NZ546966A

NZ546966A - Humidity and moisture monitoring and control system

Info

Publication number: NZ546966A
Application number: NZ546966A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Andrew C Fuller
Original assignee: Andrew C Fuller
Priority date: 2003-10-24
Filing date: 2004-10-22
Publication date: 2009-02-28
Also published as: EP1680633A1; JP2007509312A; BRPI0415762A; AU2004284460A1; AU2004284460B2; EP1680633A4; CA2544123A1; JP4095104B2

Abstract

This discloses a dehumidification system 10 comprising of a dehumidifier 12, a user interface 16, a humidity sensor for determining relative humidity of an area, means carried by user interface 16 for selecting a desired humidity for area, a building material moisture sensor for measuring the building material moisture in area, a means for selecting a desired building material moisture and a controller interconnected with dehumidifier, humidity sensor, desired humidity selecting means, building material moisture sensor, and desired building material moisture selecting means. The controller activates the dehumidifier 12 when the relative humidity is higher than the desired value, and/or when the actual building material moisture is higher than the desired building material moisture

Description

546966 TITLE MONITORING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to monitoring and controlling systems for 5 interior spaces, and, in particular, to a monitoring system that can regulate the ambient humidity of interior and enclosed spaces so as to protect these spaces from damage by the environment within these spaces.

[0002] Depending on the particular building materials used in the surrounding walls of interior spaces, and depending on the potential for exposure to moisture of these spaces, practically any enclosed space can be susceptible to damage. An area very susceptible to damage caused by moisture, such as mildew and termite damage is the basement or crawl space of a house. Therefore, the ability for homeowners and/or owners of commercial buildings to maintain reduced moisture levels in the basement can be critical to preserve the structural integrity of the house, as well as to preserve the 15 ' environment within the basement of the house.

[0003] Another area that is susceptible to moisture damage is the interior space of boats. In particular, the engine rooms and the interior cabins of boats that are stored at marinas can easily become mildewed, giving the boats a musty odor and damaging the materials of the boats.

[0004] Appliances for removing moisture from enclosures or interior spaces are known to prevent these areas from becoming damaged. For example, dehumidifiers are well known for use in removing moisture from the atmosphere. However, typical dehumidifiers require that a user operate the dehumidifier at the location of the unit itself. Further, the controller systems of dehumidifiers are such that the unit is either 25 constantly running or constantly turned off. Therefore, if the user is not diligent in turning the unit on and off based on need, there is a risk that either energy will be wasted or that mildew and moisture damage will persist.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for an effective and convenient system for use in monitoring and protecting areas that are susceptible to moisture damage. 3 0 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is 1 546966 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 1 6 JAN 2009 RECEIVED to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] According to its major aspects and briefly stated, the present invention provides a monitoring system for use in controlling the humidity within confined spaces and thereby protecting these spaces from potential moisture damage. The present invention has industrial utility in that the interior environment of commercial facilities may be optimally maintained and monitored. [0007a] In one embodiment the invention provides a dehumidification system, comprising: a dehumidifier; a user interface; a humidity sensor for determining relative humidity of an area; means carried by said user interface for selecting a desired humidity for said area; a building material moisture sensor for measuring the building material moisture in said area; means for selecting a desired building material moisture; and a controller interconnected with said dehumidifier, said humidity sensor, said desired humidity selecting means; said building material moisture sensor, and said desired building material moisture selecting means, wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when the relative humidity is higher than said desired humidity, and wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when the actual building material moisture is higher than said desired building material moisture. [0007b] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for maintaining the moisture level of an area at or below a pre-selected level comprising: installing a dehumidifier; installing a user interface; installing a humidity sensor for determining relative humidity of an area; installing means for selecting a desired humidity for said area; installing a building material moisture sensor for measuring building material moisture; installing means for selecting a desired building material moisture; installing a controller; and connecting said dehumidifier, said user interface, said humidity sensor, said desired humidity selecting means, said building material moisture sensor, and said controller, wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when the relative humidity is higher than said desired humidity, and wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when said building material moisture is higher than said desired building material moisture.

