Water-Powered Dehumidifier Using Tap Water Flow for Kitchen Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems in commercial kitchens are inefficient and costly due to high energy consumption for cooling and dehumidification, and they often cannot operate in winter to avoid freezing issues, while existing dehumidifier systems with electric fans do not provide sufficient cost savings to justify their use.
Innovation Solution
A water-powered dehumidifier/cooling system that utilizes the constant flow of tap water to absorb heat from the air, condense moisture, and preheat water for the hot water heater, eliminating the need for an electric fan by using a water flow powered air moving impeller, which minimizes pressure drop in the water line and reduces energy costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an electrically powered fan is used to circulate air over the condenser coils, then air circulation and dehumidification are achieved, but energy consumption increases and cost savings are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the building's own water supply system to power the air moving device. The constant flow of cold water through the hydro-turbine provides continuous mechanical energy to drive the impeller, eliminating the need for external electrical power while maintaining effective air circulation and dehumidification
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electric motor with a hydro-turbine that converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical rotation. The water-powered impeller then moves air across the heat exchanger coils, utilizing hydraulic principles to achieve the same air circulation function without electrical consumption
2Temperature
If conventional air conditioning systems are used for cooling and dehumidification, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption is high and operation is limited in winter
Solution Approach 1:
The system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools and dehumidifies the air while pre-heating the water supply to the hot water heater. The heat exchanger coils perform both as a cooling surface for air and as a pre-heating exchanger for water, eliminating the need for separate heating operation in winter
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the water supply by pre-heating it using heat extracted from the air during the cooling process. This allows the system to provide both cooling and hot water heating functions using the same thermal exchange mechanism, enabling year-round operation
3Temperature
If tap water is used to absorb heat from air, then cooling and dehumidification are achieved, but water line pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydro-turbine acts as an intermediary device that extracts energy from the water flow without creating significant pressure drop. By converting kinetic energy to mechanical work, it allows the water to maintain sufficient pressure for hot water heater operation while still providing enough cooling capacity
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 effectively cools and dehumidifies the air, reduces energy costs for hot water heating, and maintains comfort in commercial kitchens without incurring the energy costs associated with electric fans, providing a continuous and efficient cooling solution.
Implementation Method 1
the water in the incoming water line will substantially be constantly moving, thus providing a continuous source of relatively cold water to act as a power source for the air moving device, as well as a refrigerant to provide the dehumidification and cooling for the room air
Implementation Method 2
the water in the incoming water line will substantially be constantly moving, thus providing a continuous source of relatively cold water to act as a power source for the air moving device, as well as a refrigerant to provide the dehumidification and cooling for the room air
Implementation Method 3
using a water flow powered air moving impeller or fan which results in a minimal pressure drop in the building water line
Implementation Method 4
After flowing through a hydro-turbine, the continuously moving water, in the heat exchanger condenser coils, will absorb the heat given off by the water vapor as it condenses
Implementation Method 5
The tap water line is diverted into a heat exchanger upstream of a hot water heater to dehumidify and/or cool the air in the room the air and remove the latent heat given off during condensation to cool and/or dehumidify the room air and to pre-heat the water entering the hot water heater
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifier/cooling apparatus for use in a room having an elevated temperature and/or humidity is provided which utilizes the natural coolness of tap water to condense water vapor from the air or merely cool the air. The tap water line is diverted into a heat exchanger upstream of a hot water heater to dehumidify and/or cool the air in the room the air and remove the latent heat given off during condensation to cool and/or dehumidify the room air and to pre-heat the water entering the hot water heater. An air moving device powered solely by water moving through the tap water line directs a flow of air through the heat exchanger.