Humidity control apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidity control apparatuses perform cooling and heating of liquid absorbent simultaneously during dehumidification and humidification operations, leading to a tight margin between electricity supply and demand, especially during peak hours.
Innovation Solution
A humidity control apparatus with a regeneration heat exchanger section that allows for separate cooling or heating of liquid absorbent during off-peak hours, switching the absorbent circuit to a regeneration position during operation stops to reduce energy consumption and shift peak demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cooling and heating of liquid absorbent are performed simultaneously during dehumidification and humidification operations, then humidity control function is improved, but electricity demand increases during peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid absorbent is cooled or heated in advance during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low, so that the cooling or heating operation does not need to run simultaneously with the humidity control operation during peak hours. This preliminary preparation of the absorbent reduces peak electricity demand while maintaining the humidity control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the cooling/heating operation from the humidity control operation by introducing a storage tank. The cooling or heating of liquid absorbent is performed in one segment (storage phase), and the humidity control is performed in another segment (operation phase), allowing these functions to be decoupled in time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cooling and heating of liquid absorbent are performed simultaneously during dehumidification and humidification operations, then humidity control function is improved, but margin between electricity supply and demand is tightened
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid absorbent is cooled or heated in advance during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low, so that the cooling or heating operation does not need to run simultaneously with the humidity control operation during peak hours. This preliminary preparation of the absorbent reduces peak electricity demand while maintaining the humidity control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the cooling/heating operation from the humidity control operation by introducing a storage tank. The cooling or heating of liquid absorbent is performed in one segment (storage phase), and the humidity control is performed in another segment (operation phase), allowing these functions to be decoupled in time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If liquid absorbent is cooled and heated during operation, then dehumidification and humidification are achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid absorbent is cooled or heated in advance during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low, so that the cooling or heating operation does not need to run simultaneously with the humidity control operation during peak hours. This preliminary preparation of the absorbent reduces peak electricity demand while maintaining the humidity control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the thermal energy from the humidity control operation itself to cool or heat the liquid absorbent during off-peak hours, rather than relying entirely on external cooling or heating systems. This self-service approach reduces overall energy consumption by utilizing the system's own thermal resources.
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
This approach reduces energy consumption during peak hours, prevents tightening of the electricity supply and demand margin, and allows for selective humidity control operations based on load requirements, achieving a peak shift and economic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
moisture permeable membranes through which only water vapor passes and through which the liquid absorbent does not pass
Implementation Method 2
In the moisture absorber, moisture in target air is absorbed by the liquid absorbent to dehumidify the target air
Implementation Method 3
the liquid absorbent that has absorbed the moisture in the moisture absorber is heated by the heater, and then flows into the moisture desorber. In the moisture desorber, the moisture in the liquid absorbent is released into regeneration air
Implementation Method 4
liquid absorbent cooled by the cooler flows into the moisture absorber
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, liquid absorbent is cooled or heated during off-peak hours of electricity demand to prevent the margin between electricity supply and demand from being tightened. A humidity control apparatus switches an absorbent circuit between a regenerated position in which a regeneration circuit is formed, and a humidity-controlled position in which a humidity control circuit is formed. In the regeneration circuit, during a period during which humidity control operation is stopped, outlet and inlet ends of a regeneration passage communicate with each other, and liquid absorbent circulates within the regeneration passage. In the humidity control circuit, during the humidity control operation, a humidity control passage and the regeneration passage communicate with each other, and liquid absorbent circulates between the humidity control passage and the regeneration passage.