EP4717984A1 - An air conditioner with improved energy efficiency - Google Patents

An air conditioner with improved energy efficiency

Info

Publication number
EP4717984A1
EP4717984A1 EP25179701.5A EP25179701A EP4717984A1 EP 4717984 A1 EP4717984 A1 EP 4717984A1 EP 25179701 A EP25179701 A EP 25179701A EP 4717984 A1 EP4717984 A1 EP 4717984A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heat exchanger
air
air conditioner
desiccant material
desiccant
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP25179701.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Adem AKSOY
Ahmet Refik Ozdemir
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.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
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 Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP4717984A1 publication Critical patent/EP4717984A1/en
Pending 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
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0071—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0059—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0071—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air
    • F24F1/0073—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air characterised by the mounting or arrangement of filters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0083—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with dehumidification means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/28—Arrangement or mounting of filters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/30—Arrangement or mounting of heat-exchangers
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0059—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers
    • F24F1/0063—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers by the mounting or arrangement of the heat exchangers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air conditioner wherein the energy efficiency is improved by preventing the condensation occurring on the heat exchanger of the indoor unit.
  • the air drawn in by the cross-flow fan passes through the indoor unit grilles and is preferably cleansed of dust in the dust filter, then undergoes heat transfer while passing over the heat exchanger.
  • the air cooled or heated by the heat exchanger passes through the cross-flow fan and exits through an opening disposed under the lid of the indoor unit. Louvers which can direct the air or open and close the opening are disposed at the opening.
  • the flow rate of the air passing through the indoor unit heat exchanger decreases in proportion to the amount of condensation on the heat exchanger. Moreover, part of the energy consumed by the air conditioner for the cooling process is used to condense the water vapor in the air on the surface of the heat exchanger. In this case, energy efficiency is reduced.
  • the air drawn in by the fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner passes through the grille and is cooled or heated in the heat exchanger depending on the operating mode. Since the air passing over the heat exchanger deposits the water vapor contained therein onto the heat exchanger in liquid form when the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, a liquid layer is formed on the heat exchanger. The resulting liquid layer narrows the passages on the heat exchanger through which the air flows, thus increasing the resistance to the air flow on the heat exchanger. The increased air resistance leads to a decrease in the air flow rate in the indoor unit. Since less air passes through the heat exchanger when the air flow rate decreases, the heat transfer between the air and the heat exchanger is reduced, thereby decreasing energy efficiency. Moreover, part of the energy consumed by the air conditioner is used to condense the water vapor on the heat exchanger.
  • an air conditioner comprising a desiccant material which is disposed between the filter and the heat exchanger.
  • the said document specifically discloses a mechanism which compresses and regenerates the desiccant material.
  • the desiccant material rotates around a shaft.
  • the ambient air passes over the desiccant material so as to leaving its humidity on the desiccant material.
  • the desiccant material is heated by the air heated in the heat exchanger, thus evaporating the moisture and humidifying the ambient air.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of an air conditioner wherein the energy efficiency is improved by preventing the condensation occurring on the heat exchanger of the indoor unit.
  • the air conditioner realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises an outdoor unit; an indoor unit; at least one fan which is disposed in the indoor unit; an air suction duct; one or more than one filter which enables particles or gases increasing the pollution level in the environment to be retained; at least one heat exchanger; and at least one desiccant material which is positioned between the heat exchanger and the filter on air suction duct.
  • the air drawn from the environment passes through the filter and is cleansed of dust and similar particles, and then passes through the desiccant material before passing over the heat exchanger.
  • the moisture therein is transferred to the desiccant material.
  • the desiccant material By means of the desiccant material, the dehumidified air is enabled to leave little or no moisture on the heat exchanger. In this case, the need for consuming additional energy to condense the moisture in the air on the heat exchanger is eliminated.
  • the air flow passages on the heat exchanger are not blocked by the condensed water, and since the flow rate of the air passing over the heat exchanger increases, the amount of heat transfer between the heat exchanger and the air also increases. This also improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner comprises the desiccant material which is disposed in parallel so as to align with the entire surface of the heat exchanger facing the filter.
  • the air passes through the desiccant material before passing over the heat exchanger and leaves its moisture, and then reaches the entire surface of the heat exchanger. Since the air, which passes through the entire surface of the heat exchanger after being cleansed of moisture and particles, undergoes more heat transfer, the energy efficiency of the air conditioner is increased.
  • the air since the air is cleansed of dust and similar particles by passing through the filter before reaching the desiccant material, the accumulation of dust and particles on the desiccant material is significantly slow.
  • the air conditioner comprises the filter which is disposed parallel to the air suction duct and the desiccant material which is disposed parallel to the filter. With respect to the air flow direction, the desiccant material is positioned after the filter.
  • the air conditioner comprises two desiccant materials which are disposed parallel to each other.
  • the distance between the two desiccant materials is equal to the distance between the heat exchanger and the desiccant material closer to the heat exchanger.
  • the distance between the two desiccant materials is different from the distance between the heat exchanger and the desiccant material closer to the heat exchanger.
  • the air conditioner comprises at least two desiccant materials which are placed one above the other, each being parallel to the heat exchanger, which have one or more than one passage therebetween.
  • the desiccant materials by arranging the desiccant materials in this manner, surfaces parallel and perpendicular to the air flow direction are formed and the air permeability of the desiccant material is increased.
