Dehumidifier Compressor Speed Control to Prevent Ice and Dew Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dehumidification systems face challenges with high energy consumption and instability during low thermal loads, leading to inefficient operation and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidification apparatus with a speed-regulated compressor, a non-return valve, and an expansion member that intercepts coolant flow when the compressor is off, allowing for precise energy regulation and confinement of heat energy within the evaporator, reducing energy losses and stabilizing dew temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor is continuously activated with constant speed to maintain evaporator pressure and temperature above 0°C, then the formation of ice is prevented, but energy consumption increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant speed operation to variable speed operation. The compressor speed is dynamically adjusted based on thermal load conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliable ice prevention while reducing energy consumption during low load periods through speed modulation rather than continuous full-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the compressor from fixed constant values to variable values. By monitoring evaporator pressure and temperature parameters and adjusting compressor speed accordingly, the system maintains the critical parameter of staying above 0°C while optimizing energy consumption through parameter adaptation to changing thermal loads.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor speed is reduced to minimize energy consumption during low thermal loads, then energy efficiency improves, but the compressor may switch off and cause enormous variations in pressure and dew points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring evaporator pressure and temperature (which determine dew point) and using this information to regulate compressor speed. This closed-loop feedback ensures that speed reductions for energy efficiency do not compromise stability, as the system automatically adjusts to maintain pressure and dew point within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical on/off switching control with continuous electronic speed regulation. Instead of abrupt mechanical start-stop actions that cause pressure and dew point variations, the system uses electronic control to smoothly modulate compressor speed, eliminating mechanical switching shocks and maintaining compositional stability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the drive member is switched off to reduce energy consumption, then energy usage decreases, but the pressure in the heat exchanger and dew points vary enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static on/off control with dynamic continuous speed regulation. The drive member operates continuously at variable speeds rather than switching between fixed states, enabling smooth adaptation to thermal load changes while maintaining precise control over pressure and dew point parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control to maintain manufacturing precision of pressure and dew point parameters. By continuously monitoring these parameters and adjusting drive member speed in response, the system achieves both energy efficiency and precise parameter control, preventing the enormous variations that would occur with simple on/off switching.
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 solution reduces energy consumption, enhances efficiency, and stabilizes the dehumidification process, particularly during low thermal loads, by regulating compressor speed and isolating coolant flow, thereby improving the overall performance and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the air to separate the humidity contained therein by condensing it
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger, generally called evaporator, into which the air to be dehumidified is introduced, and a coolant to cool the air introduced
Implementation Method 3
a compressor driven by a drive member, a condenser, located downstream of the compressor
Implementation Method 4
a condenser, located downstream of the compressor
Implementation Method 5
an expansion mean disposed between the exit of the condenser and the entrance to the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Method to dehumidify a fluid to be dehumidified that comprises feeding the fluid to be dehumidified into a heat exchanger (11); circulating a coolant in a coolant heat exchange circuit (13) during which the coolant is compressed by a compressor (20), condensed by a condenser (21) and expanded by an expansion member (22); feeding the coolant into the heat exchanger (11) to cool the fluid by means of heat exchange; regulating the actuation speed of the compressor (20) between a value of minimum speed, greater than zero, and a value of maximum speed, the actuation speed being chosen as a function of the thermal load present in the heat exchanger (11) and to prevent the formation of ice in the latter. If the actuation speed of the compressor (20) corresponds with the minimum actuation speed, the method provides to detect at least one functioning parameter of the fluid or the coolant, and if the at least one functioning parameter reaches a limit threshold value, indicating a further reduction in the thermal load, the method provides to switch off the compressor (20).