Dehumidification system

Abstract

A dehumidification system for removing water vapor from air is disclosed. The system includes a dehumidifying core defining an air channel and at least one steam channel separated from the air channel by a membrane, the membrane facilitating the removal of moisture from air flowing through the air channel and selectively permeable to water and water vapor and impermeable to air. The dehumidification system further includes a water ejector, the water ejector having a throat portion fluidly coupled to the steam channel and configured to create a relatively lower pressure of water vapor in the steam channel than in the air channel. The water ejector also includes an outlet portion disposed downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase the pressure of water to facilitate condensation of water vapor received from the steam channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority and benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 015,924 filed April 27, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 704,864 filed May 31, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 129,206 filed December 22, 2020. The contents of those applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a dehumidification system having a dehumidifying core for removing moisture from the air. [Background technology]

[0003] Climate change, global warming, and urbanization are increasing the demand for air cooling systems to cool homes and buildings. Air cooling systems typically include refrigerants or dehumidifiers to remove heat and humidity from the air. Conventional air conditioners require high energy, and the refrigerants used to remove heat can be harmful to the environment. Refrigerant-based air conditioners and dehumidifiers manage sensible and latent heat loads in a combined step, when moisture is extracted by the condensation of vapor around a heat exchanger during the refrigerant evaporation phase. This process is energy-intensive and inefficient.

[0004] Air coolers, such as desert coolers or cooling towers, are also used to provide relatively cool air to the interior of an occupied space. These systems generally operate on the principle of water evaporation, cooling the air by evaporating water from the surface. However, these systems do not always work well in humid environments.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 8,496,732 discloses an air cooling system for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient between water-selective permeable membranes within a dehumidification unit. This humidity gradient is established by creating a vacuum on one side of the membrane using a vacuum pump that creates a vacuum by compressing air. Due to the compressibility of air, creating a vacuum by compressing air is inefficient and consumes more energy. In addition, vacuum pumps that create a vacuum by compressing air generally use most non-condensable fluids, such as dry air, for operation and do not respond well in environments containing highly condensable loads such as water vapor or moisture. The air cooling system includes a condenser for condensing the water vapor extracted from the air. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,496,732 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, improved air cooling systems that are energy-efficient and avoid the use of refrigerants are still needed to facilitate the removal of heat and humidity from the air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a first embodiment, a dehumidification system for removing water vapor from air is disclosed. The dehumidification system includes at least one dehumidification core defining an air channel and at least one vapor channel separated from the air channel. The dehumidification core further includes a membrane separating the at least one vapor channel from the air channel. The membrane is configured to facilitate the removal of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel. Furthermore, the membrane is selectively permeable to water and water vapor and impermeable to air. The membrane also has an ion exchange capacity of at least 1.0 milliequivalent per gram. The dehumidification system further includes a liquid discharger having a throat portion and an outlet portion located downstream of the throat portion. The throat portion is fluidically coupled to at least one vapor channel and is configured to create a relatively lower pressure in the at least one vapor channel than in the air channel. The outlet portion is configured to increase the pressure in the liquid discharger to facilitate the condensation of water vapor received from the at least one vapor channel. The dehumidification system further includes a reservoir for storing liquid, configured to receive liquid from a liquid discharger, and a pump fluidically connected to the liquid discharger and the reservoir. The pump is configured to supply liquid from the reservoir to the liquid discharger.

[0009] In a second embodiment, the reservoir includes a drain valve to facilitate the discharge of liquid from the reservoir when the liquid level exceeds a first threshold level.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reservoir is made of a thermally conductive material to facilitate heat transfer from the liquid stored within the reservoir to the surroundings.

[0011] In some embodiments, the dehumidification system further includes a heat exchanger, which is fluidically connected to a liquid discharger and configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid leaving the liquid discharger. The heat exchanger is configured to cool the received liquid.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger is disposed upstream of the reservoir and supplies the cooled liquid to the reservoir.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger is a heat exchanger from air to liquid.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the membrane comprises a sulfonated block copolymer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid discharger is a water discharger adapted to receive liquid water from a pump.

[0016] In one embodiment, the dehumidification system further includes a booster pump disposed between the dehumidification core and the liquid discharger to reduce the pressure in the vapor channel to a pressure below the vapor partial pressure of water.

[0017] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value of 31.7 mbarA or less at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0018] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value of less than 150 mbarA.

[0019] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value from 20 mbarA to 40 mbarA.

[0020] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value from 10 mbarA to 20 mbarA.

[0021] In a second aspect, an air cooling system is disclosed. The air cooling system includes at least one dehumidification core that defines an air channel and at least one vapor channel separated from the air channel. The dehumidification core further includes a membrane that separates at least one vapor channel from the air channel. The membrane is configured to facilitate the removal of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel. Further, the membrane is selectively permeable to water and water vapor and impermeable to air. Also, the membrane includes an ion exchange capacity of at least 1.0 milliequivalent per gram. The air cooling system further includes a water discharger having a throat portion and an outlet portion disposed downstream of the throat portion. The throat portion is fluidly coupled to at least one vapor channel and is configured to create a relatively lower pressure of water vapor in the at least one vapor channel than in the air channel. Further, the outlet portion is configured to increase the pressure of water to facilitate the condensation of the water vapor received from at least one vapor channel. The air cooling system further includes a reservoir configured to receive water from the water discharger for storing water and a pump fluidly connected to the water discharger and the reservoir. The pump is configured to supply water from the reservoir to the water discharger. Further, the air cooling system has an evaporative cooler for cooling the air by facilitating the absorption of water by the air. The evaporative cooler is disposed downstream or upstream of at least one dehumidification core.

[0022] In one embodiment, the air cooling system further includes a reservoir adapted to receive liquid water from the water discharger and store the liquid water. The air cooling system also includes a pump fluidly connected to the water discharger and the reservoir and configured to supply the liquid water from the reservoir to the water discharger.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the reservoir includes a drain valve for facilitating the discharge of liquid water from the reservoir when the level of the liquid water exceeds a first threshold level.

[0024] In some embodiments, the reservoir is made of a thermally conductive material to facilitate heat transfer from the liquid water stored within the reservoir to the surroundings.

[0025] In some embodiments, the air cooling system further includes a heat exchanger that is fluidly connected to a water discharger and configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid water leaving the water discharger. The heat exchanger is configured to cool the received liquid water.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is located upstream of the reservoir and supplies cooled liquid water to the reservoir.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger is a heat exchanger that converts air to liquid.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the film comprises a sulfonated block copolymer.

[0029] In the embodiment, the membrane has an ion exchange capacity of at least 1.0 milliequivalent per gram.

[0030] In one embodiment, the air cooling system further includes a booster pump positioned between the dehumidifying core and the water discharger to reduce the pressure in the steam channel to a pressure below the partial pressure of water vapor.

[0031] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value of 31.7 mbarA or less at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0032] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value of less than 150 mbarA.

[0033] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure from 20 mbarA to 40 mbarA.

[0034] In one embodiment, the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure from 10 mbarA to a value of 20 mbarA.

[0035] In some embodiments, the evaporative cooler is a first evaporative cooler located upstream of the dehumidifying core and configured to cool the air flowing to the dehumidifying core. The air cooling system further includes a second evaporative cooler located downstream of the dehumidifying core and configured to cool the air received from the dehumidifying core. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an air cooling system having a dehumidification system. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a dehumidification system having a dehumidification core with air channels separated from vapor channels by a membrane. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a dehumidification system having a dehumidification core with air channels separated from vapor channels by a membrane. [Figure 3] This is a schematic top view of a portion of one embodiment of a dehumidifying core having a flow of water vapor from air flowing through an air channel to a vapor channel. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dehumidifying core having an air channel extending from a first surface to a second surface. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying core, illustrating vapor channels extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the air channels. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a water discharger. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of one embodiment of the first evaporative cooler. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of one embodiment of the second evaporative cooler. [Figure 9] This is an assembly diagram of one embodiment of a dehumidifying core stack. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the stack. [Figure 11]This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stack of dehumidifying cores. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a top view of the stack, showing the outer frame formed integrally with the corrugated structure. [Figure 13] This figure shows one embodiment of a stack of dehumidifying cores. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a top cross-sectional view of the stack. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a top view of the stack, showing the exit. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dehumidifying core. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a dehumidifying core, showing multiple first corrugated structures that define multiple air channels and multiple second corrugated structures that define multiple vapor channels separated from the air channels by a membrane. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a side view illustrating the vapor channel separated from the air channel via a membrane. [Figure 19] This is a side view of a dehumidifying core formed using conduits made from a membrane. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the conduit in Figure 19, which has a coiled structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] This disclosure relates to a dehumidification system for removing moisture from air. In embodiments, the dehumidification system facilitates the removal of moisture from air to reduce the humidity level in air supplied to a room with minimal energy consumption. The dehumidification system includes at least one dehumidification core, the at least one dehumidification core having at least one membrane made to facilitate the removal of moisture from air flowing through an air channel. The dehumidification system includes a water discharger for creating a vacuum in a vapor channel to extract moisture from air flowing through the air channel. In embodiments, a booster pump is included to further reduce the pressure in the vapor channel. The dehumidification system can be used for air cooling systems.

