U.S. patent application number 11/140638 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for air conditioning system.
Invention is credited to Moratalla, Jose.
Application Number | 20050252229 11/140638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27734408 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050252229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moratalla, Jose |
November 17, 2005 |
Air conditioning system
Abstract
A first air path with a first fan is adapted to move air in a
first direction and a moisture absorbing zone. A second air path
with a second fan is adapted to move air in a second direction and
a moisture desorbing zone. A rotatable desiccant wheel is located
partially in the moisture absorbing zone and partially in the
moisture desorbing zone. A heater in the second air path is adapted
to desorb moisture from the desiccant wheel. A gas feed line and an
air feed line supply the heater. The air feed line has an inlet
adjacent to one of the fans.
Inventors: |
Moratalla, Jose; (Palm
Harbor, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD P. DUTKIEWICZ, ESQ.
EDWARD P. DUTKEIWICZ, P.A.
640 DOUGLAS AVENUE
DUNEDIN
FL
34698-7001
US
|
Family ID: |
27734408 |
Appl. No.: |
11/140638 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11140638 |
May 27, 2005 |
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10517967 |
Dec 14, 2004 |
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10517967 |
Dec 14, 2004 |
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PCT/US03/03729 |
Feb 6, 2003 |
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60354682 |
Feb 6, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/271 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2203/1084 20130101;
B01D 53/26 20130101; F24F 2203/1008 20130101; F24F 2003/144
20130101; F24F 2203/1016 20130101; F24F 2203/1032 20130101; F24F
2203/1064 20130101; F24F 2203/1068 20130101; F24F 3/1411 20130101;
F24F 3/1423 20130101; F24F 2203/1024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/271 |
International
Class: |
F25D 023/00 |
Claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent of the United States is as follows:
1. An air conditioning system for controlling humidity in an
efficient and economical manner comprising: a first air path having
an input end and an output end and with a first fan adapted to move
air in a first direction towards the output end, the first air path
including a moisture absorbing zone at an intermediate region of
the first air path; a second air path having an input end and an
output end with a second fan adapted to move air in a second
direction, opposite from the first direction, towards the output
end, the second air path including a moisture desorbing zone at an
intermediate region of the second air path; a desiccant wheel
having a surface area located partially in the moisture absorbing
zone and partially in the moisture desorbing zone and having a
motor adjacent the wheel and adapted to rotate the wheel
sequentially through the two zones whereby the desiccant wheel will
absorb moisture from air moving through the first air path; a gas
heater in the second air path between the input end and the
moisture desorbing zone adapted to heat and activate the desorption
of moisture from the desiccant wheel; and a gas feed line with a
gas valve and an air feed line with an air valve having an inlet
adjacent to one of the fans.
2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the input end of the first air
path following the first fan and further including an air
conducting line through the second air path with the gas heater
within the air feed line.
3. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the input end of the first air
path following the first fan and further including an air
conducting line through the second air path with the gas flame
within the air feed line and with a fan to move the air through the
air conducting line.
4. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the output end of the second air
path following the second fan and further including an air
conducting line through the second air path with the gas heater
within the air feed line.
5. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the output end of the second air
path following the second fan and further including an air
conducting line through the second air path with the gas heater
within the air feed line and with a fan to draw the air through the
air conducting line.
6. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the input end of the first air
path and further including an air conducting line in the second air
path with the gas heater within the air conducting line and with
the air conducting line having a terminating end in the second air
path between the input end and the desorbing zone.
7. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the output end of the second air
path following the second fan and further including an air
conducting line in the second air path with the gas heater within
the air conducting line and with the air conducting line having a
terminating end in the second air path between the input end and
the adsorbing zone.
8. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the input end of the first air
path following the first fan and further including an air
conducting line through the second air path and having a
terminating end adjacent to the output end of the second air path
and with the gas heater in proximity to the second air path.
9. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the input end of the first air
path following the second fan and further including an air
conducting line through the second air path and having a
terminating end adjacent to the output end of the second air path
and with the gas heater within the air feed line.
10. An air conditioning system for controlling and humidity in an
efficient and economical manner comprising: a first air path having
an input end and an output end and with a first fan adapted to move
air in a first direction towards the output end, the first air path
including a moisture absorbing zone at an intermediate region of
the first air path; a second air path having an input end and an
output end with a second fan adapted to move air in a second
direction, opposite from the first direction, towards the output
end, the second air path including a moisture desorbing zone at an
intermediate region of the second air path; a desiccant wheel
having a surface area located partially in the moisture absorbing
zone and partially in the moisture desorbing zone with a motor to
rotate the wheel sequentially through the two zones whereby the
desiccant wheel will absorb moisture from air moving through the
first air path; and a heater in the second air path between the
input end and the moisture desorbing zone adapted to desorb
moisture from the desiccant wheel.
11. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the heater is a
fluid recirculating line with a first end in the second air path
adjacent to the input end and a second end remote from the air
paths with a gas heater at the second end with a gas feed line and
an air feed line.
12. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the heater is a
recirculating line with a first end in the second air path adjacent
to the input end and a second end remote from the air paths with a
gas heater at the second end with a gas feed line and an air feed
line with a terminating end at the input end of the second air
path.
13. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the first air path
includes an air conditioner with an evaporator adjacent to the
output end of the first air path and with a condenser and a
compressor located remote from the air paths.
14. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the first air path
includes an air conditioner with an evaporator adjacent to the
output end of the first air path and with a condenser and a
compressor located in the second air path adjacent to the input
end.
15. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the first air path
includes an air conditioner with an evaporator adjacent to the
output end of the first air path and a condenser and with a
condenser in the second air path adjacent to the input end and with
a compressor located remote from the air paths and coupled to the
output end of the first air path.
16. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the indirect
evaporative cooler has a housing with an ambient air intake and an
output with a circulating fan, the housing having a body of water
below with a submersible pump and a plurality of misters above
coupled to a pump and a plurality of air conduits in the path of
water dispensed from the misters.
17. The system as set forth in claim 10 and further including an
indirect evaporative cooler coupled to the output end of the first
air path, the indirect evaporative cooler having a housing with an
ambient air intake and an output with a circulating fan, the
housing having a body of water below with a submersible pump and a
plurality of misters above coupled to a pump and a plurality of air
conduits in the path of water dispensed from the misters, the
system further including an upper interface between the output of
the first path and the air conduits and a lower interface between
the output of the first path and space beneath the air conduits and
above the body of water.
18. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the input to the
first air path comes from a fresh air intake and a recirculator of
the indoor air with a regulator damper therein, the output of the
second air path including an exhaust 156 for exhausting to
outdoors, the system further having a mixing box coupled to the
output of the first path, to the input of the second path, to the
input of the recirculator, to the indoor air space, and an
evaporator of an HVAC subsystem, the HVAC subsystem being adapted
to supply cold dry air to the indoor environment.
19. The system as set forth in claim 10 and further including a
primary supply conduit with an output to a living space and an
input as a return air intake having an evaporator of an HVAC
subsystem and a blower coupled to the supply conduit and with a one
way damper therein, the system also having a secondary conduit
coupled with the main conduit before and after the one way damper
and including there between the first air path.
20. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the input to the
first air path comes from a fresh air intake, the output of the
second air path including an exhaust for exhausting to outdoors,
the system further having a mixing box coupled to the output of the
first path, to the input of the second path, to a return from
space, to an evaporator of an HVAC subsystem adapted to supply cold
dry air to the indoor environment, to a supplemental exhaust air
conduit, the system including a rotatable enthalpy heat exchanger
wheel sequentially rotatable through the exhaust air conduit and
the input to the first air path for thereby pre-treating the
outside air with an enthalpy recovery wheel before the desiccant
wheel, and with regeneration of the enthalpy wheel by the
differential of vapor pressure between two air stream paths.
21. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the input to the
first air path comes from a fresh air intake, the output of the
second air path including an exhaust for exhausting to outdoors,
the system further having a mixing box coupled to the output of the
first path, to the input of the second path, to the indoor air
space, to the return from space and an evaporator of an HVAC
subsystem adapted to supply cold dry air to the indoor environment
whereby the desiccant wheel functions as a desiccant dehumidifier
regenerated by heat and when it is required, the motor will
increase speed to work as a total energy/enthalpy wheel, exchanging
energy between outdoor, exhaust and indoor air.
22. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the input to the
second air path includes a one way damper and a filter coupled to a
hot attic air environment wherein the output from the first air
path is coupled to a conditioned air environment.
23. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the input to the
second air path includes a one way damper and a filter coupled to a
hot attic air environment wherein the output from the first air
path is coupled to a conditioned air environment, the system
further including a solar collector functioning as a pre-heater or
heat to regenerate the desiccant wheel.
24. The system as set forth in claim 10 and further comprising: a
first air intake conduit coupling the outside environment to the
input of the second air path; an exhaust conduit coupling the
outside environment to the output end of the second air path; a
closed space wherein the user wishes to control the temperature and
humidity, the closed space having a thermostat and a humidistat; a
HVAC subsystem coupled to the closed space, the HVAC subsystem
having an evaporator and a blower electrically coupled to the
thermostat; an output conduit coupled to the output end of the
first air path and also coupled to the closed space, the fan of the
first air path being electrically coupled to the humidistat with a
first humidistat sensor; a return conduit coupled to the input end
of the first air path and the closed space with a damper therein
and being electrically coupled to a timer; a second air intake
conduit having a configuration with one input and two outputs with
a first portion coupled to the outside environment with a shut off
damper electrically coupled to the timer, the configuration having
a second portion coupled to the return conduit adjacent to the
input end of the first air path and a third portion coupled to the
first air path adjacent to the output end with a damper at a point
where the three portions come together and the damper being
electrically coupled to the humidistat with a second humidistat
sensor.
