Connected Damper Assembly for Dew Point-Based Dehumidification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidification systems in buildings often experience fluctuations in moisture levels due to reliance on relative humidity control, leading to inefficient ventilation and increased energy consumption, as they fail to accurately manage absolute humidity levels from both recirculated and external air sources.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidification system with a manifold assembly and damper control system that selectively manages air flow through separate inlets for ventilation and recirculated air, using dew point control to optimize moisture levels, allowing independent measurement and control of absolute humidity and reducing the need for direct dew point adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dehumidification systems rely on relative humidity control, then they can maintain basic humidity levels, but they experience fluctuations in moisture levels and fail to accurately manage absolute humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from controlling relative humidity to controlling dew point temperature, which is a fundamental parameter change. Dew point control directly measures and manages absolute humidity levels, eliminating the fluctuations and inaccuracies associated with relative humidity control. The control system monitors dew point temperature and adjusts the dehumidifier accordingly, providing precise and reliable moisture level management.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses separate inlets for ventilation and recirculated air, then it can independently manage moisture levels from both sources, but the device complexity increases with additional dampers and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air intake into separate segments: a first inlet for ventilation air and a second inlet for recirculated air. Each inlet has its own damper (first damper and second damper) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to measure and manage moisture levels from each source independently, improving measurement accuracy and control precision despite the increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly acts as an intermediary component that combines airflow from the two separate inlets while allowing independent control through the connecting member. The manifold body with its fluid plenum and separate openings provides a structured intermediate zone where ventilation and recirculated air can be mixed in controlled proportions, enabling precise moisture management without requiring direct intervention in each inlet stream.
3Reliability
If the system recirculates air through the dehumidifier continuously, then it can maintain humidity control, but ventilation efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the recirculation ratio based on indoor humidity conditions. When indoor humidity is high, the second damper opens to increase recirculated airflow through the dehumidifier. When humidity is low or outdoor air is drier, the second damper closes and the first damper opens to allow fresh ventilation air in, reducing unnecessary recirculation and energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment maintains humidity control reliability while optimizing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from dew point sensors to continuously monitor indoor absolute humidity levels and adjusts the damper positions accordingly. The sensor data feeds back to the controller, which modulates the second damper to maintain the desired dew point setpoint. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable humidity control while avoiding excessive recirculation, thereby reducing energy consumption compared to continuous recirculation systems.
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 reduces fluctuations in absolute humidity, enhances ventilation efficiency, and decreases energy consumption by isolating and managing moisture levels from both internal and external air sources, improving indoor air quality and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a dehumidifier assembly including a dehumidifier configured to remove moisture from air
Implementation Method 2
controlling a connecting member of a damper assembly to position a first damper of the damper assembly in an open position to draw in vent air from the external environment into the space
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling indoor air humidity includes determining a dew point set point and determining a dew point of air from a space within a building. The method also includes, in response to determining that the dew point satisfies the dew point set point, determining a vent air dew point of air in an external environment surrounding the building. The method further includes, in response to determining that the vent air dew point is below the dew point set point by a dew point threshold, controlling a connecting member of a damper assembly to position a first damper of the damper assembly in an open position to draw in vent air from the external environment into the space, and to position a second damper of the damper assembly in a close position to substantially prevent recirculation of air through the dehumidifier.