Desiccant Heat Exchanger Dry Mode Control for Faster Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation apparatuses with desiccant heat exchangers require lengthy dry mode operations to dry the surface, affecting dehumidification efficiency and occupant comfort.
Innovation Solution
A control method that measures outdoor and indoor temperature and humidity to initiate a drying operation, where a condenser-type desiccant heat exchanger is used to dry the surface by controlling air flow rates and refrigerant switching, reducing dry mode operation time and preventing humid air entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surface of the desiccant heat exchanger is naturally dried while operation in a dehumidification mode stops, then the desiccant heat exchanger can be dried, but more time is required to dry the surface and dehumidification efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the desiccant heat exchanger by switching between dehumidification mode and dry mode, and further optimizes the drying process by controlling refrigerant flow and air flow rates. This parameter manipulation enables the surface to be dried much faster (reducing dry mode time from potentially hours to minutes) while maintaining dehumidification efficiency when the mode switches back.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between dehumidification mode and dry mode. The control unit monitors moisture absorption levels and triggers mode switches at appropriate intervals. This periodic action prevents excessive moisture accumulation on the desiccant surface, ensuring continuous high dehumidification efficiency without requiring long continuous dry periods.
2Reliability
If there is a large amount of moisture absorbed onto the surface of the desiccant heat exchanger, then dehumidification efficiency is dampened, but frequent drying operations increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control unit that monitors the operational state of the desiccant heat exchanger and automatically determines when switching between dehumidification mode and dry mode is necessary. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining optimal dehumidification efficiency through automated mode management.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant heat exchanger system performs self-drying through the periodic dry mode operation, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex additional drying equipment. The system uses its own refrigerant cycle to provide the heat necessary for drying the desiccant surface, making the drying function self-contained and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
Significantly reduces dry mode operation time, improves dehumidification efficiency, and maintains occupant comfort by minimizing moisture absorption on the evaporator-type desiccant heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
a desiccant heat exchanger of which surface is desiccant-coated for indoor dehumidification
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the desiccant heat exchanger is dried for dehumidification
Implementation Method 3
a ventilation apparatus which is capable of reducing an operation time of a dry mode in which a surface of a desiccant heat exchanger is dried for dehumidification
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a control method of a ventilation apparatus, the method including: a determination step in which measured outdoor temperature and humidity and the measured indoor temperature and humidity are equal to or greater than a set temperature and a set humidity; and a drying operation step in which, when the outdoor temperature and humidity and the indoor temperature and humidity, reach the set temperature and the set humidity, a first desiccant heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger operate in a dry mode, wherein the first desiccant heat exchanger is provided in a first common passage, through which indoor space air or outdoor space air flows, to absorb or desorb moisture, and the second desiccant heat exchanger is provided in a second common passage, which is separate from the first common passage, and through which indoor air or outdoor air flows, to absorb or desorb moisture in air.