Climate-control system with absorption chiller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vapor-compression systems are inefficient in providing effective cooling and humidity reduction across a wide range of operating conditions, necessitating a more efficient climate-control system that can manage both sensible and latent heat loads.
Innovation Solution
A climate-control system comprising an absorption cycle circuit, a desiccant system, and a fluid circuit, where the absorption cycle circuit uses a desorber, absorber, evaporator, and condenser, and the desiccant system includes a conditioner and regenerator to manage humidity, with a closed-loop liquid desiccant circuit and heat transfer relationships between the fluid and desiccant systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional vapor-compression systems are used for cooling and dehumidification, then cooling effect is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and refrigerant environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a thermal absorption system. Instead of using a compressor to circulate refrigerant, the system uses an absorption chiller that relies on heat-driven absorption and desorption processes. The absorption chiller uses a refrigerant-absorbent pair (such as water-lithium bromide) where the absorbent absorbs refrigerant vapor in the absorber and releases it in the desorber through heating, eliminating the need for mechanical compression and associated refrigerants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters from mechanical pressure-driven cycles to thermal concentration-driven cycles. The absorption chiller operates by varying the concentration of refrigerant in the absorbent solution through heating and cooling, rather than varying pressure through mechanical compression. This parameter change enables the system to achieve cooling without conventional refrigerants and with improved energy efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vapor-compression systems are used, then cooling is provided, but effectiveness across wide operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system architecture. The absorption chiller provides both cooling through the evaporator and dehumidification through the desiccant dehumidifier, which operates in conjunction with the absorption cycle. The system can adapt to different operating conditions by adjusting the heat input to the desorber and the airflow through the desiccant system, enabling effective performance across a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms to adapt to varying operating conditions. The absorption chiller can adjust its cooling capacity by modifying the heat input to the desorber and the circulation rate of the absorbent solution. The desiccant dehumidifier dynamically adjusts its dehumidification rate based on ambient conditions and space requirements, ensuring reliable performance across diverse operating scenarios.
3Productivity
If absorption chiller and desiccant system are integrated, then cooling and dehumidification efficiency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the absorption chiller and desiccant dehumidifier into an integrated climate control system. The absorption chiller's absorber and desorber are thermally coupled with the desiccant system, allowing heat exchange between the two subsystems. This merging enables the system to achieve both cooling and dehumidification simultaneously with improved overall efficiency, as the heat rejected by one component is utilized by the other, reducing total energy consumption despite the increased component count.
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 reduces both sensible and latent heat in a space, uses less power than conventional vapor-compression systems, and does not require conventional refrigerants, offering improved cooling and humidity control efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator disposed between the desorber and the absorber... A first fluid may flow through the first outlet of the desorber, through the expansion device, through the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a desorber... The desorber may include an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet... A first fluid may flow through the first outlet of the desorber
Implementation Method 3
an absorber... A first fluid may flow through... the first inlet of the absorber
Implementation Method 4
an expansion device disposed between the desorber and the evaporator... through the expansion device, through the evaporator
Implementation Method 5
The fan forces air across the conditioner such that the desiccant in the conditioner absorbs moisture (water) from the air
Implementation Method 6
The second fluid circuit may include a coil that receives the third fluid and is in a heat transfer relationship with the first fluid in the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A climate-control system may include a first fluid circuit, a desiccant system, and a second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may include a desorber, an absorber, and an evaporator. A first fluid exits the desorber through a first outlet and flows through the evaporator and a first inlet of the absorber. A second fluid exits the desorber through a second outlet and may flow through a second inlet of the absorber. The desiccant system includes a conditioner and a regenerator. The conditioner includes a first desiccant flow path. The regenerator includes a second desiccant flow path in communication with the first desiccant flow path. The second fluid circuit circulates a third fluid that is fluidly isolated from the first and second fluids and desiccant in the desiccant system. The second fluid circuit may be in heat transfer relationships with the first fluid and the first desiccant flow path.