Reconfigurable dehumidifier

Abstract

A dehumidifier includes a housing having an inlet having an inlet longitudinal axis, a dehumidifying coil, configured to modify a moisture content of the inlet airflow stream, a fan configured to draw the inlet airflow stream, and an outlet having an outlet longitudinal axis. The outlet airflow stream has a lower moisture content than the inlet airflow stream. The outlet is disposed on a multi-sided member that is securable to the housing in a plurality of configurations. In a first configuration, the inlet longitudinal axis is parallel to the outlet longitudinal axis. In a second configuration, the inlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a first direction. In a third configuration, the outlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction.

Description

Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025RECONFIGURABLE DEHUMIDIFIERCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 716,338 filed November 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a dehumidifier for installation in an HVAC systemBACKGROUND

[0003] Air quality' in structures such as homes, multi-family dwellings, office buildings, hotel rooms, or the like can become problematic if not regulated properly. In some climates, dehumidification may be used to maintain adequate indoor air quality (IAQ) levels within the interior space.SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, a dehumidifier includes a housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes an inlet configured to receive an inlet airflow stream, the inlet having an inlet longitudinal axis; a dehumidifying coil configured to modify a moisture content of the inlet airflow stream; a fan configured to draw the inlet airflow stream; and an outlet configured to output an outlet airflow stream. In some embodiments, the outlet has an outlet longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the outlet airflow stream has a lower moisture content than the inlet airflow stream. In some embodiments, the outlet is disposed on a multi-sided member. In some embodiments, the multi-sided member is securable to the housing in a plurality of configurations. In some embodiments, in a first configuration of the plurality of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is parallel to the outlet longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, in a second configuration of the plurality of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a first direction. In some embodiments, in a third configuration of the plurality of configurations, the outlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis1ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 in a second direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier includes a fresh air inlet configured to receive a second inlet airflow stream.

[0006] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier includes a filter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inlet further includes a grille.

[0008] In some embodiments, the multi-sided member includes a three-sided outlet panel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the three-sided outlet panel includes a first planar side and a second planar side.

[0010] In some embodiments, the three-sided outlet panel includes an outlet side including the outlet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the three-sided outlet panel is configured to be removable secured to the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further includes a drain outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a drain conduit.

[0013] In some embodiments, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an air handler and a dehumidifier fluidly connected to the air handler. In some embodiments, a dehumidifier includes a housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes an inlet configured to receive an inlet airflow stream, the inlet having an inlet longitudinal axis; a dehumidifying coil configured to modify a moisture content of the inlet airflow stream; a fan configured to draw the inlet airflow stream; and an outlet configured to output an outlet airflow stream. In some embodiments, the outlet has an outlet longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the outlet airflow stream has a lower moisture content than the inlet airflow stream. In some embodiments, the outlet is disposed on a multi-sided member. In some embodiments, the multi-sided member is securable to the housing in a plurality of configurations. In some embodiments, in a first configuration of the plurality of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is parallel to the outlet longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, in a second configuration of the plurality' of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in2ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 a first direction. In some embodiments, in a third configuration of the plurality of configurations, the outlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a second direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier includes a fresh air inlet configured to receive a second inlet airflow stream.

[0015] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier includes a filter.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inlet further includes a grille.

[0017] In some embodiments, the multi-sided member includes a three-sided outlet panel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the three-sided outlet panel includes a first planar side and a second planar side.

[0019] In some embodiments, the three-sided outlet panel includes an outlet side including the outlet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the three-sided outlet panel is configured to be removable secured to the housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further includes a drain outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a drain conduit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier is fluidly connected to the air handler at a location on a supply side of the air handler.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier is fluidly connected to the air handler at a location on a return side of the air handler.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to some embodiments.3ACTIVE 716206730v1Attorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of a dehumidifier, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of a dehumidifier, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of a dehumidifier, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of an outlet panel for a dehumidifier, according to some embodiments.

[0031] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are often installed in locations where space may be limited. For example, the HVAC system and corresponding equipment can be installed in an attic or other ceiling area of a structure. In some cases, the HVAC system and corresponding equipment can be installed in a mechanical room or closet. In some cases, the HVAC system can include a dehumidifier fluidly connected to one or more ducts within the HVAC system. In some cases, it may be difficult to install the dehumidifier due to the space constraints.