[0038] Water (Liquid) Dischargers: It should be noted that in this disclosure, the term “water discharger” is used because water is a readily available medium for use with the discharger, and water from the steam channel is to be separated in the tank and thus discharged. However, other liquids, such as oils of various viscosities, may also be used with the discharger. When used in this disclosure, “water” also includes other liquids.

[0039] The water discharger operates on the Venturi effect and has a throat section with a relatively small diameter through which water is pumped. As the water flows through the throat section, its velocity increases, and the pressure within the throat section decreases. This lower pressure is then communicated through a conduit to the steam channel. In this way, the water discharger facilitates the creation of a pressure difference between the air channel and the steam channel of the dehumidifying core, enabling the flow of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel to the steam channel. To control the pressure drop within the throat section, the velocity and volume of water entering the inlet of the water discharger are controlled.

[0040] In the embodiment, the water discharger may generate a vacuum pressure of 40 mbarA to 120 mbarA. It will be understood that the vacuum generating capacity of the water discharger is limited by the saturated vapor pressure of water. In the embodiment, the water discharger may generate a pressure of -960 mbar gauge pressure or less.

[0041] In an embodiment, to further increase the vacuum level in the steam channel or to decrease / reduce the pressure in the steam channel, the dehumidification system includes a booster pump positioned between the dehumidification core and the water discharger.

[0042] Booster pumps: Booster pumps are Roots pumps that generally include at least one pair of meshing lobes that rotate in opposite directions. The fluid is confined within the pockets surrounding the lobes and transported from the inlet side to the outlet side. Booster pumps facilitate reducing the pressure in a vapor channel to a pressure below the partial pressure of water vapor.

[0043] The partial pressure of water vapor at 25°C is less than 31.7 mbarA. In some embodiments, a booster pump and a water discharger are combined to facilitate the creation of a pressure of 20 mbarA or less in the steam channel. In some embodiments, the booster pump facilitates the reduction of the pressure to values ​​of 10 mbarA to 20 mbarA, or less than 10 mbarA, or 20 to 40 mbarA, or less than 150 mbarA. The booster pump and water discharger may be controlled to create a vacuum (i.e., pressure) in the steam channel depending on the cooling rate and water removal rate. For example, in large systems such as commercially available air cooling and dehumidification systems where a relatively higher water extraction rate is required, the booster pump can facilitate the reduction of the pressure in the steam channel to less than 10 mbar. In such cases, a multi-stage booster pump can be used. Alternatively, in small installations where a relatively lower water vapor extraction rate is required, a pressure corresponding to 10 to 20 mbar in the steam channel is sufficient. In such cases, a single-stage booster pump may be used. Furthermore, the speed of the booster pump may be controlled to vary the pressure within the steam channel. By using the booster pump, the differential pressure between the air channel and the steam channel increases, thereby increasing the rate at which water is removed from the air flowing through the dehumidifying core.

[0044] The membrane is characterized as having desirable ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity, as well as a glass transition temperature, and providing both flexibility and material strength, as well as good stability and swelling, even when hydrated. The membrane is formed from a sulfonated copolymer (SC) that is sufficiently sulfonated to contain 10 to 100 mol% of sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups, based on the number of monomer units in the copolymer, almost or substantially as a whole. In embodiments, the SC is used to form a coating on a substrate surface, and the substrate is made of the same or different material. In other embodiments, the membrane is used as one or more SC layers or films, and each SC layer or membrane has a specific or pre-selected thickness.

[0045] In the embodiment, SC is a sulfonated block copolymer having a block copolymer molecular structure comprising three or more blocks, and is designed to split into phases and form ion-conducting regions that enable water permeation, a process that can be accelerated by the application of a voltage. In the embodiment, SC is selected from the group consisting of sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene copolymers, perfluorosulfonic acid polymers such as polystyrene sulfonic acid and sulfonated block copolymers, polysulfones such as polyethersulfones, polyketones such as polyetherketones, and mixtures thereof.

[0046] In the embodiments, the sulfonated polymer is characterized as being sufficiently or selectively sulfonated to contain 10 to 100 mol% of sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups, based on the number of sulfonable monomer units in the sulfonated copolymer ("degree of sulfonation"). In the embodiments, the sulfonated polymer has a degree of sulfonation of more than 25 mol%, more than 50 mol%, less than 95 mol%, or 25 to 70 mol%.

[0047] In the embodiment, the sulfonated polymer is characterized as having a self-sterilizing effect that kills at least 99% of microorganisms within 5 minutes of contact with the coating material.

[0048] In the embodiment, the sulfonated polymer is a sulfonated block copolymer, and ABA, ABABA, (ABA) n X, (AB) n X, ADBDA, ABBBA, (ADB) n X, (ABD) n The SC has one or more copolymer block configurations corresponding to X, or a mixture thereof, where n is an integer from 2 to about 30, X is a coupling agent residue, and each D block is preferably a polymer block resistant to sulfonation. In embodiments, SC has linear structures corresponding to ABA, (AB)2X, ABDBA, (ABD)2X, ADBDA, and (ADB)2X, or (AB) n X and (ADB) n It has a radial structure corresponding to X, where n is in the range of 3 to 6. Two or more of blocks A, B, C, and D may be the same or different.

[0049] In the embodiment, block A is a polymer segment of an acrylic ester or methacrylic ester. In the embodiment, block A is selected from polymerized para-substituted styrene monomers, ethylene, 3- to 18 carbon atom α-olefins, 1,3-cyclodiene monomers, conjugated diene monomers having a vinyl content of less than 35 mol percent before hydrogenation, acrylic esters, methacrylic esters, and mixtures thereof. If block A is a polymer of 1,3-cyclodiene or conjugated diene, these blocks are preferably hydrogenated after polymerization of the block copolymer and before sulfonation of the block copolymer. If block A is a hydrogenated polymer of a 1,3-cyclodiene monomer, such monomers can be selected from the group consisting of 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and 1,3-cyclooctadiene. Block A may contain up to 15 mol percent vinyl aromatic monomers, such as those present in block B.

[0050] The B block may contain from about 10 to about 100 mole percent of sulfonic acid or sulfonic acid ester functional groups based on the number of monomer units, and contains segments of one or more polymerized vinyl aromatic monomers selected from unsubstituted styrene monomers, ortho-substituted styrene monomers, meta-substituted styrene monomers, α-methylstyrene monomers, 1,1-diphenylethylene monomers, 1,2-diphenylethylene monomers, and mixtures thereof.

[0051] The D block may contain a hydrogenated polymer or copolymer of a conjugated diene selected from isoprene, 1,3-butadiene, and mixtures thereof.

[0052] X is a coupling agent residue, and the coupling agent is selected from those known in the art including polyalkenyl coupling agents, dihaloalkanes, silicon halides, siloxanes, polyfunctional epoxides, silica compounds, esters of monohydric alcohols having carboxylic acids (e.g., methyl benzoate and dimethyl adipate), and epoxidized oils.

[0053] In an embodiment, SC is A-B, A-B-A, (A-B) n , (A-B-A) n , (A-B-A) n , (A-B-A)X, (A-B) nA hydrogenated sulfonated block copolymer having a general composition of X, or a mixture thereof, where n is an integer from 2 to about 30, and X is a coupling agent residue. Before hydrogenation, each A block is a monoalkenyl allene polymer block, and each B block is a controlled distribution copolymer block of at least one conjugated diene and at least one monoalkenyl allene. After hydrogenation, about 0-10% of the allene double bonds are reduced, and at least about 90% of the conjugated diene double bonds are reduced. Each A block has an average molecular weight of about 3,000 to about 60,000. Each B block has an average molecular weight of about 30,000 to about 300,000. Each B block comprises a terminal region adjacent to an A block and rich in conjugated diene units, and one or more regions not adjacent to an A block and rich in monoalkenyl allene units. The total amount of monoalkenylalenes in the hydrogenated block copolymer is approximately 20% to 80% by weight. The weight percentage of monoalkenylalenes in each B block is approximately 10% to 75%, and at least 25% of the aromatic rings of the alkenylalenes are sulfonated. The hydrogenated sulfonated block copolymer has an ionic conductivity greater than 0.08 Siemens / cm.

[0054] Examples of usable SCs are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,222,346, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20130108880 and 20140014289, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. SCs may also be prepared by anionic polymerization, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20130108880 and 20140014289, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In various embodiments, this process may include polymerizing a suitable monomer in a solution containing a lithium initiator. The prepared block copolymers are sulfonated to obtain micelle-like sulfonated polymer products in solution. After the sulfonation reaction, these block copolymers can be cast to directly form a membrane or film.

