Dehumidifier Compressor Speed Control for Occupancy-Based Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidifiers operate the compressor at a constant or maximum speed, leading to discomfort when high-temperature dry air is directly discharged towards a person in a room.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifier control method that includes an occupancy sensor to detect the presence of individuals, adjusting the compressor speed to 20-30 Hz when occupants are present, and rotating the discharge cover to avoid directing dry air towards them. When no occupants are detected, the compressor operates at a higher speed, and the discharge cover is tilted to direct air upwards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compressor is operated at constant or maximum speed for dehumidification, then the dehumidification efficiency is improved, but the user comfort deteriorates due to high-temperature dry air being discharged directly towards a person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor speed variable rather than constant. The control unit adjusts the compressor speed based on occupancy detection: operating at high speed (e.g., 60 Hz) when no occupants are present to maximize dehumidification efficiency, and reducing to low speed (e.g., 20-30 Hz) when occupants are detected to prevent discomfort from high-temperature air discharge. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through an occupancy sensor that continuously monitors the presence of people in the room and provides real-time information to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to automatically adjust compressor speed and discharge cover position, creating a closed-loop control system that balances dehumidification efficiency with user comfort based on actual occupancy conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the discharge cover is rotated to avoid directing air towards occupants, then the user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single occupancy sensor system to control multiple functions simultaneously: both the compressor speed adjustment and the discharge cover rotation are managed by the same occupancy detection mechanism. This universal control approach addresses user comfort through multiple actions without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one sensor system serves multiple protective functions.
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
Minimizes user discomfort by adjusting compressor speed and discharge direction based on occupancy, ensuring comfortable humidity levels without direct exposure to high-temperature dry air.
Implementation Method 1
an occupancy sensor to detect the presence of individuals
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant cycle is installed inside of the dehumidifier, air suctioned in by a fan passes through an evaporator to condense moisture contained in the air, and then passes through the condenser and is discharged back into a room in a heated state
Implementation Method 3
air suctioned in by a fan passes through an evaporator to condense moisture contained in the air
Implementation Method 4
passes through the condenser and is discharged back into a room in a heated state
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a dehumidifier is provided. The dehumidifier may include a dehumidifying module having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a fan module. The method may include determining by an occupancy sensor whether an occupant is present in an indoor space in which the dehumidifier is located; operating the compressor at a low speed when the occupancy sensor determines that an occupant is present in the indoor space; operating the compressor at a constant or high speed when the occupancy sensor determines that there are no occupants in the indoor space; and stopping operation of the compressor when an indoor humidity reaches a target humidity.