DE212013000059U1 - dehumidifiers - Google Patents

Abstract

A dehumidifier comprising: a desiccant holder for holding a desiccant; a biasing mechanism configured to bias the dehumidifier into a first arrangement in which, in use, the desiccant held by the desiccant holder is exposed to an interior of an enclosure when the dehumidifier is in the first arrangement; and displacement means configured to overcome the biasing mechanism so that when activated, the displacement means moves the dehumidifier into a second arrangement in which, in use, the desiccant is exposed to an atmosphere outside of the enclosure when the dehumidifier is in the second arrangement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier and to dehumidifying an enclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Housings are widely used for protecting electronic, electrical and electro-mechanical devices and the like. Such housings may be used to protect devices stored within the housing and may also be used to protect users from the devices (for example, to protect an operator from electrical shock).

1 is a highly schematic block diagram of a system for generating electrical energy. The system, generally with the reference number 1 includes an array of solar cells 2 , a housing 4 , a solar inverter 6 and a power grid 8th , As is well known, the solar inverter can 6 used to generate DC electrical energy from the array of solar cells 2 is generated, to convert into AC power, the power grid 8th is supplied. The solar inverter 6 is often located in a potentially hostile environment (exposed to, for example, high temperatures, low temperatures, rain, dust, etc.). The housing 4 should the solar inverter 6 give at least some protection against the environment.

In the use of the system 1 the temperature drops inside the case 4 when the temperature of the environment falls at night. As the temperature falls within the housing, water vapor condenses within the housing 4 and can cause short circuits and other damage to the electrical circuits of the solar inverter 6 cause.

The housing 4 is typically designed so that the passage of air into and out of the housing is very limited to the contents of the housing (in this example, the solar inverter 6 ) to protect against dust, for example. Such a construction prevents the removal of moist air, thereby aggravating the problem of condensation within the housing.

The problem of condensation of humid air has many housing applications in common, and the solutions provided by the present invention can be used in many such applications. However, the problems associated with moisture are particularly prevalent in the solar industry. This is because solar inverters are not used at night (when there is no sun). This is how the solar inverter generates 6 inside the case 4 , during normal use, during the night no heat. Other types of electrical equipment are used during the night and therefore generate heat, which reduces the problems with the condensation arrangement. In use, water typically condenses on the solar inverter 6 , which can cause electrical problems if the solar inverter is activated in the morning, and also can cause corrosion.

The present invention is directed to solving at least some of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a dehumidifier comprising: a desiccant holder for holding a desiccant (such as silica gel); a biasing mechanism (such as a spring biasing mechanism) configured to bias the dehumidifier into a first arrangement, in which, in use, the desiccant held by the desiccant holder is exposed to an interior of an enclosure when the dehumidifier is in the first arrangement; and a displacement means (such as a solenoid or any other actuator such as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) or a geared motor) configured to override the biasing mechanism so that when activated, the displacement means moves the dehumidifier into a second arrangement in which, in use, the desiccant is exposed to an atmosphere outside the enclosure when the dehumidifier is in the second arrangement.

The present invention also provides a system comprising: an enclosure and a dehumidifier, the enclosure comprising an opening, and the dehumidifier mounted in the opening, the dehumidifier further comprising: a desiccant holder for holding a desiccant (such as silica gel); a biasing mechanism (such as one or more biasing springs) configured to bias the dehumidifier into a first disposition in which the desiccant held by the desiccant holder is exposed to an interior of the enclosure; and a displacement means (such as a solenoid) configured to override the biasing mechanism so that when activated, the displacement means moves the dehumidifier to a second arrangement in which the desiccant is exposed to an atmosphere outside the enclosure. The enclosure may comprise a plurality of openings, and the system may include a plurality of dehumidifiers, as set forth herein. include, wherein a dehumidifier is provided for each of said openings.

In the first arrangement, the desiccant is exposed to the interior of the enclosure, but is not exposed to the atmosphere outside the enclosure, and therefore the desiccant can be used to dehumidify the interior of the enclosure. In the second arrangement, the desiccant is exposed to the atmosphere outside the enclosure and is not exposed to the interior of the enclosure. Thus, in the second arrangement, moisture previously absorbed by the desiccant may be released into the atmosphere outside the enclosure so that the desiccant may be regenerated.