[0055] In the embodiment, the sulfonated copolymer having a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) backbone is a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene copolymer in which the vinyl ether side chain (e.g., -O-CF2-CF-O-CF2-CF2-) is terminated with a sulfonic acid group in the cluster region.

[0056] In the embodiments, the sulfonated polymer is polystyrene sulfonic acid, and examples include copolymers of potassium polystyrene sulfonic acid, sodium polystyrene sulfonic acid, sodium polystyrene sulfonic acid, and potassium polystyrene sulfonic acid (e.g., polystyrene sulfonic acid copolymers) having molecular weights greater than 100,000 daltons, greater than 400,000 daltons, and up to 1,500,000 daltons. The polystyrene sulfonic acid polymer may be crosslinked or uncrosslinked. In the embodiments, the polystyrene sulfonic acid polymer is uncrosslinked and water-soluble.

[0057] In the embodiments, the sulfonated polymer is a polysulfone, selected from the group consisting of aromatic polysulfones, polyphenylene sulfones, aromatic polyethersulfones, dichlorodiphenoxysulfones, sulfonated-substituted polysulfone polymers, and mixtures thereof. In the embodiments, the sulfonated polymer is a sulfonated polyethersulfone copolymer, which can be produced by reactants containing sulfonates such as hydroquinone sulfonic acid 2-potassium (HPS) together with other monomers, such as bisphenol A and 4-fluorophenylsulfone. The degree of sulfonation of the polymer can be controlled by the amount of HPS units in the polymer backbone.

[0058] In the embodiments, the sulfonated polymer is a sulfonated polyether ketone (SPEEK) obtained by sulfonating a polysulfone or polyaryl ether ketone, such as polyether ketone ketone (PEKK). The polyether ketone ketone is produced using diphenyl ether and benzenedicarboxylic acid derivatives. Sulfonated PEEK is available as an alcohol and / or water-soluble product for subsequent use in membrane coating, casting to membranes and films.

[0059] By using sulfonated copolymers, SC membranes possess hydrophilic and hygroscopic properties, and are permeable to moisture but impermeable to air and gases such as nitrogen and oxygen. Membranes containing sulfonated copolymers are characterized by their selective permeability due to their ion exchange properties. SC membranes are also characterized by their excellent water vapor transport rate (MVTR) and excellent ion exchange capacity.

[0060] SC membranes are also characterized as to undergo considerable swelling when absorbing water, for example, at least 100% swelling at ambient temperature. In embodiments using sulfonated block copolymers having a degree of sulfonation (e.g., at least 25 mol%), SC membranes also exhibit antimicrobial properties, making AC particularly useful for sterilizing air in addition to cooling in indoor spaces.

[0061] In the embodiment, SC has an IEC of greater than 0.5 meq / g, or 1.5 to 3.5 meq / g, or greater than 1.25 meq / g, or greater than 2.2 meq / g, or greater than 2.5 meq / g, or greater than 4.0 meq / g, or less than 4.0 meq / g.

[0062] In the embodiment, the SC film or coating containing SC has a thickness of more than 1 μm, more than 5 μm, 5 to 50 μm, less than 100 μm, less than 75 μm, or less than μm. In the embodiment, the film / coating may contain nanocomposite material and may have an average pore diameter of less than 1 μm, less than 0.5 μm, or less than 0.1 μm.

[0063] In this embodiment, the membrane is nearly impermeable to air, for example, at a rate of 5 g / m² per day. 2 It has an air permeability of less than 1.

[0064] During use, a differential pressure is created between the inlet side and the downstream end or downstream section of the membrane assembly, thereby promoting the diffusion of water molecules from the inlet side to the other side of the membrane, allowing moisture from the air to be extracted by the water-permeable membrane.

[0065] Depending on the unit, for example, a dehumidifying unit or an evaporative cooling unit, the SC membrane may be in a form other than a sheet, such as a mesh, sieve or grid, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, perforated or perforated plate, foamed material, hollow fiber membrane, or a pad with interconnected gaps and passages throughout, on which the SC is covered or bonded. In embodiments, the SC membrane may be spiral or stacked, parallel or perpendicular to the direction of airflow.

[0066] In embodiments, the SC membrane is in the form of hollow fibers. Moist air flows through the hollow fibers under vacuum. The hollow fibers provide a large dehumidifying surface area and may be oriented parallel or perpendicular to the airflow. When the inside of the hollow fiber membrane is placed under vacuum, a permeation gradient is created between the hollow core of the fiber (which is substantially under vacuum) and the outer surface of the fiber. In embodiments of the hollow membrane, the inner surface, outer surface, or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow fiber may be coated with an SC coating or film. Hollow fiber membranes are known in the art and are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,762,798, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] The film may comprise an SC bonded or incorporated to a frame, one or more other films, a polymer matrix, or multiple fiber bundles by a process known in the art, such as casting. The SC film can also be applied as a coating to a fiber matrix or fan blades in an evaporative cooler.

[0068] The membrane can be bonded to a frame or another perforated layer that acts as a support structure allowing air and humidity to flow freely. The frame may, but is not limited to, be made of metal or plastic, and can be formed into any conceivable geometry, including honeycomb and corrugated structures. In some embodiments, the frame may have a honeycomb, helical, nonwoven, or multi-porous design for a large surface area, with proton-conducting membranes on multiple sides and one side being an opening for airflow. In other embodiments, the frame is in the shape of a corrugated sheet with channels to increase the exposed area. The number of membrane frames can also be changed by adding or removing one or more frames depending, for example, the amount of moisture to be removed or the size of the room.

[0069] Shape-retaining frames can be formed thermally or mechanically and are preferably rigid, semi-rigid, or substantially rigid. In this specification, a rigid, semi-rigid, or substantially rigid frame is a frame comprising a material or structure capable of maintaining its shape under its own weight. Suitable frame materials include fiberglass, aluminum, carbon, or rigid polymers based on polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, styrene / acrylonitrile / butadiene copolymers, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, aramid polymer fibers, metals, metal alloys, cellulose, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, and combinations thereof.

[0070] A single frame can support a single membrane from both sides, or 10 -9 kg / s-cm 2To enable higher voltages required for a given mass flux, the membrane assembly may comprise two or more membranes, each supported by a frame connected in parallel or series. In one embodiment, a 5-ton air conditioning unit with a sensible heat ratio of about 0.6 is provided with a 30m³ membrane having an IEC of at least 0.5 meq / g, or greater than 0.75 meq / g, or greater than 1.0 meq / g. 2 It should require an SC film of less than [a certain thickness].

[0071] The frame is preferably thick enough to maintain strength without interfering with airflow or moisture transport. The frame thickness may range from about 25 microns to about 500 microns, about 100 microns to about 500 microns, or 200 microns to 500 microns, or at least 300 microns. The thickness typically depends on several factors, including the number of layers of frame used, airflow, and pressure.

[0072] The frame may be porous and have pores large enough to allow direct air contact without interference with moisture transport or significant pressure drop. The pore diameter can range from 0.1 to 200 microns, for example, about 5 microns, up to about 8 to 0 mm, or greater, and the frame surface between the pores is sufficient to allow a film or coating containing, for example, a selectively permeable ion exchange polymer to be bonded to the frame and to maintain the attachment of the film.

[0073] When SC polymers are applied as a coating to films, matrices, fibers, etc., this coating can be prepared using different basic solvents depending on, for example, the desired coating thickness or the intended use of the film, such as whether the film is for a dehumidifier or an evaporative cooler.

[0074] In embodiments of the evaporative cooler, the evaporative cooling process carried out via the SC is realized by the evaporation of water supplied to the evaporative cooler membrane, which acts as a substrate that enables thermal energy transfer between the relatively warm dehumidified air flowing through it and the water molecules of the cooler on or near the surface of the membrane through which the warm dehumidified air flows.

[0075] Thermal energy from the relatively warm, flowing air molecules near the membrane surface can be absorbed by water molecules in a cooler on or near the membrane surface, cooling the flowing air and causing water molecules to evaporate from the membrane surface. Thermal energy transfer can also occur through collisional energy transfer between the relatively cold (low-energy) water vapor molecules evaporated from the membrane surface and the relatively warm (high-energy) flowing air molecules. Furthermore, the pressure difference between the vapors on both sides of the membrane surface facilitates the evaporation of water from the side with the lower vapor pressure of the membrane.

[0076] Please refer to the diagrams illustrating various embodiments of the apparatus and methods of using the apparatus.

