presented below are also shown in Figure 6.

[0116] Let A be the contact area between the airflow on the interaction surface of the contact device 10 and the medium, and let T be the temperature of the medium at the interaction surface. medium to T s Let's assume the temperature T of the airflow at the interacting surface. air to T aLet α be the heat transfer constant and β be the water vapor mass flow rate transfer constant. Furthermore, let P be the vapor pressure of the medium. vs Let P be the vapor pressure of the air. va Let q be the mass transfer of water between the medium and the airflow, and P be the heat transfer between the medium and the air.

[0117] The heat transfer P and mass transfer q between the solution and air depend on the temperature difference and vapor pressure difference, as well as several constant transfer constants α and β. α and β are functions of the air velocity, atmospheric turbulence, and physical properties of the interacting surface. In the contact device 10 used in the present invention, α and β are known and can be used as contact device parameters, or alternatively, they can be determined or measured before or during use, or alternatively, they can be further updated during use if it is appropriate to compensate for changes in the properties of the contact device and airflow.

[0118] It is desirable to have a setup with large α and β. A large contact area A between the medium and air is also desirable. A large surface area A promotes both high heat transfer and high mass transfer. Note that α and β are functions of air velocity. For example, α = 12.12 - 1.16v + 11.6v 1 / 2 It may be required to do so.

[0119] α and β also determine the operating range of the system, i.e., the range of water content that can be held within the medium M.

[0120] Heat transfer and mass transfer can be expressed, or at least approximated, by the following: P=α(v)A(T s -T a ) (1) q = β(v)A(P vs -P va ) (2)

[0121] Relative humidity of airflow is RH a The water activity of the solution is w a Let's assume that the water activity of the medium is w. aPlease note that this depends on the water content in the medium.

[0122] Using Antoine's equation, the vapor pressure of air can be expressed as follows:

[0123] TIFF0007842778000001.tif17170 In the above formula, A m B m , and C m is Antoine's constant. Using the same method, the water pressure in a solution can be expressed as follows:

[0124] TIFF0007842778000002.tif16170 The above formula is w c The water content wc in the medium medium Here, both equations (3) and (4) are given by the air temperature T air and the temperature of the medium T medium Please note that this depends on [something].

[0125] Therefore, the four equations (1) to (4) given above define the relationship between heat transfer P and mass transfer q.

[0126] Instead of Antoine's formula, Wagner's formula, or any other formula describing vapor pressure in air, may be used.

[0127] α is a function of the air velocity. A typical value for α could be 26 if the surrounding air is moving at an air velocity of 2 m / s. β is also a function of the air velocity. Water activity w a This is a function of the water content in the medium M and depends on the medium M used.

[0128] Therefore, changes in temperature in the air or within the medium will affect mass transfer between the air and the medium. Furthermore, a phase transition occurs when water is transferred between the air and the medium. The enthalpy of evaporation / condensation during the phase transition is equal to the temperature of the air T air and the temperature of the medium T medium This will have an effect. The enthalpy of evaporation / condensation is E vThe water content wc in the medium medium w c Let's assume that the phase transition P Ev The heat from is supplied by the following: P Ev =E v (T a )q (5)

[0129] Air temperature T a and the temperature of the medium T s How it changes as a function of time can be expressed as follows:

[0130] TIFF0007842778000003.tif31170

[0131] Air moisture content x a and the water content of the medium w a How it changes as a function of time can be expressed as follows:

[0132] TIFF0007842778000004.tif30170 C in the above formula ps and C pa These are the specific heat capacities of the medium and air, respectively, and m s and m a is the mass of the solution and air. Therefore, a multivariable control method is suitable. E v The medium temperature T s It is a function of .

[0133] In some embodiments, ambient parameters such as ambient temperature, ambient pressure, or other parameters may also be used, and at least some of the aforementioned parameters may be determined in relation to the equation of the second function f2.

[0134] By using this equation as the second function f2, the processing circuit 40 can determine the first function f1 in an advantageous manner that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art, and as a result, efficient control of the water content and temperature of the airflow A is achieved.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second function f2 is the temperature Tair and air moisture content wc air The relationship between temperature T air and air moisture content wc air The formula given above can be modified or altered within the scope of the present invention, insofar as it can be defined as a codependent variable such that a change in one value affects the other value.

