Element for air conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cooling systems for buildings face limitations due to condensate formation at low flow temperatures, especially in high humidity conditions, leading to inadequate cooling performance and the need for complex dehumidification systems, and they cannot be easily combined with systems insensitive to condensate like fan convectors.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning element with a moisture-regulating layer made of a vapor-permeable and hygroscopically active material that absorbs condensate without visible condensation on the surface, allowing the air to penetrate and condense on the heat exchange element, with the condensate collected in the pores and dried out later, enhancing evaporation and providing additional cooling energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow temperature of the coolant is lowered to increase cooling performance, then cooling efficiency is improved, but condensate forms on the surface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a porous moisture-regulating layer on the surface of the cooling element. This layer allows water vapor to pass through and condensate to be absorbed and stored in the porous structure, preventing visible water droplets from forming on the surface while enabling the system to operate at low coolant temperatures for high cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of condensate formation into a beneficial moisture-regulating function. The moisture-regulating layer absorbs excess moisture and releases it through evaporation, transforming the problematic condensation into a controlled moisture management system that prevents surface wetness while maintaining cooling efficiency
2Object-generated harmful factors
If dehumidification systems are added to prevent condensate, then condensate formation is avoided, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture-regulating layer operates autonomously without requiring external dehumidification systems. It automatically absorbs condensate when humidity is high and releases moisture through evaporation when conditions permit, providing self-regulating moisture control that eliminates the need for complex mechanical dehumidification equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The porous moisture-regulating layer acts as an intermediary between the cooling element and the environment. It mediates the interaction by absorbing excess moisture and releasing it controllably, preventing condensate formation without requiring additional active dehumidification systems
3Object-generated harmful factors
If dehumidification is performed to avoid condensate, then condensate formation is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture-regulating layer operates in periodic cycles: absorbing moisture during high humidity periods when cooling is needed, and releasing moisture through evaporation during lower humidity periods. This periodic operation prevents condensate without requiring continuous energy-intensive dehumidification
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the energy that would otherwise be wasted in continuous dehumidification into useful evaporative cooling. The moisture absorbed during cooling operation is later evaporated to provide additional cooling effect, reducing overall energy consumption while preventing condensate formation
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 prevents condensate formation at low coolant temperatures, increases cooling efficiency by dissipating excess moisture, and reduces the need for complex dehumidification systems, while allowing the air conditioning element to remain superficially dry and providing additional cooling energy through adiabatic cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture-regulating layer 30 made of a material 35 open to diffusion is applied to at least one side of the carrier 15, wherein the heat exchange device 20 is at least partially connected to the moisture-regulating layer 30
Implementation Method 2
at least one moisture-regulating layer 30 made of a material 35 open to diffusion is applied to at least one side of the carrier 15
Implementation Method 3
Surface heating and/or cooling systems, in which the heat is mainly transferred by convection, are mostly open constructions that are suspended from building ceilings
Implementation Method 4
Surface heating and/or cooling systems, in which the heat is mainly transferred by radiation, usually have closed surfaces
Implementation Method 5
providing additional cooling energy through adiabatic cooling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an air conditioning element (1) for controlling the temperature of a building interior (100), comprising at least one support (10) and at least one heat exchange device (20) which is arranged on at least one side (12, 14) of the support (10) and which is a heat transfer medium (200) can flow through, at least one moisture-regulating layer (30) made of a material (35) open to diffusion being applied to at least one side (12, 14) of the carrier means (10) and the heat exchange device (20) at least in sections with the moisture-regulating layer Layer (30) is connected.