Dehumidification system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pumps used as primary heat sources for dehumidification units face operational limitations due to varying process air temperatures and moisture contents, leading to reduced operating hours and increased energy costs, especially in regions with harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidification system incorporating a closed regeneration air loop with a heat pump, a complementary regeneration air moisture removal system, and a regeneration air heat bypass system, allowing for adaptive operation by activating or deactivating these systems based on heat demand to optimize heat pump usage and waste heat utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat pump is used as the primary heat source for dehumidification in harsh environments, then energy efficiency is improved, but the heat pump must shut off for long periods when regeneration air conditions exceed operational limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heat delivery function into two separate subsystems: a heat pump for efficient heat delivery and electric heaters for supplemental heating. This segmentation allows the heat pump to operate during favorable conditions while electric heaters handle extreme conditions, maximizing overall system efficiency and operating hours
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the temperature setpoint for the heat pump based on outdoor conditions and regulates the ratio of heat pump to electric heater operation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize heat pump utilization while ensuring adequate heating capacity across all environmental conditions
2Reliability
If electric direct heaters are used for long periods in harsh conditions, then heat demand is met, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two sources: heat pump (primary source for efficiency) and electric heaters (supplemental source for reliability). This segmentation enables the system to meet heat demand reliably while minimizing electrical energy consumption by prioritizing heat pump operation during favorable conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous heat supply through coordinated operation of heat pump and electric heaters. The control system ensures seamless transition between heat sources, maintaining reliable heat supply while optimizing energy efficiency by using the heat pump as the primary source during its operational range
3Power
If the heat pump capacity is increased to meet peak heat demand, then heat supply capability is improved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single oversized heat pump, the system segments the heating capacity into a primary heat pump (sized for efficient operation during favorable conditions) and supplemental electric heaters (for peak demand). This segmentation avoids the complexity and cost of an oversized heat pump while ensuring adequate heat supply capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by relying primarily on the heat pump during favorable conditions and only activating electric heaters when necessary. This approach avoids the need for a fully oversized heat pump system, reducing complexity and cost while meeting peak demand requirements
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 configuration extends heat pump operating time, reduces electrical energy consumption, and allows for efficient heat delivery to regeneration air, making heat pumps viable in environments with varying process air conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump comprising a condenser and an evaporator to exchange heat between regeneration air and heat pump refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a process air dehumidifier unit comprising a moisture absorbing agent
Implementation Method 3
a complementary regeneration air moisture removal system arranged downstreams of the evaporator and upstreams of the condenser
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a process air dehumidification system (2) comprising a process air dehumidifier unit (4) comprising a moisture absorbing agent (6), the process air dehumidification system (2) further comprising a moisture absorbing agent regeneration system (8) comprising a closed regeneration air loop (10) arranged to pass through the process air dehumidifier unit (4) and comprising regeneration air flow generating means (12) for generating a regeneration air flow (14) in the closed regeneration air loop (10) and comprising a heat pump (16) comprising a condenser (18) and an evaporator (20) and a heat pump refrigerant (22), where the closed regeneration air loop (10) is arranged to pass through the condenser (18) and the evaporator (20) to exchange heat between regeneration air (24) and heat pump refrigerant (22), where the dehumidification system (2) comprises a complementary regeneration air moisture removal system (26) arranged downstreams of the evaporator (20) and upstreams of the condenser (18) and a regeneration air heat bypass system (28) arranged to exchange heat from inlet regeneration air (30) upstreams of the dehumidifier unit (4) and downstreams of the condenser (18) to outlet regeneration air (32) downstreams of the dehumidifier unit (4) and upstreams of the evaporator (20) and means (34) arranged to activate and deactivate the complementary regeneration air moisture removal system (26) and the regeneration air heat bypass system (28). The invention also relates to a method for dehumidification of process air.