HVAC Tracking Mode for Steady Dehumidification Without Duty-Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems are inefficient and ineffective in dehumidification as they introduce inefficiencies through duty-cycling when trying to quickly reach a lower dehumidification set-point temperature, leading to fluctuating humidity levels.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system with a humidity sensor and temperature sensor, controlled by a controller that operates in a tracking mode at reduced capacity when the humidity level rises above a threshold, setting the temperature set-point to the actual temperature and terminating the mode when humidity drops below the threshold or temperature deviates, allowing for gradual temperature reduction without affecting comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the HVAC system quickly lowers the temperature to the dehumidification set-point, then dehumidification speed is improved, but duty-cycling inefficiencies increase and humidity levels fluctuate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature set-point based on actual environmental conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed dehumidification set-point, the controller continuously modifies the target temperature to optimize the balance between dehumidification effectiveness and system efficiency, preventing excessive duty-cycling while maintaining steady humidity reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature and humidity sensors to continuously adjust operation. The controller monitors actual temperature and humidity levels, comparing them against target values, and dynamically adjusts the temperature set-point and system operation accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents oscillations and duty-cycling by maintaining steady operation within optimal parameters.
2Device complexity
If the HVAC system maintains a fixed temperature set-point for dehumidification, then dehumidification control is simplified, but climate stability deteriorates due to duty-cycling fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static temperature set-point to a dynamic one that adapts to actual environmental conditions. The controller continuously adjusts the temperature set-point based on real-time sensor data, creating a moving target that guides system operation. This dynamic approach maintains climate stability by preventing the oscillations inherent in fixed set-point control while adding only moderate complexity through automated adjustments.
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 inefficiencies and effectively maintains a steady climate by minimizing duty-cycling, allowing for efficient dehumidification without additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
An evaporating coil in the air handler is supplied with refrigerant at a reduced temperature and pressure such that when air passes over the evaporating coil, the evaporating coil dehumidifies the air
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising an air conditioning unit operable to run at a capacity level determined by a difference between a temperature set-point and an actual temperature of an environment. The system comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller comprises a memory and a microprocessor. The controller is operable to operate the air conditioning unit in a normal mode and a tracking mode comprising operating the air conditioning unit at a reduced capacity comprising setting the temperature set-point of the air conditioning unit as a tracked actual temperature of the environment. The controller is operable to terminate the tracking mode if the actual temperature of the environment either rises above the first temperature value or drops below the second temperature value, or if the humidity level of the environment drops below the humidity threshold.