Humidity control unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidity control units face challenges in desorbing sufficient moisture from an adsorption rotor when the air is heated with a limited amount of heat, leading to inadequate humidification, especially when using a heat exchanger or electric heater.
Innovation Solution
The humidity control unit configures a heat exchanger with a first and second heat exchange unit, where moisture desorbed in the second desorption area is combined with that from the first desorption area, and the air passes through both units to enhance moisture desorption, with the refrigerant flowing from the first to the second heat exchange unit to maintain high temperatures and prevent polymer adsorbent deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat exchanger is used to heat the air supplied to the adsorption rotor, then energy efficiency is improved, but the temperature of the air cannot be easily raised due to limited heat transfer capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into a first heat exchange unit and a second heat exchange unit arranged in series. The first heat exchange unit heats the air to a first temperature, and the second heat exchange unit further heats the air to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, enabling progressive temperature increase with limited heat transfer capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The first heat exchange unit performs preliminary heating of the air before it enters the second heat exchange unit. This preliminary action raises the air temperature incrementally, preparing it for further heating in the second unit, thereby achieving the required temperature for effective moisture desorption
2Productivity
If the air temperature is raised to desorb sufficient moisture from the adsorption rotor, then humidification capacity is improved, but the adsorption rotor may be damaged due to excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is segmented into two stages through the first and second heat exchange units. The first unit raises the temperature to a moderate first temperature, and the second unit further increases it to a controlled second temperature. This segmentation prevents sudden temperature spikes that could damage the adsorption rotor while achieving sufficient temperature for moisture desorption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter in a controlled, stepwise manner rather than applying a single high temperature. The air temperature is first raised to a first temperature and then further increased to a second temperature, ensuring the temperature remains within the safe operating range of the adsorption rotor while enabling effective desorption
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 configuration allows for efficient desorption of moisture even with limited heat input, increasing humidification capacity and extending the lifespan of the adsorption rotor while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant supplied from a heat source unit and air
Implementation Method 2
an adsorber that includes an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture in the air
Implementation Method 3
an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture in the air and desorbing moisture to the air that has a higher temperature than a temperature of the air when moisture is adsorbed
Data Source
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AI summary
A casing (50) is configured such that air taken in from a pre-regeneration air inlet (54) passes through a first desorption area (AR2b) and a second desorption area (AR2c) in order, and then is taken out from a post-regeneration air outlet (55). An adsorber (400) includes an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture in the air and desorbing moisture to the air that has a higher temperature than a temperature of the air when moisture is adsorbed, and is configured to be capable of relatively moving a portion of the adsorbent that has adsorbed moisture in the air to the first desorption area (AR2b) and the second desorption area (AR2c). A heating apparatus (500) includes a first heating unit (510) that heats the air before passing through the first desorption area (AR2b), and a second heating unit (520) that heats the air before passing through the second desorption area (AR2c).