HVAC Dehumidification Control at Part Load Using Dew Point Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ducted split inverter systems struggle to effectively reduce relative humidity at part load conditions, leading to uncomfortable conditions and the growth of microscopic organisms due to their inability to manage humidity effectively when compressors operate at lower speeds.
Innovation Solution
A HVAC system with indoor and outdoor units, a heat exchanger, and a controller that uses temperature sensors to control the speed of components like compressors, expansion valves, and blowers based on dew point temperature relationships to reduce relative humidity, ensuring the coil temperature at the heat exchanger is lower than the dew point temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor runs at lower speeds to reduce cooling capacity, then energy consumption decreases, but dehumidification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fan motor speed variable rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the fan motor speed based on operational conditions (full load vs. part load), enabling the system to optimize both energy consumption and dehumidification capability dynamically. At part load, the fan motor operates at a higher speed relative to the compressor speed, maintaining effective dehumidification while the compressor runs at lower speeds for energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor runs at minimum speeds to reduce cooling capacity, then energy consumption decreases, but the system becomes unable to remove relative humidity from the spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fan motor speed variable rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the fan motor speed based on operational conditions (full load vs. part load), enabling the system to optimize both energy consumption and dehumidification capability dynamically. At part load, the fan motor operates at a higher speed relative to the compressor speed, maintaining effective dehumidification while the compressor runs at lower speeds for energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of the fan motor based on system load conditions. The controller changes the fan motor speed parameter dynamically - operating it at higher speeds during part load conditions when the compressor runs at minimum speeds, thereby maintaining the temperature differential needed for effective dehumidification while preserving energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If additional equipment is added to improve dehumidification at part load, then dehumidification capability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing fan motor perform multiple functions effectively. The fan motor not only provides air circulation but also plays a critical role in dehumidification by maintaining appropriate speed relative to the compressor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated dehumidification equipment, keeping the system simple and cost-effective while improving dehumidification capability at part load.
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 improves dehumidification and comfort by maintaining desired relative humidity levels without additional equipment, remaining cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger by which the indoor and outdoor units thermally interact
Implementation Method 2
configured to control operations of the indoor and outdoor units in accordance with readings of the temperature sensors by reference to space-dew point temperature relationship tables
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The HVAC system includes indoor and outdoor units to condition air of a space, an indoor heat exchanger by which the indoor and outdoor units thermally interact, temperature sensors operably disposed at least at the indoor heat exchanger and in the space and a controller operably coupled to the indoor and outdoor units and configured to control operations of the indoor and outdoor units in accordance with readings of the temperature sensors by reference to space-dew point temperature relationship tables.