EP1232368A1 - Pompe enthalpique - Google Patents

Pompe enthalpique

Info

Publication number
EP1232368A1
EP1232368A1 EP00907168A EP00907168A EP1232368A1 EP 1232368 A1 EP1232368 A1 EP 1232368A1 EP 00907168 A EP00907168 A EP 00907168A EP 00907168 A EP00907168 A EP 00907168A EP 1232368 A1 EP1232368 A1 EP 1232368A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air stream
pump according
liquid desiccant
enthalpy
enthalpy pump
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00907168A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1232368A4 (fr
Inventor
David A. Thompson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1232368A1 publication Critical patent/EP1232368A1/fr
Publication of EP1232368A4 publication Critical patent/EP1232368A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1411—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant
    • F24F3/1417—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant with liquid hygroscopic desiccants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/26—Drying gases or vapours
    • B01D53/263—Drying gases or vapours by absorption
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1411—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant
    • F24F3/1423—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant with a moving bed of solid desiccants, e.g. a rotary wheel supporting solid desiccants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F2003/1435—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification comprising semi-permeable membrane
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F2003/144—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by dehumidification only
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2203/00—Devices or apparatus used for air treatment
    • F24F2203/10—Rotary wheel
    • F24F2203/1004—Bearings or driving means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2203/00—Devices or apparatus used for air treatment
    • F24F2203/10—Rotary wheel
    • F24F2203/1032—Desiccant wheel
    • F24F2203/1036—Details
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2203/00—Devices or apparatus used for air treatment
    • F24F2203/10—Rotary wheel
    • F24F2203/1068—Rotary wheel comprising one rotor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2203/00—Devices or apparatus used for air treatment
    • F24F2203/10—Rotary wheel
    • F24F2203/1084—Rotary wheel comprising two flow rotor segments

