Adsorption Heat Exchanger Switching for Compressor-Off Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidity control apparatuses with refrigerant circuits struggle to control humidity effectively when the compressor operation is stopped, leading to uncontrolled temperature and humidity conditions in indoor spaces, as they cannot adjust the compressor's operation capacity below a certain threshold, resulting in continuous ventilation without humidity control.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a refrigerant circuit with a compressor, adsorption heat exchangers, and a switching mechanism to alternate between dehumidifying and humidifying cycles, even when the compressor is stopped, by switching the air flow path between two adsorption heat exchangers, ensuring controlled temperature and humidity levels in indoor spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor operation capacity is reduced below the lower limit, then the humidity control capability can be increased, but the compressor cannot operate properly and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the humidity control function by introducing a second adsorption heat exchanger that can operate independently when the compressor is stopped. This allows the first adsorption heat exchanger to continue providing humidity control during compressor stop periods, effectively segmenting the operational phases and enabling adaptability across different compressor states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic switching between two operational modes: (1) compressor operation mode with first adsorption heat exchanger, and (2) compressor stop mode with second adsorption heat exchanger. This periodic action allows the system to maintain humidity control capability while respecting the compressor's minimum operation capacity requirements, preventing frequent start-stop cycles.
2Loss of energy
If the compressor is stopped to avoid excessive humidity control capability, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature and humidity control in indoor space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second adsorption heat exchanger is pre-configured and maintained in readiness to take over humidity control function when the compressor stops. This preliminary preparation ensures that indoor space environmental control continues without interruption or deterioration, even during compressor stop periods for energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second adsorption heat exchanger acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between compressor stop mode and continuous indoor space environmental control. It mediates the transition by providing alternative humidity control capability, ensuring that energy savings from compressor shutdown do not compromise indoor comfort.
3Productivity
If frequent start-stop cycles are implemented to match humidity control demand, then energy efficiency is improved, but mechanical part reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous useful action for humidity control by having two adsorption heat exchangers that can alternately operate. When the compressor stops, the second adsorption heat exchanger continues the humidity control function, maintaining continuous environmental control capability while allowing the compressor to operate less frequently for energy efficiency without compromising overall system reliability.
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
This solution allows for controlled humidity and temperature management in indoor spaces even when the compressor is not operating, enhancing comfort and extending the compressor's operational reliability by preventing frequent start-stop cycles and maintaining sufficient refrigerant flow.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption heat exchanger carrying an adsorbent
Implementation Method 2
the moisture desorbed from the adsorption heat exchanger serving as a radiator
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant circuit which performs a refrigeration cycle is provided with two adsorption heat exchangers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerant circuit (50) of a humidity control apparatus (10) is provided with two adsorption heat exchangers (51, 52). In the refrigerant circuit (50), refrigerant can circulate in reverse directions. A switching mechanism (40) of the humidity control apparatus (10) switches between a transfer path of the outdoor air to be supplied into a room and a transfer path of the indoor air to be exhausted to the outside the room. In a first operation of the humidity control apparatus (10), a direction of refrigerant circulation and a flow path of the air are changed every predetermined period. In a second operation of the humidity control apparatus (10), the refrigerant circuit (50) is stopped, and the flow path of the air is changed every predetermined period. In the second operation, although the refrigerant circuit (50) is stopped, the outdoor air whose temperature and humidity are controlled is supplied into the room to ensure comfort of the room.