[0033] Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to simplifying installation of a dehumidifier in an HVAC system. The embodiments disclosed include a configurable outlet that enables an installer to selectively configure the dehumidifier to meet necessary clearance requirements and so that the usage of duct adapters, elbow connections, and the like are minimized.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 100, according to some embodiments. The HVAC system 100 can be configured to control one or more environmental conditions within one or more spaces (e.g., conditioned spaces) of a building.4ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0035] In some embodiments, the HVAC system 100 can be representative of a forced air type HVAC system. It is to be appreciated that other types of HVAC systems are within the scope of the present disclosure. Other types of HVAC systems include, but are not limited to, heat pump systems, or the like.

[0036] The HVAC system 100 includes a dehumidifier 102. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 102 is fluidly connected to a duct 104 of the HVAC system 100. In some embodiments, the duct 104 is fluidly connected to a return air inlet 106 of the HVAC system 100. The HVAC system 100 can include an air handler 108 that includes a blower 110. In some embodiments, the blower 110 can alternatively be referred to as a fan. The air handler 108 is configured to be fluidly connected to a duct 112 and a duct 1 14. In some embodiments, the blower 110 can draw air from the duct 112 and output air through the duct 114. The air drawn into the blower 110 from the 112 can be referred to as return air that is received from one or more spaces in the structure in which the HVAC system 100 is installed. In some embodiments, the air output through the duct 114 can be referred to as supply air that is supplied to the one or more conditioned spaces in the structure in which the HVAC system 100 is installed.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the dehumidifier 102 is fluidly connected to the duct 104 and is fluidly connected to the duct 114 via a duct 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the duct 116 is fluidly connected to the duct 114. As such, in the illustrated embodiment, the dehumidifier 102 is configured to draw air from a common area of a structure, dehumidify the air, and add the air to the supply side of the HVAC system 100. The dehumidified air is thus mixed with the supply side air and distributed to the conditioned spaces within the structure in which the HVAC system 100 is installed.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 200, according to some embodiments. The HVAC system 200 includes features that are the same as or similar to the features of the HVAC system 100. As such, for simplicity of this Specification, features previously described will not be described again in further detail.

[0039] The HVAC system 200 includes the dehumidifier 102 fluidly connected to the duct 104 and the duct 116. Unlike the HVAC system 100, the HVAC system 200 includes the duct 116 fluidly connected to the duct 112. As such, in the illustrated embodiment, the dehumidifier 102 is configured to draw air from a common area of the structure, dehumidify5ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 the air, and add the air to the return side of the HVAC system 200. The dehumidified air is thus mixed with the return side air and drawn into the blower 110 to then be distributed to the conditioned spaces within the structure in which the HVAC system 200 is installed.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of the dehumidifier 102, according to some embodiments. The dehumidifier 102 in the illustrated embodiment is in a configuration in which an outlet 302 is in a horizontal configuration.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of the dehumidifier 102, according to some embodiments. The dehumidifier 102 in the illustrated embodiment is in a configuration in which the outlet 302 is in a vertical configuration.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of the dehumidifier 102, according to some embodiments. The dehumidifier 102 in the illustrated embodiment is in a configuration in which the outlet 302 is in a right-angle configuration.

[0043] For simplicity of this Specification, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 will be referenced collectively, unless specific reference is made otherwise.

[0044] The dehumidifier 102 includes an inlet 300 and an outlet 302. The inlet 300 is configured to receive an inlet airflow stream. The dehumidifier 102 can also include a second inlet 304. In some embodiments, the inlet 300 is configured to be connected to the duct 104 and the return air inlet 106 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the outlet 302 is configured to be connected to the duct 116.

[0045] The optional second inlet 304 can be connected to a duct (not shown) that is configured to be connected to ambient air outside the structure so that the dehumidifier can bring in fresh air from outside of the structure. In some embodiments, a diameter of the inlet 300 and a diameter of the second inlet 304 can be different. In some embodiments, the diameters can be the same. It is to be appreciated that the sizing of the inlet 300, the outlet 302, and the second inlet 304 can be determined based on, for example, standard sizing for ducts used in HVAC systems.