Definitions

  • HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
  • Contemporary HVAC systems typically include high levels of ventilation and a means to recover sensible and sometimes latent energy from the exhaust air stream.
  • energy recovery systems operate to extract heat (sensible energy) and moisture (latent energy) from one air stream and add the heat and moisture to the other air stream.
  • heat and humidity might be extracted from external air at a relatively high temperature and humidity combination, as may occur during the summer, or heat and humidity might be added to external air at a relatively low temperature and humidity combination, as may occur during the winter.
  • the appropriate addition and removal of temperature and humidity from or to the external air not only increases comfort, but it reduces overall energy requirements for conditioning the incoming external air.
  • Known energy recovery systems began with plate heat exchangers, heat pipes, and sensible heat wheels.
  • Heat wheels do transfer latent energy but are known to require considerable maintenance. Heat wheels experience failures of drive belts, bearings, gear drives, seals, collapse of structural members, and desiccant coating damage which includes chipping, flaking, and permanent clogging due to adsorbed contaminates. Additionally, the heat wheel's air passageways are exceptionally small and clog quickly if the heat wheel's air filtration system is not meticulously maintained. The desiccant coatings of the heat wheel, if ⁇ they remain in place without damage, degrade in efficiency over time, as all desiccants do, but cannot be replaced.
  • liquid desiccant energy recovery or dehumidification systems using packed beds are typically employed only in heavy industrial applications due to their large size, initial capital cost, and high maintenance cost.
  • Liquid desiccant systems are used in manufacturing processes due to their ability to dry air below the levels possible with other systems. Packed beds is a method to bring the liquid desiccant in direct contact with the air stream utilizing a large amount of surface area in a relatively small space.
  • Liquid desiccant migrates to downstream areas of the system and because most liquid desiccants are very corrosive, they can cause considerable damage to downstream components of the system. In an attempt to avoid this in large part, liquid desiccant systems move air at very slow speeds or in complicated paths, giving rise to their large size.
  • Liquid desiccant systems use components made from non-corrosive materials, which along with their large size gives rise to their high cost. Packed bed media must be replaced periodically because accumulated debris degrades effectiveness over time. Packed beds also require periodic cleaning and changing of the liquid desiccant as they act much like air washers and accumulate the debris.
  • a newer energy recovery system includes the use of solid desiccants that are adhered to opposing sides of a structure that is exposed to different air streams on each of its two sides.
  • the sensible and latent energy is transferred from the desiccant material on one side, to the supporting material, then to the desiccant on the opposing side, and is released then to the second air stream.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,653,115 is illustrative of such a solid desiccant approach.
  • Known humidification and dehumidification methods and devices can be combined with the previously described energy recovery systems as needed.
  • Known humidification systems use packed beds to evaporate water into the air stream or use energy to heat water and then inject it as steam into the air stream. Packed beds with standing water have been identified as a source of indoor air contaminates with the growth of mold, spores and bacteria. Steam humidification equipment is expensive and uses a lot of energy to operate. Neither system is well suited for inclusion in roof mounted HVAC equipment as they deal with pure water that needs winter protection from freezing.
  • Known dehumidification systems use heat regenerated desiccant-coated wheels or super cool the air to condense the moisture out using vapor compression or chilled water components.
  • Equipment that cools the air uses large amounts of energy to operate and are quite expensive to purchase and install.
  • Equipment that uses desiccant-coated wheels have all the disadvantages of the coated wheel as described above and uses large amounts of energy to heat the desiccant in the regeneration process.
  • the invention relates to an enthalpy pump for altering the temperature and humidity levels of an air stream by exposing the air stream to a contained liquid desiccant.
  • the enthalpy pump comprises a container having a transfer portion disposed in a first air stream, and holding a liquid desiccant.
  • the transfer portion is permeable to water vapor and impermeable to the liquid desiccant so as to retain the liquid desiccant within the container while permitting exposure of the liquid desiccant to the first air stream.
  • the transfer portion is further adapted to move the liquid desiccant into and out of the first air stream whereby humidity in the air stream is altered.
  • the container comprises a conduit forming a circulation loop that extends through the first air stream and through a second air stream.
  • the transfer portion includes a first transfer portion located in the first air stream and a second transfer portion located in the second air stream.
  • the conduit and first and second transfer portions permit the movement of the liquid desiccant to the first and second air streams.
  • a second embodiment of the enthalpy pump further comprises a support, preferably in the form of a rotating wheel, for moving the container in and out of an air stream or between a first and a second air stream.
  • a support preferably in the form of a rotating wheel, for moving the container in and out of an air stream or between a first and a second air stream.
  • there are multiple blade-like containers extending from the center of the wheel radially outwardly and the wheel overlies at least a portion of first and second air streams, whereby the rotation of the wheel moves the liquid desiccant in the blade-like containers in and out of the first and second air streams.
  • the container comprises a reservoir for storing a liquid desiccant and a conduit adapted to extend into the air stream, and the transfer portion is formed in the conduit.