[0136] This means that the second function f2 may include at least one equation defining this relationship. In some embodiments, the second function f2 does not depend on any contact device parameters cd, such as α and β mentioned above. In another embodiment, the second function f2 includes the parameters given by equations (1) to (9) above, as well as other parameters, as well as the relationships between them, and the relationships between them and at least one of the parameters given by equations (1) to (9) above.

[0137] It should be noted that the set of equations given above should be understood as one advantageous way of defining the relationship between temperature and air moisture content. While this set of equations enables reliable and efficient control of airflow temperature and moisture content, it should be particularly noted that other sets of equations or modified forms of equations (1) to (9) may be used as alternatives within the scope of the present invention.

[0138] The method may also include, in an optional step 125, receiving or searching for a second function f2 in the processing circuit.

[0139] As described herein, the second function f2 may be received from or retrieved from memory 60. In some embodiments, the optional step 125 is performed iteratively so that the second function f2 is received or retrieved multiple times.

[0140] The method also includes the following: In step 130: A processing circuit is used to generate a first control signal C1 and a second control signal C2. The first control signal C1 is generated when the water content of the medium is equal to the water content parameter wcmedium From the value, the desired change in water content f(wc,wc change The first control device 120 controls the water content change wc so that only the water content change wc changes. change The system is configured to apply the signal to the medium M. Furthermore, the second control signal C2 is configured to apply the signal to the medium when the medium temperature is the measured medium temperature T. medium From the desired temperature change f(T) medium ,T change The second control device controls the temperature change T so that only that change occurs. change It is configured to apply to the medium. In some embodiments, the desired water content change f(wc,wc change The changes due to ) are due to changes in water content wc change The relationship between the value of the medium water content parameter and the desired water content change may take the form of addition or subtraction, but in another embodiment, a different relationship may exist between the value of the medium water content parameter and the desired water content change, such that the desired water content change can be reached by integration or other mathematical operations. Similarly, the relationship between the value of the medium temperature parameter and the desired temperature change may take the form of addition or subtraction, or alternatively, another mathematical relationship.

[0141] Figure 5 discloses a method of the present invention that includes an optional step. Therefore, the embodiment of Figure 5 also includes the following: In one or more embodiments, steps 110, 120, and 130 are repeated as described above.

[0142] In an optional step 150: the processing circuit receives parameters from an optional fifth sensor, a sixth sensor, and / or additional sensors. By using the upstream parameters measured by the fifth sensor S5 and / or the sixth sensor S6, it is possible to determine how much change in air moisture content and temperature is caused by the interaction at the contact device 10. Furthermore, the parameters measured by the additional sensor S7 make it possible to determine the differences in the parameters of the medium M at different parts of the loop 5 of system 1. In some embodiments, the optional step 150 is performed iteratively.

[0143] In an optional step 160, the processing circuit receives or accesses at least one contact device parameter cd. Such a contact device parameter may be contained in memory, such as memory 60, or may be otherwise available to the processing circuit. By using the contact device parameter, it is possible to determine a first function f1 that also takes into account factors that affect the interaction between the medium M and the airflow A inside the contact device 10. In some embodiments, the optional step 160 is also performed iteratively.

[0144] Furthermore, the methods may include the following: In the optional step 170: A first control signal is sent to the first control device 120, and a second control signal is sent to the second control device 130.

[0145] In the optional step 180: In response to the first control signal, the water content of the medium is changed. In the optional step 190: the medium temperature is changed in response to the second control signal.

[0146] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 40 is configured to continuously perform the steps of the method, while in other embodiments, the processing circuit 40 may instead be configured to perform the method at predetermined intervals or in response to sensor inputs where the difference from a desired value exceeds a predetermined threshold. Preferably, the processing circuit is configured to perform the steps of the method at a temperature T air and air moisture content wc air The processing circuit can be configured to find an error function, and can determine the desired temperature change and desired water content change in order to minimize this error function. Therefore, the total error is error tot =c1·error wc +c2·error TThis can be given by c1 and c2, where c1 and c2 are constants that can be optionally updated during use of System 1. In some embodiments, regeneration is carried out continuously to remove water from the medium M, in which case the first control signal C1 controls the position of the valve to open to a certain extent, thereby enabling a given volume of the medium M to be transferred to regeneration per unit of time.

