Portable Desiccant Dehumidifier Layout for Compact Flood Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dehumidifiers are inefficient in reducing humidity in structures, particularly in fire and flood restoration applications, where a compact and effective dehumidification solution is needed to quickly remove water and dry sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A portable desiccant dehumidifier design featuring a rotating desiccant with separate airflows for dehumidification and reactivation, including a plenum above the desiccant for reactivation airflow, allowing for a more compact and efficient unit with a shorter overall height, and a heater to enhance drying capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional dehumidifier design is used, then dehumidification function is provided, but the unit height is excessive and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the airflow paths and component arrangement to utilize horizontal space more effectively. The plenum is positioned above the desiccant wheel, and the reactivation airflow outlet is located on the side of the cabinet rather than requiring vertical clearance, transforming a vertical space problem into a horizontal layout solution that reduces unit height while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reactivation airflow outlet with the desiccant compartment space. The reactivation airflow outlet is located at least partially within the desiccant compartment, allowing the same spatial region to serve dual purposes: housing the desiccant wheel and providing the reactivation airflow exit path, thereby eliminating the need for separate vertical space
2Length of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then portability is improved, but airflow uniformity and dehumidification efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides separate optimized airflow paths for process air and reactivation air. The plenum above the desiccant wheel creates a localized region for uniform reactivation airflow distribution, while the process airflow inlet and outlet maintain dedicated pathways. This localized optimization of airflow characteristics in different regions maintains airflow uniformity despite the compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the airflow into two distinct systems: process airflow for dehumidification and reactivation airflow for drying the desiccant. Each airflow path has its own inlet, outlet, and routing through the cabinet. This segmentation allows each airflow to be independently optimized for its specific function, maintaining efficiency in the compact design
3Productivity
If dehumidification speed is increased for flood restoration, then water removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating desiccant wheel enables continuous dehumidification by constantly presenting dry surfaces to the process airflow. Simultaneously, the continuous reactivation airflow through the plenum and side outlet maintains the desiccant in a consistently dry state, allowing uninterrupted high-speed operation without energy-intensive periodic regeneration cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portion of its own output (reactivation airflow) to maintain the desiccant wheel in a dry, high-capacity state. This self-regenerating approach allows the desiccant to continuously absorb moisture at high rates without requiring external energy inputs for periodic regeneration, maintaining high productivity with reduced 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
The solution provides a more compact and efficient dehumidification system capable of effectively reducing humidity in damaged structures, suitable for various applications, including sensitive areas like wood floors, with improved airflow uniformity and increased operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The desiccant compartment includes a removable cassette assembly that houses a desiccant configured to rotate. The first fan is configured to generate a process airflow that flows through a first portion of the desiccant in order to provide dehumidification.
Implementation Method 2
The heater is configured to heat the reactivation airflow before it enters the desiccant.
Implementation Method 3
The second fan is configured to generate a reactivation airflow that flows through a second portion of the desiccant and into the plenum in order to dry the desiccant.
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, a cabinet, a first fan, and a second fan. The cabinet comprises a process airflow inlet, a process airflow outlet, a reactivation airflow inlet, and a reactivation airflow outlet that is located adjacent to the desiccant. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to provide dehumidification. The process airflow enters the cabinet through the process airflow inlet and exits the cabinet through the process airflow outlet. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to dry the desiccant. The reactivation airflow enters the cabinet through the reactivation airflow inlet and exits the cabinet through the reactivation airflow outlet.