  • the transfer portion has openings sized between approximately 3 and 500 angstroms.
  • the transfer portion is preferably made from one of PTFE, HDPE, PBA, PEN, and sintered plastics.
  • the enthalpy pump can have many alternative configurations.
  • the enthalpy pump can include multiple conduits, each of which extends into different air streams.
  • a water supply can be fluidly connected to the enthalpy pump to add water and increase the concentration of the water in the liquid desiccant for increased humidification performance.
  • a water extractor can be added to the enthalpy pump to remove water from the liquid desiccant thereby decreasing the concentration of water in the liquid desiccant thereby increasing dehumidification performance.
  • the different configurations are in part due to the many functional modes the enthalpy pump is capable of operating in.
  • it can operate as an enthalpy recovery system, an enthalpy recovery system with added humidification.
  • an enthalpy recovery system with added dehumidification a sensible recovery system, a sensible recovery system with humidification, a sensible recovery system with dehumidification, or a latent only recovery system.
  • it can operate as a humidifier system, or a dehumidifier system.
  • means can be provided for additionally effecting sensible energy transfer to alter the temperature of the first air stream.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an enthalpy pump according to the invention with multiple vapor permeable conduits arranged in coil assemblies and capable of functioning as an enthalpy recovery system, an enthalpy recovery system with added humidification, an enthalpy recovery system with added dehumidification, a sensible energy recovery system, a sensible recovery system with humidification, a sensible recovery system with dehumidification, or a latent only recovery system;
  • FIG. 2 is an end view of one of the desiccant coil assemblies of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of an enthalpy pump according to the invention that uses only one pump and a single reservoir and is capable of functioning as an enthalpy recovery system, an enthalpy recovery system with added humidification, an enthalpy recovery system with added dehumidification, a sensible energy recovery system, a sensible recovery system with humidification, a sensible energy recovery system with dehumidification, or a latent only recovery system;
  • FIG. 4 is an end view of one of the desiccant coil assemblies used in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a specific implementation of the second embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrating the coil assemblies with transfer portions in the form of multiple transfer panels;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an enthalpy pump according to the invention, and functioning as an enthalpy recovery system, an enthalpy recovery system with added humidification, an enthalpy recovery system with added dehumidification, a sensible energy recovery system, a sensible recovery system with humidification, a sensible recovery system with dehumidification, or a latent only recovery system;
  • FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth embodiment of an enthalpy pump according to the invention having a single coil and functioning as a humidifier;
  • FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a fifth embodiment of an enthalpy pump according to the invention having a single coil and functioning as a dehumidifier
  • FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a sixth embodiment of an enthalpy pump according to the invention using a two-stage configuration where the liquid desiccant is remote from the conditioned air.
  • This embodiment can function as an energy recovery system if two coils are used or as a humidifier or dehumidifier if one coil is used;
  • FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a seventh embodiment of an enthalpy pump according to the invention having liquid desiccant filled panels arranged radially in a wheel fashion and functioning as an enthalpy recovery system, a sensible recovery system, or a latent recovery system; and
  • FIG. 11 is an end view of the liquid desiccant panel wheel assembly as used in the embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 10. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an enthalpy pump 10 for adding or extracting temperature and/or humidity from air streams 12 and 14.
  • the air streams 12 and 14 will correspond to external supply and the internal exhaust air of a building, respectively.
  • the air streams 12 and 14 can also include other configurations, such as both being internal air streams within a building.
  • the term "enthalpy pump” is sometimes used in the art to describe systems that transfer both latent (moisture) and sensible (heat) energy from one air stream to another air stream.
  • the term “enthalpy pump” refers to a device capable of allowing either or both latent and sensible energy in an air stream, with or without a transfer of energy relative to another air stream.
  • the enthalpy pump 10 comprises a pair of coil assemblies 16, 18.
  • the coil assemblies 16, 18 are fluidly connected by external conduits 20, 22.
  • Fluid pumps 24, 26 are provided in-line with each of the external conduits 20, 22, and pump a liquid desiccant therethrough.
  • suitable liquid desiccants include lithium chloride, lithium bromide, triethylene glycol, and ethylene glycol.
  • a control valve 27 is disposed in-line with the external conduit 20 and is fluidly connected to the external conduit 22.
  • the control valve 27 is operable to control the flow of fluid through the external conduits 20, 22 and ultimately either through or around the coil assembly 18. The more fluid that is allowed by control valve 27 to bypass coil assembly 18, the more performance is reduced.
  • each of the coil assemblies 16, 18 comprises multiple conduits 28 arranged in multiple vertically oriented columns defining a serpentine path, extending back and forth across the corresponding air stream.
  • Each of the conduits 28 has an inlet 30 at its upper end and an outlet 32 at its lower end.
  • the outlets 32 are fluidly connected to a tank or reservoir 34, which is fluidly coupled to the corresponding pump by a tank outlet 36.
  • the external conduit 22 fluidly connects the inlets 30 and the external conduit 20 fluidly connects the outlets 36 to complete the fluid loop.