[0008] In another embodiment, the invention provides a monitoring system that includes a sensor for determining the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature of an area; means for communicating the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature to a first controller that is connected to the sensor; the first controller capable of receiving multiple inputs including a humidity input, a moisture input, and a temperature input; means for warning 2 546966 I INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 1 6 JAN 2009 RECEIVED when the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature within the area is above a preset, desired humidity, moisture, and/or temperature, the warning means being connected to the first controller; and means for adjusting the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature to approximately equal to or below the preset, desired humidity, moisture, and/or temperature, said adjusting means being connected to said sensor and warning means; and wherein said first controller activates said adjusting means when the humidity, moisture, and temperature of said area is above the desired humidity, moisture, and temperature. [0008a] The sensor of the present invention can include a single sensor within a housing that senses one of moisture, temperature, and humidity, or, alternatively, the sensor can include multiple sensors within a housing for sensing a combination of humidity, temperature, and moisture. Further, the sensor can be either a penetrating sensor or a non-penetrating sensor. Although various alternative means can be employed to adjust the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature to a desired level, the present invention can include a dehumidification system as the adjusting means. The dehumidification system can include a dehumidifier that is connected to both the sensor and a second controller having a sensor switch that turns the dehumidifier on and off based on the ambient humidity, moisture, and/or temperature of the area in which the monitoring system is placed. Additionally, the monitoring system can include a user interface unit that is separate or remote from the dehumidifier, and that can be used to operate the monitoring system from remote locations. The user interface can include a number of inputs, as well as a service light, which indicates a need for maintenance or repair. The dehumidifier can also be connected to a plurality of fans. In larger enclosed areas, the use of multiple fans can facilitate the adjustment of humidity, moisture, and/or temperature. Furthermore, it is contemplated by the present invention that the features of the monitoring system can either be operated through standard electrical connections or through wireless connections.

[0009] In another embodiment, the second controller of the dehumidification system can include a humidity switch and a building materials indicator switch, such as a wood moisture indicator switch. The building materials moisture switch works in combination with the humidity switch so that the dehumidifier is turned on or off either by the building materials moisture switch or the humidity switch depending on building materials moisture and ambient humidity. The building materials moisture and ambient 3 546966 humidity can be transmitted to the second controller by the sensor of the monitoring system either through electrical, radio frequency, or wireless transmission.

[0010] In another embodiment, the adjusting means of the monitoring system includes a combination system having a ventilation portion and a dehumidification portion. The ventilation portion of the combination system is described in detail in U S. Patent Nos. 4,208,010 and 4,328,927. The only modification to this ventilation portion is that the louvers of the ventilator structure operate so that the louvers are open during cold weather and the louvers are closed during warm weather. The dehumidification portion can include similar features to those described in the alternative embodiments.

[0011] A feature of the present invention is the use of a monitoring system including means for adjusting humidity, moisture, and/or temperature that includes a dehumidification system in interior or enclosed spaces such as the crawl space of a house and the engine room of a boat. Not only will the use of a dehumidifier in these areas reduce and prevent the musty odor caused by potential mildew, but also the materials used to construct houses and boats can be better preserved. Further, keeping these areas dry prevents the growth of pests that can be damaging to the area, such as termites.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is the use of a monitoring system including means for adjusting humidity, moisture, and/or temperature that includes a user interface unit in combination with a dehumidifier. Typically, dehumidifiers must be operated at the location of the unit itself. Because areas such as the basement or crawl space of a house tend to be small and unfinished, placing a unit in these areas can be unpleasant and burdensome on the user of the unit who is forced to constantly enter the basement to operate the unit. A user interface can avoid the need for entering these areas, so that a user can operate the dehumidifier in comfortable and convenient locations within the house.

[0013] Yet another feature of the present invention is the use of a monitoring system including means for adjusting humidity, moisture, and/or temperature that includes a INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 1 6 JAN 2009 RECEIVED 3a 546966 dehumidifier in combination with a plurality of fans. Dehumidifiers tend to include fans within the unit so that moist air is circulated into the unit and dry air is circulated out of the unit. However, if the enclosed area to be dehumidified is relatively large, the dehumidifier may take a long time to dry the air. Through the use of a plurality of fans 5 positioned in various locations around the dehumidifier, the moist air can be more effectively dried. Further, the fans contribute to the improvement of the environment of the interior space by circulating dried and fresh air.