[0077] Referring to Figure 1, an air cooling system 100 having a dehumidification system 102 according to one embodiment is shown. The air cooling system 100 receives an incoming airflow (hereinafter referred to as the first airflow) 200A into the room 300 and delivers or generates air (hereinafter referred to as the second airflow 200B) having a relatively low moisture content and a reduced temperature. The air cooling system 100 includes a dehumidification system 102 to facilitate the removal of moisture (i.e., water vapor) from the air delivered into the room 300, and at least one evaporative cooler, for example, a first evaporative cooler 104 and a second evaporative cooler 106, to cool (i.e., reduce the temperature of) the air delivered into the room 300.

[0078] As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the dehumidification system 102 includes a dehumidification core 110 that receives air 400A (also called inlet air 400A) having a relatively high moisture content and releases air 400B (also called outlet air 400B) having a relatively low moisture content. To do so, referring to Figures 2A, 2B, 3, 4, and 5, the dehumidification core 110 defines at least one air channel 114 through which the inlet air 400A flows and at least one vapor channel 116 that receives moisture flowing through at least one air channel 114 (e.g., water vapor 120 extracted from the inlet air 400A). As shown, each vapor channel 116 is located adjacent to one or more of the air channels 114 and separated by a membrane 122. Conversely, each air channel 114 is positioned adjacent to one or more of the vapor channels 116 and is separated from the adjacent vapor channels 116 by the membrane 122.

[0079] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the dehumidifying core 110 has a box-shaped structure, with a first surface 126 positioned substantially perpendicular to the flow of inlet air 400A and defining an inlet 128 for each of the air channels 114, and a second surface 130 positioned substantially parallel to the first surface 126 and defining an outlet 132 for each of the air channels 114. Thus, the inlet air 400A enters the air channels 114 through the first surface 126 and exits the dehumidifying core 110 as outlet air 400B through the second surface 130. The moisture (i.e., water vapor 120) thus removed from the inlet air 400A is collected in the vapor channels 116 (shown in Figure 3).

[0080] As shown, each steam channel 116 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the air channel 114, and may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third surface 134 (i.e., top surface 134) and the fourth surface 136 (i.e., bottom surface 136) of the dehumidifying core 110. Furthermore, the fourth surface 136 may define the closed end of each steam channel 114, thereby preventing water vapor 120 from exiting the dehumidifying core 110 through the bottom surface 136, and an outlet 138 (shown in Figure 5) for each steam channel 114 may be positioned close to the top surface 134 to facilitate the exit of water vapor 120 from the steam channel 116. In embodiments, the dehumidifying core 110 may include one or more collection channels (not shown) positioned close to the top surface 134 to fluidize the outlets 138 of the steam channels 116. In such cases, the outlet 138 may be defined by an intermittent surface of the dehumidifying core 110 that can be positioned close to the top surface 134, and such an intermittent surface extends parallel to the bottom surface 136. In some embodiments, one or more collection channels (not shown) may extend substantially parallel to the air channel 114 and may include closed ends on the first surface 126 and the second surface 130.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the dehumidifying core 110 is formed by arranging a plurality of stacks 141, which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to define air channels 114 between the stacks 141. The stacks 141 are arranged such that the membrane 122 of one stack 141 faces the membrane 122 of an adjacent stack 141. In addition, each stack 141 includes an outer frame 142 and a corrugated structure 143 arranged within the outer frame 142 and supported by the outer frame 141. As shown, the outer frame 142 is attached to the outer edge of the corrugated structure 143. Furthermore, each corrugated structure 143 defines a plurality of vapor channels 116 having a substantially rectangular shape. Furthermore, each stack 143 includes two membranes 122, one membrane 122 located on a first side of the corrugated structure 143 and the other membrane 122 located on a second side of the corrugated structure 143 opposite to the first side. As a result, the corrugated structure 143 is positioned between the two membranes 122, with each membrane 122 in contact with the corrugated structure 143. In this way, the membranes 122 separate the vapor channels 116 of the corrugated structure 143 from the air channels 114 defined between the two adjacent stacks 141.

[0082] A box-shaped, for example, cubic structure is intended, having steam channels 116 extending substantially perpendicular to the air channels 114, but it will be understood that the dehumidifying core 110 may include any other suitable shape or structure known in the art. Furthermore, the air channels 114 and steam channels 116 may extend substantially in the same direction, or they may extend parallel to each other. A dehumidifying core 110 having concentric air channels 114 and steam channels 116 can also be considered. Furthermore, the dehumidifying core 110 may include conduits 140 (shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4) that are in fluid communication with each steam channel 116 to receive water vapor 120, facilitating the water vapor 120 to exit the dehumidifying core 110.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, the movement of water vapor 120 from air flowing through the air channel 114 to the vapor channel 116 is facilitated by the membrane 122, while the flow of other components 144 of the air, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, from the air channel 114 to the vapor channel 116 is substantially blocked by the membrane 122. In some embodiments, the membrane 122 can block approximately 99 percent of the flow of other components 144 from the air channel 114 to the vapor channel 116. In certain implementations, the membrane 122 can block approximately 95 percent to 99 percent of the flow of other components 144 from the air channel 114 to the vapor channel 116.

[0084] The membrane 122 facilitates the extraction of water vapor 120 from the air flowing through the air channel 114, and facilitates the flow of water vapor 120 through the membrane 120 to the adjacent steam channel 116 in response to the presence of a relatively lower pressure in the steam channel 116 than in the air channel 114. Thus, a humidity gradient is established between the air channel 114 and the adjacent steam channel 116. The humidity gradient is generated by creating a pressure gradient / differential pressure between the air channel 114 and the adjacent steam channel 116. In particular, the partial pressure of water vapor in the steam channel 116 is maintained at a lower level than the partial pressure of water vapor in the air channel 114, drawing water vapor 120 in the air flowing through the air channel 114 towards the suction side (i.e., the steam channel 116).

[0085] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2A, in order to generate / maintain a lower pressure in the steam channel 116, the dehumidification system 102 may also include a depressurization system 146, which has a liquid discharger such as a water discharger 150 fluidly coupled to the steam channel 116 through a conduit 140, a pump 152 for supplying liquid water to the water discharger 150, and a reservoir 154 for storing liquid water and receiving the liquid water discharged from the water discharger 150. As shown, the water discharger 150 is in fluid communication with the steam channel 116 through a conduit 140 extending from the dehumidification core 110 to the water discharger 150. Thereafter, in response to the creation of a lower pressure in the water discharger 150, water vapor 116 extracted from the inlet air 400A flows through the conduit 140 toward the water discharger 150. As best shown in Figure 6, the water discharger 150 includes an inlet portion 158 defining the inlet port 160 of the water discharger 150, a throat portion 162 extending longitudinally from the inlet portion 158, and an outlet portion 164 extending from the throat portion 162 defining the outlet port 166 of the water discharger 150. The water discharger 150 also defines a steam inlet port 168 that is coupled to the conduit 149 and fluidly communicates with the throat portion 162 in order to generate / maintain a lower pressure (i.e., a vacuum) in the steam channel 116 and to facilitate the entry of steam 120 from the steam channel 116 into the water discharger 150 (i.e., the throat portion 162).

[0086] As shown in Figure 6, the inlet portion 158 may include a nozzle portion 170 defining an orifice 172 for injecting / supplying liquid water to the throat portion 162 at a higher speed, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet portion 164 gradually increases from the throat portion 162 to the outlet port 166, reducing the speed of the liquid water received from the throat portion 162. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet portion 158 can gradually decrease from the inlet port 160 to the throat portion 162 to facilitate a gradual increase in the velocity / speed of the liquid water. Thereafter, the inlet portion 158 is configured to facilitate an increase in the velocity / speed of the liquid water as it flows from the inlet port 160 to the throat portion 162, and the outlet portion 164 is configured to reduce the velocity / speed of the liquid water as it flows from the throat portion 162 to the outlet port 166. As a result, the pressure of the liquid water in the throat portion 162 is lower than the pressure of the water in the inlet port 160 and the outlet port 166. The pressure (i.e., vacuum) level in the throat section 162 may be adjusted / controlled by controlling the rate or amount of water entering the inlet section 158. Thus, the throat section 162 is in fluid communication with the steam channel 116 of the dehumidifying core 110, and a vacuum (i.e., reduced pressure) is created in the steam channel 116. The pressure level in the throat section 162 is controlled so that the reduced pressure created in the steam channel 116 is lower than the pressure in the air channel 114 by a desired value. Thereafter, the rate of liquid water entering the water discharger 150 is controlled so that the pressure in the steam channel 116 is kept lower than the air pressure in the air channel 114 by a desired value in order to facilitate the extraction of steam 120 from the inlet air 400A and its flow through the membrane 122 to the steam channel 116. However, because vacuum is lost along the conduit 140, the reduced pressure created / maintained in the steam channel 116 can be higher than the pressure in the throat section 162.

