High efficiency dehumidification system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face issues such as high airside pressure drop, condensate stacking, inadequate coil design, excessive energy waste, and poor dehumidification efficiency due to high air velocities and inadequate coil configurations, leading to energy inefficiencies and operational problems like mold growth and re-evaporation of condensate.
Innovation Solution
A high efficiency dehumidification system (HEDS) is introduced, featuring a cooling coil with a cooling recovery coil and a control system that optimizes chilled fluid flow and air handling, using a cooling recovery coil to reheat and dehumidify air, and incorporating energy recovery strategies to manage condensate and maintain precise temperature and humidity control, even at low loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high air velocity is used across the coil sections during deep dehumidification duties, then dehumidification capacity is improved, but condensate carry-off increases and energy waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing air velocity to specific ranges (200-400 fpm for standard coils, 100-300 fpm for high velocity coils) and adjusting coil face velocities to prevent condensate carry-off while maintaining dehumidification capacity. This resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal velocity parameter that balances productivity with energy efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If excessive coil vertical height is used, then heat transfer area is increased, but condensate stacking effect occurs and airflow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coil into multiple sections with intermediate drain pans positioned at strategic locations along the coil length. This prevents condensate stacking by providing multiple drainage points, allowing condensate to be removed before it can accumulate and block airflow, thus maintaining both heat transfer area and airflow productivity.
3Device complexity
If inadequate number of coil rows is used, then device complexity is reduced, but condensate stacking effect occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from vertical coil stacking to horizontal coil arrangements with multiple drain pans positioned at different locations along the horizontal axis. This dimensional shift allows adequate condensate drainage without requiring excessive vertical height or complex multi-row configurations, reducing device complexity while preventing condensate stacking.
4Productivity
If high airside pressure drop is present, then dehumidification efficiency is improved, but fan power consumption increases and condensate carry-off occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing control systems that monitor airside pressure drop and dynamically adjust fan speed and coil configuration to maintain optimal operating conditions. This prevents excessive pressure drop that would increase fan power consumption and condensate carry-off, while maintaining adequate dehumidification efficiency through real-time adjustments.
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
The HEDS system enhances dehumidification efficiency, reduces energy waste, and maintains stable temperature and humidity control, preventing mold growth and condensate re-evaporation, while extending the capacity and efficiency of ground-sourced heat pumps and improving the operational reliability of HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling coil having an inlet to receive chilled liquid at a first temperature from a cooling plant to cool air that passes over the cooling coil, and having an outlet to output spent chilled liquid at a second temperature, the second temperature being greater than the first temperature due to heat exchange from the air to the chilled liquid
Implementation Method 2
a cooling recovery coil having an inlet connected with the first output of the output junction of the first fluid conduit to receive at least a portion of the spent chilled liquid at about the second temperature
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes a high efficiency dehumidification system (HEDS) and method of operating the same. The HEDS systems and physical implementations can include a variety of equipment, such as fans, filtration systems, fluid-conveying coils, piping or tubing, heat transfer coils, vents, louvers, dampers, valves, fluid chillers, fluid heaters, or the like. Any of the implementations described herein can also include controls and logic, responsive to one or more sensors or other input devices, for controlling the equipment for each implementation described herein.