[0014] Still another feature of the present invention is the use of a monitoring system including means for adjusting humidity, moisture, and/or temperature that includes a second controller that is connected to a sensor and a sensor switch, wherein the adjusting means is activated or deactivated based on a preset, desired humidity, moisture, and/or temperature level. For example, if the ambient humidity is higher than the desired humidity, the adjusting means will be activated, and if the ambient humidity is below the desired humidity, the adjusting means will be deactivated. The sensor switch allows the monitoring system to remain energy and cost efficient.

[0015] The use of a monitoring system including a dehumidification system having a second controller having both a humidity switch and a wood moisture indicator switch is yet another feature of the present invention. By using a combination of switches, the dehumidification system can effectively eliminate and prevent moisture damage of the interior spaces. If the moisture contact is too high in the wood of the interior space, the dehumidifier is started. However, if only the moisture content of the air is too high, rather than the wood, then the dehumidifier is still turned on.

[0016] Yet another feature of the present invention is the use of a monitoring system including a dehumidification system having a user interface including a service alarm.

The service alarm alerts the user that the dehumidification system is in need of either maintenance or repair. Therefore, the lifespan of the dehumidifier can be prolonged, and its function enhanced.

[0017] Still another feature of the present invention is the use of a monitoring system that negates the need to seal those interior spaces that are to be monitored for potential damage due to moisture. It is known that spaces, such as the basements and crawl spaces of houses, can contain levels of harmful gases, such as radon. If these spaced are completely enclosed for the sake of keeping out moisture, such gases can build up and create dangerous, harmful environments to the inhabitants of the house. The present system contributes to the circulation of fresh air throughout the space. 546966

[0018] Yet another feature of the present invention is the use a monitoring system including means for warning when the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature within the area is the preset, desired humidity, moisture, and/or temperature in combination with means for adjusting the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature to approximately equal to or below the preset, desired humidity, temperature and moisture. This feature enables the constant monitoring of an area that is susceptible to moisture damage so as to prevent such damage. Similar to a burglar alarm system, the present invention can monitor an area from a remote location and either activate a means for adjusting the area in danger of the damage, or, alternatively, communicate the danger to a repair person 10 who is dispatched to the area for attention to such area.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments presented below and accompanied by the drawings BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 [0020] In the drawings,

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a house containing an adjusting means of a monitoring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a top view of the crawl space of a house containing a monitoring system including an adjusting means according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a front view of a user interface unit of an adjusting means of a 25 monitoring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 5 is schematic view of the component parts of an adjusting means of a monitoring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a boat containing an adjusting means of a monitoring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an RV containing an adjusting means of a monitoring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; [0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a house containing an adjusting means of a monitoring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 546966

[0029] FIG. 9 Is an exploded perspective view of a ventilator portion of an adjusting means of a monitoring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present invention includes a monitoring system 1 having a sensor for determining the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature of an area, means for communicating the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature to a first controller that is interconnected with the sensor, means for warning when the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature within the area is above a preset, desired humidity, moisture, and/or 10 temperature, and means for adjusting the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature to approximately equal to or below the preset, desired humidity, moisture, and/or temperature. The sensor of the present invention can include a single sensor within a housing that senses one of moisture, temperature, and humidity, or, alternatively, the sensor can include multiple sensors within a housing for sensing a combination of 15 humidity, temperature, and moisture. Further, the sensor can be either a penetrating sensor or a non-penetrating sensor. As discussed, a feature of the present invention includes the use a monitoring system including means for warning when the humidity, moisture, and/or temperature within the area is the preset, desired humidity, moisture, and/or temperature in combination with means for adjusting the humidity, moisture, 20 and/or temperature to approximately equal to or below the preset, desired humidity, temperature and moisture. This feature enables the constant monitoring of an area that is susceptible to moisture damage so as to prevent such damage. Similar to a burglar alarm system, the present invention can monitor an area from a remote location and either activate a means for adjusting the area in danger of the damage, or, alternatively, 25 communicate the danger to a repair person who is dispatched to the area for attention to such area.