[0087] To control and provide the flow of water to the water discharger 150, the dehumidification system 102 includes a pump 152 located upstream of the water discharger 150, which is fluidically connected to the inlet port 160 via a first pipe 174. In some embodiments, the pump 152 may be a variable displacement pump to allow control of the amount of water being pumped. Furthermore, the pump 152 may be connected to the reservoir 154 via a second pipe 176 to receive liquid water from the reservoir 154 and provide the liquid water to the water discharger 150 at a desired rate / speed. In some embodiments, the reservoir 154 may include a plurality of fins (not shown) along its outer surface to facilitate heat transfer between the liquid water stored in the reservoir 154 and the surroundings. In some embodiments, the reservoir 154 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity to facilitate heat transfer between the liquid water stored in the reservoir 154 and the surroundings. Furthermore, the reservoir 154 is fluidically connected to the outlet portion 164 (i.e., the outlet port 166) of the water discharger 150 and is configured to receive the liquid water leaving the water discharger 150. In addition, the reservoir 150 may include a drain valve 180 designed to facilitate the discharge of liquid water from the reservoir 154. The drain valve 180 is designed to move to an open position to discharge water from the reservoir 154 when the liquid water level exceeds a first threshold level. In this way, the drain valve 180 facilitates maintaining the liquid water level in the reservoir 154 below the first threshold level.

[0088] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid water leaving the water discharger 150 is cooled before being supplied to the reservoir 154. To do so, the depressurization system 146, and therefore the dehumidification system 110, may include a heat exchanger 182 for cooling (i.e., lowering the temperature) the liquid water discharged by the water discharger 150. The heat exchanger 182 may also be an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, and may be located downstream of the water discharger 150 and upstream of the reservoir 154, and may be configured to receive the liquid water from the water discharger 150 and supply the cooled liquid water to the reservoir 154. As shown, the heat exchanger 182 is fluidically connected to the outlet port 166 via a third pipe 184, and receives the liquid water from the water discharger through the third pipe 184. Similarly, the heat exchanger 182 is fluidically connected to a reservoir 154 via a fourth pipe 186, which supplies cooled liquid water to the reservoir 154. In some implementations, only the portion of the liquid water discharged from the water discharger 150 is supplied to the heat exchanger 182 by a bypass conduit. In some embodiments, the portion of the liquid water cooled by the heat exchanger 182 is mixed with the rest of the liquid water before it enters the reservoir 154. In some implementations, the portion of the liquid water cooled by the heat exchanger 182 may flow / into the reservoir 154 directly. In some embodiments, the depressurization system 146 may include a blower 188 to increase the airflow to the heat exchanger 182 in order to facilitate the cooling of the liquid water flowing through the heat exchanger 182. The blower 188 may be located upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger 182 (in the direction of airflow). In this embodiment, the heat exchanger may be placed between the water discharger 150 and the dehumidifying core 110 to facilitate the cooling of the water vapor leaving the dehumidifying core 100. In such a case, the heat exchanger 182 and the associated blower 188 may be omitted.

[0089] Referring to Figure 2B, a dehumidification system 102' having a depressurization system 146' according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The depressurization system 146' is similar to the depressurization system 146, except that a booster pump 148 is located between the water discharger 150' and the dehumidification core 110. The booster pump 148 enables a further reduction in pressure in the steam channel 116 of the dehumidification core 110, and thus an increase in vacuum. In embodiments, the booster pump 148 can facilitate reducing and maintaining the pressure in the steam channel 116 below a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold corresponds to the saturated vapor pressure of water. Thereafter, the booster pump 148 facilitates increasing the differential pressure between the steam channel 116 and the air channel 114, thereby increasing the water extraction rate from the air flowing through the air channel 114. In embodiments, both the booster pump 148 and the water discharger 150' reduce the pressure at the inlet of the booster pump 110 to a value of 20 mbarA to 40 mbarA. In the embodiment, the depressurization system 146' may generate a pressure of less than 20 mbarA at the inlet of the booster pump 148. In the embodiment, the depressurization system 146' may generate a pressure of less than 10 mbarA at the inlet of the booster pump 148. In the embodiment, the depressurization system 146' may generate a pressure of 10 mbarA to 20 mbarA at the inlet of the booster pump 148. The booster pump 148 and the water discharger 150' may be controlled to reduce the pressure in the steam channel 116 depending on the size of the dehumidification system 102' and the desired water extraction rate.

[0090] In this embodiment, the booster pump 148 is a Roots pump. However, it will be understood that any type of vacuum booster pump known in the art may be used. In addition, the water discharger 150' is similar to the water discharger 150, except that the steam inlet port 168' that is in fluid communication with the booster pump 148 is located closer to the inlet port 160 of the inlet portion 158 of the water discharger 150' rather than the throat portion 162 of the water discharger 150'.

[0091] Referring again to Figure 1, the first evaporative cooler 104 is located upstream of the dehumidifying core 110 and is positioned to receive the first airflow 200A from the room 300, while the second evaporative cooler 106 is located downstream of the dehumidifying core 110. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the first evaporative cooler 104 includes an evaporation pad 500 (hereinafter referred to as the first evaporation pad 500) and a fan 502 (hereinafter referred to as the first fan 502) positioned upstream of the first evaporation pad 502 to draw the first airflow 200A from the room 300 toward the first evaporation pad 502. The first evaporative cooler 104 may further include a pan 504 (hereinafter referred to as the first pan 504) to collect excess water discharged from the first evaporation pad 500. The first evaporation pad 500 facilitates the evaporation of liquid water into the first airflow 200A passing through the first evaporation pad 200A, thereby facilitating the cooling of the first airflow 200A. Thus, as air (i.e., the first airflow 200A) passes through the first evaporation pad 500, the liquid water absorbs latent heat from the first airflow 200A and is converted into water vapor. As a result, as air passes through the first evaporation pad 500 and the moisture content of the air increases, the air is cooled. In this way, the first evaporative cooler 104 receives the first airflow 200A from the room 300 and discharges air with relatively high humidity and low temperature as inlet air 400A.

[0092] In the embodiment, the first evaporation pad 500 may include a honeycomb structure 506 (shown in Figure 7) to provide a relatively large surface area to facilitate the evaporation of liquid water into the air. While a honeycomb structure 506 is intended, it will be understood that the first evaporation pad 500 may include any other structure suitable for facilitating the evaporation of liquid water. Furthermore, the first evaporative cooler 104 may include one or more nozzles (not shown) for injecting liquid water into the first evaporation pad 500, and a pump 508 (shown in Figure 7) for supplying liquid water from the first pan 504 to one or more nozzles (not shown) to keep the first evaporation pad 500 moist. Furthermore, the first fan 502 may be located downstream of the first evaporation pad 500 to help draw the first airflow 200A from the room 300 toward the first evaporation pad 500. In such a case, the first fan 502 may be located upstream of the dehumidifying core 110. An air cooling system 100 having a single evaporative cooler 500 located upstream of the dehumidifying core 110 is illustrated and intended, but the air cooling system 100 may be considered to include any number of evaporative coolers arranged in series upstream of the dehumidifying core 110.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1, the second evaporative cooler 106 is positioned to receive the air released by the dehumidifying core 110 (i.e., outlet air 400B) and to provide relatively cool air (i.e., second airflow 200B) to the room 300. As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the second evaporative cooler 106 may include an evaporation pad 600 (hereinafter referred to as the second evaporation pad 600), a fan 602 (hereinafter referred to as the second fan 602) positioned upstream of the second evaporation pad 600 to guide and supply the cooled air (i.e., second airflow 200B) to the room 300, and a pan 604 (hereinafter referred to as the second pan 604) for collecting excess water discharged from the second evaporation pad 600. The second evaporation pad 600 facilitates the evaporation of liquid water into the air (i.e., outlet air 400B), thereby facilitating the cooling of the air passing through the second evaporation pad 600. Therefore, as air passes through the second evaporation pad 600, liquid water absorbs latent heat from the air and is converted into water vapor. As a result, the air is cooled as it passes through the second evaporation pad 600 and its moisture content also increases. In this way, the second evaporative cooler 106 receives the outlet air 400B released by the dehumidifying core 110 and releases and guides the air, which has relatively high humidity and low temperature, into the room 300 as the second airflow 200B.

[0094] In the embodiment, the second evaporation pad 600 may include a honeycomb structure 606 (shown in Figure 8) to provide a relatively large surface area to facilitate the evaporation of liquid water into the air. While the honeycomb structure 606 is intended, it will be understood that the second evaporation pad 600 may include any other structure suitable for facilitating the evaporation of liquid water. Furthermore, the second evaporative cooler 106 may include one or more nozzles (not shown) for supplying liquid water to the second evaporation pad 500, and a pump 608 (shown in Figure 8) for supplying liquid water from the second pan 604 to one or more nozzles (not shown) to keep the second evaporation pad 500 moist. While an air cooling system 100 having a single evaporative cooler 600 located downstream of the dehumidifying core 110 is illustrated and intended, the air cooling system 100 may be considered to include any number of evaporative coolers arranged in series downstream of the dehumidifying core 110. Although two evaporative coolers 104 and 106 are intended, it will be understood that either the first evaporative cooler 104 or the second evaporative cooler 106 may be omitted.

