Air conditioning system and control method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems require multiple components for various operation modes, leading to increased complexity and costs, and are inefficient due to the need for separate desiccant wheels and enthalpy exchangers, which are bulky and inconvenient to maintain.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system that uses a single heat and mass exchanger with a hygroscopic material, capable of performing both desiccant wheel and enthalpy exchanger functions by varying its rotation speed, along with a heat exchange unit and controller to manage different operation modes such as dehumidification, humidification, energy recovery ventilation, ventilation cooling, and heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both enthalpy exchanger and desiccant wheel are adopted in a single air conditioning system, then dehumidification and energy recovery functions are improved, but system volume and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation modesVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the enthalpy exchanger and desiccant wheel into a single integrated heat and mass exchanger component. This component performs both heat exchange and moisture absorption functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system volume while maintaining multiple operation modes including dehumidification and energy recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat and mass exchanger is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions: enthalpy exchange for energy recovery, desiccant wheel function for dehumidification, and heat pump integration for heating and cooling. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components (enthalpy exchanger and desiccant wheel) are used, then various operation modes are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation modesVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated heat and mass exchanger that performs enthalpy exchange, moisture absorption, and heat pump operations. This merging reduces the number of components from two or more to one, simplifying system structure and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to achieve various operation modes through controlled operation of the integrated component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate desiccant wheel and enthalpy exchanger are installed, then dehumidification and ventilation functions are improved, but ease of installation and maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the desiccant wheel and enthalpy exchanger into a single heat and mass exchanger component. This integration means that installation requires only one component instead of multiple separate components, and maintenance involves servicing a single unit rather than multiple components, thereby improving ease of installation and maintenance while preserving all required functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a compact, efficient, and versatile air conditioning system that can perform multiple operation modes with reduced components, improving energy efficiency and simplifying maintenance by using a single heat and mass exchanger to handle various functions.

Implementation Method 1

a heat and mass exchanger including a hygroscopic material for absorbing moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopic absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an enthalpy exchanger is used to recover heat from the air or to transfer heat to the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11525600B2Air conditioning system and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

An air conditioning control system includes a casing including paths through which air passes, dampers arranged at an entrance and an exit of each of the paths and operated to open or close the entrance and the exit according to a control signal, a heat and mass exchanger including a hygroscopic material for absorbing moisture and arranged across the paths to be rotated with respect to the casing, a driving unit rotating the heat and mass exchanger, a heat exchange unit having a heat transfer medium flowing inside the heat exchange unit and arranged on at least one of the paths, and a controller opening or closing the entrance and the exit of the paths by applying a control signal to the dampers, and changing a rotation speed of the heat and mass exchanger by applying a control signal to the driving unit, according to operation modes.