Method and apparatus for dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dehumidification systems face challenges in efficiently managing wet regeneration air flow without causing environmental impact or additional costs, particularly in scenarios where vents or windows are absent, and there's a risk of contamination or mold spread.
Innovation Solution
A versatile dehumidifier that can switch between operating modes, utilizing a rotor with moisture adsorption means and a compact valve design to alternate drying and regeneration processes, incorporating a condensation trough and heat-exchanger for efficient moisture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wet regeneration air is led away from the space being dried using external vents or hoses, then moisture removal is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase especially where vents or windows are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of wet regeneration air discharge with the process air intake by routing both flows through the same heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger serves dual purposes: cooling process air and condensing moisture from regeneration air, eliminating the need for separate discharge pathways and external vents.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously cools process air, condenses regeneration moisture, and serves as the discharge pathway for wet regeneration air. This universal component replaces multiple separate systems, reducing installation complexity while maintaining effective moisture removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a condenser/heat-exchanger is integrated into the dehumidifier, then wet regeneration air can be managed internally, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable valve mechanism that dynamically switches between different operational modes. The valve can direct regeneration air either through the heat exchanger for condensation or bypass it for direct discharge, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow path is segmented into controllable sections using the rotatable valve, which divides the single inlet stream into different outlet paths. This segmentation allows independent control of heat exchanger engagement, enabling the system to optimize performance for different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Temperature
If radiation heat from heating elements is used for rotor regeneration, then high temperature regeneration is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat contained in the regeneration air stream into a useful resource by routing it through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger recovers thermal energy from the warm regeneration air to preheat the incoming process air or to provide the necessary temperature for condensation, thereby reducing the energy demand of the primary heating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary thermal transfer device between the regeneration air stream and the process air stream. It mediates heat transfer from the warmer regeneration air to the cooler process air, enabling efficient thermal energy recovery and reducing the overall energy consumption of the dehumidification system.
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
Enables flexible operation to manage wet regeneration air effectively, reducing environmental impact and operational costs by optimizing air handling and condensation collection.
Implementation Method 1
a condensation or distribution chamber (9) above, i.e. in fluid connection with a top inlet of the heat-exchanger (8), for the purpose of delivering energy to process air, which is delivered to the front side, in Fig. 1 the left side, of the heat-exchanger (8)
Implementation Method 2
a drying device (6) provided with moisture adsorption means; after having been dehumidified, depart through a process air outlet (4)
Implementation Method 3
In order to reach high temperatures radiation heat is used from a heating element, for example a radiator, for regeneration of an adsorption means comprised in a rotor
Implementation Method 4
a condensation trough is provided below the heat exchanger, in which water condensed from the wet regeneration air will collect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A dehumidifier (1) comprises a housing (2) provided with a process air inlet (3) and a process air outlet (4) and a drying device (6) provided with moisture adsorption means. A fan (10) adapted to bring process air entering through the process air inlet (3) to pass the drying device (6) and, subsequent to having been dehumidified, depart through the process air outlet (4). Means (12) for heating regeneration air passing through the drying device (6) for regeneration of the moisture adsorption means and then passing to a regeneration air outlet (21) are also provided. By providing a heat-exchanger (8) with a first inlet connected and a second inlet for effecting an exchange of heat between air entering through the first inlet and air entering through the second inlet; and a valve (20) switchable between a first position, allowing wet regeneration air to exit through the regeneration air outlet; and a second position, allowing an exchange of heat between wet regeneration air having passed through the drying device (6) and air entered through the first inlet of the heat-exchanger, wherein the wet regeneration air will be cooled and water vapour of the wet regeneration air will condense, a dual operation mode dehumidifier is obtained. A method for drying air is also provided.