  • the conduits 28 have a transfer portion 38 that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable.
  • the transfer portion 38 of the conduits 28 has openings that are of a size to permit water vapor molecules to pass through but are small enough to contain the liquid, preferably liquid desiccant.
  • the openings can be formed in the transfer portion 38 or can be defined by the molecular structure of the material comprising the transfer portion 38.
  • Suitable materials for the transfer portion 38 include Gore-Tex, which is stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), sold by W.L.
  • the transfer portion opening size is greater than the average water vapor molecule size. Given that the average water vapor molecule is approximately 2.8 angstroms, the openings in the transfer portion 38 are preferably larger than about 3 angstroms so that the vapor can easily migrate through the transfer portion.
  • the nature of liquid desiccants, including surface tension, etc. prevents migration of the liquid through pores smaller than about 500 angstroms.
  • the preferred range for openings in the transfer portion 38 is 3-500 angstroms.
  • the transfer portion is preferably in the shape of a panel having a hollow interior.
  • the panels are preferably about 1/4 inch thick when made of Tyvek, but can be any thickness depending on the particular configuration and material used.
  • the thickness edge of the transfer panel is preferably oriented toward the air flow direction to reduce interference with the air flow.
  • the panels can be of many different widths and lengths.
  • the panels forming the transfer portion 38 in Fig. 2 are arranged in three columns, however, the length of the panels could be increased to have only one column of panels having the same surface area as the three columns of panels.
  • the entire conduit 28 can be made from the same material as the transfer portion 38, according to the structural requirements of the system.
  • the pump can have one or multiple coil assemblies used in one or multiple air streams.
  • the air streams can be common or separate.
  • the operation of the invention will be described in the context of two separate air streams and in an enthalpy recovery mode during the summer cooling season. In this example, it is presumed that the air stream 12 is a source of external (outdoor) air entering a building and the air stream 14 is a source of internal (return) air exiting a building.
  • the pumps 24, 26 circulate the liquid desiccant throughout the fluid loop defined by the coil assemblies 16, 18 and the connecting external conduits 20, 22.
  • the air contacts the surface of the transfer portion 38 and reacts with 1) the surface material temperature which in turn reacts with the liquid contained within through conduction impacting the air temperature, and 2) the liquid desiccant contained within through the openings in the transfer portion 38 impacting the humidity level in the air.
  • the outdoor air comprises a relatively high combination of temperature and moisture
  • the liquid desiccant will adsorb water vapor from the outdoor air through the transfer portion openings, and the surface material will conduct heat from the air and transfer it to the liquid. This operation reduces both the sensible and the latent energy of the air stream.
  • the resulting supply air exiting the coil assembly 16 has a lower humidity and temperature than the outdoor air that entered coil 16.
  • the lower temperature and lower humidity air in a building is typically vented (returned) as an air stream 14 where it must pass through the second coil assembly 18.
  • water vapor adsorbed by the liquid desiccant in coil assembly 16 is desorbed to the return air stream through the openings in the transfer portion 38.
  • the return air is also raised in temperature as it passes through the coil assembly 18 by the surface material temperature that is raised by the liquid temperature that was raised in coil assembly 16.
  • the warmed and humidified return air is exhausted to the atmosphere.
  • a heater can be supplied to increase the temperature of the liquid desiccant, which increases the rate of desorption.
  • HVAC components can be used to condition the desiccant of either coil assembly 16, 18 to more suitably permit the transfer of water vapor or temperature between the air stream and the liquid desiccant as desired.
  • FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the enthalpy pump 40 according to the invention.
  • the second embodiment 40 is similar in many respects to the first embodiment 10. Therefore, like numerals will be used to identify like parts and only the differences between the first and second embodiments will be described for the sake of brevity.
  • the principal difference between the second and first embodiments is that the second embodiment only uses a single pump 24 instead of multiple pumps 24, 26 and the transfer portions 38 are vertical full cabinet panels instead of small horizontal panels. Reservoir 29 is contained within the pump 24, instead of the base of coil assembly 16,18 as in the first embodiment.
  • the single pump structure also requires different locations of the inlets 30 and outlets 32 for the coil assemblies 16, 18 in keeping with the linking of the vertical panel inlets and outlets.
  • the vertical panels in some cases can provide more transfer surface area than the horizontal panels of embodiment 10, which increases the sensible and latent transfer performance of the enthalpy pump.
  • FIG. 5 is a specific implementation of the second embodiment enthalpy pump.
  • the coil assemblies 16 and 18 comprise multiple vertically oriented panels 42 mounted to a housing 44, which is disposed within the corresponding air stream 12 or 14, which is typically defined by a duct system.
  • the panels 42 are preferably made from opposing sheets of Tyvek and have a thickness of approximately % inch, although the thickness can vary depending on the material and the requirements of the particular implementation. Regardless of the actual dimensions, the panels 42 will have a relatively large surface area that is parallel to the air flow and a relatively small surface perpendicular to the air flow. The large surface area parallel to the air flow, promotes the adsorption of water vapor from the air stream to the liquid desiccant contained in the panels, while minimizing interference with the air flow. The relative large surface area has the added advantage of better transferring the sensible heat to and from the liquid desiccant, depending on the particular coil assembly 16, 18.