25. The temperature and humidity control system as set forth in
claim 24 in the indoor dehumidification mode wherein the first
humidistat sensor being on, the second humidistat sensor being not
applicable, the timer being not applicable, the shut off damper of
the input end of the first portion being closed, the damper of the
return conduit being open, the damper where the three portions come
together being not applicable.
26. The temperature and humidity control system as set forth in
claim 24 in the fresh air with no dehumidification mode wherein the
first humidistat sensor being not applicable, the second humidistat
sensor being on, the timer being on, the shut off damper of the
input end of the first portion being open, the damper of the return
conduit being closed, the damper where the three portions come
together being open to the second portion.
27. The temperature and humidity control system as set forth in
claim 24 in the purge mode wherein the first humidistat sensor
being not applicable, the second humidistat sensor being off, the
timer being on, the shut off damper of the input end of the first
portion being open, the damper of the return conduit being closed,
the damper Where the three portions come together being open to the
third portion.
28. The temperature and humidity control system as set forth in
claim 24 in the dehumidification of indoor air mode wherein the
first humidistat sensor being not applicable, the second humidistat
sensor being on, the timer being on, the shut off damper of the
input end of the first portion being open, the damper of the return
conduit being closed, the damper where the three portions come
together being open to the second portion.
29. A temperature and humidity control system with a conventional
dehumidifier comprising, in combination: a first air loop coupled
to an input end and an output end with a fan adjacent to the input
end and adapted to push air towards the output end with both the
input end and the output end being coupled to a closed space where
the user wishes to control the temperature and humidity and having
a thermostat and a humidistat; a conventional dehumidifier being
positioned within the first air loop; a HVAC subsystem being
coupled to the closed space and having an evaporator and a blower
being electrically coupled to the thermostat; an output conduit
being coupled to the output end of the first air path and being
further coupled to the closed space, the fan of the first air path
being electrically coupled to the humidistat; a return conduit
being coupled to the input end of the first air path and the closed
space with a damper therein and being electrically coupled to a
timer; a second air intake conduit having one input and two outputs
with a first portion coupled to the outside environment with a shut
off damper being electrically coupled to the timer, a second
portion coupled to the return conduit adjacent to the input end of
the first air path and a third portion coupled to the first air
path adjacent to the output end with a damper at a point where the
three portions come together and the damper being electrically
coupled to the humidistat.
30. The temperature and humidity control system as set forth in
claim 29 and further comprising: a second air loop adapted to push
air in an opposite direction of the first air loop, with the second
air loop having an input end coupled to outside environment, an
output end being coupled to the outside environment and an fan
adjacent to the output end and adapted to pull air through the
second air loop opposite the flow of air in the first air loop, the
input end of the second air loop being adjacent to the output end
of the first air loop and the output end of the second air loop
being adjacent to the input end of the first air loop, the input
end of the second air loop having a control box and filter coupled
thereto; the conventional dehumidifier having an exchange of energy
between the first air loop and the second air loop; a first air
intake conduit coupling the outside environment to the input of the
second air path; and an exhaust conduit coupling the out side
environment to the output end of the second air path.
31. A temperature and humidity control system with a heat source
comprising, in combination: a first air loop coupled to a
regulatable air space having an input end in and an output end with
a fan adjacent to the input end and adapted to push air towards the
output end with both the input end and the output end being coupled
to the regulatable air space; a second air loop adapted to move air
in an opposite direction of the first air loop, with the second air
loop having an input end coupled to an air source, an output end
being coupled to an exhaust air receiving area and an fan adjacent
to the output end and adapted to pull air through the second air
loop opposite the flow of air in the first air loop, the input end
of the second air loop being adjacent to the output end of the
first air loop and the output end of the second air loop being
adjacent to the input end of the first air loop, the input end of
the second air loop having a control box and filter coupled
thereto; and a heating loop having an air receiving conduit and a
gas receiving conduit, both of the receiving conduits being coupled
to a mixing conduit which is coupled to a firing region and adapted
to heat and dry the incoming air of the second air loop, the firing
region being adapted to receive ambient air and being coupled to an
exhaust conduit.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/517,967 filed Dec. 14, 2004 which is
based upon International Application Number PCT/US03/03729 filed
Feb. 6, 2003 which, in turn, is based upon U.S. Provisional
Application 60/354,682 filed Feb. 6, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to air conditioning systems
and, more particularly to controlling the temperature and humidity
independently in an efficient and economical manner.
[0004] It has always been a desire to manipulate air conditions for
comfort and to meet specific conditions required for certain
facilities. Typically, these prior art systems have directly heated
or cooled the outside air and/or air return from a structure and
then exhausted the air into the structure. One of the effects of
cooling an air stream is the resulting change in the moisture
content of the air. It is well recognized that the comfort of a
structure is not only dependent on the temperature of the air but
also on the humidity level. It is also desired to maintain specific
temperature and/or humidity levels in structures to achieve human
comfort.