[0147] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving sensor inputs at a given time interval and generating first and second control signals at the time intervals so that the temperature and water content of the medium change, and the processing circuit 40 is configured to do so. In another embodiment, the method includes continuously receiving sensor inputs, and the processing circuit 40 is configured to do so so as to determine the difference between the received measurement and a setpoint. Then, when the difference is greater than a given threshold, or when the difference between the measurement and the setpoint exceeds a predetermined amount, first and second control signals are generated.

[0148] In some embodiments, multiple buffers containing media M with different water content may be used in the first control device 20, and a first control signal may be configured to cause the first control device 20 to determine which buffer or combination of buffers to use to release the media M from the first control device 20. In this way, the water content of the media M can be changed more quickly. Regeneration may be performed continuously or at intervals to maintain the water content of each buffer at a desired level. [Examples]

[0149] Use case In this embodiment, the system and method of the present invention are used to control the temperature and moisture content in the airflow of an indoor space.

[0150] The contact device is in the form of a cellulose-based pad CeLPad0760 manufactured by HUTEK. CeLPad0760 has a 45 / 15 groove angle configuration, increasing the contact time between the medium and the airflow. In this system, a combination filter and pump (PACER) are used, and the second control device is in the form of a heat exchanger (manufactured by ALFA LAVAL). The first control device includes a buffer with a capacity of 150 liters, where the water content is increased by injecting water into the buffer and decreased by regenerating the medium. The medium itself is potassium formate, or potassium acetate as an alternative. Both media have been used and shown to yield similar results.

[0151] The processing circuit is equipped with an MPC regulator to determine the first function and achieve the desired moisture content change and the desired temperature change.

[0152] Figure 7 shows the simulation results using the MPC regulator and real-world weather conditions in Uppsala, Sweden. Very similar results were achieved in a second simulation conducted using the PID regulator.

[0153] The system operated for 24 hours, during which time the ambient air humidity and temperature fluctuated as shown below. The temperature setting was set to 20°C, and the moisture content setting was set to 50% relative humidity.

[0154] The system can compensate for variations in moisture content and temperature so that the characteristics of the airflow after passing through the contact device are at or slightly below the temperature and moisture content setpoints. It should be noted that the system efficiently handles the changes that occur over approximately 9 hours when the system no longer needs to remove water vapor from the airflow but instead needs to add water vapor to it, resulting in the downstream airflow of the evaporation pad approaching or being maintained at the setpoint both before and after this change.

[0155] When the moisture content of the upstream air flow changes rapidly after 18 hours, there is some variation in the moisture content of the air flow on the downstream side of the evaporation pad, but the system can still provide a smooth curve without sudden changes.

[0156] Note that the system was able to provide appropriate output so that the moisture content and temperature of the air were stably maintained throughout the time the system was used, despite variations in both the ambient moisture content and temperature of the air.

Example

[0157] In this example, the same setup as in Example 1 above is used, but in this case, a moisture content setpoint significantly lower than the ambient moisture content of the air is provided to the system throughout the 24 hours the system operates. Thus, the system controls the temperature but only achieves dehumidification of the air flow. The temperature setpoint was 20°C in this example, and the moisture content setpoint was 50% relative humidity.

[0158] The simulation results using the MPC regulator and the actual meteorological conditions in Uppsala, Sweden, are shown in FIG. 8. In a second simulation performed using a PID regulator, very similar results were achieved.

[0159] Note particularly that even during the variation in the moisture content of the ambient air (shown by the curve of the system intake relative humidity) at intervals from 8 hours to 13 hours, the moisture content of the air flow is maintained at or near the moisture content setpoint after passing through the contact device. At the same time, the variation in the temperature of the ambient air (shown by the curve of the system intake temperature) is processed by the system, and as a result, the temperature of the output air passing through the contact device quickly returns to the temperature setpoint.

Example

[0160] In this example, the system and method of the present invention are compared with prior art systems and methods for controlling the temperature in a building and dehumidifying the air.

[0161] The building is 517m 2 The office space is located in a hot and humid area where indoor air humidity reduction and temperature control are required. The office space is used year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm. Temperature T set The selected setting for this is 16°C, and the water content is wc set The selected setting for this is a relative humidity of 60%.

[0162] The maximum airflow within the office space is 1300 l / s, and there is an air distribution system that ensures indoor air circulation. The air distribution system is a VAV (Variable Air Volume) system.