  • the combination of the panel surface area and the volume of liquid desiccant circulated through the panels yields sufficient heat exchange characteristics that sensible energy can be transferred between the air streams in addition to the latent energy transfer attributable to the adsorption and release of humidity to and from the desiccant.
  • the transfer of both sensible and latent energy is very advantageous and permits the enthalpy pump of the invention to provide energy recovery benefits.
  • the specific implementation disclosed in FIG. 5 can also include one or more components 52 used to condition the desiccant to improve the adsorption or release characteristics of the liquid desiccant.
  • a heating element could be added to increase the temperature of the liquid desiccant, which increases the tendency of the liquid desiccant to release water and it can increase the transfer of sensible heat.
  • a water supply/extractor can be added to increase/decrease the concentration of water in the liquid desiccant, which correspondingly decreases/increases the adsorption/release of water into the liquid desiccant.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the enthalpy pump 50 according to the invention.
  • the third embodiment 50 is similar in many respects to the first and second embodiments. Therefore, like numerals will be used to identify like parts and only the distinctions between the embodiments will be described.
  • the third embodiment 50 comprises a single pump 24 with internal reservoir 29 as does the second embodiment.
  • Optional equipment 52 can be provided to raise or lower the temperature of the liquid desiccant to further condition it for improved sensible or latent transfer.
  • the coils 16, 18 of the third embodiment are formed from tubes, instead of from panels, like the first and second embodiments.
  • the tubes are arranged in vertically oriented conduits, with transversely extending transfer portions 38.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the enthalpy pump 60 according to the invention.
  • the fourth embodiment 60 is similar in many respects to the previous embodiments, except that it only has a single coil 16 disposed within the air stream 12.
  • the single coil 16 is fluidly connected to the pump 24 and reservoir 29 by conduits 20, 22, respectively.
  • a water source 62 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 29 and provides a source of water to be added to the reservoir 29 to control the concentration of water in the liquid desiccant circulating through the enthalpy pump 60.
  • the water source 62 preferably includes a fluid control device, such as a float valve, that controls the amount of water supplied by the water source 62 to the reservoir.
  • a fluid control device such as a float valve
  • An empty float valve is used to control the introduction of water from the water source 62 to the reservoir 29.
  • the float portion of the float valve is disposed within the reservoir 29 and moves up and down with the level of the liquid desiccant within the reservoir 29. If the float falls below a predetermined level, it opens a valve to permit the introduction of water from the water source 62 into the reservoir 29 until the float reaches the predetermined level and the valve is then turned off.
  • the water source 62 with its attending float valve disposed in the system reservoir 29 can also be applied to embodiments one, two, and three to allow them to operate in the sensible energy recovery with humidification mode or the enthalpy recovery with added humidification mode.
  • the fourth embodiment is ideally suited for use as a humidifier.
  • the water source 62 maintains the concentration of water in the liquid desiccant at a predetermined level that is sufficiently high enough to ensure the transfer of water vapor from the liquid desiccant into the air stream as the air stream passes over the transfer portion 38 of the coil 16.
  • the fourth embodiment enthalpy pump operating as a humidifier is also ideally suited for residential use. This is especially true since there are relatively no moving parts, except for the float valve configuration, yielding a humidifier that has substantially low maintenance and repair requirements when compared to contemporary humidifiers. Additionally, the enthalpy pump 60 is also relatively quiet as compared to current humidifiers.
  • the fifth embodiment enthalpy pump 70 comprises a coil 16 having multiple conduits 28 that are connected to a reservoir 29 and pump 24 by conduits 22, 20, respectively.
  • a water extracting device 72 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 29 to extract water from the liquid desiccant.
  • the water extraction device 72 can be any device suitable for extracting water from a liquid desiccant. Examples of suitable water extraction devices include a centrifuge, a sieve, an osmosis filter, and a pressure chamber. For the invention, it is only important that the water extraction device 72 be capable of removing water from the liquid desiccant, without substantially reducing the quantity of the liquid desiccant.
  • the water extraction device 72 can include a float valve positioned within the reservoir 29 to monitor the level of the liquid desiccant. Once the level of the liquid desiccant exceeds a predetermined amount, the float valve will fluidly connect the reservoir 29 to the water extraction device 72, which then extracts water from the liquid desiccant, returning the liquid desiccant to the reservoir 29, until the predetermined level is reached, resulting in the float valve shutting the flow of liquid desiccant to the water extraction device 72.
  • the fifth embodiment 70 is ideally suited for use as a dehumidifier in that the concentration of the water in the liquid desiccant is maintained at a predetermined level that encourages the transfer of water vapor from the air stream into the liquid desiccant, where it is removed by the water extraction device 72.
  • the water extraction device 72 with attending float valve disposed in the system reservoir 29 can also be applied to embodiments one, two and three to allow them to operate in the sensible energy recovery with dehumidification mode or the enthalpy recovery with added dehumidification mode.
  • the location of the water source 62 and water extraction device 72 is shown as being fluidly connected to the reservoir 29. It is within the scope of the invention for the water source 62 and the fluid extraction device 72 to be fluidly connected to any portion of the recirculation system for the enthalpy pumps of any embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the enthalpy pump according to the invention.
  • the sixth embodiment 80 is similar to the first embodiment except that it is a two-stage system.
  • the two-stage system concept can be applied to any of the embodiments of this invention but is described here in the energy recovery embodiment.
  • the two liquid desiccant coils 16 and 18 are disposed in air streams 13 and 15 respectively, defined by coils 17 and 19, which form an air circulation loop connecting the air streams 12 and 14.
  • Air stream 13 enters coil 19 after passing through coil 16 and air stream 15 enters coil 17 after passing through coil 18.
  • a fan 84 circulates air streams 13 and 15 through coils 17 and 19 respectively.
  • the coils in air streams 12 and 14 have only air inside them while the liquid desiccant coils 16 and 18 are remotely mounted from air streams 12 and 14.
  • This two-stage concept first conditions secondary air streams (13 and 15) and these air streams in turn condition the process air streams 12 and 14.
  • the liquid desiccant in the coils 16 and 18 does not actually pass into the process air streams 12 and 14. Only the conditioned air passing through the coils 16 and 18 are directed to the process air streams 12 and 14 through the coils 17 and 19.
  • This two-stage concept may have advantages in certain applications with sensitive air streams or in certain building situations where air ducts are easier to construct than liquid lines.
  • the coils 17 and 19 are preferably of the same structure as the coils 16 and 18 in that they are formed of one or more conduits having a transfer portion. However, given that the coils 17 and 19 are not required to contain a liquid, they do not necessarily have to be made from a water vapor permeable and liquid desiccant impermeable material. It is within the scope of the invention for the coils 17 and 19 to be eliminated, with the coils 16 and 18 being fluidly connected to the air streams 12 and 14 with traditional duct work.
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a seventh embodiment of the enthalpy pump according to the invention. Like parts in the seventh embodiment and the previous embodiments will be identified by like numerals.
  • the seventh embodiment enthalpy pump 90 has a wheel-type configuration 92 comprising multiple blade-like panels 94, with a portion of the wheel 92 overlying each of the air streams 12 and 14.
  • the panels 94 are similar to the second embodiment as the panels 94 are mostly transfer portion 38 that are vapor permeable and liquid impermeable and which have a relatively large surface area parallel to the air flow and a relatively small surface area perpendicular to the air flow.
  • Each liquid desiccant filled panel has a drain and fill opening (not shown) to facilitate liquid desiccant renewal.
  • the liquid desiccant filled panels are arranged blade-like radially around a center core that rotates on a shaft 96 supported by bearings 98 which together constitute the wheel assembly 92. Rotation is accomplished by motor 100 and drive belt 102.
  • the liquid desiccant filled panels 94 are sealed and do not have any flow of liquid desiccant into or out of them.
  • the two air streams 12,14 are arranged so that they each flow through one half of the wheel assembly 11, either by a vertical or horizontal split.
  • the liquid desiccant filled panels move between the two air streams.
  • Embodiment seven is different from the other embodiments in that it does not have a pump, a reservoir, or a liquid circulating system. Instead the liquid desiccant inside the panels 94 travel between air streams by rotation of the wheel assembly 1 1.
  • Embodiment seven can operate as an enthalpy recovery system or a latent only transfer system. If the normally liquid desiccant filled panels are filled with water instead, embodiment seven can then operate as a sensible-only recovery system. If the normally liquid desiccant filled panels are filled with dry desiccant, or the panels contain only a very small amount of liquid desiccant, embodiment seven can operate as a latent-only recovery system.
  • embodiment seven over known heat wheels, using dry desiccant, are substantial.
  • the desiccant dry or liquid
  • the desiccant cannot come loose and be carried away by the air stream.
  • the wheel can be cleaned without concern for damage to the desiccant.
  • the bigger air stream passageways of the wheel assembly of the invention are not prone to clogging, minimizing the need for filters.
  • An enthalpy pump according to the invention has several advantages over prior enthalpy recovery, humidification and dehumidification systems. Most importantly, the invention provides a low cost and low maintenance system utilizing the performance benefits of a liquid desiccant without the disadvantages of prior systems that incorporated liquid desiccants. The benefits are accomplished by containing the liquid desiccant in a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable, container, preventing its migration into the air stream.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Central Air Conditioning (AREA)
  • Drying Of Gases (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une pompe enthalpique (10) permettant de modifier le niveau d'humidité d'un courant d'air (12, 14). La pompe enthalpique (10) comprend un conteneur comportant un module de transfert (38) placé dans un premier courant d'air (12), le module de transfert (38) renfermant un déshydratant liquide. Le module de transfert (38) est perméable à la vapeur d'eau et imperméable au déshydratant liquide de manière à pouvoir retenir celui-ci à l'intérieur du conteneur tout en permettant de l'exposer au premier courant d'air. Le module de transfert (38) est également conçue pour faire entrer et sortie le déshydratant liquide du premier courant d'air, l'énergie latente et/ou sensible du premier courant d'air pouvant ainsi être modifiée.
EP00907168A 1999-11-05 2000-02-04 Pompe enthalpique Withdrawn EP1232368A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16373199P 1999-11-05 1999-11-05
US163731P 1999-11-05
PCT/US2000/002956 WO2001035039A1 (fr) 1999-11-05 2000-02-04 Pompe enthalpique

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1232368A1 true EP1232368A1 (fr) 2002-08-21
EP1232368A4 EP1232368A4 (fr) 2003-01-02

Family

ID=22591327

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00907168A Withdrawn EP1232368A4 (fr) 1999-11-05 2000-02-04 Pompe enthalpique

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1232368A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2870900A (fr)
CA (1) CA2390682C (fr)
WO (1) WO2001035039A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2585784A4 (fr) 2010-06-24 2016-02-24 Venmar Ces Inc Echangeur d'énergie à membrane liquide/air
US8915092B2 (en) 2011-01-19 2014-12-23 Venmar Ces, Inc. Heat pump system having a pre-processing module
US9810439B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2017-11-07 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Energy exchange system for conditioning air in an enclosed structure
US9816760B2 (en) 2012-08-24 2017-11-14 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Liquid panel assembly
US9109808B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2015-08-18 Venmar Ces, Inc. Variable desiccant control energy exchange system and method
US9772124B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2017-09-26 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Heat pump defrosting system and method
US10352628B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-07-16 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Membrane-integrated energy exchange assembly
US11408681B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-08-09 Nortek Air Solations Canada, Iac. Evaporative cooling system with liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger
US10584884B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-03-10 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Control system and method for a liquid desiccant air delivery system
DK3183051T3 (da) 2014-08-19 2020-06-02 Nortek Air Solutions Canada Inc Væske-til-luftmembranenergivekslere
US11092349B2 (en) 2015-05-15 2021-08-17 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Systems and methods for providing cooling to a heat load
EP3295088B1 (fr) 2015-05-15 2022-01-12 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Utilisation d'échangeur d'énergie à membrane liquide-air pour le refroidissement de liquides
WO2016207864A1 (fr) 2015-06-26 2016-12-29 Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc. Échangeur d'énergie à membrane liquide-air à triple fluide
CN109073265B (zh) 2016-03-08 2021-09-28 北狄空气应对加拿大公司 用于向热负载提供冷却的系统和方法
CN110785615A (zh) 2017-04-18 2020-02-11 北狄空气应对加拿大公司 被干燥剂增强的蒸发冷却系统和方法

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4723417A (en) * 1985-08-05 1988-02-09 Camp Dresser And Mckee Inc. Dehumidification apparatus
US4900448A (en) * 1988-03-29 1990-02-13 Honeywell Inc. Membrane dehumidification
JPH02140535A (ja) * 1988-11-22 1990-05-30 Komatsu Ltd 湿度調整装置
JPH05146627A (ja) * 1991-12-02 1993-06-15 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 吸収式調湿装置
JPH078744A (ja) * 1993-06-18 1995-01-13 Daikin Ind Ltd 除湿装置
EP0678321A2 (fr) * 1994-03-25 1995-10-25 Essex Invention S.A. Dispositif de contact, particulièrement un échangeur de vapeur pour le contrôle du degré hygrométrique de l'air, un dispositif de traitement de l'air
DE19545335A1 (de) * 1995-12-05 1997-06-12 Dornier Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur kontinuierlichen Entfeuchtung eines Gasstroms
JPH1151421A (ja) * 1997-08-05 1999-02-26 Daikin Ind Ltd 外気処理装置

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4939906A (en) * 1989-06-09 1990-07-10 Gas Research Institute Multi-stage boiler/regenerator for liquid desiccant dehumidifiers

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4723417A (en) * 1985-08-05 1988-02-09 Camp Dresser And Mckee Inc. Dehumidification apparatus
US4900448A (en) * 1988-03-29 1990-02-13 Honeywell Inc. Membrane dehumidification
JPH02140535A (ja) * 1988-11-22 1990-05-30 Komatsu Ltd 湿度調整装置
JPH05146627A (ja) * 1991-12-02 1993-06-15 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 吸収式調湿装置
JPH078744A (ja) * 1993-06-18 1995-01-13 Daikin Ind Ltd 除湿装置
EP0678321A2 (fr) * 1994-03-25 1995-10-25 Essex Invention S.A. Dispositif de contact, particulièrement un échangeur de vapeur pour le contrôle du degré hygrométrique de l'air, un dispositif de traitement de l'air
DE19545335A1 (de) * 1995-12-05 1997-06-12 Dornier Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur kontinuierlichen Entfeuchtung eines Gasstroms
JPH1151421A (ja) * 1997-08-05 1999-02-26 Daikin Ind Ltd 外気処理装置

Non-Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 014, no. 379 (M-1012), 16 August 1990 (1990-08-16) & JP 02 140535 A (KOMATSU LTD), 30 May 1990 (1990-05-30) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 017, no. 533 (C-1114), 27 September 1993 (1993-09-27) & JP 05 146627 A (MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP), 15 June 1993 (1993-06-15) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1995, no. 04, 31 May 1995 (1995-05-31) & JP 07 008744 A (DAIKIN IND LTD), 13 January 1995 (1995-01-13) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1999, no. 05, 31 May 1999 (1999-05-31) & JP 11 051421 A (DAIKIN IND LTD), 26 February 1999 (1999-02-26) *
See also references of WO0135039A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001035039A1 (fr) 2001-05-17
CA2390682C (fr) 2007-05-01
AU2870900A (en) 2001-06-06
EP1232368A4 (fr) 2003-01-02
CA2390682A1 (fr) 2001-05-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6684649B1 (en) Enthalpy pump
CA2390682C (fr) Pompe enthalpique
CN110030654B (zh) 换气空调装置
JP5695752B2 (ja) 除湿システム
CA2071768C (fr) Installation de conditionnement d'air a base de deshydratant
US7428821B2 (en) Dehumidifying system
CN109323352B (zh) 换气空调装置
KR101071350B1 (ko) 클린룸용 하이브리드 제습냉방 외조기 시스템
WO2007141901A1 (fr) Régulateur d'humidité
WO2018052499A1 (fr) Système cvca à déshydratant liquide
JP4954018B2 (ja) 空気調和装置
WO2011111753A1 (fr) Dispositif de climatisation déshydratant
JP2000266418A (ja) 空気調和装置
KR100795101B1 (ko) 제습 장치와 그를 구비하는 공기 조화 장치 및 시스템
CN108136320A (zh) 空气调节系统
WO2020113337A1 (fr) Systèmes et procédés de déshumidification d'air dans un espace renfermé
JP2011089665A (ja) 調湿装置
JP2000314569A (ja) 冷凍装置
KR100607108B1 (ko) 사계절용 외기도입 공조시스템 및 공조방법
KR101957240B1 (ko) 공기조화기
JP2007255780A (ja) 太陽熱利用のデシカント空調システム
KR101445378B1 (ko) 제습 냉방 장치
JP2006308247A (ja) 調湿装置
JP3581137B2 (ja) 除湿装置
JP3346726B2 (ja) 除湿装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020604

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20021112

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7F 24F 3/14 A, 7B 01D 53/26 B

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20031016

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT SE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20060411