The present invention provides a simple, flexible arrangement for dehumidifying a wrapper and for regenerating the desiccant used to dehumidify the wrapper. Regenerating the desiccant ensures that the desiccant can be reused multiple times. The solution can be designed with many different enclosures, is scalable and can be retrofitted to existing enclosures. In both the first and second arrangements described above, the enclosure with which the dehumidifier is used can be made airtight.

The first arrangement is typically a first position: the second arrangement is typically a second position. Thus, the displacement means and the biasing mechanism may be designed to cooperate to adjust the position of the desiccant holder such that the desiccant is exposed to either the interior of the enclosure (in the first position) or the exterior of the enclosure (in the second position).

The desiccant holder may be in the form of a basket having openings that are sufficiently small to ensure that the desiccant is held within the basket but sufficiently large to allow air to easily circulate through the desiccant.

In many forms of the invention, the drying agent is silica gel; However, those skilled in the art will recognize many alternative regenerable desiccants that could be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

The dehumidifier may include a heater adapted to heat the desiccant when the dehumidifier is in the second arrangement. The heater may be, for example, a heating pad. Of course, many alternative forms of heater could be provided, such as a heating coil. Alternatively or additionally, an airflow heater may be provided wherein, in the second arrangement, an airflow from the atmosphere outside the enclosure of the airflow heater is heated before being passed through the desiccant. In this way, the desiccant can be heated by passing warm air through the desiccant so that the desiccant is heated (to regenerate the desiccant) and the air removes the water vapor from the vicinity of the desiccant. The airflow can be promoted using a fan.

The present invention further provides a method comprising: biasing a dehumidifier into a first arrangement in which a desiccant desiccant holder is exposed to an interior of an enclosure when the dehumidifier is in the first arrangement; and activating a displacement means (such as a solenoid) to overcome the bias to move the dehumidifier to a second arrangement in which the desiccant holder is exposed to an atmosphere outside the enclosure when the dehumidifier is in the second arrangement.

The dehumidifier may be biased into the first arrangement using a dehumidifier spring mechanism. The dehumidifier can be moved into the second arrangement under the control of a solenoid.

The dehumidifier may include a heater adapted to heat the desiccant when the dehumidifier is in the second arrangement. The heater may be, for example, a heating pad or a heating coil. Alternatively or additionally, an airflow heater may be provided wherein, in the second arrangement, an airflow from the atmosphere outside the enclosure is heated by the airflow heater prior to being passed through the desiccant.

The arrangement of the dehumidifier can be placed under the control of a timer mechanism, e.g. For example, the system may operate in the first arrangement for a first period of time before operating in the second arrangement for a second period of time. The timer can then be reset and the operation repeated. The first period and / or the second period may be set by a user (eg, an installation engineer).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the following schematic drawings, in which:

1 Fig. 10 is a block diagram of a solar power generation system;

2 an exploded view of a dehumidifier according to one aspect of the present invention;

3 a partially broken view of the dehumidifier of 2 is;

4 is a cross-section of a casing containing the dehumidifier of 2 and 3 which is used in a first mode of operation;

5 is a cross-section of a casing containing the dehumidifier of 2 and 3 which is used in a second mode of operation;

6 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an aspect of the present invention;

7 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an aspect of the present invention; and

8th Figure 13 is a block diagram of a dehumidifier according to one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

2 is an exploded view of a dehumidifier, generally with the reference number 10 is designated according to one aspect of the present invention. 3 shows a partially broken view of the dehumidifier 10 ,

The dehumidifier 10 includes a top cover 12 , a top cover gasket 14 , a set of top cover springs 16 , a mounting bracket 18 , a mounting bracket seal 20 , a desiccant holder 22 , top cover connectors 25 , a bottom cover / shell 26 and a solenoid 38 ,

4 is a cross-section of a cladding 32 containing the dehumidifier described above 10 when used in a first mode of operation of the present invention. 5 is a cross-section of the cladding 32 that the dehumidifier 10 which is used in a second mode of operation.

As in 4 and 5 shown is the dehumidifier 10 , using the mounting bracket 18 in an opening in a housing 32 mounted so that the drying agent 34 in the desiccant holder 22 outside the case, and the top cover 12 inside the case.

