System and method for current limiting and defrost enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dehumidifying systems face inefficiencies due to fixed compressor and fan speeds, leading to reduced capacity or efficiency, and risk exceeding circuit current requirements, especially under low temperature conditions with ice buildup on evaporator coils, and require more energy when using desiccant systems.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifying system with a controller that adjusts the speed of the compressor and fan based on current draw, temperature, and ambient conditions to optimize performance and delay defrost cycling, thereby maintaining efficient operation and increasing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed speed operation is used for compressor and fan, then system simplicity is maintained, but system capacity and efficiency cannot be optimized under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed operation for both the compressor and fan motor, transforming them from static fixed-speed components to dynamic components that can adjust their operating speeds. The controller receives temperature inputs and accordingly varies the compressor speed between 0-100% and fan motor speed between 0-100%, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and optimize performance accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (speeds) of the compressor and fan motor based on temperature conditions. The controller adjusts the compressor speed parameter and fan motor speed parameter according to the temperature input, enabling the system to operate at optimal points under varying environmental conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Productivity
If high speed operation is maintained for maximum capacity, then dehumidification capacity is maximized, but current draw may exceed circuit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor speed and fan motor speed based on real-time temperature conditions and circuit current capacity. Rather than operating at fixed high speed, the controller varies the speeds to match the available circuit capacity, allowing the system to maximize dehumidification capacity without exceeding current limits by operating at optimal speed combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameters of the compressor and fan motor based on temperature and current draw conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can operate at high capacity when circuit capacity allows, and reduce speed when current limits are approached, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If compressor speed is reduced to lower current draw, then circuit current requirements are satisfied, but dehumidification capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically balances compressor speed and fan motor speed to maintain circuit current compliance while maximizing dehumidification capacity. The controller adjusts both speeds in coordination, allowing the system to operate at reduced compressor speeds when necessary for current compliance, while compensating with optimized fan motor speed to maintain acceptable dehumidification performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of both compressor and fan motor based on temperature and current conditions. By coordinating parameter changes in both components, the system can satisfy circuit current requirements through reduced compressor speed while maintaining dehumidification capacity through optimized fan motor operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
4Productivity
If fan speed is increased to improve air circulation, then dehumidification efficiency improves, but current draw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan motor speed based on temperature conditions and circuit current capacity. Rather than operating at fixed high speed for maximum efficiency, the controller varies the fan motor speed to match operating conditions, allowing the system to achieve adequate dehumidification efficiency while staying within current draw limits by coordinating fan speed with compressor speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fan motor speed parameter based on temperature and current conditions. By coordinating parameter changes in both fan motor and compressor, the system can achieve optimal dehumidification efficiency at reduced current draw levels, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifying system and method for reducing humidity in ambient air is disclosed. The system includes a circulation unit, a refrigeration unit, a condensate receptacle for receiving condensate generated by the refrigeration unit, a controller to control both the circulation and refrigeration units, and wherein the controller receives input from one or more ambient sensors configured to sense ambient conditions, and a user interface configured to receive input from a user. The system implements variable speed control within the circulation and/or refrigeration unit to maximize efficiency or capacity under a current threshold, and enables the system to delay the need for defrost cycling during low temperature operation.