[0005] There is a need for an economical and efficient system that
can treat air to achieve a determined zone of humidity and
temperature within a structure and/or within a zone of a structure
to target human comfort. The present invention provides a system
for conditioning air that meets these demands in an economical and
efficient manner.
[0006] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0007] The use of systems for conditioning air of known design and
configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically,
systems for conditioning air of known design and configurations
previously devised and utilized for the purpose of conditioning air
are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious
structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs
encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for
the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
[0008] By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,434 to Belding
discloses a high efficiency outdoor air conditioning system. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,199,388 to Fischer discloses a system and method for
controlling temperature and humidity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,327 to
Belding discloses a method and apparatus for cooling warm
moisture-laden air. U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,560 to Dunne discloses a
process and apparatus for dehumidification and VOC odor
remediation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,428 to Calton et al. discloses a
hybrid air-conditioning system with improved recovery evaporator
and subcool condenser. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,954 to Coellner
et al. discloses a method for killing microorganisms.
[0009] While these devices fulfill their respective, particular
objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not
describe a air conditioning system that allows removing humidity
efficiently from the air while maintaining a desired temperature to
achieve a comfort factor corresponding to a desired combination of
temperature and humidity.
[0010] In this respect, the air conditioning system according to
the present invention substantially departs from the conventional
concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an
apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of removing humidity
from the air while maintaining a desired comfort factor
corresponding to a desired combination of temperature and
humidity.
[0011] Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a
continuing need for a new and improved air conditioning system
which can be used for removing humidity from the air while
maintaining a desired comfort factor corresponding to a desired
combination of temperature and humidity In this regard, the present
invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is an air conditioning system for
controlling temperature and humidity independently in an efficient
and economical manner. First provided is a first air path having an
input end and an output end and with a first fan adapted to move
air in a first direction towards the output end. The first air path
includes a moisture absorbing zone at an intermediate region of the
first air path. Next provided is a second air path having an input
end and an output end with a second fan adapted to move air in a
second direction, opposite from the first direction, towards the
output end. The second air path includes a moisture desorbing zone
at an intermediate region of the second air path. Next provided is
a desiccant wheel having a surface area located partially in the
moisture absorbing zone and partially in the moisture desorbing
zone and provided is a motor to rotate the wheel sequentially
through the two zones whereby the desiccant wheel will absorb
moisture from air moving through the first air path. A gas heater
is next provided in the second air path between the input end and
the moisture desorbing zone adapted to heat the air and desorb
moisture from the desiccant wheel. Lastly provided are a gas feed
line and an air feed line having an inlet adjacent to one of the
fans.
[0013] The system of the present invention may be utilized as a
stand alone system for conditioning of air or in conjunction with
current air conditioning systems or as a package system including a
HVAC to further control the desired conditions of an
atmosphere.
[0014] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims attached.
[0015] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0016] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved air conditioning system which has all of
the advantages of the prior art systems for conditioning air of
known design and configurations and none of the disadvantages.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved air conditioning system which may be easily and
efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved air conditioning system which is of durable and
reliable constructions.
[0020] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved air conditioning system which is
susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both
materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of
low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such air
conditioning system economically available to the buying
public.
[0021] Even still another object of the present invention is to
provide a air conditioning system for removing humidity from the
air while maintaining a desired comfort factor corresponding to a
desired combination of temperature and humidity independently.
Further, satisfying the ASHRAE standards of ventilation.
[0022] Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved air conditioning system. A first air path has a
first fan adapted to move air in a first direction and a moisture
absorbing zone. A second air path has a second fan adapted to move
air in a second direction and a moisture desorbing zone. A
rotatable desiccant wheel is located partially in the moisture
absorbing zone and partially in the moisture desorbing zone. A
heater in the second air path is adapted to desorb moisture from
the desiccant wheel. The heater has a gas feed line and an air feed
line supplying the heater. The air feed line has an inlet adjacent
to one of the fans.
[0023] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of
the invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0039] FIG. 14a is a psychometric chart for the embodiment of FIG.
14.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0041] FIG. 15a is a psychometric chart for the embodiment of FIG.
15.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0043] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0044] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0045] FIG. 18a is a psychometric chart for the embodiment of FIG.
18.
[0046] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0048] FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0049] FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of another mode of this
embodiment of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of another mode of this
embodiment of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of another mode of this
embodiment of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of another mode of this
embodiment of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention adapted to have the various modes shown in FIG. 22 to
FIG. 25.
[0054] FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention adapted to have the various modes shown in FIG. 22 to
FIG. 25.
[0055] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts
throughout the various Figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0056] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved
air conditioning system embodying the principles and concepts of
the present invention and generally designated by the reference
numeral 10 will be described.
[0057] The present invention, the air conditioning system 10 is
comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their
broadest context include first and a second air paths, a desiccant
wheel, a gas heater and also gas and air feed lines. Such
components are individually configured and correlated with respect
to each other so as to attain the desired objective.
