High efficiency dehumidification system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face issues such as high airside pressure drop, condensate stacking, inadequate coil design leading to airflow blockage, excessive energy consumption, and poor temperature and humidity control, particularly at low loads, resulting in inefficiencies and potential mold growth.
Innovation Solution
A high efficiency dehumidification system (HEDS) with a cooling recovery coil and control mechanisms that modulate airflow and energy use to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, incorporating features like UVGI and PCO for enhanced air treatment, and energy recovery from condenser heat to stabilize compressor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing cooling coil designs are used, then basic cooling function is provided, but high airside pressure drop occurs causing energy waste and condensate carry off
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling coil is divided into multiple sections with varying face velocities. The first section operates at a lower face velocity (e.g., 400-500 fpm) to minimize pressure drop and energy loss, while subsequent sections operate at progressively higher velocities to maintain dehumidification effectiveness. This segmentation allows the system to optimize energy efficiency without sacrificing cooling performance.
2Productivity
If existing cooling coil designs are used, then cooling capacity is achieved, but condensate stacking effect occurs blocking airflow
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the cooling coil are designed with different local characteristics, specifically varying face velocities. The first section uses lower velocity to reduce condensate generation and prevent stacking, while downstream sections use higher velocities to maintain effective dehumidification. This local differentiation ensures that condensate does not accumulate and block airflow throughout the entire coil.
3Temperature
If compressor cycling is implemented, then temperature control is achieved, but condensate is re-evaporated into airstream
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling coil maintains continuous operation at optimized face velocities regardless of compressor cycling. The first section continues to operate at lower velocity to prevent condensate stacking and minimize re-evaporation, while the compressor cycles to meet temperature demands. This continuous optimized operation prevents condensate from being re-evaporated into the airstream during compressor off-cycles.
4Reliability
If high face velocity is used across coil, then dehumidification effectiveness is improved, but air pressure drop increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is segmented into multiple sections with progressively increasing face velocities. The first section operates at lower velocity (400-500 fpm) to minimize pressure drop, while subsequent sections operate at higher velocities (600-800 fpm or more) to ensure adequate dehumidification. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable dehumidification without incurring excessive pressure drop across the entire coil.
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 provides precise temperature and RH control, reduces energy waste, minimizes compressor cycling, and prevents mold growth by ensuring consistent airflow and humidity levels, even at low loads, enhancing system efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling coil having an inlet to receive chilled liquid at a first temperature from a cooling plant to cool air that passes over the cooling coil, and having an outlet to output spent chilled liquid at a second temperature, the second temperature being greater than the first temperature due to heat exchange from the air to the chilled liquid
Implementation Method 2
a cooling recovery coil having an inlet connected with the first output of the output junction of the first fluid conduit to receive at least a portion of the spent chilled liquid at about the second temperature, and having an outlet to return the spent chilled liquid from the cooling recovery coil to the cooling plant
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes a high efficiency dehumidification system (HEDS) and method of operating the same. The HEDS systems and physical implementations can include a variety of equipment, such as fans, filtration systems, fluid-conveying coils, piping or tubing, heat transfer coils, vents, louvers, dampers, valves, fluid chillers, fluid heaters, or the like. Any of the implementations described herein can also include controls and logic, responsive to one or more sensors or other input devices, for controlling the equipment for each implementation described herein.