[0031] An example of an embodiment of the monitoring system 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, the monitoring system includes a sensor 3. The sensor 3 can detect the humidity, moisture, or temperature of the environment in which it is placed. Additionally, the sensor 3 can detect a combination of humidity, moisture, and temperature

[0032] Once humidity, temperature, and/or moisture is determined by the sensor 3, this information is transmitted to a first controller 7 by means for communicating 5. The information can be transmitted in a number of ways, including electronically, by 6 546966 radio irequency tnrougn transmitters and receivers, and by wireless communication. Upon receiving the humidity, temperature, and/or moisture information the first controller 7 processes the information, and can display it for monitoring, such as on a computer screen 9. The first controller 7 is programmed with a preset, desired 5 humidity, temperature, and moisture, so that when information is received by the first controller 7 that indicates the temperature, humidity, and/or moisture is above the preset, desired amount, the first controller 7 activates means for warning 11. In an embodiment, the first controller 7 can include a solid state relay. Next the warning means 11 communicates a need for an adjustment to the humidity, temperature, and/or 10 moisture to means for adjusting 13. Depending on whether the particular interior space being monitored includes capability for an automated adjusting means 13, the moisture, temperature, and/or humidity can be automatically adjusted to an amount approximately equal to or below the preset, desired humidity, temperature, and/or moisture. Alternatively, the warning means 11 can communicate the need for adjustment to a 15 repair person who will be dispatched to the area in need of the adjustment.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the adjusting means 13 includes a dehumidification system 10. The dehumidification system 10 can function separately from the monitoring system 1; however, if the activation of the dehumidification system 10 is somehow interrupted, the monitoring system 1 can be employed to assure the 20 moisture, temperature, and/or humidity of an area is being optimized. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dehumidification system 10 includes a dehumidifier 12 that can be connected to a plurality of fans 14 and a user interface unit 16. The dehumidification system 10 can be operated by a second controller 20 that can be included either within the vicinity dehumidifier 12 or the user interface unit 16. The warning means 11 of the 25 monitoring system 1 can be connected to the second controller 20 so as to activate the dehumidification system 10 when there is a need to adjust the humidity, temperature, and/or moisture in the particular space being monitored. The connection between the warning means 11 and the second controller 20 can be electronic, through radio frequency, or through wireless connection.

[0034] Although the dehumidification system 10 is shown to be located within a crawl space 22 or basement of a house 24, it is contemplated by the present invention that the dehumidification system 10 can be used within any area of the house 24, as well as other enclosed areas, such as storage sheds, RVs, and boats. 7 546966

[0035] A feature of the present invention is the use of a dehumidification system 10 including the user interface 16, which can be used to operate the dehumidification system from remote locations. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the user interface 16 can be located within the main portion of the house 24 and be electrically wired, or have a wireless connection, to the dehumidifier 12 that is in the crawl space 22 of the house 24. Preferably, the user interface unit 16 includes a power input 3 for manually turning the system 10 on or off and a means for selecting a desired humidity 32 by which a user can incrementally adjust up and down the desired humidity of the area in which the dehumidifier 12 is located. The user interface unit 16 further includes a display 34 10 showing the current temperature 33 and relative humidity 37 of the area containing the dehumidifier, as well as the desired relative humidity 39, that has been set by the user. Finally, the user interface 16 can include a service light 35 that indicates when the system 10 needs maintenance or repair.

[0036] As shown, all the components of the dehumidification system 10 can be 15 electrically wired and can obtain power by plugging the dehumidifier into a GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlet. Alternatively, the dehumidification system 10 can be operated by remote control, wherein a transmitting device capable of transmitting signals, such as radio or microwave, communicates with a receiver so as to turn the dehumidifier 12 on or off. Therefore, the system 10 can be completely automated through these 20 connections.

