System and method for conditioning air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dehumidification systems in buildings face challenges in maintaining optimal indoor air quality and humidity levels due to reliance on relative humidity control, which can lead to fluctuations in moisture levels and increased energy consumption when introducing fresh ventilation air, as they do not independently measure and control absolute moisture levels in ventilation air.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidification system with a manifold assembly and damper assembly that allows for independent control of ventilation air and recirculated air, using a connecting member to selectively open or close dampers based on dew point settings to manage air flow and humidity, enabling the system to control air based on relative humidity during recirculation and absolute humidity during ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relative humidity control is used in existing dehumidification systems, then humidity levels can be maintained, but moisture levels fluctuate and energy consumption increases when introducing fresh ventilation air
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from controlling only relative humidity to independently controlling both relative humidity and dew point (absolute humidity) parameters. The dew point sensor enables direct measurement and control of absolute moisture content, allowing the system to maintain reliable humidity levels while reducing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary dehumidification when absolute moisture levels are already acceptable.
2Ease of operation
If fresh ventilation air is introduced without independent dew point control, then air quality improves, but energy consumption increases due to lack of dew point measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by using the dew point sensor to continuously monitor absolute humidity levels in incoming ventilation air. This feedback enables the control system to make informed decisions about when to introduce fresh air and when to rely on recirculated air, optimizing air quality while minimizing energy consumption associated with dehumidification of ventilation air.
3Productivity
If ventilation air flow rate is increased, then indoor air quality improves, but moisture levels fluctuate and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables independent control of ventilation air flow rate by incorporating dew point measurement capability. This allows the system to increase ventilation flow rates to improve productivity and air quality while simultaneously monitoring absolute humidity levels to prevent excessive moisture fluctuations and associated energy losses, thereby decoupling the trade-off between ventilation rate and energy consumption.
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 fluctuations in indoor air moisture levels, improves energy efficiency by allowing higher ventilation air flow rates with reduced power consumption, and maintains comfortable humidity levels by independently managing ventilation and recirculated air, enhancing overall indoor air quality and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a dehumidifier assembly to modify the measured relative humidity based on the relative humidity set point
Implementation Method 2
controlling the dehumidifier assembly to modify a dew point of ventilation air entering the building based on the dew point of the conditioned air
Implementation Method 3
The connecting member is coupled to both the first damper and the second damper and is configured to move the first damper and the second damper to selectively open one of the first opening and the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold assembly includes a body and a damper assembly. The body defines a first opening, a second opening, outlet third opening, and a fluid plenum. The fluid plenum fluidly couples the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening. The damper assembly includes a first damper, a second damper, and a connecting member. The first damper is disposed within the fluid plenum proximate to the first opening. The second damper is disposed within the fluid plenum proximate to the second opening. The connecting member is coupled to both the first damper and the second damper and is configured to move the first damper and the second damper to selectively open one of the first opening or the second opening while closing the one not opened.