If, as in 4 shown the solenoid 38 is not activated, press the springs 16 the dehumidifier 10 the cover from the opening in the housing 32 path. The dehumidifier is pushed vertically upwards (in the in 4 shown arrangement). The dehumidifier is thus positioned so that the desiccant 34 the atmosphere inside the case 32 but is not exposed to the atmosphere outside the housing. In this arrangement, the drying agent acts 34 to remove moisture from the atmosphere inside the enclosure 32 dissipate. With the dehumidifier in the in 4 The arrangement shown is the housing 32 airtight.

In 5 became the solenoid 38 activates and overcomes the feathers 16 provided biasing mechanism. As a result, the solenoid moves the top cover 12 , the desiccant holder 22 and the bottom cover 26 vertically downwards (in the in 5 shown arrangement) until the top cover 12 with the mounting bracket 18 got in contact. The top cover gasket 14 forms a seal with the mounting bracket 18 out, leaving the desiccant 34 no longer the air inside the case 32 is suspended, but the air is exposed outside the housing. With the dehumidifier in the in 5 the arrangement shown remains the housing 32 airtight.

The dehumidifier 10 also includes a heating pad 36 , In the in 5 shown arrangement is the heating pad 36 heated, leaving the drying agent 34 is heated. As is well known, heating a desiccant such as silica gel causes the moisture stored by the desiccant to be released. This process is called regeneration and causes the desiccant to be reusable.

The feathers 16 envisage a biasing mechanism which will insert the dehumidifier into the 4 pretensions arrangement shown. Thus, in the case of a failure, such as a power failure or a failure of the solenoid 38 holding the dehumidifier so that the desiccant is exposed to the interior of the enclosure.

It should be noted that the use of the in 2 and 3 shown springs 16 not essential for all forms of the invention. Any mechanism that the dehumidifier in the in 4 shown biased first arrangement, which bias can be overcome, however, could be used. Similar is the use of the solenoid 38 not essential. Any mechanism that can selectively overcome the biasing mechanism (whether provided by one or more springs or otherwise) could be used.

6 Figure 3 is a flowchart generally labeled with the reference numeral 50 displayed algorithm according to one aspect of the present invention.

The algorithm 50 is called when a "regeneration" procedure is initiated. The regeneration procedure can be called by another control program, so the algorithm 50 forms a subroutine.

Before the algorithm 50 is initiated, is the dehumidifier 10 in the in 4 shown position. Thus, moisture in the wrapper is dried by the desiccant 34 absorbed. The regeneration command indicates that in the desiccant holder 22 should be regenerated held desiccant.

The algorithm 50 starts in step 52 where the solenoid 38 is activated. The activation of the solenoid overcomes that of the bias springs 16 provided force, so that the dehumidifier in the in 5 shown position moves. In this position, the drying agent 34 the air outside the cladding 32 exposed.

When the desiccant is exposed, the algorithm moves 50 to step 54 where the heating pad 36 is turned on. This causes the desiccant to be heated, which, as described above, causes moisture stored by the desiccant to escape to the atmosphere outside the enclosure 32 is released to regenerate the desiccant.

Next will be in step 56 determines if the regeneration period has expired. Once the regeneration period has expired (so it is expected that the desiccant 34 is completely regenerated and ready for use) becomes the heating pad 36 switched off (step 58 of the algorithm 50 ), and the solenoid is released (step 60 of the algorithm 50 ). Then the algorithm ends 50 ,

When in step 60 of the algorithm 50 the solenoid is released, pull the bias springs 16 the dehumidifier in the in 4 shown position back. So can the drying agent 34 again moisture from the envelope 32 dissipate.

So, in use, the dehumidifier spends 10 a first period of time in the 4 shown position where the drying agent 34 Used to remove moisture from inside the case 32 dissipate. Furthermore, the dehumidifier spends a second period of time in the 5 shown position where the drying agent 34 is regenerated. When the second period has elapsed, the dehumidifier becomes the in 4 and the process repeats itself.

In one form of the invention, the dehumidification period (ie, when the dehumidifier is in the in 4 shown position) 2 weeks, and the regeneration period (ie when the dehumidifier in the in 5 shown position) is 70 minutes. Of course, these periods could be varied in different embodiments of the invention. Variables such as the size of the wrapper being dehumidified and the amount of desiccant used to dehumidify this wrapper will have an impact on the optimal dehumidification and regeneration periods.

In some forms of the invention, the algorithm of 6 used only when the entire facility generates electricity. Thus, in the case of the solar energy generation system described above with reference to 1 is described, the algorithm 50 only iniitiiert when the solar inverter 6 Electricity generated. In this way, the energy required to operate the dehumidifier is only consumed when energy is generated.