[0037] The dehumidifier 12 can include any conventional arrangement. A typical dehumidifier removes moisture from the air by condensing the moisture from the air on its cooled evaporator coils. In the present invention, the condensed moisture can be collected in a retainer beneath the dehumidifier 12, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the condensation can drain into a pipe 40 that is routed to the exterior of the interior or enclosed space. Although a variety of dimensions are suitable for the dehumidifier 12 depending on the particular location needing to be dehumidified, the dehumidifier 12 is preferably less then 2 inches if the dehumidifier 12 is to go into the basement or crawl space of a house. Further, the dehumidifier 12 can be permanently installed next the 30 wall of an interior space needing to be dehumidified.

[0038] A particular feature of the present invention is the use of an adjusting means 13 including the dehumidifier 12 in combination with the plurality of fans 14 that are advantageously positioned around the area needing to be dehumidified. Through the use of plural fans positioned in various locations around the dehumidifier 12, the moist 8 546966 air can be more effectively dried. Further, the fans contribute to the improvement of the environment of the interior space by circulating dried and fresh air. Preferably, the fans will pull less than or approximately 2 Amps of energy. However, more powerful fans are contemplated by the present invention.

[0039] A schematic view of how the various components of the, dehumidification system 10 operate is shown in FIG. 5. As illustrated, the user interface unit 16 includes an input section 42, including the power input 30 and the selecting means 32, in which a user can program the desired humidity by increasing or decreasing the humidity displayed on display 34. The user changes the desired humidity using a stepper motor 10 44 that allows the desired humidity to be changed in increments by sending signals to a desired humidity indicator 46.

[0040] The programmed or pre-selected desired humidity is compared with the relative ambient humidity, which is measured by a humidity sensor 50. The humidity sensor 50 can use any instrument for measuring atmospheric humidity, such as a hygrometer, and a thermometer 52, because relative humidity is temperature sensitive. The humidity sensor 50 measures the actual humidity of the area in which the dehumidifier 12 has been placed. The relative humidity is also displayed on the user interface unit 16. In operation, the desired humidity and the actual humidity are compared by a first comparator 56. If the relative humidity is greater than desired 20 humidity, then the dehumidifier 12 and the plurality of fans 14 are turned on, and if the relative humidity is less than the desired humidity 12, then the dehumidifier 12 and the plurality of fans 14 are turned off. Because the dehumidification system 10. is completely automated, a user need simply program a desired humidity and the system will thereafter operate itself to maintain this desired humidity. In an alternative 25 embodiment, each fan of the plurality of fans 14 can include a relative humidity sensor and a desired humidity indicator so that the fans can turn on independently of the system 10 and prevent the entire system 10 failing in the case one of the fans malfunctions.

[0041] As previously discussed,, the dehumidification system 10 can also include a building material moisture sensor 60 that is used in combination with a humidity sensor 50. For example, the building material moisture sensor 60 can detect moisture in materials such as wood and plastic. Although the system 10 need only contain one of these indicators, the use of a combination of indicators contributes to the prevention of moisture damage of the interior spaces containing the system 10. If the moisture content is too high in the building material of the interior space, dehumidifier 12 is started. 546966 However, if only the moisture content of the air is too high, rather than the building material, then the dehumidifier 12 will still be turned on. As with the humidity sensor 50, the actual building material moisture measured by the building material moisture sensor 60 is compared by a second comparator 64 to a pre-selected desired building 5 material moisture, which is selected by a means for selecting a desired building material moisture 62 that allows the desired building materials moisture to be changed in increments by sending signals to a desired building materials indicator 71, and depending on whether the actual building material moisture is higher or lower than the desired building material moisture, the dehumidifier 12 and the plurality of fans 14 are 10 turned on or off. If the building material moisture sensor 60 and the humidity sensor 50 are used in combination, the system 10 preferably includes an "or" gate 70, wherein the information of the first comparator 56 and the information of the second comparator 64 is sampled by a clock 72 so that the dehumidifier 12 and the plurality of fans 14 will be turned on if either the humidity or the building material moisture requires it.

[0042] The second controller 20 of the dehumidification system 10 can contain the sensor and indicator components, as illustrated in FIG. 5. However, it is also contemplated that the sensor and indicator components are removed from the controller 20 so that the controller need not remain in the vicinity of the dehumidifier 12.