[0095] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the air cooling system 100 may include a controller and a plurality of sensors for controlling the operation of the air cooling system 100. In embodiments, the air cooling system 100 may include one or more temperature sensors and one or more humidity sensors to monitor the temperature and humidity of at least one of the first airflow 200A, inlet air 400A, outlet air 400B, and second airflow 200B. Thereafter, the controller may control the pump 152 to deliver liquid water at an optimal rate to maintain or generate a desired level of vacuum or pressure in the steam channel 116. Similarly, the controller may control the amount of water injected into the first evaporation pad 500 and / or the second evaporation pad 600 based on one or more inputs received from the sensors.

[0096] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the air cooling system 100 may be a split-type air cooling system having a first unit 700 installed inside the room 300 and a second unit 702 which is an outdoor unit located outside the room 300. As shown, the first unit 700 includes a housing 704 (hereinafter referred to as the first housing 704), which defines an inlet opening 706 to facilitate the entry of relatively hot and humid air from the room 300 (i.e., a first airflow 200A) into the first housing 704 and an outlet opening 708 to facilitate the exit of relatively cold and dry air (i.e., a second airflow 200B) from the first housing 704 into the room 300. As shown in Figure 1, the first unit 700 may also include a first evaporative cooler 104, a dehumidifying core 110, and a second evaporative cooler 106 mounted inside the first housing 704. The first evaporative cooler 104 may be mounted inside the first housing 704 or positioned close to the inlet opening 706, and the second evaporative cooler 106 may be mounted close to the outlet opening 708. Furthermore, the dehumidifying core 110 is mounted in the first housing 704 and is located between the first evaporative cooler 106 and the second evaporative cooler 106.

[0097] Furthermore, the second unit 702 may include a second housing 710, as well as a water discharger 150, a pump 152, a reservoir 154, and a heat exchanger 182. The water discharger 150, pump 152, reservoir 154, and heat exchanger 182 are located within and mounted to the second housing 710. Additionally, a conduit 140 extends outside the first housing 700 and is connected to the steam inlet port 168 of the water discharger 150. While the air cooling system 100 is intended as a segmented air cooling system, it will be understood that the air cooling system 100 may also be intended as a single window-type air cooling system. In such a case, the second housing 710 may be omitted, and the water discharger 150, pump 152, reservoir 154, and heat exchanger 182 may be mounted within the first housing 700.

[0098] While an air cooling system 100 having a single dehumidification system 102 is illustrated and intended, it will be understood that the air cooling system 100 may include any number of dehumidification systems 102 arranged in series, in parallel, or in combination thereof. Furthermore, while a dehumidification system 102 having a single dehumidification core 110 is illustrated and intended, the dehumidification system may also include multiple dehumidification cores 110 arranged in series, in parallel, or in combination thereof.

[0099] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a stack 141' according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which includes an outer frame 142' and a corrugated structure 143' located within and supported by the outer frame 142'. The corrugated structure 143' defines a plurality of vapor channels 116 having a substantially triangular shape. Furthermore, the stack 141' includes two layers of membrane 122, with a first layer 144' of membrane 122 located on the first side of the corrugated structure 143' and a second layer 145' of membrane 122 located on the second side of the corrugated structure 143', opposite to the first side. As shown, the first layer 144', the second layer 145', and the corrugated structure 143' are arranged such that the corrugated structure 143' is sandwiched between the first layer 144' and the second layer 145'. Furthermore, the first layer 144' and the second layer 145' abut against the first and second sides of the corrugated structure 143', respectively. This separates the air channel 114 from the adjacent vapor channel 116 by the membrane 122. In embodiments, the outer frame 142' and the corrugated structure 143' are each made of aluminum. In such cases, the outer frame 142', the corrugated structure 143', and the layers 144' and 145' are fastened together using a number of bolts 147' and one or more cover strips 148'. In embodiments, one or more gaskets 149' may be placed between the cover strip 148' and the outer frame 142' to prevent vacuum leakage. Each vapor channel 116 also includes an outlet to facilitate fluid communication between the vapor channel 116 and the conduit 140 (shown in Figure 4). The stack 141' may include structures suitable for housing the conduit 140, such as cavities formed within the outer frame 142', and other structures suitable for facilitating fluid communication between the steam channel 116 and the conduit 140. Multiple stacks 141' can be assembled in the same manner as the stack 141 assembly to form a dehumidifying core.

[0100] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a stack 141'' according to yet another embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the stack 141'' includes an outer frame 142'' and a corrugated structure 143'' integrally formed with the outer frame 142'', and may be made of plastic. In such cases, the outer frame 142'' and the corrugated structure 143'' are formed using thermoforming. Although thermoforming is intended, it will be understood that the stack may also be formed using other preferred techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, or die-cutting, but is not limited to this. As shown, the outer frame 142'' includes a plurality of flanges 147'' to facilitate the attachment of a plurality of stacks 141'' together to form a dehumidifying core. The plurality of stacks 141'' are arranged in an arrangement similar to the arrangement of stacks 141'', spaced apart from each other and substantially parallel to each other. The stacks 141'' are engaged with each other by inserting fasteners (not shown) into holes 148'' defined by the flanges 147''. Furthermore, the stacks can be assembled / connected to each other using multiple fasteners. Additionally, one or more spacers can be inserted between two adjacent stacks to form an air channel between them.

[0101] Furthermore, the stack 141'' includes two layers of film 122, with the first layer 144'' of film 122 positioned on the first side of corrugated structure 143'' and the second layer 145'' of film 122 positioned on the second side of corrugated structure 143'', opposite to the first side. As shown, the first layer 144'', the second layer 145'', and the corrugated structure 143'' are positioned such that the corrugated structure 143'' is sandwiched between the first layer 144'' and the second layer 145''. The first layer 144'' and the second layer 145'' also abut against the first side and the second side of corrugated structure 143'', respectively. In embodiments, the first layer 144'' and the second layer 145'' may be integrally formed with the outer frame 142'' during thermoforming. Furthermore, each steam channel 116 includes an outlet to facilitate fluid communication between the steam channel 116 and the conduit 140 (shown in Figure 4). The stack 141'' may include a structure suitable for receiving the conduit 140, such as a cavity, and other structures suitable for facilitating fluid communication between the steam channel 116 and the conduit 140.

[0102] Referring to Figures 13, 14, and 15, a stack 141''' according to yet another embodiment is shown. The stack 141''' includes a frame structure 1000, which has a mesh 1002 and an outer frame 142''' connected to the sides of the mesh 1000 to support the mesh 1002. The stack 141''' further includes a first layer 144''' of membrane 122 attached to the outer frame 142''' and positioned parallel to the mesh 1002 and spaced apart from the mesh 1002, and a second layer 145''' of membrane 122 attached to the outer frame 142''' and positioned spaced apart from the mesh 1002 and parallel to the mesh 1002. The outer edges of the first layer 144''' and the outer edges of the second layer 145''' are also melted with the outer frame 142''' to provide a leak-free bond.

[0103] Furthermore, the first layer 144'' and the second membrane 145'' are positioned on either side of the mesh 1002, so that the mesh 1002 is positioned between the two layers 144'' and 145''. This creates a gap between the two layers 144'' and 145'' of the stack 141''', defining a vapor channel 116 between them. The mesh 1002 positioned between the layers 144''' and 145''' also prevents the layers 144''' and 145''' from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure occurs within the vapor channel 116. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the first layer 144''' and the outer edges of the second layer 145''' are crimped to the outer frame 142''' to provide a leak-free joint. In the embodiment, the outer frame 142''' is made of a thermoplastic material, rubber, or any other suitable material to enable melting between the outer edges of the first layer 144''' and the second layer 145''' and the outer edges of the outer frame 142''' and the mesh 1002. Furthermore, the membrane 122 (first or second layer) defines an outlet 138''' to facilitate fluid communication with the conduit 140 and the vapor channel 116. The stack 141''' may include a structure suitable for housing the conduit 140, such as a cavity formed within the outer frame 142''', and other structures suitable for facilitating fluid communication between the vapor channel 116 and the conduit 140 via the outlet 138'''. Multiple stacks 141''' may be assembled similarly to an assembly of stacks 141 to form a dehumidifying core.

