Liquid Desiccant Air Conditioner Modules Having Interlocking Panels For Controlling Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to the overcooling and reheating of air, which can be addressed by improving the design and manufacturability of panels in three-way heat exchangers used in liquid desiccant dehumidification systems.
Innovation Solution
A three-way heat exchanger design featuring panel assemblies with airflow gaps and airflow restrictors that facilitate heat and moisture transfer between a heat transfer fluid, liquid desiccant, and air, optimizing airflow direction and reducing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If panel assemblies are arranged with airflow gaps between adjacent panels, then heat and moisture transfer efficiency is improved, but air leakage in directions other than the intended airflow direction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing airflow restrictors at specific locations (header sections) of panel assemblies. These restrictors create localized flow control zones that maintain high transfer efficiency in the intended airflow direction while preventing leakage in other directions. The middle sections of panels are designed with different properties (spaced apart to define airflow gaps) compared to header sections (where airflow restrictors are positioned), allowing each region to serve its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow restrictors act as intermediary elements between the airflow gaps and the panel structures. These restrictors mediate the airflow by allowing it to pass efficiently in the intended direction while blocking or restricting leakage in unwanted directions. The restrictors are positioned at header sections to control airflow between adjacent panel assemblies without interfering with the heat and moisture transfer function of the panel gaps.
2Reliability
If airflow restrictors are positioned at header sections of panel assemblies, then airflow direction is controlled and leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the panel assembly into distinct functional sections: header sections and middle sections. The airflow restrictors are specifically positioned at the header sections, separating their function from the middle sections which are responsible for defining airflow gaps. This segmentation allows the airflow control function to be localized to specific areas, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective airflow direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The header sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the panel assembly, define the boundaries of airflow gaps, and position the airflow restrictors for flow control. By making the header sections multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby controlling device complexity while achieving reliable airflow control through the restrictors.
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
Enhances the efficiency and reduces costs by optimizing airflow and minimizing leakage, thereby improving the performance of HVAC systems in heating, cooling, and dehumidification processes.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the air stream
Implementation Method 2
liquid desiccant absorbs moisture from the air stream
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes panel assemblies arranged with airflow gaps defined between adjacent panel assemblies to allow air to flow in an airflow direction. Each panel assembly includes a frame including two header sections and a middle section, a membrane positioned on the frame, and two airflow restrictor members positioned at each header section of the frame. For each header section, a first airflow restrictor member is on a first face of the frame and a second airflow restrictor member is on a second face of the frame. For each pair of adjacent panel assemblies, the middle sections are spaced apart to define the airflow gap, and the first airflow restrictor members of a first panel assembly engage the second airflow restrictor members of a second panel assembly to form two airflow restrictors at opposite ends of the airflow gap relative to a direction other than the airflow direction.