Solid Desiccant Dehumidifier Control for Dynamic Heat Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid desiccant dehumidification systems lack flexibility in operational control, relying on specific methods that do not adapt well to varying moisture loads and require significant heat energy for regeneration, limiting their efficiency and dynamic control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A control system for solid desiccant dehumidifiers that includes a central control unit with sensors to measure and monitor temperatures and humidity at various locations in the rotary wheel, allowing for dynamic adjustment of process and reactivation air flows, wheel rotation speed, and heating/cooling means to optimize dehumidification performance and minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If desiccant dehumidifiers use conventional control methods, then dehumidification function is provided, but heat energy consumption is high and operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of wheel rotation speed, process air flow rate, and reactivation air flow rate based on real-time sensor feedback. The central control unit continuously adjusts these parameters to match actual dehumidification needs, replacing fixed operational modes with adaptive dynamic control that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple sensors (temperature sensors in process and reactivation sectors, humidity sensors) that provide continuous feedback to the central control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor its own performance and automatically adjust operational parameters to minimize heat energy consumption while adapting to varying moisture loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If desiccant dehumidifiers use conventional control methods, then basic dehumidification is achieved, but adaptability to varying moisture loads is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors provide continuous feedback on temperature and humidity conditions in both process and reactivation sectors. The central control unit processes this feedback data and automatically adjusts operational parameters, enabling the system to adapt to varying moisture loads without requiring complex manual control interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated control algorithms that process sensor data and modify operational parameters independently. The central control unit autonomously optimizes wheel speed, air flow rates, and heating power based on real-time conditions, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining high adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed only at wheel periphery, then measurement is simple, but temperature distribution across desiccant bed cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring system is segmented into multiple measurement zones: process sector temperature sensors, reactivation sector temperature sensors, and peripheral temperature sensors. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring of temperature distribution across the desiccant bed while keeping each sensor placement relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from all temperature sensors, controls wheel rotation, regulates air flow rates, and manages heating elements. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single unit while enabling precise temperature monitoring throughout the system.
4Productivity
If fixed wheel rotation speed is used, then mechanical control is simple, but dehumidification performance cannot be optimized for different conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel rotation speed is converted from a fixed parameter to a dynamically adjustable parameter controlled by the central control unit. The system optimizes rotation speed based on real-time feedback from temperature and humidity sensors, enabling improved dehumidification performance under varying conditions while the control algorithm manages the complexity of speed regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including wheel rotation speed, process air flow rate, and reactivation air flow rate based on measured conditions. These parameter changes enable optimization of dehumidification performance for different moisture loads and environmental conditions, with the central control unit coordinating all parameter adjustments.
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 maximum flexibility in operation, reducing heat energy consumption and enabling precise control of dehumidification processes, adaptable to different sector configurations, and capable of continuous monitoring for improved performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An adsorption based process uses solid desiccants such as silica gel, activated alumina, molecular sieve, etc.
Implementation Method 2
A second airstream (the reactivation airstream) is heated and passed through the wheel to drive out the moisture absorbed or adsorbed in the process sector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally discloses desiccant dehumidifiers control systems. In particular, the present invention relates to solid desiccant dehumidifiers which use a rotor (commonly called a wheel) to dehumidify a process airstream. The invention provides a novel apparatus for control of desiccant dehumidifiers and to an improved method of control of such dehumidifiers, and also to dehumidifiers provided with such control systems.