[0046] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 102 may be installed in different locations in which the configuration of the dehumidifier 102 may need to change so that the installer can have more space to connect the corresponding ducts to the inlet 300, the outlet 302, and the second inlet 304. As such, the dehumidifier 102 can include an outlet panel 306. The outlet panel 306 can include a three-sided panel that is configured to be6ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 installed to a housing 308 of the dehumidifier 102. The three-sided panel can include a planar side 310 and a planar side 312. The third side of the three-sided panel, outlet side 314, can include the outlet 302. As a result, the outlet panel 306 can be installed to the housing 308 so that the outlet 302 is facing in a desired configuration (e.g., the horizontal configuration (FIG. 3), the vertical configuration (FIG. 4), or the right-angle configuration (FIG. 5)). The outlet panel 306 is open on the other faces so that when installed, the outlet panel 306 closes the housing 308. In some embodiments, the outlet panel 306 can be secured to the housing 308 using screws, bolts, or the like. In some embodiments, because there are moving components within the dehumidifier 102 (e.g., a fan, heat exchanger, etc.), the fasteners may require a tool for installation. In some embodiments, if code requirements do not require such fasteners, a quick-release feature could be used for simplicity of installation. However, code requirements may limit usage of such quick-release installations.

[0047] It is to be appreciated that the dehumidifier 102 can include one or more other features. For example, a dehumidifying coil can be included within the housing along with a fan or blower to move air through the dehumidifying coil. In some embodiments, the dehumidifying coil is configured to reduce an amount of moisture in the air flowing therethrough.

[0048] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 102 can include a cover 316 that is configured to receive a filter. In some embodiments, the cover 316 can include a magnetic closure to removably secure the cover 316 to the dehumidifier 102. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 102 includes a drain outlet 318. The drain outlet 318 is configured to be connected to one or more conduits to drain condensation that is collected as a result of the dehumidification via the dehumidifying coil.

[0049] In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis LI extends through the outlet 302. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis L2 extends through the inlet 300. In some embodiments, LI and L2 are oriented parallel to each other (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, LI and L2 are oriented perpendicular to each other (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). In some embodiments, LI and L2 are oriented perpendicular to each other in a first orientation (FIG. 4) and oriented perpendicular to each other in a second direction (FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the first direction and the second direction are different directions. It is to be appreciated that LI in FIG. 5 would extend out from the page.7ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0050] In some embodiments, the planar side 310, the planar side 312, and the outlet side 314 have the same major and minor dimensions so that the outlet panel 306 can be rotated into place based on the constraints of an application. As a result, the housing 308 can be the same regardless of the orientation of the outlet panel 306. In some embodiments, this can simplify the dehumidifier 102 so that a single housing 308 is manufactured while being able to configure in multiple ways at the time of installation in an HVAC system such as the HVAC system 100 of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of the outlet panel 306 for the dehumidifier 102, according to some embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 308 includes the planar side 310, the planar side 312, and an outlet side 314. The outlet side 314 includes the outlet 302. In some embodiments, the housing 308 is cube-shaped in geometry. In some embodiments, the housing 308 includes three open sides. In some embodiments, the three open sides are configured to be mated to the housing 308.

[0052] In some embodiments, each of the planar side 310, the planar side 312, and the outlet side 314 include a plurality of apertures 320. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 320 can be configured to be aligned with corresponding apertures in the housing 308 so that the outlet panel 306 can be installed to the housing 308. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 320 can include a fastener pre-installed into the plurality of apertures 320 so that an installer does not have to separately hold the fasteners during installation of the outlet panel 306 to the housing 308.

