System and method for dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat and mass exchanger systems are inefficient in managing indoor humidity, leading to high energy consumption due to the significant latent heat load associated with moisture removal, and are complex and costly to manufacture and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A desiccant-coated heat and mass exchanger system with convexly shaped tubes that facilitate efficient heat and mass transfer, allowing for simultaneous dehumidification and regeneration using a heat transfer liquid at ambient temperature, reducing energy consumption and simplifying construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heat and mass exchanger systems are used for dehumidification, then moisture removal function is provided, but energy consumption is high due to significant latent heat load
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dehumidification process into two separate functions: a desiccant coating that adsorbs moisture from air, and a heat transfer liquid that removes the latent heat of adsorption. This segmentation allows independent optimization of moisture removal and heat dissipation, improving overall energy efficiency by preventing re-evaporation of adsorbed moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters by using a heat transfer liquid at controlled temperature to manage the heat of adsorption. By actively controlling the temperature parameter of the heat transfer medium, the system prevents the adsorbent from overheating, which would otherwise cause moisture re-evaporation and reduce dehumidification effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional heat and mass exchanger systems are used, then dehumidification is achieved, but the systems are complex and costly to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the moisture adsorption function and heat transfer function into a single integrated device. The desiccant coating is applied directly to the heat exchanger tubes, combining the adsorbent material with the heat transfer surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate moisture removal and heat dissipation components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable dehumidification performance.
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 superior dehumidification performance with reduced energy consumption, simpler maintenance, and lower manufacturing costs, while maintaining indoor thermal comfort by effectively managing humidity and latent heat loads.
Implementation Method 1
a first array of tubes, each of said tubes having an coating of a desiccant about a peripheral surface
Implementation Method 2
said tubes arranged to transport a heat transfer liquid within an internal bore, said fluid and heat transfer liquid in heat transfer communication
Implementation Method 3
an interstitial space between said tubes, said interstitial space arranged to receive a fluid... said fluid and heat transfer liquid in heat transfer communication
Data Source
AI summary
A heat and mass exchanger system comprising: a first array of tubes, each of said tubes having an coating of a desiccant about a peripheral surface; an interstitial space between said tubes, said interstitial space arranged to receive a fluid, such that at least a portion of the peripheral surface is a wetted area of said fluid; said tubes arranged to transport a heat transfer liquid within an internal bore, said fluid and heat transfer liquid in heat transfer communication; wherein the cross sectional shape of each of said tubes is convex.