Liquid-desiccant stack with integrated fluid distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently dehumidifying and transferring heat using conventional mass transfer assemblies, which often result in ineffective cooling and dehumidification processes due to the mixing of conditioning and working fluids.
Innovation Solution
A mass transfer apparatus with alternating conditioning and exhaust channels, utilizing a fluid distribution system that includes conditioning and working fluid supply and return lines, prevents fluid mixing by using headers and wicking materials to dehumidify and evaporatively cool air through separate channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mass transfer assemblies are used for dehumidification and heat transfer, then the structure is simple, but the conditioning fluid and working fluid mix resulting in ineffective cooling and dehumidification
Solution Approach 1:
The mass transfer assembly is segmented into multiple alternating conditioning channels and exhaust channels separated by plates. This segmentation prevents mixing between conditioning fluid and working fluid while maintaining separate flow paths for each function, directly resolving the reliability issue of fluid mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
Headers are introduced as intermediary components to distribute conditioning fluid and working fluid separately to their respective channels. The headers act as mediators that organize fluid distribution without allowing mixing, enabling reliable separate fluid paths while managing the complexity through centralized distribution points.
2Power
If conventional mass transfer assemblies are used, then the device structure is simple, but the heat transfer efficiency is reduced due to fluid mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The stack is divided into multiple plates creating alternating conditioning and exhaust channels. This segmentation ensures that heat transfer occurs through controlled plate interfaces rather than through mixed fluids, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency while organizing the structure into manageable repeating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system transitions from a single-dimension flow path to a multi-dimensional alternating channel structure. Conditioning channels and exhaust channels are arranged in alternating layers, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern that enhances heat transfer efficiency while preventing fluid mixing through spatial separation.
3Productivity
If fluid distribution systems with separate channels are implemented, then dehumidification and cooling efficiency improve, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple plates to create alternating conditioning and exhaust channels, with each plate segment contributing to both dehumidification and cooling functions. This segmentation enables high productivity through parallel processing in multiple channels while keeping each individual plate component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each plate in the stack serves multiple functions: it separates conditioning channels from exhaust channels, provides structural support, facilitates heat transfer between adjacent channels, and guides fluid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing overall system complexity despite the multiple channels.
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
The solution effectively dehumidifies and indirectly evaporatively cools air by maintaining fluid separation, enhancing the heat transfer process and improving the efficiency of HVAC systems in both dehumidification and cooling stages.
Implementation Method 1
The mass transfer apparatus also includes wicking material in the conditioning channels and exhaust channels. The first fluid distribution system provides the conditioning fluid to the wicking material in the conditioning channels, and the second fluid distribution system provides the working fluid to the wicking material in the exhaust channels.
Implementation Method 2
provides the working fluid to the wicking material in the exhaust channels, where the flow of the working fluid participates to transfer heat from the supply air
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to mass transfer assemblies for heating ventilation and cooling systems. In some examples, a mass transfer apparatus includes a stack of plates defining alternating conditioning channels and exhaust channels. The mass transfer apparatus also includes a fluid distribution system that includes a conditioning supply line defined in part by a first hole in an upper portion of each of the plates, and a working supply line defined in part by a second hole in the upper portion of each of the plates. The conditioning supply line supplies a conditioning fluid to the conditioning channels and the working supply line supplies a working fluid to the exhaust channels. The fluid distribution system also includes a conditioning return line that collects the conditioning fluid, and a working return line that collects the working fluid, each collection at a lower portion of each of the plates.