Direct-Contact Coolant Circuit for Quiet Room Air Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cooling and dehumidification methods face challenges such as noise, drafts, limited cooling capacity, and the risk of mold formation due to moisture, particularly in air-circulating air conditioners and water-bearing cooling elements.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a processing unit, distribution unit, and collection unit that uses a coolant circuit to cool and dehumidify air without humidification, utilizing a combination of evaporative and sensible heat transfer, with optional additives to reduce vapor pressure and turbulence, and incorporating a visually appealing fountain or thin liquid film design for efficient cooling and dehumidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air-circulating air conditioners are used to cool and dehumidify room air, then cooling and dehumidification are achieved, but noise and drafts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical air circulation system with a radiant cooling system. Instead of using fans and air movement mechanisms, the invention uses cooling elements that radiate cold directly to the room air and occupants, eliminating noise and draft-related discomfort while maintaining cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water (evaporation and condensation) in the cooling elements to achieve cooling without mechanical air circulation. The cooling elements contain water that evaporates to absorb heat and condenses to release heat, providing passive radiant cooling
2Temperature
If cooling elements are used to cool room air, then cooling is achieved, but cooling capacity is limited and mold formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the cooling elements dynamically. The control unit adjusts the temperature of the cooling elements based on ambient conditions, ensuring they remain above the dew point to prevent condensation and mold formation while maintaining effective cooling capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors ambient temperature and humidity levels, and adjusts the cooling element temperature accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents the cooling elements from becoming too cold, thereby avoiding condensation and mold formation while optimizing cooling performance
3Temperature
If evaporative cooling is used to cool air, then cooling effect is achieved, but air humidity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling process into two independent functions: evaporative cooling for temperature reduction and dehumidification for humidity control. The cooling elements are designed to perform both functions simultaneously through controlled phase transitions, preventing excessive humidity accumulation while maintaining cooling effect
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 effectively cools and dehumidifies air, improving comfort by reducing humidity and energy consumption, while avoiding noise and drafts, and allowing for the use of radiant cooling, with minimal coolant refills and reduced risk of mold formation.
Implementation Method 1
the heat in the air is transferred to the cooling water
Implementation Method 2
Cooling is also achieved by evaporation
Implementation Method 3
Thermal radiation and thermal conduction from the cooling elements to the surrounding air extract heat from the air in a room
Implementation Method 4
Thermal radiation and thermal conduction from the cooling elements to the surrounding air extract heat from the air in a room
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cooling and dehumidifying the air in a room, comprising a processing unit (7) which is designed to process the cooling liquid in such a way that it is suitable for dehumidifying and/or cooling the air upon contact with the latter, wherein cooling exceeding the coldness due to evaporation can be achieved, a distributing unit (3) which is suitable for causing the cooling liquid to flow past the air with direct contact, a collecting unit (5) which is suitable for feeding cooling liquid that has flowed past the air back to the processing unit (7). Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated method.