[0043] The clock 72 of the dehumidification system 10, in addition to driving the 20 repetition of comparisons of humidity at short intervals, also indicates on the display 34 through the service light 35 a need for a maintenance or check up of the system 10 based on preset maintenance intervals. Further, the service light 35 can also indicate that the system 10 is somehow malfunctioning and needs to be repaired. The service light 35 is advantageous because it serves a warning to the user of the system 10. Therefore, the 25 lifespan of the dehumidification system 10 can be prolonged, and its function enhanced.

[0044] As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the dehumidification system 10 can be connected to the monitoring system 1 through the warning means 11. Accordingly, the monitoring system can function similar to a burglar alarm system. If the dehumidification system 10 is not activated due to a malfunctioning of any feature of the dehumidification system 10, the warning means 11 can function to activate the system. Further, it is contemplated that each component of the dehumidification system 10 could be monitored by the monitoring system 1 so that if any one component or a combination of components malfunctioned, the warning means 11 could transmit such 546966 malfunction back to the first controller so as to initiate repair of the dehumidification system 10.

[0045] Figure 6 represents the dehumidification system 10 of the present invention in use in a boat 80. In particular, the dehumidification system can be used in the 5 staterooms or the engine room of the boat 80. Another area to benefit from the use of the system 10 is in an RY 90, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Both of these vehicles include many enclosed areas that may be susceptible to moisture damage. Although the system 10 in FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown to include the plurality of fans 14, it is contemplated that the system 10 would not be required in these areas, or other small areas.

[0046] Another feature of the present invention is the use of a dehumidification system 10 in interior or enclosed spaces. Accordingly, any area that tends to become musty and mildewed is suitable for the dehumidification system 10. Not only will the use of a dehumidification system 10 in these areas reduce and prevent the musty odor caused by potential mildew, but also the materials used in these areas can be better 15 preserved.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the adjusting means 13 a combination system including a ventilation system and a dehumidification system including a dehumidifier that can be connected to a plurality of fans. The ventilation system portion of the combination system is described in detail in U S. Patent Nos. 4,208,010 and 4,328,927. 20 The only modification to this ventilation system is that the louvers of the ventilator structure operate so that the louvers are open during cold weather and the louvers are closed during warm weather. Specifically, if the temperature is greater than approximately 6 °F, the louvers will close. FIG. 8 illustrates the combination system. In particular, the dehumidification system 10' for use in interior or enclosed spaces is 25 shown in combination with a ventilation system, represented by the term "VENT" 100. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the dehumidification system 10' portion of the combination system includes a dehumidifier 12' that is connected to a plurality of fans 14' and a user interface unit 16'. The system 10' is operated by a controller 20' that can be included either within the vicinity dehumidifier 12' or the user interface unit 16'. Although the 30 dehumidification system 10' is shown to be located within a crawl space 22' or basement of a house 24', it is contemplated by the present invention that the dehumidification system 10' can be used within any area of the house 24', as well as other enclosed areas, such as storage sheds, RVs, and boats. FIG. 9 illustrates the ventilation system portion of the combination system in detail. As illustrated, the 11 546966 ventilation system 100 includes a housing 110 and multiple louvers 112 that operate in conjunction with the dehumidification system 10'.

[0048] Finally, there are many alternative embodiments and modifications of the present invention that are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the 5 following claims. 12 546966 PCt/Uso3'5x9G »am:waKa3:15 'PEA/US 24 AUb

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dehumidification system, comprising: a dehumidifier; a user interface; a humidity sensor for determining relative humidity of an area; means carried by said user -interface for selecting a desired humidity for said area; a building material moisture sensor for measuring the building material moisture in said area; means for selecting a desired building material moisture; and a controller interconnected with said dehumidifier, said humidity sensor, said desired humidity selecting means, said building material moisture sensor, and said desired building material moisture selecting means, wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when the relative humidity is higher than said desired humidity, and wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when the actual building material moisture is higher than said desired building material moisture.

2. The dehumidification system as recited in claim 1, wherein said dehumidifier, said user interface, and said controller are connected by electrical wiring.