[0058] Illustrated in FIG. 1, and pertinent to the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 through 8, is an air conditioning system 10 for controlling
humidity in an efficient and economical manner. The system includes
a first air path 12 having an input end 14 and an output end 16 and
with a first fan 18 adapted to move air in a first direction
towards the output end. The first air path includes a moisture
absorbing zone 20 at an intermediate region of the first air
path.
[0059] Also included is a second air path 22 which has an input end
24 and an output end 26 with a second fan 28 adapted to move air in
a second direction, opposite from the first direction, towards the
output end. The second air path includes a moisture desorbing zone
30 at an intermediate region of the second air path.
[0060] A desiccant wheel 32 is next provided. The desiccant wheel
has a surface area located partially in the moisture absorbing zone
and partially in the moisture desorbing zone, the desiccant wheel
having an adjacent motor 34 to rotate the wheel sequentially
through the two zones whereby the desiccant wheel will absorb
moisture from air moving through the first air path.
[0061] Provided next is a gas heater 36 in the second air path
between the input end and the moisture desorbing zone adapted to
desorb moisture from the desiccant wheel.
[0062] Lastly, a gas feed line 38 and an air feed line 40 are
provided. The air feed line has an inlet 42 adjacent to one of the
fans. The gas feed line having a gas valve G adapted to control the
amount of gas in the line. The air feed line having an air valve V
to control the amount of air in the line, this controls the amount
of primary air that is available. Where the air feed line and the
gas feed line meet is an adjustable brass ring to control the
amount of mixing between the primary air and gas.
[0063] More specifically, illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system
utilizing indirect fire with the combustion fumes exhausting by
natural convection and the primary air injected by a supply blower.
The inlet 42 of the air feed line 40 is located adjacent to the
input end of the first air path following the first fan 18 and
further including an air conducting line 44 through the second air
path with the gas heater within the air feed line. The air
conducting line being adapted to allow secondary air of combustion
in by a natural convection.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a system utilizing indirect fire with the
combustion fumes exhausting by an exhaust blower and the primary
air injected by a supply blower. The inlet 42 of the air feed line
is located adjacent to the input end of the first air path
following the first fan. The system further includes an air
conducting line 44 through the second air path with the gas flame
within the air feed line and with a fan 48 to draw the air through
the air conducting line.
[0065] Illustrated in FIG. 3 is a system utilizing indirect fire
with the combustion fumes exhausting by natural convection and the
primary combustion air injected by a regeneration blower. The
system 50 includes the inlet 52 of the air feed line 54 located
adjacent to the output end of the second air path following the
second fan 28. The system further includes an air conducting line
44 through the second air path with the gas heater within the air
feed line. FIG. 4 illustrates a system 56 utilizing indirect fire
with the combustion fumes exhausting by an exhaust blower and the
primary air injected by a regeneration blower. The system 56
includes an inlet 52 of the air feed line 54 is located adjacent to
the output end of the second air path following the second fan 28
and further including an air conducting line 44 through the second
air path with the gas heater within the air feed line and with a
fan 48 to draw the air through the air conducting line.
[0066] Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a system 58 utilizing indirect fire
with the combustion fumes exhausting to a regeneration chamber
before the desiccant wheel and the primary air injected by a supply
blower. The system 58 includes an inlet 42 of the air feed line
which is located adjacent to the input end of the first air path.
Further included is an air conducting line in the second air path
with the gas heater within the air conducting line. The air
conducting line has a terminating end 60 in the second air path
between the input end and the desorbing zone.
[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a system 62 utilizing indirect fire with
the combustion fumes exhausting to a regeneration chamber before
the desiccant wheel and the primary combustion air injected by a
regeneration blower. In the system 62, the inlet 52 of the air feed
line 54 is located adjacent to the output end of the second air
path following the second fan 28. Further included is an air
conducting line in the second air path with the gas heater within
the air conducting line. The air conducting line has a terminating
end 60 in the second air path between the input end and the
desorbing zone.
[0068] FIG. 7 is a system utilizing indirect fire with the
combustion fumes exhausting to a regeneration chamber after the
desiccant wheel and the primary combustion air injected by a supply
blower. In such system 64, the inlet 42 of the air feed line 40 is
located adjacent to the input end of the first air path following
the first fan 18. Further included is an air conducting line 44
through the second air path that allows secondary combustion air in
the system and having a terminating end 66 adjacent to the output
end of the second air path and with the gas heater in proximity to
the second air path.
[0069] Illustrated in FIG. 8 is a system 68 utilizing indirect fire
with the combustion fumes exhausting to a regeneration chamber
after the desiccant wheel and the primary combustion air injected
by a regeneration blower. In the system 68, the inlet 52 of the air
feed line is located adjacent to the output end of the second air
path following the second fan 28. Further included is an air
conducting line 44 through the second air path and having a
terminating end 70 is adjacent to the output end of the second air
path. The gas heater having the air feed line.
