Desiccant Dehumidification Mode Switching for Thermo-On Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidification devices lack the ability to select an appropriate operation mode suitable to the characteristics of the moisture adsorption unit during transitions in operation states such as thermo-on, thermo-off, and startup, leading to inefficient dehumidification due to unknown relative humidity and moisture retention in the desiccant material.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidification device with a refrigerant circuit, a moisture adsorption unit, and a control system that includes a humidity detection device and a control device to switch between operation modes based on relative humidity, ensuring the selection of the appropriate mode during transitions, using a compressor, flow path switching device, and heat exchangers to manage refrigerant flow and air passage through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dehumidification device alternates between adsorption mode and desorption mode without defining relation to thermo-on and thermo-off switching, then the device can perform basic dehumidification, but the operation mode becomes unsuitable during transition periods leading to degraded dehumidification capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control device determines the operation mode (adsorption or desorption) in advance before switching from thermo-on to thermo-off or vice versa. By preliminarily selecting the appropriate operation mode based on the upcoming thermal state, the system ensures that the moisture adsorption unit is properly prepared for the transition, preventing degradation of dehumidification capability during state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from the thermal state (thermo-on/thermo-off conditions) to dynamically adjust and determine the operation mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that the operation mode is always appropriate for the current and anticipated thermal conditions, maintaining reliable dehumidification performance during transitions.
2Loss of energy
If the compressor is suspended during adsorption mode when relative humidity is low, then energy consumption is reduced, but moisture retained in the desiccant material is desorbed causing humidity to increase in the space
Solution Approach 1:
Before suspending the compressor (thermo-off), the control device preliminarily determines to switch to desorption mode in advance. This preliminary action allows the desiccant material to release retained moisture through controlled desorption before the compressor stops, preventing unwanted humidity increase in the space when the compressor is suspended.
3Loss of energy
If the compressor is suspended during desorption mode when relative humidity is high, then energy consumption is reduced, but moisture in air is adsorbed to the desiccant material reducing dehumidification capability when thermo-on resumes
Solution Approach 1:
Before suspending the compressor (thermo-off) during desorption mode, the control device preliminarily determines to switch to adsorption mode in advance. This preliminary switching ensures that the desiccant material is in the adsorption state before energy savings mode begins, so when the compressor resumes, the system maintains full dehumidification capability.
4Loss of energy
If the main power supply is shut off for energy conservation, then energy consumption is reduced, but the relative humidity and moisture retention status become unknown upon restart
Solution Approach 1:
Upon restart after power shutdown, the control device automatically determines the appropriate operation mode without requiring manual intervention or complex sensor readings. The system self-services by selecting the suitable mode (adsorption or desorption) based on the restart condition, simplifying operation and ensuring proper functionality from the moment of restart.
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
The solution allows for optimal selection of operation modes, enhancing dehumidification efficiency by adjusting to changing humidity conditions, maintaining dehumidification capability during startup and operation transitions, and ensuring effective moisture management in the desiccant material.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture adsorption unit (16) provided between the first heat exchanger (11a) and the second heat exchanger (11b), the moisture adsorption unit (16) adsorbing and desorbing moisture in air
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant circuit (A) in which a compressor (13), a flow path switching device (15), a first heat exchanger (11a), an expansion device (14), and a second heat exchanger (11b) are sequentially connected by pipes, to allow refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerant circuit
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchanger (11a), an expansion device (14), and a second heat exchanger (11b) are sequentially connected by pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidification device according to the present invention includes an operation control unit configured to switch between thermo-on for circulating refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit and thermo-off for suspending circulation of the refrigerant, and an operation mode control unit configured to switch an operation mode to any one of a first operation mode in which a moisture adsorption unit is caused to adsorb moisture and a second operation mode in which moisture retained in the moisture adsorption unit is caused to be desorbed. The operation mode control unit is configured to select the operation mode at a time when the thermo-on is switched from the thermo-off in response to the operation mode and a relative humidity of air in switching from the thermo-on to the thermo-off.