Parallel evaporator coils for superheat control for a dehumidification system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dehumidifiers are inefficient in reducing humidity in structures, particularly in fire and flood restoration applications, where rapid water removal is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidification system comprising a primary metering device, a secondary metering device, and a superheat control evaporator, which includes a secondary evaporator and a secondary condenser, causing part of the refrigerant to evaporate and condense twice in a single refrigeration cycle, increasing compressor capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single evaporator coil is used in conventional dehumidifiers, then the system structure is simple, but the dehumidification efficiency is insufficient and cannot achieve rapid water removal
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into multiple independent coils (first evaporator coil, second evaporator coil, third evaporator coil) that can operate simultaneously or selectively. Each coil is connected to the refrigerant loop and can be controlled independently through flow control valves, allowing the system to achieve higher dehumidification capacity while maintaining structural modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple evaporator coils serve multiple functions: they can operate individually or in combination, provide redundant capacity, and allow the system to adapt to different dehumidification requirements. The refrigerant distribution system enables universal access to all coils from a single refrigerant loop
2Measurement precision
If conventional single-stage refrigeration cycle is used, then the system operation is simple, but the control precision for humidity levels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control through electronic expansion valves or flow control valves on each evaporator coil, allowing real-time adjustment of refrigerant flow distribution. The controller monitors humidity levels and dynamically adjusts the operation of individual coils to maintain precise humidity control, transitioning between different operational modes as conditions change
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from humidity sensors and adjusts the refrigerant flow to each evaporator coil accordingly. This closed-loop control system continuously monitors the dehumidification process and makes real-time adjustments to maintain the desired humidity level with high precision
3Productivity
If multiple evaporator coils are added to increase dehumidification capacity, then the productivity increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system can operate with partial engagement of evaporator coils based on the dehumidification demand. When lower dehumidification capacity is needed, only one or two coils are activated rather than all three, reducing energy consumption while still meeting the requirements. The system applies exactly the amount of cooling capacity needed, avoiding excessive energy use
Solution Approach 2:
The controller can cycle the operation of multiple evaporator coils in a periodic manner, activating them in sequences or alternating patterns. This allows the system to maintain high average dehumidification capacity while managing peak power consumption by not running all coils simultaneously at full capacity all the time
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 achieves more dehumidification per kilowatt of power used, providing faster and more efficient control of humidity levels, and allowing for increased drying potential in applications like fire and flood restoration.
Implementation Method 1
the first airflow generated by transferring heat from the inlet airflow to the flow of refrigerant as the inlet airflow passes through the superheat control evaporator
Implementation Method 2
the second airflow generated by transferring heat from the first airflow to the flow of refrigerant as the first airflow passes through the secondary evaporator
Implementation Method 3
the third airflow generated by transferring heat from the second airflow to the flow of refrigerant as the second airflow passes through the primary evaporator
Implementation Method 4
the fourth airflow generated by transferring heat from the refrigerant flow to the third airflow as the third airflow passes through the secondary condenser
Implementation Method 5
causing part of the refrigerant to evaporate and condense twice in a single refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 6
causing part of the refrigerant to evaporate and condense twice in a single refrigeration cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidification system includes a primary evaporator, a primary condenser, a secondary evaporator, a secondary condenser, a superheat control evaporator, and a modulating valve. The superheat control evaporator is disposed parallel to the secondary evaporator and is configured to receive one of the inlet airflows and output a first airflow to the primary evaporator. The secondary evaporator is configured to receive another one of the inlet airflows and output a second airflow to the primary evaporator. The primary evaporator receives the first and second airflows and outputs a third airflow to the secondary condenser. The secondary condenser receives the third airflow and outputs a fourth airflow to the primary condenser. The primary condenser outputs a dischargeable airflow. The modulating valve directs the flow of refrigerant to the secondary condenser or to the primary evaporator, depending on the mode of operation.