3. The dehumidification system as recited in claim 1, wherein said dehumidifier, said user interface, and said controller are connected by wireless connection.

4. The dehumidification system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fans that are connected to said dehumidifier.

5. The dehumidification system as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface unit includes a service light.

6. The dehumidification system as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface unit includes a display, wherein said display shows the relative humidity, said desired humidity, and the temperature of said area.

7. The dehumidification system as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface unit includes a power input.

8. The dehumidifier as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier either when the relative humidity is higher than said desired humidity or AMENDED SHE# 546966 1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 16 JAN 2009 RECEIVED when the actual building material moisture is higher than said desired building material moisture.

9. A method for maintaining the moisture level of an area at or below a preselected level comprising: installing a dehumidifier; installing a user interface; installing a humidity sensor for determining relative humidity of an area; installing means for selecting a desired humidity for said area; installing a building material moisture sensor for measuring building material moisture; installing means for selecting a desired building material moisture; installing a controller; and connecting said dehumidifier, said user interface, said humidity sensor, said desired humidity selecting means, said building material moisture sensor, and said controller, wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when the relative humidity is higher than said desired humidity and wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when said building material moisture is higher than said desired building material moisture.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising installing at least one fan.

11. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising connecting said at least one fan to said dehumidifier.

12. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising installing means for selecting a desired building material moisture, wherein said controller activates said dehumidifier when the actual building material moisture is higher than said desired building material moisture.

13. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein said user interface has a display that is remote from said dehumidifier.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said display includes said selecting means.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising selecting a desired humidity.

16. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein said connecting step is done by wireless connection. 14 546966 INTEnISIUAL PROPERTy OFFICE OF N.Z. 16 JAN 2009 RECEIVED

17. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein said connecting step is done by electrical wiring.

18. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising connecting said dehumidifier, said user interface, said humidity sensor, said selecting means, and said controller to an alarm system.

19. A monitoring system, comprising: a sensor for determining the humidity, moisture, and temperature of an area; a first controller that is connected to said sensor, said first controller capable of receiving multiple inputs including a humidity input, a moisture input, and a temperature input; means for communicating the humidity, moisture, and temperature to said first controller; means for warning when the humidity, moisture, and temperature within said area is above a preset, desired humidity, moisture, and temperature, said warning means being connected to said first controller; and means for adjusting the humidity, moisture, and temperature to approximately equal to or below the preset, desired humidity, moisture, and temperature, said adjusting means being connected to said sensor and said warning means; wherein said first controller activates said adjusting means when the humidity, moisture, and temperature of said area is above the desired humidity, moisture, and temperature.

20. The monitoring system as recited in claim 19, wherein said adjusting means includes a dehumidification system, comprising: a dehumidifier; a user interface; a humidity sensor for determining relative humidity of an area; means carried by said user interface for selecting a desired humidity for said area; and a second controller interconnected with said dehumidifier, said humidity sensor, and said selecting means, and wherein said second controller activates said dehumidifier when the relative humidity is higher than said desired humidity.

21. The monitoring system as recited in claim 20, further comprising a ventilation system connected to said dehumidification system. 15 546966

22. The monitoring system as recited in claim 19, wherein said adjusting means includes a dispatched repair person.

23. The monitoring system as recited in claim 19, further comprising means for warning said first controller when said adjusting means has malfunctioned and is in need of maintenance.

24. The monitoring system as recited in claim 19, wherein said sensor, said first controller, said communicating means, said warning means, and said adjusting means are electrically connected.

25. The monitoring system as recited in claim 19, wherein said sensor, said first controller, said communicating means, said warning means, and said adjusting means are connected by radio frequency communication.

26. The monitoring system as recited in claim 19, wherein said sensor, said first controller, said communicating means, said warning means, and said adjusting means are connected by wireless communication.

27. The monitoring system recited in claim 19, wherein said sensor includes multiple sensors in a single housing for detecting a combination of humidity, moisture, and temperature.

28. A dehumification system substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

29. A method for maintaining the moisture level of an area at or below a preselected level, the method being substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

30. A monitoring system substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.2. \ 6 JAN 2009 RECEIVE 16