7 is a flowchart that uses an algorithm generally denoted by the reference numeral 70 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The algorithm 70 may be an initialization procedure and may be done only once in some embodiments of the invention.

The algorithm 70 starts in step 72 where the dehumidification period is set. The dehumidification period is the time that the dehumidifier in the in 4 spends the position shown. Next, the algorithm moves to step 74 where the regeneration period is set. The regeneration time period is the time that the dehumidifier in the in 5 spends the position shown. Finally, the algorithm moves 70 to step 76 where other parameters can be set. Then the algorithm ends 70 ,

There are many parameters in step 76 could be adjusted. For example, a delay may be desired between the heating pad 36 is turned off and the desiccant is cool enough to the inside of the housing 34 to be exposed. So there may be a delay between the steps 58 and 60 of the algorithm 50 be introduced, and this delay period may be in step 76 be set. Other parameters that could be set include whether the solenoid should only be operated when energy is being generated (eg during the day in the case of a solar inverter). Those skilled in the art know other parameters that could be adjusted in this way.

The present invention can be applied to systems of many different dimensions. By way of example only, the present invention could use 50 grams of silica gel to dehumidify a 50 liter casing.

The exemplary embodiments of the invention described above show a single dehumidifier. This is not essential in all forms of the invention. Multiple dehumidifiers can be provided for a single enclosure. In such an arrangement, the dehumidifiers may be controlled so that there is always at least one dehumidifier with desiccant exposed to the interior of the enclosure.

The embodiments of the invention described above all comprise a heating pad as part of the dehumidifier. This is not essential in all forms of the invention. For example, instead of directly heating the desiccant (for regeneration purposes), air flowing through the desiccant may be heated. 8th is a highly schematic block diagram of a system of a dehumidifier, generally with the reference numeral 80 is designated, comprising a fan 82 , a heating element 84 and a drying agent 86 , In a regeneration mode are the fan 82 and the heater 84 both turned on, allowing warm air forced through the desiccant 86 flows. In this way, the desiccant is regenerated without requiring that a heater directly heat the desiccant.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are provided as mere examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications, changes, and substitutions that could be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the present invention has been generally described with respect to solar inverters, this is not essential. The principles of the present invention could be applied to a dehumidifier used in any housing, enclosure, or other closed cavity. The claims of the present invention are intended to cover all such modifications, changes, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

Dehumidifier comprising: a desiccant holder for holding a desiccant; a biasing mechanism configured to bias the dehumidifier into a first arrangement, in which, in use, the desiccant held by the desiccant holder is exposed to an interior of an enclosure when the dehumidifier is in the first arrangement; and a displacement means adapted to overcome the biasing mechanism such that, when activated, the displacement means moves the dehumidifier to a second arrangement in which, in use, the desiccant is exposed to an atmosphere outside the enclosure when the dehumidifier is in operation the second arrangement is. A system comprising: an enclosure and a dehumidifier, the enclosure comprising an opening, and the dehumidifier mounted in the opening, the dehumidifier further comprising: a desiccant holder for holding a desiccant; a biasing mechanism configured to bias the dehumidifier into a first disposition in which the desiccant held by the desiccant holder is exposed to an interior of the enclosure; and a displacement means configured to override the biasing mechanism so that, when activated, the displacement means moves the dehumidifier to a second arrangement in which the desiccant is exposed to an atmosphere outside the enclosure. The system of claim 2, wherein the enclosure comprises a plurality of openings, and the system comprises a plurality of dehumidifiers, wherein a dehumidifier is provided for each of said openings, and wherein each dehumidifier comprises: a desiccant holder for holding a desiccant; a biasing mechanism configured to bias the dehumidifier into a first disposition in which the desiccant held by the desiccant holder is exposed to an interior of the enclosure; and a displacement means configured to override the biasing mechanism so that, when activated, the displacement means moves the dehumidifier to a second arrangement in which the desiccant is exposed to an atmosphere outside the enclosure. A dehumidifier or system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a desiccant heater adapted to heat the desiccant when the dehumidifier is in the second arrangement. The dehumidifier or system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an airflow heater, wherein, in the second arrangement, an airflow from the atmosphere outside the enclosure is heated by the airflow heater prior to being passed through the desiccant. A dehumidifier or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement means is a solenoid.

Images