Adsorption Heat Exchanger Switching for Multi-Mode Air Conditioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems using adsorption heat exchangers become complex due to the need for four heat exchangers and require additional complications when performing separate dehumidifying, humidifying, cooling, and heating operations, making it difficult to respond to various operation modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system with a refrigerant circuit and adsorbent capable of switching between different refrigerant and air flowing states, allowing for dehumidifying, humidifying, cooling, and heating operations by alternately switching between two adsorption heat exchanger states, and performing ventilating operations with the refrigerant circuit stopped, while using control means to determine optimal operation modes based on room and outdoor air conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four heat exchangers are used in the refrigerant circuit to enable separate dehumidifying, humidifying, cooling, and heating operations, then the system can respond to various operation modes, but the construction of the system becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same heat exchanger to serve multiple purposes through switching between different refrigerant flowing states. The heat exchanger can function as an evaporator in one state and as a condenser in another state, allowing the system to perform dehumidifying, humidifying, cooling, and heating operations without requiring separate dedicated heat exchangers for each function. This reduces the total number of heat exchangers from four to two, simplifying the system construction while maintaining full operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing switchable refrigerant flowing states that allow the system to dynamically reconfigure its thermal exchange functions. By switching the refrigerant flow direction and state, the system can adaptively change which heat exchanger acts as evaporator or condenser based on the required operation mode, enabling flexible response to different operational requirements without physical reconfiguration of the hardware.
2Productivity
If the indoor heat exchanger and adsorption heat exchanger perform both dehumidifying and cooling operations simultaneously, then operational efficiency improves, but the system cannot perform dehumidifying and cooling operations separately when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic switching of refrigerant flowing states. The system can operate in a combined mode where both dehumidifying and cooling functions are performed simultaneously by the indoor heat exchanger and adsorption heat exchanger, improving operational efficiency. When separate operations are required, the system switches to different refrigerant flowing states that enable independent control of each function, thus maintaining full adaptability while preserving the ability to perform combined operations for enhanced efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through alternating operations of the adsorption heat exchangers. The system switches between different adsorption heat exchangers in periodic cycles, allowing one to perform dehumidifying/cooling functions while the other is regenerated. This periodic switching enables the system to maintain continuous operational efficiency while providing the flexibility to adjust between combined and separate operation modes based on environmental conditions and user requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a complex construction with four heat exchangers to handle various operation modes, then operational versatility is maintained, but the system becomes difficult to control and manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies system control by applying multi-functionality to the heat exchangers. Instead of controlling four separate heat exchangers each dedicated to a specific function, the system controls only two heat exchangers that can dynamically switch between evaporator and condenser roles. This universal functionality reduces the complexity of control logic and makes the system easier to manage while preserving the ability to respond to all required operation modes through simple state switching.
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
Simplifies the system construction by reducing the number of heat exchangers and enables efficient response to multiple operation modes by selecting appropriate refrigerant and air flowing states, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture in air and releasing moisture into the air
Implementation Method 2
an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture in air and releasing moisture into the air
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant circuit for performing a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerant circuit for performing a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Heat exchangers of a refrigerant circuit 50 are constructed of a first adsorption heat exchanger 51 and a second adsorption heat exchanger 52, both of which have an adsorbent supported thereon, and are constructed so as to be switched into an evaporator and a condenser. An air passage 60 is constructed so as to be switched into states in which air flowing from the outside of a room to the inside of the room and air flowing from the inside of the room to the outside of the room flow through either of the first adsorption heat exchanger 51 and the second adsorption heat exchanger 52. A dehumidifying operation mode and a humidifying operation mode can be performed by switching the flow of refrigerant and the flow of air at specified intervals, a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode can be performed without switching the flow of refrigerant and the flow of air, and an ventilating operation mode can be performed by flowing air through the air passage 60 in a state where the refrigerant circuit 50 is stopped.