Dynamic Purge Seal Control for Heat Recovery Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat recovery wheel purge systems are fixed and cannot automatically adjust to varying air flow conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and energy wastage, as they are designed for lower operating pressures and become inefficient during higher air flows.
Innovation Solution
An automatic and dynamic purge system with a movable radial seal secured by an operable wiper blade, which adjusts its angle based on real-time air flow data from sensors, ensuring optimal performance across changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed purge system is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to varying air flow conditions leading to suboptimal performance and energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the purge angle adjustable and variable. The purge system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic one where the purge angle can be modified based on operating conditions. This is achieved through an adjustable seal assembly that can change the purge angle, allowing the system to adapt to varying air flow conditions while maintaining optimal performance across different operating scenarios.
2Reliability
If the purge angle is designed for lower operating pressures, then safety is ensured, but performance becomes suboptimal during higher air flows causing energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling the purge angle to be varied as a controllable parameter. Instead of being fixed at a conservative value for safety, the purge angle can be adjusted to optimize performance under different operating conditions. The system allows modification of this critical geometric parameter to achieve optimal heat transfer efficiency during high air flow while maintaining adequate safety margins through controlled adjustment ranges.
3Device complexity
If excess supply air is allowed to short circuit back into exhaust air flow, then the purge system is simpler, but heat transfer effectiveness is reduced and air conditioning costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that monitors air flow conditions and uses this information to adjust the purge angle accordingly. Sensors detect variations in air flow rate and pressure, and this feedback is used by the control mechanism to optimize the purge angle in real-time. This closed-loop approach prevents excessive supply air short-circuiting back into the exhaust stream, thereby reducing energy wastage while avoiding the need for overly complex fixed purge configurations.
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 dynamic purge system maintains optimal heat transfer and reduces energy wastage by adapting to varying air flow conditions, preventing contaminants from recirculating and enhancing the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
The device transfers heat and humidity between the exhaust and supply air streams by rotating between the two adjacent air streams. The wheel transfers sensible heat energy as it absorbs energy in one air stream and emits it in the other.
Implementation Method 2
Latent heat energy can be transferred by using a desiccant.
Implementation Method 3
The higher pressure supply air opposes the lower pressure contaminated exhaust air. This results in the supply air pushing the exhaust air back through the wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically operable dynamic purge system that is incorporated into a heat recovery wheel that comprises a number of radial seals that direct a controlled area of supply air into the exhaust air stream passing through the heat recovery wheel. Two possible configurations include a single purge and a double purge. For the single purge, one seal is fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a second seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. For the double purge, two seals are fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a third seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. In each case the dynamic seal is secured by an automatically operable wiper blade. This wiper blade is attached near the center of the wheel such that it rotates, in turn, allowing the seal to rotate while remaining approximately radial to the wheel.