Self-contained air conditioning system and use method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems fail to effectively control temperature and humidity independently, leading to inefficient energy use and comfort issues, particularly during dehumidification and heating processes where frosting occurs and humidity regulation is inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained air conditioning system utilizing two loosely-coupled heat exchangers with moisture-absorbing surfaces, a four-way valve, and a controller to manage air flow and temperature-humidity separation, allowing for independent control of sensible and latent heat loads through induced and exhaust fans, and specific operational modes for dehumidification, refrigeration, and heating-humidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional finned tube heat exchanger is used in a vapor compression refrigeration system, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot efficiently process both sensible heat loads and latent heat loads independently, leading to poor temperature-humidity control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat exchanger system into two separate heat exchangers: a first heat exchanger (dehumidification heat exchanger) coated with moisture-absorbing material for processing latent heat loads, and a second heat exchanger for processing sensible heat loads. This segmentation allows independent control of humidity and temperature, resolving the contradiction between control precision and system complexity by addressing each thermal load type with a specialized component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies moisture-absorbing coating material specifically to the surface of the first heat exchanger, creating a localized functional difference between the two heat exchangers. This local quality enhancement enables the first heat exchanger to efficiently dehumidify air while the second heat exchanger handles temperature control, achieving precise temperature-humidity control without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
2Productivity
If a dehumidification heat exchanger with moisture-absorbing coating is used, then latent heat processing efficiency is improved, but the system occupies more space and has increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dehumidification function and cooling function into a integrated vapor compression refrigeration system where both heat exchangers share the same refrigerant circuit. The compressor, expansion valve, and refrigerant flow path serve both the first (dehumidification) and second (cooling) heat exchangers, allowing high dehumidification efficiency without proportionally increasing system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system is designed with multi-functionality: the same refrigerant cycle and compressor system perform both dehumidification (through the coated first heat exchanger) and cooling (through the second heat exchanger). This universality allows the system to achieve high productivity in dehumidification without requiring separate dedicated equipment, thus controlling system volume.
3Loss of energy
If traditional cooling methods are used for dehumidification, then the system structure is simple, but frosting occurs during heating processes and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat exchangers by coating the first heat exchanger with moisture-absorbing material, which fundamentally alters its heat and mass transfer characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both dehumidification and heating functions efficiently, preventing frosting during heating by using the moisture-absorbing property rather than traditional cooling methods, thereby improving energy efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If multiple heat exchangers are used to independently control temperature and humidity, then control precision is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms including a four-way valve for switching refrigerant flow direction, an expansion valve for regulating refrigerant expansion, and controllable air guide mechanisms with inlet/outlet valves. These dynamic components allow the system to automatically adjust and coordinate the operation of both heat exchangers based on environmental conditions, improving humidity control precision while managing operational complexity through automated control.
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 high energy efficiency, compact design, and improved indoor air comfort by separately controlling supply air temperature and humidity, preventing frosting during heating, and maintaining high energy efficiency through sorption dehumidification, thus enhancing the overall performance and comfort of air conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
surfaces of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are coated with a material with a moisture absorbing function
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger... wherein an end of the air flow passage of the first heat exchanger and an end of the air flow passage of the second heat exchanger are respectively in communication with the air supply outlet and the air exhaust outlet
Implementation Method 3
a compressor... wherein an outlet of the compressor is in communication with a first inlet of the four-way valve
Implementation Method 4
an outlet of the second heat exchanger is in communication with an inlet of the first heat exchanger through the expansion valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a unitary air conditioning system with temperature and humidity loosely-coupled control and a use method. The system includes a fresh air inlet (27), a return air inlet (28), an air mixing mechanism (21), a front-end air guide mechanism (22), a first heat exchanger (13), a second heat exchanger (15), a back-end air guide mechanism (23), an air supply outlet (29), and an air exhaust outlet (30). The fresh air inlet (27) and the return air inlet (28) are in communication with the air mixing mechanism (21); the air mixing mechanism (21) is in communication with one end of an air flow passage of the first heat exchanger (13) and one end of an air flow passage of the second heat exchanger (15) through the front-end air guide mechanism (22); and the other end of the air flow passage of the first heat exchanger (13) and the other end of the air flow passage of the second heat exchanger (15) are respectively in communication with the air supply outlet (29) and the air exhaust outlet (30) through the back-end air guide mechanism (23). The present disclosure is compact in structure and small in occupation space, and has a fresh air processing capability.