[0104] Referring to Figures 16, 17, and 18, a dehumidifying core 1600 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. As shown, the dehumidifying core 1600 includes a cubic structure having a first side 1602, a second side 1604, a third side 1606, a fourth side 1608, a top surface 1610, and a bottom surface 1612. The dehumidifying core 1600 includes an outer frame 1616 and a plurality of first corrugated structures 1618 defining a plurality of air channels 1620 and a plurality of second corrugated structures 1622 defining a plurality of vapor channels 1624. The first corrugated structures 1618 and the second corrugated structures 1622 are supported by the outer frame 1616 and are located within the space defined by the outer frame 1620. As shown, the outer frame 1616 is located along the corners of the cubic structure and covers the top surface 1610 and the bottom surface 1612.

[0105] Furthermore, the air channel 1620 extends from the first side 1602 to the second side 1604, and the vapor channel 1624 extends from the third side 1606 to the fourth side 1608. Thus, the air channel 1618 and the vapor channel 1624 extend in mutually orthogonal directions. It will be understood that air may enter the air channel 1618 through the first side 1602 and exit the dehumidifying core 1600 through the second side 1604. Also, the vapor channel 1624 is closed at the third side 1606 and open at the fourth side 1608. Therefore, moisture extracted from the air (i.e., water vapor) exits the dehumidifying core 1600 through the fourth side 1608. As shown in Figure 17, the first corrugated structure 1618 and the second corrugated structure 1622 are arranged within the dehumidifying core 1600 such that each first corrugated structure 1618 is positioned adjacent to / in close proximity to the second corrugated structure 1622. In this way, a single second corrugated structure 1622 is positioned between two adjacent first corrugated structures 1618. Furthermore, each first corrugated structure 1618 is separated from the adjacent second corrugated structure 1622 by a membrane 1630, so that the membrane 1630 abuts both the first corrugated structures 1618 and the second corrugated structures 1622. Thereafter, each air channel 1620 is positioned adjacent to one or more of the vapor channels 1624 and is separated from the adjacent vapor channels 1624 by the membrane 1630 (as shown in Figures 17 and 18). The membrane 1630 is identical to the membrane 122 in terms of composition and function, and facilitates the flow of moisture (i.e., water vapor) from the air flowing through the air channel 1620 into the steam channel 1624 when low pressure is generated / maintained in the steam channel 1624. Furthermore, to facilitate fluid communication between the steam channel 1624 and the water discharger, a conduit (not shown) similar to the conduit 140 may extend from the dehumidifying core 1600 to the water discharger.

[0106] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, a dehumidifying core 1900 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The dehumidifying core 1900 is formed by using a conduit 1902 having walls made of a membrane 1904. The conduit 1902 may be arranged in a heat-exchange manner to facilitate the flow of air through the conduit 1902. Furthermore, a channel 1906 of the conduit 1902 defines a vapor channel 1908 of the dehumidifying core 1900. It will be understood that one end of the conduit 1902 is closed, but a vacuum or low pressure is generated within the conduit 1902 through an opening defined at the other end, in order to facilitate the flow of moisture from the air through the membrane 1904 to the vapor channel 1908.

[0107] The operation of the air cooling system 100 having a dehumidifying core 110 will be described below. It can be assumed that air cooling systems having dehumidifying cores 1600 and 1900 may function similarly. The air cooling system 100 receives a first airflow 200A with a relatively high humidity level and high temperature from the room 300 and supplies a second airflow 200B with a relatively low humidity level and low temperature to the room 300. To do so, the air cooling system 100 receives the first airflow 200A from the room 300 through an inlet opening 706. In the embodiment, a first fan 504 can facilitate the suction / intake of the first airflow 200A into the first unit 700 through the inlet opening 706. Upon entering the first unit 700, the first airflow 200A passes through the first evaporation pad 500 (i.e., the first evaporative cooler 104), and in doing so, the first airflow 200A can evaporate the liquid water contained within the first evaporation pad 500, converting the liquid water into water vapor. Thus, as it passes through the first evaporation pad 500 (i.e., the first evaporative cooler 104), the latent heat required to convert the liquid water into water vapor is provided by the first airflow 200A, so the temperature of the first airflow 200A decreases, while the humidity level of the first airflow 200A increases as it passes through the first evaporation pad 500. Therefore, the first evaporative cooler 104 receives the first airflow 200A with a relatively high temperature and low humidity and releases the inlet air 400A with a relatively low temperature and high humidity.

[0108] Next, the inlet air 400A enters the dehumidifying core 110, flows through the air channel 114, and exits the dehumidifying core 110 as outlet air 400B. While the inlet air 400A flows through the air channel 114, at least a portion of the water vapor 120 present in the inlet air 400A flows through the membrane 122 to the adjacent vapor channel 116. A differential pressure is generated to facilitate the extraction of water vapor 120 from the inlet air 400A and the movement of water vapor 120 in the vapor channel 116. The differential pressure is generated or maintained by creating or maintaining a relatively lower pressure in the vapor channel 116 compared to the pressure in the air channel 114. In practice, to ensure that the water vapor 120 flows through the membrane 122, the partial pressure of water vapor in the vapor channel 116 is maintained at a lower value than the partial pressure of water vapor in the air channel 114. To do so, the controller may control and operate the pump 152 to pump liquid water from the reservoir 154 to the inlet port 160 of the water discharger 150 at an appropriate rate (i.e., a predetermined amount of liquid water per second enters the inlet section 158). The appropriate rate of liquid water entering the water discharger 150 can be determined based on the humidity level of the room 300 and / or the humidity level of the inlet air 400A, and / or the rate and volume of the first airflow 200A entering the air cooling system 100.

[0109] As liquid water flows through the inlet portion 158 and into the throat portion 162, the velocity of the liquid water increases, reaching its maximum value in the throat portion 162. As a result, a relatively low pressure (i.e., vacuum) is created in the throat portion 162 because the steam channel 162 is in fluid communication with the throat portion 162 via the steam inlet port 168 and conduit 140, and therefore a relatively low pressure is created in the steam channel 116. Due to the length of conduit 140 and the loss of vacuum caused by other bends in conduit 140, it will be understood that the pressure value in the steam channel 116 may be relatively higher compared to the pressure value in the throat portion 162. Furthermore, the pressure in the throat portion 162 is generated and maintained so that the pressure in the steam channel 116 is lower than the pressure in the air channel 114, resulting in a desired differential pressure. The differential pressure between the steam channel 116 and the air channel 114 causes water vapor 120 to be extracted from the air flowing through the air channel and move through the membrane 122 into the steam channel 16. Similarly, the differential pressure between the steam channel 116 and the throat section 162 allows the water vapor 120 extracted from the inlet air 400A to move / flow through the conduit 140 and enter the throat section 162 via the steam inlet port 168. Once inside the water discharger 150 (i.e., the throat section 162), the water vapor 120 can move along with the liquid water and enter the outlet section 164 of the water discharger 150. As the cross-sectional area in the outlet section 164 increases, the velocity of the liquid water decreases, thereby creating a relatively higher pressure in the outlet section 164 compared to the pressure in the throat section 162. Thus, the water vapor 120 received from the steam channel 116 condenses in the outlet section 164 before leaving the water discharger 150. This eliminates the need for a separate condenser to condense the water vapor 120 into liquid water, thereby improving the efficiency of the dehumidification system 102 and thus the air cooling system 100.

[0110] Heat can be generated by the condensation of water vapor 120 in the outlet portion 164 of the water discharger 150, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the liquid water exiting the outlet port 166 of the water discharger 150. To lower the temperature of the liquid water before it is delivered to the reservoir 154, at least a portion of the liquid water is guided to the heat exchanger 182, which facilitates the cooling of the received liquid water. The cooled liquid water is then supplied to the reservoir 154 for storage and later made available for supply to the water discharger 150 by the pump 152. It should be noted that, due to the condensation of water vapor 120 received from the dehumidifying core 110, the volume of liquid water exiting the water discharger 150 and received by the reservoir 154 may be greater than the volume of liquid water supplied to the water discharger 150 by the pump 152. This may cause an increase in the level of liquid water in the reservoir 154. To prevent the reservoir 154 from overflowing and spilling liquid water from it, the drain valve 180 can be opened when the liquid water level in the reservoir 154 exceeds a first threshold level. Opening the drain valve 180 may allow the liquid water to be drained from the reservoir 154. Furthermore, the drain valve 180 may be closed in response to the liquid water level falling below a second threshold. In certain implementations, the drain valve 180 is configured to open and close automatically in response to the liquid water level exceeding the first threshold and falling below the second threshold, respectively.

