Method and apparatus for controlling dew point in an interior space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climate control systems struggle to maintain a constant dew point in interior spaces, especially during temperature fluctuations, without relying on expensive and energy-intensive air cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control the environment of an interior space by identifying an operating dew point band and adjusting humidity levels based on actual dew point and relative humidity measurements, using a controller to activate a humidifier and potentially a heat source to maintain the dew point within the desired range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air cooling systems are used to remove heat from the interior space to prevent dew point increase, then the dew point can be maintained, but the system becomes expensive and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the humidity control function from the temperature control function by using a separate humidifier system. Instead of using a complex cooling system to control dew point, the invention separately controls humidity through a humidifier while allowing temperature to be controlled by simpler means, thereby eliminating the need for expensive cooling systems while maintaining dew point control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs multiple functions: it controls both the humidifier and the heat source, and calculates dew point based on temperature and humidity measurements. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain dew point control without requiring separate dedicated cooling equipment, reducing overall system complexity and energy consumption.
2Ease of operation
If a PID controller maintains temperature and humidity independently, then each parameter can be controlled, but the dew point cannot be maintained constant during temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control by continuously measuring temperature and humidity, calculating the actual dew point, and comparing it to the desired dew point. The controller adjusts humidifier operation based on this feedback to maintain constant dew point, rather than independently controlling temperature and humidity as conventional PID controllers do.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from independent temperature and humidity control to dew point control. By calculating dew point from temperature and humidity measurements and using this derived parameter as the primary control target, the system can maintain constant dew point even during temperature fluctuations, which cannot be achieved by independent control of temperature and humidity.
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 system effectively maintains a substantially constant dew point in interior spaces across varying room temperatures, enhancing the comfort and suitability of environments such as fitness studios without the need for costly cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
hot ambient air is introduced into the space by convection as the door is opened and closed
Implementation Method 2
Heat can also be transferred into the interior space through the roof, walls, and windows of the interior space
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control system is configured to modulate the air environment of an interior space to maintain the dew point of the interior space within a predetermined operating dew point band as the temperature in the room fluctuates.