Natatorium dehumidifier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerant-based dehumidifiers in natatoriums are prone to contamination by chlorinated water vapor during maintenance, leading to compressor failures and limited outdoor air intake, necessitating improved dehumidification and air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A natatorium dehumidifier/air conditioner system with a refrigerant-based chiller positioned outside the air handler, using waterside coils within the air handler to prevent contamination and allow for efficient dehumidification and air conditioning, and a method to retrofit existing systems by removing refrigerant components and installing waterside components for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If refrigerant-based dehumidifiers are serviced with compressor replacement, then the system can be repaired, but the moist air inside the air handler contaminates the coils with chlorinated water vapor forming copper-chloride salt that dissolves in refrigerant causing continuous compressor failures
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant chiller is extracted from the air handler and positioned in a separate location outside the treated air containment space. This separation prevents the refrigerant and its coils from being exposed to chlorinated water vapor in the natatorium environment, eliminating the contamination pathway that leads to copper-chloride salt formation and subsequent compressor failures during servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
A water-cooled heat exchanger system serves as an intermediary between the refrigerant chiller and the air handling process. The refrigerant cools water in the chiller, and this chilled water then circulates through coils in the air handler to cool and dehumidify the air. This intermediary water loop isolates the refrigerant from direct contact with chlorinated water vapor while maintaining the dehumidification function.
2Productivity
If refrigerant coils are positioned inside the air handler for heat transfer, then dehumidification efficiency is improved, but the system becomes prone to contamination by chlorinated water vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant chiller is extracted from the air handler and positioned in a separate location outside the treated air containment space. This separation prevents the refrigerant and its coils from being exposed to chlorinated water vapor in the natatorium environment, eliminating the contamination pathway while maintaining dehumidification efficiency through the water-cooled heat exchanger system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a hydraulic water-cooled heat exchanger system where refrigerant-cooled water circulates through coils in the air handler. This hydraulic intermediary transfers thermal energy from the refrigerant to the air handling system without requiring direct contact between refrigerant and air, preventing contamination while maintaining heat transfer efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard refrigerant based dehumidifiers are used, then dehumidification function is provided, but the amount of outdoor air that can be brought into the building is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The water-cooled heat exchanger system provides multi-functionality, enabling the dehumidifier to effectively handle both recirculated indoor air and large volumes of outdoor air. The system can be configured with multiple coils (chilled water coil, reheat coil, heating coil) that work together to condition various air sources, making the system adaptable to different operating conditions and air intake requirements without compromising reliability.
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 prevents refrigerant contamination, reduces compressor failures, and allows for increased outdoor air intake, enhancing the performance and reliability of dehumidification and air conditioning systems while reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
providing a flow of air over the coils provides for heat transfer so that heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant (e.g., passing through the one or more coils) to the air moving through the air handler and across the one or more coils
Implementation Method 2
the coils are evacuated of air using a vacuum pump, thereby causing the moisture to boils away
Implementation Method 3
the coils are evacuated of air using a vacuum pump
Implementation Method 4
thereby causing the moisture to boils away
Implementation Method 5
the chlorinated water vapor contacts the inside surface of the coils or piping thereof and forms copper-chloride salt
Implementation Method 6
the copper-chloride salt dissolves and contaminates the refrigerant circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides improved dehumidification and/or air conditioning systems, and associated methods and equipment, for example for use in a natatorium housing a swimming pool, or other buildings which may enclose sources of humidity or otherwise resulting in a need for air treatment.