Systems and methods for controlling indoor humidity
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems struggle to efficiently control indoor relative humidity, leading to potential property damage and occupant discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a target dew point temperature and coil temperature based on desired indoor conditions, and adjust the air flow speed or compressor speed of the climate control system to reduce the difference between the current coil temperature and the target coil temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coil temperature is reduced to control indoor humidity, then dehumidification effectiveness is improved, but the risk of coil freezing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors coil temperature and adjusts compressor speed based on feedback from the coil temperature sensor. When the coil temperature approaches the freezing point, the system reduces compressor speed to prevent freezing, while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity for dehumidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts compressor speed based on real-time coil temperature conditions rather than operating at fixed speeds. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize dehumidification effectiveness while preventing coil freezing by adapting to changing thermal conditions.
2Productivity
If the air flow speed across the coil is increased to improve heat exchange efficiency, then dehumidification performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts air flow speed based on real-time humidity conditions and coil temperature. During high humidity periods, increased air flow enhances dehumidification performance. During low humidity periods or when coil temperature is low, air flow is reduced to minimize energy consumption while maintaining effective humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the air flow parameter dynamically based on operating conditions. By adjusting air flow speed in response to humidity levels and coil temperature, the system optimizes the balance between dehumidification effectiveness and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the compressor speed is increased to enhance cooling capacity, then dehumidification effectiveness is improved, but the coil temperature drops too low causing freezing risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses coil temperature sensor feedback to continuously monitor and adjust compressor speed. When the coil temperature approaches the freezing point, the system reduces compressor speed to maintain coil temperature above freezing while still achieving effective dehumidification through optimized refrigerant flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically adjusting compressor speed based on coil temperature conditions. This self-service control mechanism prevents coil freezing while maintaining dehumidification effectiveness without requiring external intervention.
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 approach effectively and efficiently controls the relative humidity of an indoor space by precisely managing the coil temperature of the climate control system, thereby preventing damage and ensuring comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an indoor heat exchanger, comprising a coil to flow refrigerant therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect a value indicative of a coil temperature of the coil
Implementation Method 3
an indoor fan configured to flow air over the coil
Implementation Method 4
adjust a speed of the indoor fan or a speed of the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and related systems for controlling indoor relative humidity include (a) determining a target dew point temperature based on desired indoor conditions for the indoor space, and (b) determining an initial dew point temperature based on an initial set of current indoor conditions of the indoor space. The method includes (c) determining a target coil temperature of a coil of an indoor heat exchanger of the climate control system based on the target dew point temperature and the initial dew point temperature, and (d) adjusting a speed of air flowing across the coil or a speed of a compressor of the climate control system after (c) based on the target coil temperature to reduce a difference between a coil temperature of the coil and the target coil temperature.