[0070] Illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 25 is an air conditioning
system 10 for controlling humidity in an efficient and economical
manner. The system includes a first air path 12 having an input end
14 and an output end 16 and with a first fan 18. The first fan is
adapted to move air in a first direction towards the output end.
The first air path includes a moisture absorbing zone 20 at an
intermediate region of the first air path.
[0071] The system also includes a second air path 22 having an
input end 24 and an output end 26. A second fan 28 is adapted to
move air in a second direction, opposite from the first direction,
towards the output end. The second air path includes a moisture
desorbing zone 30 at an intermediate region of the second air
path.
[0072] A desiccant wheel 32 is also provided in the system. The
desiccant wheel has a surface area located partially in the
moisture absorbing zone and partially in the moisture desorbing
zone. A motor 34 rotates the wheel sequentially through the two
zones whereby the desiccant wheel will absorb moisture from air
moving through the first air path.
[0073] Lastly, a heater 36 is located in the second air path
between the input end and the moisture desorbing zone. The heater
is adapted to activate the desorption of moisture from the
desiccant wheel.
[0074] Illustrated in FIG. 9 is a system 72 utilizing indirect fire
with a fluid heater to a regeneration heat exchanger. In the system
72, the heater is a recirculating line 74 with a first end 76
wherein the first end is a closed loop continuation fo the
recirculating line and the first end being in the second air path
adjacent to the input end and a second end 78 remote from the air
paths. A gas heater 80 is located at the second end with a gas feed
line 82 and with an combustion air feed line 84.
[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates a system 86 utilizing indirect fire with
a fluid heater to a regeneration heat exchanger and with the
exhaust fumes exhausted to the regeneration chamber. In the system
86, the heater is a recirculating line 74 with a first end 76 with
the first being a closed loop continuation fo the recirculating
line and being in the second air path adjacent to the input end and
a second end 78 remote from the air paths. A gas heater 80 is
located at the second end with a gas feed line 82 and with an air
feed line 84. The air feed line has a terminating end at the input
end 88 of the second air path.
[0076] Illustrated in FIG. 11 is the PCT primary embodiment with a
cooling coil, evaporator, after the desiccant wheel in the supply
path and with an external split condenser and compressor. In the
system 90, the first air path includes a condenser unit 92 of an
air conditioner. The air conditioner has an evaporator 94 adjacent
to the output end of the first air path and a condenser 96 and a
compressor 98 located remote from the air paths.
[0077] Illustrated in FIG. 12 is the PCT primary embodiment with a
cooling coil, evaporator, after the desiccant wheel in the supply
path and with an internal package of a condenser and compressor. In
system 100, the first air path includes an condensing unit 102 of a
condenser unit of an air conditioner with an evaporator 104
adjacent to the output end of the first air path and with a
condenser 106 and a compressor 108 located in the second air path
adjacent to the input end.
[0078] Illustrated in FIG. 13 is the PCT primary embodiment with a
cooling coil, evaporator, after the desiccant wheel in the supply
path and with an internal condenser and an external compressor. In
the system 110, the first air path includes an air conditioner 112
with an evaporator 114 adjacent to the output end of the first air
path and a condenser 116 and with a condenser in the second air
path adjacent to the input end and with a compressor 118 located
remote from the air paths.
[0079] FIG. 14 illustrates the primary embodiment adding an
indirect evaporative cooler at the supply side before the
conditioned space. The system 120 is as set forth above and further
includes an indirect evaporative cooler 122 coupled to the output
end of the first air path. The indirect evaporative cooler has a
housing 124 with an ambient air intake 126 and an output 128 with a
circulating fan 130. The housing has a body of water 132 below with
a submersible pump 134 and a plurality of misters 136 above coupled
to a pump and a plurality of air conduits 138 in the path of water
dispensed from the misters. FIG. 14A is a psychro chart.
[0080] FIG. 15 illustrates the primary embodiment adding an
indirect evaporative cooler at the supply side before the
conditioned space, but injecting part of the process air to
increase the evaporative path cooling performance. The system 140
is as described above and further includes an indirect evaporative
cooler 142 coupled to the output end of the first air path. The
indirect evaporative cooler has a housing with an ambient air
intake and an output with a circulating fan. The housing has a body
of water below with a submersible pump and a plurality of misters
above coupled to a pump and a plurality of air conduits in the path
of water dispensed from the misters. The system further includes an
upper transition zone 144 between the output of the first path and
the air conduits and a lower transition zone 146 between the output
of the first path and space beneath the air conduits and above the
body of water.
[0081] An embodiment using indoor air to regenerate the desiccant
wheel 18 is illustrated in FIG. 16. In the system 148, the input to
the first air path comes from a fresh air intake 150 and a
recirculator 152 of the indoor air with a regulator damper 154
therein. The output of the second air path includes an exhaust 156
for exhausting to outdoors. The system further has a mixing box 158
coupled to the output 160 of the first path, to the input 162 of
the second path, to the input 164 of the recirculator, to the
process air 166, and an evaporator 168 of an HVAC to indoor space
subsystem, the HVAC subsystem being adapted to supply cold dry air
to the indoor environment.