  • the air conditioner comprises the desiccant material which is disposed at the central region of the heat exchanger.
  • the air is enabled to be efficiently dehumidified.
  • the air conditioner comprises at least one lid which is disposed at the air outlet and which is closed when the moisture retained in the desiccant material is desired to be removed.
  • the lid at the air outlet is closed and the air conditioner is operated in the heating mode. The air heated by means of the heat exchanger which heats up reaches the desiccant material so as to remove the moisture accumulated on the desiccant material and discharge the same to the external environment.
  • the air conditioner comprises at least one detachable desiccant material.
  • the desiccant material can be replaced with another desiccant material which has been regenerated, i.e. dried, outside, for example in warm weather.
  • the problem of the water vapor in the air passing over the heat exchanger remaining on the heat exchanger in liquid form while the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode is solved.
  • the air passes through the desiccant material before reaching the heat exchanger.
  • the increased air flow rate increases the amount of heat transfer between the heat exchanger and the air at the heat exchanger, thus improving energy efficiency.
  • energy savings are achieved. Since the desiccant material is positioned after the filter with respect to the air flow direction, the accumulation of dust and similar particles on the desiccant material is significantly slow.
  • the desiccant material As the entire air suction duct is covered by the desiccant material, there is no air flow which bypasses or avoids contact with the desiccant material. Moreover, by means of the detachable structure thereof, the desiccant material can be easily cleaned and quickly replaced with a new one.
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises an outdoor unit; an indoor unit (2); at least one fan (9) which is disposed in the indoor unit (2); an air suction duct (3); one or more than one filter (4) which enables particles or gases increasing the pollution level in the environment to be retained; at least one heat exchanger (5); and at least one desiccant material (6) which is positioned between the heat exchanger (5) and the filter (4) on air suction duct (3) ( Figure 1 ).
  • the air drawn from the environment passes through the filter (4) and is cleansed of dust and similar particles, and then passes through the desiccant material (6) before passing over the heat exchanger (5).
  • the moisture therein is transferred to the desiccant material (6).
  • the desiccant material (6) the dehumidified air is enabled to leave little or no moisture on the heat exchanger (5). In this case, the need for consuming additional energy to condense the moisture in the air on the heat exchanger (5) is eliminated.
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises the desiccant material (6) which is disposed in parallel so as to align with the entire surface of the heat exchanger (5) facing the filter (4).
  • the air passes through the desiccant material (6) before passing over the heat exchanger (5) and leaves its moisture, and then reaches the entire surface of the heat exchanger (5). Since the air, which passes through the entire surface of the heat exchanger (5) after being cleansed of moisture and particles, undergoes more heat transfer, the energy efficiency of the air conditioner (1) is increased.
  • the air since the air is cleansed of dust and similar particles by passing through the filter (4) before reaching the desiccant material (6), the accumulation of dust and particles on the desiccant material (6) is significantly slow.
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises the filter (4) which is disposed parallel to the air suction duct (3) and the desiccant material (6) which is disposed parallel to the filter (4). With respect to the air flow direction, the desiccant material (6) is positioned after the filter (4) ( Figure 2 ).
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises two desiccant materials (6) which are disposed parallel to each other ( Figure 3 ).
  • the distance between the two desiccant materials (6) is equal to the distance between the heat exchanger (5) and the desiccant material (6) closer to the heat exchanger (5).
  • the distance between the two desiccant materials (6) is different from the distance between the heat exchanger (5) and the desiccant material (6) closer to the heat exchanger (5).
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises at least two desiccant materials (6) which are placed one above the other, each being parallel to the heat exchanger (5), which have one or more than one passage (7) therebetween.
  • the desiccant materials (6) by arranging the desiccant materials (6) in this manner, surfaces parallel and perpendicular to the air flow direction are formed and the air permeability of the desiccant material (6) is increased.
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises the desiccant material (6) which is disposed at the central region of the heat exchanger (5).
  • the air is enabled to be efficiently dehumidified ( Figure 5 ).
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises at least one lid (8) which is disposed at the air outlet and which is closed when the moisture retained in the desiccant material (6) is desired to be removed.
  • the lid (8) at the air outlet is closed and the air conditioner (1) is operated in the heating mode.
  • the air heated by means of the heat exchanger (5) which heats up reaches the desiccant material (6) so as to remove the moisture accumulated on the desiccant material (6) and discharge the same to the external environment ( Figure 6 ).
  • the air conditioner (1) comprises at least one detachable desiccant material (6).
  • the desiccant material (6) can be replaced with another desiccant material (6) which has been regenerated, i.e. dried, outside, for example in warm weather.
  • the problem of the water vapor in the air passing over the heat exchanger (5) remaining on the heat exchanger (5) in liquid form while the air conditioner (1) operates in the cooling mode is solved.
  • the air passes through the desiccant material (6) before reaching the heat exchanger (5).
  • the flow rate of the air passing through the air conditioner (1) indoor unit (2) increases.
  • the increased air flow rate increases the amount of heat transfer between the heat exchanger (5) and the air at the heat exchanger (5), thus improving energy efficiency.
  • no energy is consumed to condense the water vapor on the heat exchanger (5), energy savings are achieved.
  • the desiccant material (6) Since the desiccant material (6) is positioned after the filter (4) with respect to the air flow direction, the accumulation of dust and similar particles on the desiccant material (6) is significantly slow. As the entire air suction duct (3) is covered by the desiccant material (6), there is no air flow which bypasses or avoids contact with the desiccant material (6). Moreover, by means of the detachable structure thereof, the desiccant material (6) can be easily cleaned and quickly replaced with a new one.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Central Air Conditioning (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner (1) comprising an outdoor unit; an indoor unit (2); at least one fan (9) which is disposed in the indoor unit (2); an air suction duct (3); one or more than one filter (4) which enables particles or gases increasing the pollution level in the environment to be retained; at least one heat exchanger (5); and at least one desiccant material (6) which is positioned between the heat exchanger (5) and the filter (4) on air suction duct (3).