[0163] In conventional systems, dehumidification is achieved by using a cooling coil to induce condensation of moisture in the air, and thus removing the air in the form of condensates. In the second step, the air is reheated by a heating cell before being released into the office space. The conventional systems used in this embodiment are commonly used conventional systems, such as air treatment units that utilize cooling and heating.

[0164] The system of the present invention comprises a contact device, which in this embodiment is implemented as an evaporation pad in the form of CeLPad0760. The first control device is 2m 3 The system had a buffer, the water content of which could be increased by directly injecting water into the buffer, and decreased by regenerating the medium. The set value for water content was lower than the typical air content of the location where the office building was situated, so the medium was regenerated during system use, but no additional water was added to the buffer. The second control device was implemented as a plate heat exchanger. The medium was potassium acetate. In this embodiment, the processing circuit was in the form of an LQR regulator.

[0165] The conventional system was used for 365 consecutive days, i.e., throughout the year, and the system of the present invention was also used for the same number of days. During this period, external factors such as ambient temperature and humidity did not differ significantly. Energy consumption was measured, and the results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0166] TIFF0007842778000005.tif80170

[0167] As can be seen from the table, using the system of the present invention significantly reduces energy consumption within office buildings. It should also be noted that these results can be achieved while allowing for higher supply temperatures, i.e., higher temperatures for the cooling water supplied to the second control device.

[0168] Other characteristics, such as the airflow through the system, the temperature of the airflow upstream of the system, and the temperature downstream of the system (i.e., the return temperature after contact with the medium within the system), were identical for both the prior art system and the system of the present invention. Furthermore, the water content downstream of the system was identical. In conclusion, the system of the present invention was able to achieve the same results as the prior art system, but required significantly less energy because the water content and temperature of the airflow could be controlled using the method of the present invention.

[0169] Another Embodiment In one or more embodiments, a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions causing the system 1 to perform a method defined in any of the methods disclosed herein (in other words, the claims, summary, or detailed description) when executed by the processing circuit 40 of the system 1.

[0170] When the non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is executed by the processing circuit 40 of system 1, system 1 receives a first input signal, a second input signal, a third input signal, and a fourth input signal, and the desired temperature change T of the medium is controlled. change and desired water content change wc changeThe system can store instructions that cause a first function f1 to be calculated and generate a first control signal C1 and a second control signal C2.

[0171] A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium may further store instructions that cause System 1 to perform method steps of any of the embodiments presented with Figures 4-5, when executed by the processing circuit 40 of System 1 for controlling the temperature and moisture content of the airflow.

[0172] It should be noted that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, such combinations of features from the various embodiments described herein can be freely combined.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the temperature and water content of an airflow, wherein the system (1) A contact device (10) for transferring thermal energy and water vapor between a medium flowing through the contact device and an airflow, the contact device (10) configured to enable contact between the medium and the airflow on which thermal energy and water vapor are transferred, A first control device (20) for controlling the water content of the medium, A second control device (30) for controlling the temperature of the medium and Equipped with, The contact device (10), the first control device (20), and the second control device (30) are connected so that the medium can flow through the loop (50) which includes the contact device (10), the first control device (20), and the second control device (30). The system (1) further comprises a processing circuit (40) configured to control the first control device (20) and the second control device (30), The water content parameter wc of the aforementioned medium ｍｅｄｉｕｍ A first sensor (S1) is configured to measure and send a signal indicating the water content parameter of the medium to the processing circuit, wherein the water content parameter of the medium is a parameter indicating the amount of water in the medium. The medium temperature T of the aforementioned medium ｍｅｄｉｕｍ A second sensor (S2) is configured to measure and send a signal indicating the temperature to the processing circuit. Equipped with, Temperature T of the aforementioned airflow ａｉｒ A third sensor (S3) is configured to measure and send a signal indicating the temperature to the processing circuit, The air content parameter wc of the aforementioned airflow ａｉｒ A fourth sensor (S4) configured to measure and send a signal indicating the air moisture content parameter to the processing circuit, wherein the air moisture content parameter is a parameter indicating the amount of water in the airflow, and Furthermore, The third and fourth sensors are configured to measure the temperature and air moisture content in the downstream section, and the downstream section is the section through which the airflow passes after flowing through the contact device. The processing circuit (40) The water content parameter wc of the aforementioned medium ｍｅｄｉｕｍ Receiving a first input signal including from the first sensor, The measurement medium temperature T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ The second input signal, including the above, is received from the second sensor, The measured temperature T ａｉｒ The third input signal, including the above, is received from the third sensor, The measured air moisture content parameter wc ａｉｒ The fourth input signal, including the above, is received from the fourth sensor, Based on the received parameters, the desired temperature change T of the medium ｃｈａｎｇｅ and the desired water content change wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ are determined as a first function f １ (T ｃｈａｎｇｅ ,wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ )=f １ (T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ,f ２ (T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ )) This is what is being sought, In the above equation, the second function f ２ (T ａｉｒ , wc ａｉｒ ) but the temperature T ａｉｒ and the aforementioned air moisture content wc ａｉｒ The relationship between the above temperature T ａｉｒ and the amount of water in the air wc ａｉｒ Define them as codependent variables such that a change in one value affects the other value. The airflow flowing through the contact device comes into contact with the medium within the contact device and reaches a predetermined temperature set value T ｓｅｔ and a predetermined water content setting value wc ｓｅｔ To approach the desired temperature change T, ｃｈａｎｇｅ and the desired change in water content wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ What is required, what is desired, The water content of the medium is the water content parameter wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ From the value, the desired change in water content f(wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ , wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ The first control device is configured to change only the water content change wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ A first control signal is generated that is configured to apply the aforementioned medium, The medium temperature is the measuring medium temperature T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ From the desired temperature change f(T) ｍｅｄｉｕｍ , T ｃｈａｎｇｅ The second control device is configured to change only the temperature change T ｃｈａｎｇｅ To generate a second control signal configured to apply the aforementioned medium A system configured to control the temperature and moisture content of the airflow passing through the contact device.

2. The aforementioned processing circuit The first input signal, the second input signal, the third input signal, and the fourth input signal are received repeatedly. The first function f １ Update, The first function f after the update １ Based on this, update the first control signal and the second control signal. The system according to claim 1, further configured as follows.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, further configured to send the first control signal to the first control device (20) and to change the water content of the medium in the first control device (20) in response to the first control signal.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured to send the second control signal to the second control device (30) and to change the temperature of the medium in the second control device (30) in response to the second control signal.

5. The temperature T on the upstream side of the aforementioned airflow ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ A fifth sensor (S5) is configured to measure and send a signal indicating the temperature to the processing circuit, The upstream air moisture content parameter wc ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ A sixth sensor (S6) configured to measure and send a signal indicating the upstream air moisture content to the processing circuit, wherein the upstream air moisture content parameter is a parameter indicating the amount of water in the airflow, and Furthermore, The fifth and sixth sensors are configured to measure the upstream air temperature and the upstream air moisture content within the upstream section, and the upstream section is the section through which the airflow passes before flowing through the contact device. The aforementioned processing circuit Temperature T on the upstream side of measurement ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ A fifth input signal including is received from the fifth sensor, Measured upstream air moisture content wc ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ The sixth sensor receives a sixth input signal including the above. It is further configured in this way, The processing circuit performs the first function f １ (T ｃｈａｎｇｅ ,wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ )=f １ (T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ,f ２ (T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ),T ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ ,wc ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ ) The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further configured to find the following.

6. The processing circuit (40) calculates the first function f based on the received parameters, and further based on at least one contact device parameter cd of the contact device. １ of (T ｃｈａｎｇｅ ,wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ )=f １ (T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ,f ２ (T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ),cd) The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further configured as required.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein one contact device parameter cd is the airflow or mass flow rate of the medium passing through the contact device, or one contact device parameter cd is back pressure.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first control device (20) comprises a buffer (B) including the capacity of the medium, and changing the water content of the medium includes adding water to the buffer and / or removing water from the buffer by regenerating a portion of the capacity.

9. The temperature T of the medium ｍｅｄｉｕｍ or the water content parameter wc of the medium ｍｅｄｉｕｍ The loop further comprises at least one additional sensor (S7) configured to measure the medium temperature T, the additional sensor being configured to measure the medium temperature T in another portion of the loop, after the first sensor or the second sensor. ｍｅｄｉｕｍ or the water content parameter wc of the medium ｍｅｄｉｕｍ A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, configured to measure.

