GB2357984A

GB2357984A - Energy Saving Dehumidifier

Info

Publication number: GB2357984A
Application number: GB0000004A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert John Knight
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-01-05
Filing date: 2000-01-05
Publication date: 2001-07-11
Also published as: GB0000004D0

Abstract

An energy saving dehumidifier which uses, the energy contained in any irregular supply of cold liquid and particularly incoming cold water supply to a premises. The dehumidifier main components are a vertical storage cylinder 1;, allowing storage of and/or passage of the incoming water, vertical cluster of pipes 5; within the centre of the cylinder, down which the air passes and which act as heat exchange surfaces allowing the water within the cylinder to be heated, simultaneously with the cooling of the air. As the air is cooled, moisture is released which forms droplets on the sides of the pipes and which falls to the bottom of the unit and into the bowl 12; where it is discharged to waste or returned for whatever purpose. The warmed water reduces further energy required either directly ie further heating to desired temperature or absorbtion. Pipes 5 may be coated with a water repellent. Air flow may be controlled by fan 7 and thermostats 8,9.

Description

2357984

DESCRIPTION

FOR PATENT APPLICATION DATED 1.1.2000 ENERGY SAVING DEHUMIDIFIER of Robert John Knight 50 Norman Road Walsall WS5 3QN TITLE:- ENERGY SAVING DEHUMIDIFIER This invention relates to an energy saving dehumidifier using for its energy any irregular supply of cold liquid and particularly though not exclusively for the purpose of dehumidifying the modern well insulated family home or swimming pool enclosure.

Traditional methods of dehumidification include ventilation which can cause heat loss from the premises and/or electrically powered refridgeration which rely solely upon electrical power Research has shown that incoming water supply to premises is for the most part, too cold. For instance, water is heated for use in domestic hot water systems, washing machines, dishwashers cooking. Water used for other purposes such as flushing toilets is, at its incoming temperature too cold f or the purpose, this is made evident by way of condense forming on the external surfaces of cisterns, pans, tanks, pipes and the like. It 2.s also evident that stored cold water around the premises, whether it be in cisterns, toilet pans, pipes, tanks, even recently watered plant pots takes energy from the heated space as this water warms up I have devised a ' n energy saving dehumidifier which can be used with the incoming cold water supply to the premises in which it is installed the device acting to maximise any available air convection, heat transfer and energy contained within the standing (stored) or circulating cold water as it is used within the premises. The leaving temperature of the water is elevated and this in turn reduces the energy needed to raise the temperature of this water further for whatever purpose.

According to the present invention there is provided a storage means with heat exchanger means, air convection means, control means whereby air is caused to circulate through the heat exchanger and as it is cooled, moisture from the air condenses on the heat exchanger and is collected by collection means. The vertical storage, vertical heat exchanger and control means maximising on the use of available energy contained in the incoming water to the premises whether this be small or large demand, flowing or standing (stored). The downward convection of air together with the fan and water repellent material maximises on the rate of removal of condensate.A device which simultaneously dehumidifies air and heats a liquid.

Preferably the storage means comprises a vertical liquid storage cylinder with liquid input and output connections, a cluster of pipes vertically placed within the centre of the cylinder and a floor stand Preferably the heat exchange means comprises the inner/outer surfaces of the cluster of vertical pipes Preferably the air convection means comprises a vertical path created by a cluster of pipes within the storage cylinder and to assist the downward convection, a fan is positioned at the top of the pipes. This fan, by way of increased downward air flow, also encourages the condensate which will form on the walls of the pipes, to run down the walls of the pipes and into the collection means.

Preferably the fan is controlled by two thermostats, one positioned towards the base of the cylinder and which will switch on the fan when there is cold liquid available, the second thermostat positioned further up the cylinder will increase speed of the fan when it detects the presence of cold liquid ie a larger volume of cold liquid available.

Preferably the collection means comprises a bowl or tray with outlet, to collect the condensate as it falls from the vertical pipes, the outlet is then connected to waste or preferably connected such that the condensate may be put to use.

