A system and method for controlling humidity in a defined space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to maintain stable humidity levels and suppress fluctuations in dry spaces or dry rooms, despite the use of active air conditioners, which can be energy-intensive and inefficient in managing humidity fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an active air conditioner, passive dehumidifier and humidifier with hygroscopic material, and control device to regulate humidity by setting a dewpoint target value, using hygrometers to monitor and adjust humidity levels, and a supplementary air conditioner to manage temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active air conditioner is used to remove moisture from air, then humidity control capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and humidity fluctuations are not effectively suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between active dehumidification cycles and passive humidity regulation phases. The active air conditioner operates intermittently rather than continuously, while passive hygroscopic elements continuously absorb and release moisture in response to humidity fluctuations, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive hygroscopic elements serve as intermediaries between the active air conditioner and the air environment. These elements buffer humidity fluctuations by absorbing excess moisture during high humidity periods and releasing moisture during low humidity periods, thereby suppressing fluctuations without requiring continuous active intervention and reducing energy consumption.
2Manufacturing precision
If an active air conditioner is used to create ultra-dry air, then dry air quality is improved, but difficulty in maintaining constant humidity levels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where humidity sensors continuously monitor air humidity levels and provide information to the control system. Based on this feedback, the active air conditioner and passive hygroscopic elements are dynamically regulated to maintain constant humidity levels, simplifying the control process while achieving precise dry air quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive hygroscopic elements provide self-service by automatically absorbing and releasing moisture in response to environmental humidity changes without requiring external control. This self-regulating behavior maintains constant humidity levels and simplifies the overall system complexity while ensuring high dry air quality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive hygroscopic elements are used alone to control humidity, then energy consumption is reduced, but inability to suppress humidity fluctuations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges passive hygroscopic elements with active air conditioning components to create a hybrid humidity control system. The passive elements handle minor humidity fluctuations and provide continuous buffering, while the active components provide powerful dehumidification when needed, achieving both low energy consumption and high humidity stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive hygroscopic elements act as intermediaries that buffer between the active air conditioner and the air environment. They smooth out humidity fluctuations by absorbing excess moisture and releasing it when humidity drops, thereby achieving stable humidity levels with minimal energy input from the active system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains stable humidity levels and suppresses fluctuations, improving the functionality and performance of dry spaces by ensuring low humidity variations and efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a passive dehumidifier and humidifier (8) comprising hygroscopic material (10), which passive dehumidifier and humidifier (8) is configured to be accommodated in the defined space (2) and in contact with the air in the defined space (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system (1) for controlling humidity in a defined space (2), the system (1) comprising: an active air conditioner (4) fluidly connected to the defined space (2); a control device (100) operably coupled to the active air conditioner (4); at least one hygrometer (6,14) arranged in the defined space (2) and operably coupled to the control device (100); a passive dehumidifier and humidifier (8) comprising hygroscopic material (10), which passive dehumidifier and humidifier (8) is configured to be accommodated in the defined space (2) and in contact with the air in the defined space (2). The control device (100) is configured to control the active air conditioner (4) for conditioning the air in the defined 10 space (2) to a dewpoint target value (CDPt) based on information from the first hygrometer (6), and in that the passive dehumidifier and humidifier (8) is configured to suppress fluctuations from the dewpoint target value (CDPt). The disclosure further relates to a method for controlling humidity in a defined space (2) using a system (1).