[0082] Illustrated in FIG. 17 is an embodiment using indoor air to
heat regenerate the desiccant wheel and supply air to supply the
installation. The system 170 is as described above and further
includes a primary supply conduit 172 with an output 174 to a
living space and an input 176 as a return air intake having an
evaporator 178 of an HVAC subsystem. In addition, a blower 180 is
coupled to the supply conduit and with a one way damper 182
therein, the system also having a secondary conduit 184 coupled
with the main conduit before and after the one way damper and
including there between the first air path 186. The second air path
having an indoor input 183, a heat source 185 and an exhaust
187.
[0083] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment with pre-treating the
outside air with an enthalpy recovery wheel before the desiccant
wheel and with regeneration by heated indoor air. In the system
188, the input to the first air path comes from a fresh air intake
190. The output of the second air path includes an exhaust 192 for
exhausting to outdoors. The system further has a mixing box 194
coupled to the output 196 of the first path, to the input 198 of
the second path, to a return 200 from space, to an evaporator 202
of an HVAC subsystem adapted to supply cold dry air to the indoor
environment, to a supplemental exhaust air conduit 204 with an
exhaust blower 205. The system includes a rotatable enthalpy heat
exchanger wheel 206 sequentially rotatable through the exhaust air
conduit and the input to the first air path for thereby
pre-conditioning the outside air with an enthalpy recovery wheel
before the desiccant wheel. Regeneration of the enthalpy wheel is
by vapor pressure differential with indoor air between two air
streams through separate segments of the wheel.
[0084] FIG. 19 is an embodiment with the desiccant wheel working as
a desiccant dehumidifier regenerated by heat and wherein, when it
is required, the motor will increase speed to work as a total
energy recovery wheel, enthalpy wheel, exchanging energy between
outdoor and indoor air. In the system 208, the input to the first
air path comes from a fresh air intake 210. The output of the
second air path includes an exhaust 212 for exhausting to outdoors.
The system further has a mixing box 214 coupled to the output 216
of the first path, to the input 218 of the second path, to the
indoor air space 220, to the return from space 222 and an
evaporator 224 of an HVAC subsystem adapted to supply cold dry air
to the indoor environment whereby the desiccant wheel functions as
a desiccant dehumidifier regenerated by heat and when it is
required, the motor will increase speed to work as a total
energy/enthalpy wheel, exchanging energy between outdoor and indoor
air.
[0085] FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment using hot attic air as a
pre-heater or heater to regenerate the desiccant wheel. In the
system 226, the input 228 to the second air path includes a one way
damper 230 and a filter 232 coupled to a hot attic air environment
234 wherein the output 236 from the first air path is coupled to a
conditioned air environment 238. This embodiment may or may not
include a burner.
[0086] Illustrated in FIG. 21 is an embodiment using hot attic air
and/or a solar collector as a pre-heater or heater to regenerate
the desiccant wheel. In the system 240, the input 242 to the second
air path includes a one way damper 244 and a filter 246 coupled to
a hot attic air environment 248. The output from the first air path
is coupled to a conditioned air environment 252. The system further
includes a solar collector 254 functioning as a pre-heater or
heater to regenerate the desiccant wheel.
[0087] Illustrated in FIGS. 22 through 25 is a single system 256
similar to that as set forth above. The four separate FIGS. 22, 23,
24 and 25 show the same embodiment but in different modes of
operation. The system further comprises a first air intake conduit
258 coupling the outside environment to the input of the second air
path. An exhaust conduit 260 couples the outside environment to the
output end of the second air path. A closed space 262 wherein the
user wishes to control the temperature and humidity, the closed
space has a thermostat 264 and a humidistat 266. A HVAC subsystem
268 is coupled to the closed space. The HVAC subsystem has an
evaporator 270 and a blower 272 electrically coupled to the
thermostat. An output conduit 274 is coupled to the output end of
the first air path and also coupled to the closed space. The unit
276 of the first air path is electrically coupled to the first
sensor of the humidistat 266 in the closed space 262. A return
conduit 278 is coupled to the input end of the first air path and
the closed space with a damper 280 therein and being electrically
coupled to a timer 282. The timer is operable in a timed sequence
or manually. An air junction box 284 has a configuration with one
input and two outputs including output A and output B with a first
portion 286 coupled to the outside environment with a shut off
damper motor 288 electrically coupled to the timer, the air intake
conduit having a second portion 290 also referred to as output A
coupled to the return conduit adjacent to the input end of the
first air path and a third portion 292 also referred to as output B
coupled to the first air path adjacent to the output end with a
damper 293 at a point where a three portions come together, the
motorized damper being electrically coupled to the humidistat with
a second sensor in closed space 266 at the electrical connection
294.
[0088] Illustrated in FIG. 22 is an indoor dehumidification mode.
