Static Desiccant Block Dehumidifier with Reverse Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating wheel desiccant systems are inefficient due to over-design for extreme ambient conditions, leading to excessive energy consumption and waste heat in conditioned spaces, and they often require refrigeration components that increase complexity, cost, and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A reverse flow dehumidifier system with a static desiccant block and a control system that dynamically adjusts air flow phases based on measured air parameters, minimizing regeneration time and optimizing moisture removal, eliminating the need for refrigeration by using unconditioned outside air for cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating desiccant wheel system is designed for full load design day conditions, then the system can effectively handle extreme ambient conditions, but it operates inefficiently on typical days with lower ambient temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the desiccant wheel rotational speed variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the rotational speed based on real-time sensing of ambient conditions and desiccant moisture content. On typical days with lower humidity, the wheel rotates slower, reducing regeneration frequency and energy consumption. On extreme design days, the wheel rotates faster to maintain adequate dehumidification capacity, thus adapting system operation to match actual load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the desiccant wheel system by adjusting rotational speed as a variable parameter rather than maintaining a constant speed. The control system modifies this parameter based on sensed conditions including ambient humidity, temperature, and desiccant moisture content. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize between maintaining reliability under extreme conditions and reducing energy consumption during typical operation.
2Ease of operation
If the desiccant wheel rotates continuously at fixed speed, then the system maintains consistent operation, but it enters regeneration prematurely and consumes excessive energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor the moisture content of the desiccant material and ambient conditions. This feedback information is fed to the control system, which adjusts the rotational speed and regeneration timing accordingly. The feedback mechanism prevents premature regeneration by waiting until the desiccant actually reaches its moisture capacity, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining consistent dehumidification performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the periodic action of the desiccant wheel by making the regeneration cycle variable rather than fixed. Instead of continuous rotation at constant speed with fixed regeneration intervals, the system uses periodic sensing to determine when regeneration is actually needed. The wheel rotates at variable speeds with regeneration occurring periodically but only when sensor feedback indicates the desiccant has reached sufficient moisture content to warrant regeneration, thus reducing energy waste.
3Productivity
If refrigeration components are used for dehumidification, then effective moisture removal is achieved, but system complexity, cost, and environmental concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the refrigeration components entirely from the dehumidification system. Instead of using a refrigeration cycle with compressors, condensers, and expansion devices, the system extracts only the essential desiccant-based moisture removal function. This eliminates the complex refrigeration subsystem while maintaining effective dehumidification through the desiccant wheel's adsorption capability, thereby reducing system complexity and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical refrigeration system with a thermal/desorption-based desiccant system. Rather than using mechanical compression and phase change of refrigerant, the system uses thermal energy to drive moisture desorption from the desiccant material during regeneration. This substitution replaces the complex mechanical refrigeration cycle with a simpler thermal process, reducing moving parts, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact while maintaining dehumidification effectiveness.
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 reverse flow dehumidifier system reduces energy consumption and waste heat, increases efficiency by up to 10-20% compared to conventional systems, and lowers design, maintenance, and operational costs while providing effective dehumidification without refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
a heater coupled to the housing and configured to heat air within the housing
Implementation Method 2
a fan for directing air flow within the housing... direct air entering the housing through the outside air inlet across the desiccant media
Implementation Method 3
the desiccant material, which attracts and holds moisture... desiccant materials have the ability to remove or add moisture adiabatically
Implementation Method 4
releases moisture, which is then vented away... adiabatic cooling process
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse flow dehumidifier system for dehumidifying a conditioned space is provided. The system includes a housing having: a static desiccant block fixedly coupled to the housing and comprising a desiccant media; a fan configured to direct outside air across the desiccant media during a first operating phase and a second operating phase and configured to direct conditioned air across the desiccant media during a third operating phase. The system further includes a control system operatively coupled to at least one of the fan, and which includes a plurality of sensors selectively positioned inside the housing and inside the conditioned space, the plurality of sensors are configured to measure at least one air parameter of the outside air during the first operating phase and configured to measure the at least one air parameter of the conditioned air during the third operating phase.