[0053] The outlet 302 includes the longitudinal axis LI therethrough. The longitudinal axis LI is configured to be in different orientations with respect to a longitudinal axis L2 through the inlet 300. For example, in the horizontal configuration, LI and L2 are oriented parallel to each other. In the vertical configuration, LI and L2 are oriented perpendicular to each other. In the right-angle configuration, L 1 and L2 are oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0054] As is illustrated in FIG. 6, there are three open faces to the outlet panel 306. As a result, when installed with the housing 308 (FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5), the outlet panel 306 completes the enclosure and housing 308 fully encloses the internal components of the dehumidifier 102.8ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0055] In some embodiments, the outlet panel 306 includes a grille 322 secured to the outlet 302. The grille 322 can be configured to protect users so that they cannot come into contact with any internal components of the dehumidifier 102. The grille 322 can also prevent any ingress of materials that could harm the dehumidifier 102.

[0056] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” '‘an,” and “the’’ include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0057] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.9ACTIVE 716206730v1

Claims

Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025CLAIMS1. A dehumidifier, comprising: a housing; wherein the housing comprises: an inlet configured to receive an inlet airflow stream; wherein the inlet has an inlet longitudinal axis; a dehumidifying coil; wherein the dehumidifying coil is configured to modify a moisture content of the inlet airflow stream; a fan configured to draw the inlet airflow stream; an outlet configured to output an outlet airflow stream; wherein the outlet has an outlet longitudinal axis; wherein the outlet airflow stream has a lower moisture content than the inlet airflow stream; wherein the outlet is disposed on a multi-sided member; wherein the multi-sided member is securable to the housing in a plurality of configurations; wherein in a first configuration of the plurality of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is parallel to the outlet longitudinal axis; wherein in a second configuration of the plurality of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a first direction; wherein in a third configuration of the plurality of configurations, the outlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a second direction; wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.

2. The dehumidifier of claim 1 , further comprising a fresh air inlet configured to receive a second inlet airflow stream.

3. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising a filter.

4. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein the inlet further comprises a grille.

5. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein the multi-sided member comprises a three-sided outlet panel.10ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 20256. The dehumidifier of claim 5, wherein the three-sided outlet panel comprises a first planar side and a second planar side.

7. The dehumidifier of claim 5, wherein the three-sided outlet panel comprises an outlet side including the outlet.

8. The dehumidifier of claim 5. wherein the three-sided outlet panel is configured to be removable secured to the housing.

9. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising a drain outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a drain conduit.

10. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprising: an air handler; a dehumidifier fluidly connected to the air handler, the dehumidifier comprising: a housing; wherein the housing comprises: an inlet configured to receive an inlet airflow stream; wherein the inlet has an inlet longitudinal axis; a dehumidifying coil; wherein the dehumidifying coil is configured to modify a moisture content of the inlet airflow stream; a fan configured to draw the inlet airflow stream; an outlet configured to output an outlet airflow stream; wherein the outlet has an outlet longitudinal axis; wherein the outlet airflow stream has a lower moisture content than the inlet airflow stream; wherein the outlet is disposed on a multi-sided member; wherein the multi-sided member is securable to the housing in a plurality of configurations; wherein in a first configuration of the plurality of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is parallel to the outlet longitudinal axis;11ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 wherein in a second configuration of the plurality of configurations, the inlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a first direction; wherein in a third configuration of the plurality of configurations, the outlet longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis in a second direction; wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.

11. The HVAC system of claim 10, further comprising a fresh air inlet configured to receive a second inlet airflow stream.

12. The HVAC system of claim 10, further comprising a filter.

13. The HVAC system of claim 10, wherein the inlet further comprises a grille.

14. The HVAC system of claim 10, wherein the multi-sided member comprises a three-sided outlet panel.

15. The HVAC system of claim 14, wherein the three-sided outlet panel comprises a first planar side and a second planar side.

16. The HVAC system of claim 14, wherein the three-sided outlet panel comprises an outlet side including the outlet.

17. The HVAC system of claim 14, wherein the three-sided outlet panel is configured to be removable secured to the housing.

18. The HVAC system of claim 10, further comprising a drain outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a drain conduit.

19. The HVAC system of claim 10, wherein the dehumidifier is fluidly connected to the air handler at a location on a supply side of the air handler.12ACTIVE 716206730v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-018401 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214504-WO Electronically Filed: November 5, 202520. The HVAC system of claim 10, wherein the dehumidifier is fluidly connected to the air handler at a location on a return side of the air handler.13ACTIVE 716206730v1

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