[0111] Furthermore, the outlet air 400B released from the dehumidifying core 110 is received and cooled by the second evaporative cooler 106 and exits the second evaporative cooler 106 as the second airflow 200B. Upon entering the second evaporative cooler 106, the outlet air 400B passes through the second evaporative pad 600, in which case it can evaporate the liquid water contained within the second evaporative pad 600, converting the liquid water into water vapor. Thus, as the air passes through the second evaporative pad 600, the latent heat required to convert the liquid water into water vapor is provided by the outlet air 400B, causing the air temperature to decrease, while the humidity level of the air increases as it passes through the second evaporative pad 600. Therefore, the second airflow 200B released from the second evaporative cooler 106 is relatively colder than the outlet air 400B received from the dehumidifying core 110 and has a relatively higher humidity compared to the outlet air 400B. The second airflow 200B, after exiting the second evaporative cooler 106, exits the air cooling system 100 through the outlet opening 708 and enters the room 300. It will be understood that the air cooling system 100, more specifically the dehumidification system 102, is controlled so that the second airflow 200B has a relatively lower humidity level (i.e., moisture content) compared to the first airflow 200A. To do this, the pressure in the throat section 162, and therefore the pressure in the vapor channel 116, is controlled so that the total amount of moisture extracted by the dehumidification core 110 as it passes through the first evaporative cooler 104 and the second evaporative cooler 106 is greater than the total amount of moisture absorbed by the first airflow 200A. Furthermore, by using liquid water as the driving fluid to create a low pressure in the throat section 162, and therefore in the vapor channel 116, the incompressibility of liquid water makes it easier to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, using the water discharger 150 as a pressure reduction means prevents cavitation-related damage compared to scenarios where a conventional pump is used to create low pressure or vacuum in the steam channel 116. Additionally, using the water discharger 116 makes it easier to reduce the overall size of the dehumidification system 102.Although the dehumidification system 102 is intended and described in conjunction with the air cooling system 100, the dehumidification system 102 may also be considered as a standalone system for removing moisture from the air. Furthermore, the dehumidification system 102 may also be intended for application to water extraction and collection.

[0112] Furthermore, the use of the water discharger 150 provides the ability to handle highly condensable fractions in the form of water vapor, and also provides a source of fresh water by condensing the moisture extracted in the dehumidifying core 110. In addition, the water discharger 150 is capable of generating vacuum pressures as low as 5 mbar (expressed as mbarA) absolute pressure. The water discharger can also be adjusted to operate in a range of vacuum pressures such as 100 mbarA, 150 mbarA, or even 500 mbarA or higher. The vacuum pressure is adjusted by adjusting fluid variables such as pressure and flow rate.

[0113] The scope of the claims is defined by the claims and may include other examples that are conceivable to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are no different from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that are little different from the literal language of the claims. All references herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0114] In this specification, the term “include” and its grammatical variations are intended to be non-restrictive; therefore, the listing of an item in a list does not exclude other similar items, and such items may be used in place of or in addition to the listed items. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of a described feature, integer, step, action, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include multiple referents unless explicitly and obviously limited to one referent.

Claims

1. A dehumidification system for removing water vapor from the air, A dehumidifying core comprising an air channel and at least one vapor channel separated from the air channel, A membrane configured to separate at least one vapor channel from an air channel and to facilitate the removal of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel, It is selectively permeable to water and water vapor, and impermeable to air. A membrane containing at least 1.0 milliequivalent of ion exchange capacity per gram, A dehumidifying core including, A liquid discharger, A throat portion, which is fluidly coupled to at least one steam channel and configured to create a relatively lower pressure of water vapor in at least one steam channel than in an air channel, and A liquid discharger having an outlet portion located downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase the pressure inside the liquid discharger in order to facilitate the condensation of water vapor received from at least one steam channel, A reservoir configured to receive liquid from a liquid discharger for storing liquid, A pump that is fluidically connected to a liquid discharger and a reservoir and configured to supply liquid from the reservoir to the liquid discharger, A heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a liquid discharger and configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid leaving the liquid discharger, the heat exchanger is configured to cool the received liquid, the heat exchanger is located upstream of a reservoir and supplies the cooled liquid to the reservoir, the heat exchanger and A dehumidification system equipped with the following features.

2. A dehumidification system for removing water vapor from the air, A dehumidifying core comprising an air channel and at least one vapor channel separated from the air channel, A membrane configured to separate at least one vapor channel from an air channel and to facilitate the removal of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel, It is selectively permeable to water and water vapor, and impermeable to air. A membrane containing at least 1.0 milliequivalent of ion exchange capacity per gram, A dehumidifying core including, A liquid discharger, A throat portion, which is fluidly coupled to at least one steam channel and configured to create a relatively lower pressure of water vapor in at least one steam channel than in an air channel, and A liquid discharger having an outlet portion located downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase the pressure inside the liquid discharger in order to facilitate the condensation of water vapor received from at least one steam channel, A reservoir configured to receive liquid from a liquid discharger for storing liquid, A pump that is fluidically connected to a liquid discharger and a reservoir and configured to supply liquid from the reservoir to the liquid discharger, A booster pump is placed between the dehumidifying core and the liquid discharger to reduce the pressure in the steam channel to a pressure below the partial pressure of water vapor, A dehumidification system equipped with the following features.

3. The dehumidification system according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a drain valve for facilitating the discharge of liquid from the reservoir when the liquid level in the reservoir exceeds a first threshold level.

4. The dehumidification system according to claim 2, further comprising a heat exchanger fluidly connected to a liquid discharger and configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid leaving the liquid discharger, the heat exchanger configured to cool the received liquid.

5. The dehumidification system according to claim 4, wherein the heat exchanger is located upstream of the reservoir and supplies the cooled liquid to the reservoir.

6. A dehumidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the relatively low pressure of water vapor is up to -960 mbar in gauge pressure.

7. The dehumidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid discharger is a water discharger configured to receive liquid water from a pump.

8. The dehumidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the membrane comprises a sulfonated block copolymer.

9. The dehumidification system according to claim 2, wherein the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value of 31.7 mbarA or less at 25°C.

10. The dehumidification system according to claim 2 or claim 9, wherein the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to less than 150 mbarA or from 10 mbarA to 40 mbarA.

11. An air cooling system comprising a dehumidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and an evaporative cooler for cooling air by facilitating the absorption of water into the air, wherein the evaporative cooler is located downstream or upstream of at least one dehumidification core.

12. An air cooling system, A dehumidifying core defining an air channel and at least one vapor channel separated from the air channel, A membrane configured to separate at least one vapor channel from an air channel and to facilitate the removal of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel, It is selectively permeable to water and water vapor, and impermeable to air. A membrane containing at least 1.0 milliequivalent of ion exchange capacity per gram, A dehumidifying core including, A water discharger, A throat portion, which is fluidly coupled to at least one vapor channel and configured to create a pressure in at least one vapor channel that is relatively lower than that in the air channel, and A water discharger having an outlet portion located downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase the water pressure in order to facilitate the condensation of water vapor received from at least one steam channel, A reservoir configured to receive water from a water discharger for storing water, A pump configured to be fluidly connected to a water discharger and a reservoir, and to supply water from the reservoir to the water discharger, An evaporative cooler for cooling air by facilitating the absorption of water into the air, the evaporative cooler being located downstream or upstream of at least one dehumidifying core, A heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a water discharger and configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid water leaving the water discharger, the heat exchanger is configured to cool the received liquid water, the heat exchanger is located upstream of a reservoir and supplies the cooled liquid water to the reservoir, and the heat exchanger cools the liquid with air, the heat exchanger and An air cooling system equipped with this system.

13. An air cooling system, A dehumidifying core defining an air channel and at least one vapor channel separated from the air channel, A membrane configured to separate at least one vapor channel from an air channel and to facilitate the removal of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel, It is selectively permeable to water and water vapor, and impermeable to air. A membrane containing at least 1.0 milliequivalent of ion exchange capacity per gram, A dehumidifying core including, A water discharger, A throat portion, which is fluidly coupled to at least one vapor channel and configured to create a pressure in at least one vapor channel that is relatively lower than that in the air channel, and A water discharger having an outlet portion located downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase the water pressure in order to facilitate the condensation of water vapor received from at least one steam channel, A reservoir configured to receive water from a water discharger for storing water, A pump configured to be fluidly connected to a water discharger and a reservoir, and to supply water from the reservoir to the water discharger, An evaporative cooler for cooling air by facilitating the absorption of water into the air, the evaporative cooler being located downstream or upstream of at least one dehumidifying core, A booster pump is placed between the dehumidifying core and the water discharger to reduce the pressure in the steam channel to a pressure below the partial pressure of water vapor, An air cooling system equipped with this system.

14. The air cooling system according to claim 13, wherein the reservoir includes a drain valve for facilitating the discharge of liquid water from the reservoir when the liquid water level exceeds a first threshold level.

15. The air cooling system according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the booster pump facilitates reducing the pressure to a value of 31.7 mbarA or less, or less than 150 mbarA, or between 20 mbarA and 40 mbarA at 25°C.

16. An air cooling system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the evaporative cooler is a first evaporative cooler located upstream of a dehumidifying core and configured to cool the air flowing to the dehumidifying core, and the air cooling system further includes a second evaporative cooler located downstream of the dehumidifying core and configured to cool the air received from the dehumidifying core.

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