Systems and methods for humidity control in an air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems in humid environments face efficiency losses due to excess moisture, as they often rely on indoor units to remove humidity, which can lead to reduced performance and user discomfort if the indoor unit lacks dehumidification capabilities or communication with the outdoor unit.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor air conditioning system with a controller that measures refrigerant line characteristics, allowing it to increase compressor capacity and adjust operating speed to enhance dehumidification without relying on indoor unit feedback, using sensors to determine humidity levels and adjust refrigerant temperatures for effective moisture removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the indoor blower speed is reduced to allow evaporator temperature to decrease for moisture condensation, then humidity control is improved, but system productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit is equipped with its own sensor and controller that can independently detect refrigerant characteristics and control compressor capacity without requiring communication with or control of the indoor unit, enabling the system to self-regulate humidity control
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the compressor capacity based on real-time sensor data from the refrigerant line, changing operational parameters to optimize both humidity control and system efficiency under varying conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outdoor unit operates independently without indoor unit communication, then system adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mounted on the refrigerant line serves as an intermediary measurement point, allowing the outdoor unit to indirectly assess indoor humidity conditions through refrigerant characteristic changes without direct communication with the indoor unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical/communication coupling between indoor and outdoor units with sensor-based detection of refrigerant parameters, enabling independent operation while maintaining control capability
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 solution improves HVAC system efficiency by enabling independent humidity control at the outdoor unit, reducing indoor humidity without needing indoor unit upgrades, thus maintaining comfort and efficiency even in high-humidity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator can be configured to conduct a heat exchange between the refrigerant and a quantity of indoor air
Implementation Method 2
the second coil temperature can cause an increase in latent heat during the heat exchange... thereby condensing, by the evaporator, water present in the air
Implementation Method 3
The compressor can be configured to move the refrigerant through the refrigerant line, the refrigerant having a first temperature at the outlet of the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are air conditioning systems including a refrigerant line configured to transport a refrigerant; a compressor in fluid communication with the suction line; and a controller in communication with a sensor configured to measure a characteristic of the refrigerant line. The compressor can be configured to move the refrigerant through the refrigerant line, and the refrigerant can have a first temperature at the outlet of the compressor. The controller can be configured to receive sensor data from the sensor indicating a current value associated with the characteristic of the refrigerant line; determine, based at least partially on the sensor data, that the characteristic of the refrigerant line is above a predetermined threshold; and output instructions for the compressor to perform one or more corrective actions.