Drain Pan Mist Eliminator for Dehumidifier Water Entrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dehumidification systems are inefficient in increasing water removal capacity when air flow is increased, leading to water droplets being entrained in the air, which reduces performance and durability, especially during defrost conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidification system with a drain pan featuring a sloped bottom, ribs, and a mist eliminator that restricts air flow and changes the velocity vector of air to prevent water entrainment, including a central gap and angled rib to control air flow and maximize water drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air flow is increased through the dehumidification system to increase water removal capacity, then water removal capacity is improved, but air velocity increases causing water droplets to be entrained in the air, which reduces water removal performance
Solution Approach 1:
A mist eliminator is introduced as an intermediary component between the evaporator and the surrounding environment. The mist eliminator captures water droplets entrained in the air stream, allowing the system to operate at higher air flows without water loss. The mist eliminator acts as a mediator that separates the harmful effect (water entrainment) from the useful function (dehumidification).
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful water droplets are extracted from the air stream using the mist eliminator. The mist eliminator removes the water-containing portion of the air flow while allowing the dehumidified air to continue its function. This extraction allows the system to maintain high air flow rates without suffering from water droplet carryover.
2Speed
If air velocity is increased to improve dehumidification speed, then dehumidification efficiency is improved, but water droplets are carried away by the high velocity air, reducing system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The mist eliminator serves as a mediator that allows high air velocities to be maintained while preventing water droplet loss. It intercepts the water-containing air stream and separates the water droplets from the air flow, enabling the system to operate at high speeds without compromising performance.
3Quantity of substance
If the drain pan is positioned below the evaporator to collect condensed water, then water collection is improved, but air flow paths may be blocked or restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is positioned in a vertical dimension below the evaporator, allowing water collection without interfering with the horizontal air flow paths. This spatial arrangement in another dimension enables both functions (water collection and air flow) to coexist without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan is segmented into multiple sections with ribs that create separate air flow channels. The segmented structure allows air to flow through designated paths while water collects in the basin portions, separating the air flow function from the water collection function within the same component.
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 system improves efficiency by minimizing air velocity and preventing water reabsorption, enhancing water removal capacity and system performance by separating entrained water droplets and directing them back to the drain pan.
Implementation Method 1
The sloped bottom of the basin is configured to allow water to flow from a first side of the basin towards a second side of the basin
Implementation Method 2
a mist eliminator that restricts air flow and changes the velocity vector of air to prevent water entrainment, including a central gap and angled rib to control air flow and maximize water drainage
Implementation Method 3
The second rib includes a central gap configured to restrict air flowing through the drain pan
Implementation Method 4
The condenser is positioned proximate to the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidification system includes an evaporator, a condenser positioned next to the evaporator, and a drain pan including a mist eliminator. The drain pan is disposed at least partially below the evaporator and the condenser. The drain pan at least includes a basin disposed at least partially below the evaporator. The basin includes a sloped bottom, a first rib disposed on the sloped bottom, a second rib parallel to the first rib and including a central gap, a third rib positioned between the first rib and the second rib, and an angled rib attached to the second rib. The third rib is parallel to and shorter than the first rib. The third rib is configured to at least partially block the central gap of the second rib. The angled rib is inclined towards the third rib and configured to change a velocity vector of the air flowing through the drain pan. The mist eliminator is configured to remove water droplets from the air.