10. A computer implementation method for controlling the temperature and humidity of an airflow in a system comprising: a contact device for transferring thermal energy and water vapor between a medium flowing through a contact device and an airflow, the contact device configured to enable contact between the medium and the airflow through which thermal energy and water vapor are transferred; a first control device for controlling the water content of the medium; a second control device for controlling the temperature of the medium; and a processing circuit configured to control the first control device and the second control device, wherein the contact device, the first control device, and the second control device are connected so that the medium can flow through a loop including the contact device, the first control device, and the second control device; The method described above is The processing circuit receives a first input signal from the first sensor, wherein the first input signal is a measurement medium water content parameter wc that indicates the water content of the medium. ｍｅｄｉｕｍ Including receiving, The processing circuit receives a second input signal from the second sensor, wherein the second input signal indicates the temperature of the medium, and the measurement medium temperature T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ Including receiving, The processing circuit receives a third input signal from the third sensor, wherein the third input signal is a measured temperature T indicating the temperature of the airflow in the downstream section of the system. ａｉｒ The downstream section is the section through which the airflow passes after it has flowed through the contact device, and the receipt of The processing circuit receives a fourth input signal from the fourth sensor, wherein the fourth input signal is a measured air moisture content parameter wc that indicates the amount of water in the airflow in the downstream section of the system. ａｉｒ Including receiving, Using the processing circuit, based on the received parameters, the desired temperature change T of the medium is processed. ｃｈａｎｇｅ and the desired change in water content wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ The first function f １ (T ｃｈａｎｇｅ ,wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ )=f １ (T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ,f ２ (T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ )) This is what is being sought, In the above formula, the second function f ２ (T ａｉｒ , wc ａｉｒ ) defines the relationship between the air temperature T ａｉｒ and the water content in the air wc ａｉｒ as co-dependent variables such that a change in one value of the air temperature T ａｉｒ and the water content in the air wc ａｉｒ affects the other value, The airflow flowing through the contact device comes into contact with the medium within the contact device and reaches a predetermined temperature set value T ｓｅｔ and a predetermined water content setting value wc ｓｅｔ To approach the desired temperature change T, ｃｈａｎｇｅ and the desired change in water content wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ What is required, what is required and Includes, Using the processing circuit, the water content of the medium is measured using the water content parameter wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ From the value, the desired change in water content f(wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ , wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ The first control device is configured to change only the water content change wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ A first control signal C configured to apply the aforementioned medium １ To generate, Using the processing circuit, the medium temperature is measured to the medium temperature T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ From the desired temperature change f(T) ｍｅｄｉｕｍ , T ｃｈａｎｇｅ The second control device is configured to change only the temperature change T ｃｈａｎｇｅ A second control signal C is configured to apply the aforementioned medium. ２ To generate and Computer implementation methods, including further details.

11. The processing circuit repeatedly receives the first input signal, the second input signal, the third input signal, and the fourth input signal, Using the processing circuit, the first function f １ To update, Using the processing circuit, the updated first function f １ Based on this, the first control signal and the second control signal are updated. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. Sending the first control signal to a first control device, wherein the first control device is configured to change the water content of the medium, In response to the first control signal, the water content of the medium is changed. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising:

13. Sending the second control signal to a second control device, wherein the second control device is configured to change the temperature of the medium, In response to the second control signal, the temperature of the medium is changed. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising:

14. In the processing circuit, the upstream temperature T of the airflow ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ Receiving a fifth input signal from a fifth sensor configured to measure the upstream temperature T ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ Including receiving, In the processing circuit, the upstream air moisture content parameter wc ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ Receiving a sixth input signal from a sixth sensor configured to measure the upstream air moisture content parameter wc ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ Including receiving, Based on the received parameters, the first function f １ of (T ｃｈａｎｇｅ ,wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ )=f １ (T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ,f ２ (T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ),T ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ ,wc ｕｐｓｔｒｅａｍ ) What to seek and The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising:

15. Based on the received parameters and at least one predetermined contact device parameter cd of the contact device, the first function f １ of (T ｃｈａｎｇｅ ,wc ｃｈａｎｇｅ )=f １ (T ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,wc ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ,T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ,f ２ (T ａｉｒ ,wc ａｉｒ ),cd) To request The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising:

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