This device allows for the unwanted thermal energy contained within the incoming water supply to be put to positive use, by allowing this water to pass through or be stored within the vessel, the temperature of the air that is circulated down the pipes is reduced as thermal energy (both sensible and latent heat) is transferred to the water, raising the temperature of the water. As the air temperature lowers, moisture contained within the air forms on the heat exchange inner surfaces of the vertical pipes as visible condensation, this condensate falls to the bottom of the device and is collected in the bowl/tray from where it is discharged. The elevated temperature of the leaving water reduces the amount of energy required to raise this water temperature further for whatever purpose, and reduces the amount of absorbed energy from the heated space.

Complicated controls and/or bypass arrangements are not necessary as I have recognised from various tests that this device cannot over dry the air and because it is dependent upon the energy contained in the incoming water to the premises if no water is being used there will be no dehumidification effect ie no activity in the home, device stops. Again dehumidification is required mainly in the winter months and it is at this time when the incoming temperature of the water is at its most effective level.

The present invention will be illustrated by way of example, in the following description and by reference to the accompanying drawing

The device comprises a vertical copper water storage cylinder 1; with water input 2; and output 3;, air vent 4; cluster of vertical copper pipes 5; and a floor stand 6;.

At the upper end there is provided a fan 7; controlled by two thermostats 8; and 9; and multi directional duct housing 10; incorporating input air duct connection 11; At the lower end is provided a bowl 12; with condensate output 13; multi directional duct connection for output air 14; The pipes 5; have an inner coating of a water repellent material Preferably the device will be adapted for installation within a premises and will have a protective or decorative cover.

After installation and venting through vent 4; In use the device is left in ready state and, when water is used for whatever purpose, the water enters at 2; leaves at 3;and either circulates through if it is large demand or is stored within the cylinder 1; note due to the design colder water will remain towards the lower part of the cylinder. the thermostat 8; will recognise this activity by way of temperature fall on the surface of the cylinder and will start the air fan 7; if a larger quantity of cold liquid is available then thermostat 9 will recognise this again by way of temperature fall on the surface of the cylinder and will increase the speed of the fan. Air will enter at 11; circulate down the pipes 5; and leave at 14 and in so doing, transfer of temperature will take place between the water and air through the heat exchange walls of the pipes 5;. note that the passage of air is assisted both due to downward convection as the air cools and the fan. the water is warmed from this transfer of sensible and latent heat energy and at the same time, the air is cooled. The cooling of the air causes the moisture trapped within the air to form visible droplets of moisture (condensation) on the inner surfaces of the pipes and this condensation due to gravity and downward air flow is caused to fall towards the bottom of the pipes where it enters the bowl 12; and discharged through the discharge pipe 13; For convenience of installation the air input duct 11; and air output duct 14; are multi directional in relation to water connections 2; and 3; It is preferred that this condensation is not wasted but is returned for whatever purpose It is shown that this device is very simple and once installed needs very little attention, will operate when most needed and saves energy by way of bringing together two unwanted conditions and allowing them to cancel each other out

Claims

1; An energy saving dehumidifier, there is provided a storage means with heat exchanger means, air convection means, control means whereby air is caused to circulate through the heat exchanger and as it is cooled, moisture from the air condenses on the heat exchanger and is collected by collection means. The vertical storage, vertical heat exchanger and control means maximising on the use of available energy contained in the incoming water to the premises whether this be small or large demand, flowing or standing (stored). The downward convection of air together with the fan and water repellent material maximising on the rate of removal of condensate.A device which simultaneously dehumidifies air and heats a liquid.

2; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in claim 1; which may be used within any premises where there is an irregular supply of cold liquid and where it is preferable for this liquid to be heated for whatever purpose.

3; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in claims 1; and 2; in which the air convection means includes a fan.

4; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in claim 3; in which the fan is controlled by one thermostat (single speed on/off) or two thermostats high/low speed, on/off.

5; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in claims 1; 2; 3; and 4; in which the storage and heat exchanger means comprise a vertical cylinder containing the circulated or standing fluid, with a cluster of vertical pipes acting as the air passage and heat exchange walls.

6; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in claims 1; 2; 3; 4; and 5 in which the condensation collection means is a bowl or tray with an outlet connection 7; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in any of the preceding claims which can be adapted in use to be installed in a building.

8; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in any of the preceding claims which further may include a protective or decorative enclosure.

9; An energy saving dehumidifier as claimed in any of the preceding claims which further may include a heater on the air outlet.