Description

  • The present invention relates to an air conditioner wherein the energy efficiency is improved by preventing the condensation occurring on the heat exchanger of the indoor unit.
  • In the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the air drawn in by the cross-flow fan passes through the indoor unit grilles and is preferably cleansed of dust in the dust filter, then undergoes heat transfer while passing over the heat exchanger. The air cooled or heated by the heat exchanger passes through the cross-flow fan and exits through an opening disposed under the lid of the indoor unit. Louvers which can direct the air or open and close the opening are disposed at the opening. When the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the indoor unit heat exchanger. The condensation on the surface of the heat exchanger narrows the passages on the heat exchanger through which the air flows, thus causing resistance to the air flow. The flow rate of the air passing through the indoor unit heat exchanger decreases in proportion to the amount of condensation on the heat exchanger. Moreover, part of the energy consumed by the air conditioner for the cooling process is used to condense the water vapor in the air on the surface of the heat exchanger. In this case, energy efficiency is reduced.
  • In the state of the art, the air drawn in by the fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner passes through the grille and is cooled or heated in the heat exchanger depending on the operating mode. Since the air passing over the heat exchanger deposits the water vapor contained therein onto the heat exchanger in liquid form when the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, a liquid layer is formed on the heat exchanger. The resulting liquid layer narrows the passages on the heat exchanger through which the air flows, thus increasing the resistance to the air flow on the heat exchanger. The increased air resistance leads to a decrease in the air flow rate in the indoor unit. Since less air passes through the heat exchanger when the air flow rate decreases, the heat transfer between the air and the heat exchanger is reduced, thereby decreasing energy efficiency. Moreover, part of the energy consumed by the air conditioner is used to condense the water vapor on the heat exchanger.
  • In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN110906452 , an air conditioner is disclosed, comprising a desiccant material which is disposed between the filter and the heat exchanger. The said document specifically discloses a mechanism which compresses and regenerates the desiccant material.
  • In the state of the art Japanese Patent Application No. JP2013133959 , the desiccant material rotates around a shaft. The ambient air passes over the desiccant material so as to leaving its humidity on the desiccant material. By being rotated by means of the shaft, the desiccant material is heated by the air heated in the heat exchanger, thus evaporating the moisture and humidifying the ambient air.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of an air conditioner wherein the energy efficiency is improved by preventing the condensation occurring on the heat exchanger of the indoor unit.
  • The air conditioner realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises an outdoor unit; an indoor unit; at least one fan which is disposed in the indoor unit; an air suction duct; one or more than one filter which enables particles or gases increasing the pollution level in the environment to be retained; at least one heat exchanger; and at least one desiccant material which is positioned between the heat exchanger and the filter on air suction duct.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the air drawn from the environment passes through the filter and is cleansed of dust and similar particles, and then passes through the desiccant material before passing over the heat exchanger. Thus, the moisture therein is transferred to the desiccant material. By means of the desiccant material, the dehumidified air is enabled to leave little or no moisture on the heat exchanger. In this case, the need for consuming additional energy to condense the moisture in the air on the heat exchanger is eliminated.
  • In the embodiment of the present invention, since no condensation occurs on the heat exchanger, the air flow passages on the heat exchanger are not blocked by the condensed water, and since the flow rate of the air passing over the heat exchanger increases, the amount of heat transfer between the heat exchanger and the air also increases. This also improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises the desiccant material which is disposed in parallel so as to align with the entire surface of the heat exchanger facing the filter. In this embodiment of the present invention, after leaving dust and similar particles on the filter, the air passes through the desiccant material before passing over the heat exchanger and leaves its moisture, and then reaches the entire surface of the heat exchanger. Since the air, which passes through the entire surface of the heat exchanger after being cleansed of moisture and particles, undergoes more heat transfer, the energy efficiency of the air conditioner is increased. In this embodiment of the present invention, since the air is cleansed of dust and similar particles by passing through the filter before reaching the desiccant material, the accumulation of dust and particles on the desiccant material is significantly slow.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises the filter which is disposed parallel to the air suction duct and the desiccant material which is disposed parallel to the filter. With respect to the air flow direction, the desiccant material is positioned after the filter.
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises two desiccant materials which are disposed parallel to each other.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the two desiccant materials is equal to the distance between the heat exchanger and the desiccant material closer to the heat exchanger.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the two desiccant materials is different from the distance between the heat exchanger and the desiccant material closer to the heat exchanger.
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises at least two desiccant materials which are placed one above the other, each being parallel to the heat exchanger, which have one or more than one passage therebetween. In this embodiment of the present invention, by arranging the desiccant materials in this manner, surfaces parallel and perpendicular to the air flow direction are formed and the air permeability of the desiccant material is increased.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises the desiccant material which is disposed at the central region of the heat exchanger. Thus, when it is not possible to place the desiccant material across the entire air suction duct, the air is enabled to be efficiently dehumidified.
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises at least one lid which is disposed at the air outlet and which is closed when the moisture retained in the desiccant material is desired to be removed. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the moisture retained in the desiccant material is desired to be removed, the lid at the air outlet is closed and the air conditioner is operated in the heating mode. The air heated by means of the heat exchanger which heats up reaches the desiccant material so as to remove the moisture accumulated on the desiccant material and discharge the same to the external environment.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises at least one detachable desiccant material. By means of the said detachable structure, the desiccant material can be replaced with another desiccant material which has been regenerated, i.e. dried, outside, for example in warm weather.
  • By means of the present invention, the problem of the water vapor in the air passing over the heat exchanger remaining on the heat exchanger in liquid form while the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode is solved. The air passes through the desiccant material before reaching the heat exchanger. Thus, since little or no water vapor condenses on the heat exchanger, the flow rate of the air passing through the air conditioner indoor unit increases. The increased air flow rate increases the amount of heat transfer between the heat exchanger and the air at the heat exchanger, thus improving energy efficiency. Moreover, since no energy is consumed to condense the water vapor on the heat exchanger, energy savings are achieved. Since the desiccant material is positioned after the filter with respect to the air flow direction, the accumulation of dust and similar particles on the desiccant material is significantly slow. As the entire air suction duct is covered by the desiccant material, there is no air flow which bypasses or avoids contact with the desiccant material. Moreover, by means of the detachable structure thereof, the desiccant material can be easily cleaned and quickly replaced with a new one.
  • By means of the present invention, it is ensured that less water vapor is condensed on the heat exchanger disposed in the indoor unit, the flow rate of the air passing over the heat exchanger increases and no additional energy is consumed for condensing the water vapor.
  • An air conditioner realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figure, where:
    • Figure 1 - is the sideways detailed view of an air conditioner.
    • Figure 2 - is the sideways detailed view of the air conditioner in another embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 3 - is the sideways detailed view of the desiccant material and the heat exchanger.
    • Figure 4 - is the sideways detailed view of the desiccant material and the heat exchanger in another embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 5 - is the sideways detailed view of the air conditioner in yet another embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 6 - is the sideways detailed view of the air conditioner when the lid is closed.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows.
    1. 1. Air conditioner
    2. 2. Indoor unit
    3. 3. Air suction duct
    4. 4. Filter
    5. 5. Heat exchanger
    6. 6. Desiccant material
    7. 7. Passage
    8. 8. Lid
    9. 9. Fan
  • The air conditioner (1) comprises an outdoor unit; an indoor unit (2); at least one fan (9) which is disposed in the indoor unit (2); an air suction duct (3); one or more than one filter (4) which enables particles or gases increasing the pollution level in the environment to be retained; at least one heat exchanger (5); and at least one desiccant material (6) which is positioned between the heat exchanger (5) and the filter (4) on air suction duct (3) (Figure 1).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the air drawn from the environment passes through the filter (4) and is cleansed of dust and similar particles, and then passes through the desiccant material (6) before passing over the heat exchanger (5). Thus, the moisture therein is transferred to the desiccant material (6). By means of the desiccant material (6), the dehumidified air is enabled to leave little or no moisture on the heat exchanger (5). In this case, the need for consuming additional energy to condense the moisture in the air on the heat exchanger (5) is eliminated.
  • In the embodiment of the present invention, since no condensation occurs on the heat exchanger (5), the air flow passages on the heat exchanger (5) are not blocked by the condensed water, and since the flow rate of the air passing over the heat exchanger (5) increases, the amount of heat transfer between the heat exchanger (5) and the air also increases. This also improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioner (1).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises the desiccant material (6) which is disposed in parallel so as to align with the entire surface of the heat exchanger (5) facing the filter (4). In this embodiment of the present invention, after leaving dust and similar particles on the filter (4), the air passes through the desiccant material (6) before passing over the heat exchanger (5) and leaves its moisture, and then reaches the entire surface of the heat exchanger (5). Since the air, which passes through the entire surface of the heat exchanger (5) after being cleansed of moisture and particles, undergoes more heat transfer, the energy efficiency of the air conditioner (1) is increased. In this embodiment of the present invention, since the air is cleansed of dust and similar particles by passing through the filter (4) before reaching the desiccant material (6), the accumulation of dust and particles on the desiccant material (6) is significantly slow.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises the filter (4) which is disposed parallel to the air suction duct (3) and the desiccant material (6) which is disposed parallel to the filter (4). With respect to the air flow direction, the desiccant material (6) is positioned after the filter (4) (Figure 2).
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises two desiccant materials (6) which are disposed parallel to each other (Figure 3).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the two desiccant materials (6) is equal to the distance between the heat exchanger (5) and the desiccant material (6) closer to the heat exchanger (5).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the two desiccant materials (6) is different from the distance between the heat exchanger (5) and the desiccant material (6) closer to the heat exchanger (5).
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises at least two desiccant materials (6) which are placed one above the other, each being parallel to the heat exchanger (5), which have one or more than one passage (7) therebetween. In this embodiment of the present invention, by arranging the desiccant materials (6) in this manner, surfaces parallel and perpendicular to the air flow direction are formed and the air permeability of the desiccant material (6) is increased. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is one or more than one passage (7) positioned parallel to each other, perpendicular to the desiccant material (6) surface (Figure 4).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises the desiccant material (6) which is disposed at the central region of the heat exchanger (5). Thus, when it is not possible to place the desiccant material (6) across the entire air suction duct (3), the air is enabled to be efficiently dehumidified (Figure 5).
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises at least one lid (8) which is disposed at the air outlet and which is closed when the moisture retained in the desiccant material (6) is desired to be removed. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the moisture retained in the desiccant material (6) is desired to be removed, the lid (8) at the air outlet is closed and the air conditioner (1) is operated in the heating mode. The air heated by means of the heat exchanger (5) which heats up reaches the desiccant material (6) so as to remove the moisture accumulated on the desiccant material (6) and discharge the same to the external environment (Figure 6).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises at least one detachable desiccant material (6). By means of the said detachable structure, the desiccant material (6) can be replaced with another desiccant material (6) which has been regenerated, i.e. dried, outside, for example in warm weather.
  • By means of the present invention, the problem of the water vapor in the air passing over the heat exchanger (5) remaining on the heat exchanger (5) in liquid form while the air conditioner (1) operates in the cooling mode is solved. The air passes through the desiccant material (6) before reaching the heat exchanger (5). Thus, since little or no water vapor condenses on the heat exchanger (5), the flow rate of the air passing through the air conditioner (1) indoor unit (2) increases. The increased air flow rate increases the amount of heat transfer between the heat exchanger (5) and the air at the heat exchanger (5), thus improving energy efficiency. Moreover, since no energy is consumed to condense the water vapor on the heat exchanger (5), energy savings are achieved. Since the desiccant material (6) is positioned after the filter (4) with respect to the air flow direction, the accumulation of dust and similar particles on the desiccant material (6) is significantly slow. As the entire air suction duct (3) is covered by the desiccant material (6), there is no air flow which bypasses or avoids contact with the desiccant material (6). Moreover, by means of the detachable structure thereof, the desiccant material (6) can be easily cleaned and quickly replaced with a new one.
  • By means of the present invention, it is ensured that less water vapor is condensed on the heat exchanger (5) disposed in the indoor unit (2), the flow rate of the air passing over the heat exchanger (5) increases and no additional energy is consumed for condensing the water vapor.

Claims (10)

  1. An air conditioner (1) comprising an outdoor unit; an indoor unit (2); at least one fan (9) which is disposed in the indoor unit (2); an air suction duct (3); one or more than one filter (4) which enables particles or gases increasing the pollution level in the environment to be retained; and at least one heat exchanger (5), characterized by at least one desiccant material (6) which is positioned between the heat exchanger (5) and the filter (4) on air suction duct (3).
  2. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the desiccant material (6) which is disposed in parallel so as to align with the entire surface of the heat exchanger (5) facing the filter (4).
  3. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the filter (4) which is disposed parallel to the air suction duct (3) and the desiccant material (6) which is disposed parallel to the filter (4).
  4. An air conditioner (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by two desiccant materials (6) which are disposed parallel to each other.
  5. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the two desiccant materials (6) wherein the distance therebetween is equal to the distance between the heat exchanger (5) and the desiccant material (6) closer to the heat exchanger (5).
  6. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the two desiccant materials (6) wherein the distance therebetween is different from the distance between the heat exchanger (5) and the desiccant material (6) closer to the heat exchanger (5).
  7. An air conditioner (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least two desiccant materials (6) which are placed one above the other, each being parallel to the heat exchanger (5), which have one or more than one passage (7) therebetween.
  8. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the desiccant material (6) which is disposed at the central region of the heat exchanger (5).
  9. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one lid (8) which is disposed at the air outlet and which is closed when the moisture retained in the desiccant material (6) is desired to be removed.
  10. An air conditioner (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the desiccant material (6) which is detachable.
EP25179701.5A 2024-09-30 2025-05-29 An air conditioner with improved energy efficiency Pending EP4717984A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR2024/013057A TR2024013057A2 (en) 2024-09-30 2024-09-30 AN AIR CONDITIONER WITH INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4717984A1 true EP4717984A1 (en) 2026-04-01

Family

ID=98974790

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP25179701.5A Pending EP4717984A1 (en) 2024-09-30 2025-05-29 An air conditioner with improved energy efficiency

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4717984A1 (en)
TR (1) TR2024013057A2 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006242393A (en) * 2005-02-28 2006-09-14 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Air-conditioning indoor unit and air processing system
JP3970111B2 (en) * 2002-07-02 2007-09-05 三菱重工業株式会社 Indoor unit for air conditioning and air conditioner equipped with the same
JP4043387B2 (en) * 2003-03-18 2008-02-06 三菱重工業株式会社 Indoor unit for air conditioning and air conditioner equipped with the same
JP2008175488A (en) * 2007-01-19 2008-07-31 Toshiba Kyaria Kk Adsorption regeneration device and air conditioner indoor unit
JP2013133959A (en) 2011-12-26 2013-07-08 Panasonic Corp Air conditioner
CN110906452A (en) 2018-09-18 2020-03-24 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 Air conditioner and control method therefor

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3970111B2 (en) * 2002-07-02 2007-09-05 三菱重工業株式会社 Indoor unit for air conditioning and air conditioner equipped with the same
JP4043387B2 (en) * 2003-03-18 2008-02-06 三菱重工業株式会社 Indoor unit for air conditioning and air conditioner equipped with the same
JP2006242393A (en) * 2005-02-28 2006-09-14 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Air-conditioning indoor unit and air processing system
JP2008175488A (en) * 2007-01-19 2008-07-31 Toshiba Kyaria Kk Adsorption regeneration device and air conditioner indoor unit
JP2013133959A (en) 2011-12-26 2013-07-08 Panasonic Corp Air conditioner
CN110906452A (en) 2018-09-18 2020-03-24 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 Air conditioner and control method therefor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TR2024013057A2 (en) 2026-04-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN101317040B (en) Dew point cooling equipment
JP3157994B2 (en) Air conditioner with humidification function
US20080003940A1 (en) Ventilator system and method
US4738120A (en) Refrigeration-type dehumidifying system with rotary dehumidifier
CN114667420B (en) Six-port air conditioner
FI114942B (en) Air conditioner
EP0861403A1 (en) Plate-type crossflow air-to-air heat exchanger having dual pass cooling
KR102128205B1 (en) White reduction method for cooling tower, and cooling tower for abating plume using damper type and filter and condenser combination device
JP3581137B2 (en) Dehumidifier
KR102314183B1 (en) All-in-one heat exchange ventilator that allows air cooling bypass and dehumidification and air cleaning
KR101824145B1 (en) Ventilator
CN107218688A (en) A kind of multifunctional new wind interchanger
KR100707448B1 (en) Air conditioner
CN113623758A (en) Air conditioning system and control method thereof
KR101016310B1 (en) Air conditioner
CN115342398B (en) Air-conditioning type range hood and its drainage and heat dissipation control method
KR101037871B1 (en) Air conditioner using cooling / dehumidification heat recovery technology
KR101515530B1 (en) Dehumidifing unit and Air conditioner having the same
JP6311110B2 (en) Dehumidifier
KR20060095058A (en) Air conditioner
CN112032883A (en) Fresh air conditioning system driven by condensation waste heat and operation method thereof
KR100625490B1 (en) Humidifying apparatus and air conditioner
KR102626718B1 (en) Condensed Refrigerant Supercooling System for Direct Expansion Air Conditioner
CN209068631U (en) A kind of dehumidifier
JP2000097478A (en) Humidity control ventilator

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20250529

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR