Split Condenser Dehumidifier for Lower Indoor Heat Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidifiers reintroduce all heat transferred from the condensing circuit back into the cooled indoor space, increasing the load on the cooling system and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifier with a split condenser configuration, where a portion of the heat is expelled to an outdoor space, reducing the heat load on the indoor cooling system by using a fluidly coupled condensing circuit with separate air streams for dehumidification and heat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all heat from the condensing circuit is reintroduced into the indoor space, then the dehumidification function is achieved, but the cooling load and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing circuit is divided into two separate portions: a first condensing circuit portion that releases heat into the indoor space to enable dehumidification, and a second condensing circuit portion that releases heat outdoors. This segmentation allows the system to achieve dehumidification while reducing the cooling load on the indoor space by expelling excess heat externally, thereby lowering energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (excess heat) is extracted from the indoor space by routing a portion of the condensing circuit outdoors. The second condensing circuit portion is specifically designed to discharge heat to the outdoor environment, removing the burden of cooling this heat from the indoor HVAC system and reducing overall energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a split condenser configuration is used to reduce heat load, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing circuit is segmented into two distinct portions with different heat discharge locations. The first portion discharges heat indoors while the second portion discharges heat outdoors. This segmentation resolves the technical contradiction by enabling energy reduction through external heat rejection while maintaining a relatively simple integrated circuit design that combines both portions.
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
This configuration enhances cooling efficiency and reduces energy consumption and operational costs by removing excess heat from the system, rather than recycling it back into the indoor space.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporator is always paired with a single corresponding condenser in order to effect proper heat transfer within the system
Implementation Method 2
The warmer moist air encounters the cooled tubes and fins of the evaporator, which causes the water to condense out from the air
Implementation Method 3
The cooler air is then forced through a condenser, where heat is transferred from the condenser to the cooler air
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect provides a dehumidifier that has a dehumidifying circuit and includes an evaporator, a first portion of a condensing circuit, and a first blower configured to direct a first air stream along a first flow path and through the evaporator and the first portion of the condensing circuit, for reducing the humidity of the first air stream. The dehumidifier also comprises a heat removing circuit, comprising a second blower configured to direct a second air stream along a second flow path and through a second portion of the condensing circuit for removing heat from the second portion of the condensing circuit. The first and second condensing circuits are fluidly coupled.