In the temperature and humidity control system, wherein the first
humidistat sensor being on, the second humidistat sensor being not
applicable, the timer being not applicable, the shut off damper of
the input end of the first portion being closed, the damper of the
return conduit being open, the damper where the three portions come
together being not applicable.
[0089] Illustrated in FIG. 23 is a fresh air dehumidification mode.
In the temperature and humidity control system 276A, the first
humidistat sensor being not applicable, the second humidistat
sensor being on, the timer being on, the shut off damper of the
input end of the first portion being open, the damper of the return
conduit being closed, the damper where the three portions come
together being open to the second portion/output A.
[0090] Illustrated in FIG. 24 is a fresh air with no
dehumidification mode. In the temperature and humidity control
system 276B, the first humidistat sensor being not applicable, the
second humidistat sensor being off, the timer being on, the shut
off damper of the input end of the first portion being open, the
damper of the return conduit being closed, the damper where the
three portions come together being open to the third portion/output
B.
[0091] Illustrated in FIG. 25 shows the wheel in the purge mode
desorbing and purging of contaminants to the exhaust. The
temperature and humidity control system 276C wherein the first
humidistat sensor being not applicable, the second humidistat
sensor being on, the timer being on, the shut off damper of the
input end of the first portion being open, the damper of the return
conduit being closed, the damper where the three portions come
together being open to the second portion/output A.
[0092] In FIG. 26 the system 300 includes a conventional
dehumidification of indoor air mode. Such embodiment comprises, in
combination, a first air loop 302 coupled to an input end 304 and
an output end 306 with a fan 308 adjacent to the output end and
adapted to move air towards the output end. Both the input end and
the output end are coupled to a closed space 310 where the user
wishes to control the temperature and humidity and having a
thermostat 312 and a humidistat 314. A conventional dehumidifier
316 is positioned within the first air loop. An HVAC subsystem 318
is coupled to the closed space and has an evaporator 320 and a
blower 322 being electrically coupled to the thermostat. An output
conduit 324 is coupled to the output end of the first air path and
being further coupled to the closed space. The fan of the first air
path is electrically coupled to the humidistat. A return conduit
326 is coupled to the input end of the first air path and the
closed space with a damper 328 therein and being electrically
coupled to a timer 330. The timer controls cycles per hour and sets
running time per hour of outside air. A second air intake conduit
332 has a configuration with one input and two output with a first
portion 334 coupled to the outside environment with a shut off
damper 336 being electrically coupled to the timer. A second
portion 338 or output A is coupled to the return conduit adjacent
to the input end of the first air path and a third portion 340 or
output B is coupled to the first air path adjacent to the output
end with a damper at a point where the three portions come together
and the damper being electrically coupled to the humidistat. The
system shown in FIG. 26 is adapted to be put in all the modes shown
in FIG. 22 to FIG. 25.
[0093] In FIG. 27, the temperature and humidity control system 342
shows an indoor air dehumidification mode and further comprises a
second air loop 344 adapted to push air in an opposite direction of
the first air loop. The second air loop has an input end 346
coupled to outside environment. An output end 348 is coupled to the
outside environment and a fan 350 is adjacent to the output end and
adapted to pull air through the second air loop opposite the flow
of air in the first air loop. The input end of the second air loop
is adjacent to the output end of the first air loop and the output
end of the second air loop being adjacent to the input end of the
first air loop. The input end of the second air loop has a control
box and filter coupled thereto. The conventional dehumidifier
having exchange energy between the first air loop and the second
air loop. A first air intake conduit 352 couples the outside
environment to the input of the second air path. Lastly, an exhaust
conduit 354 couples the out side environment to the output end of
the second air path. The system shown in FIG. 27 is adapted to be
put in all the modes shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. 25.
[0094] With reference to the final two Figures, the system is a
temperature and humidity control system. The system comprises, in
combination, a first air loop coupled to a regulatable air space
and has an input end in and an output end with an fan adjacent to
the input end and adapted to push air towards the output end with
both the input end and the output end being coupled to the
regulatable air space. A second air loop is adapted to pull air in
an opposite direction of the first air loop. The second air loop
has an input end coupled to an air source. An output end is coupled
to an exhaust air receiving area and an fan adjacent to the output
end and adapted to push air through the second air loop opposite
the flow of air in the first air loop. The input end of the second
air loop is adjacent to the output end of the first air loop and
the output end of the second air loop being adjacent to the input
end of the first air loop. The input end of the second air loop has
a control box and filter coupled thereto. Additionally, a
supplemental loop has an air receiving conduit and a gas receiving
conduit, the gas receiving conduct being coupled to a gas source.
Both of the receiving conduits further are coupled to a mixing
conduit which is coupled to a firing region and adapted to heat and
dry the incoming air of the second air loop. The firing region is
adapted to receive ambient air and being coupled to an exhaust
conduit.
[0095] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present
invention, the same should be apparent from the above description.
Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage
and operation will be provided.
[0096] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0097] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *