WO2018051156A1 - Method of two stage indirect evaporation cooling for building and devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of applying two stage indirect evaporative air cooling. First stage of the cooling process is realized in individual indirect evaporative air conditioners, and second stage is realized in the central unit responsible for ventilation. The essential thing is that the same exhaust airflow is used for two stages of the process (room conditioning and central fresh air treatment). Several units were proposed to realize this method, both for the central units and individual room conditioners.

Description

METHOD OF TWO STAGE INDIRECT EVAPORATIVE COOLING FOR

BUILDINGS AND DEVICES FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to method of two stage indirect evaporative cooling for buildings.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The application of air conditioning systems in the buildings is significantly increasing.

To meet the need of increasing air conditioning devices without the use of conventional units that consume electricity energy, it is crucial to develop sustainable cooling systems that are driven by a renewable energy. The evaporative cooling are able to reduce significantly the energy used for air conditioning systems. It has shown potentials of energy saving, nevertheless, this type of system still has some technical limitations that have impeded its wide applications in AC systems.

[0003] In typical evaporative cooling systems, the supply airflow cannot be cooled below its wet-bulb temperature. However, there are methods called sub-wet bulb evaporative cooling, which are able to produce very low outlet temperatures (theoretically, the limit for these cycles is the ambient air dew-point temperature). Sub wet-bulb evaporative cooling is a new and innovative way to produce cooled air for air conditioning systems, without adding humidity to the air. In these devices the primary (main) air stream passes over the dry side of the plate inside a heat exchanger, while secondary (working) air flows over the opposite side of the plate, which is covered with thin water film. The wet side absorbs heat from the dry side and cools the dry side, while the latent heat of vaporizing water is given to the wet-side air stream. Such systems obviously do not work well in humid climates.

[0004] One prior art discloses an air conditioner incorporating a combination of an air to air heat exchanger with conventional vapor compression-type cooling system. The invention is an air-conditioner unit consisting of: a housing, at least one fan, an air to air heat exchanger, a vapor compression-type cooling system and a control system. Any form of air to air heat exchanger that creates heat transferred between the two air streams would meet the requirement of this invention, but it is preferred a counter-flow air to air heat exchanger. The advantage of the invention is that it is more efficient in comparison to an air conditioning system operating only with a vapor compression-type system. The disadvantage of this system is that is not suited to high humidity conditions. [0005] Another prior art discloses a dew-point cooler. The invention provides the option of constructing a dew-point cooler with an increased efficiency, wherein the temperature at the outlet of the primary circuit reaches at least the line of relative humidity equal 85%. The heat exchanger has an increased surface of heat and mass transfer. The heat- conducting surfaces are covered with a hydrophilic coating, which is moreover capable of buffering a sufficiently large quantity of water, which water is supplied intermittently by wetting unit. This invention highly depends on outdoor conditions, its effectiveness decreases with increasing humidity. The disadvantage of this system is that is not suited to width range of humidity conditions.

[0006] A further example includes a method and apparatus for supplementing the air quality in a building with an evaporative cooling system configured to couple to an existing central air conditioning system. An evaporative cooler includes a number of elements all of which are stored in a housing. These elements typically include an air blower, a evaporative pad, a water distribution system and an electric motor. This invention may be used only in warm and dry climates to both raise the humidity and cool the air. The cooled and more humid air is directed into the area to be cooled.

SUMMARY

[0007] Therefore, aspects of the invention provide the air conditioning units that has the advantage of operating over a width range of humidity, especially in high humidity condition.

[0008] In one embodiment, a process incorporating embodiments of the invention may be indirect and may be used in those air conditioning systems where no humidity addition is allowed in the supply air (for thermal comfort for occupants of buildings), as well as low risks of contamination, as no mass exchange is permitted between the two air streams.

[0009] In addition, aspects of the invention may be reduce the consumption of water. In that respect, the evaporative air cooling systems have been improved in their design for their efficiencies in water consumption. Embodiments of the invention collect condensate from the air conditioning units and rain water in the case of window conditioners.

[0010] Moreover, advantages of embodiments of the invention according to the description may include, in the case of working on recirculating air in the room (which is much cooler and drier than the outside air), efficient indirect evaporative cooling to be utilized without the need for operating the vapor compression cooling system. However, when the moisture content increases, to a point where the cooling process is no longer sufficient. As such, aspects of the invention may operate together with the evaporative cooling system, the vapor compression system may operate so that the required cooling may be achieved. The DX coil, in one embodiment, may be used to dehumidify air that is being cooled.

[0011] Embodiments of the invention improve the efficiency and economic feasibility of evaporative cooling system for buildings. In one aspect, the specific improvements may apply to the distribution of air in air conditioning system, the same exhaust airflow is used for two stages of the process: room conditioning and central fresh air treatment.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention improve on certain elements of indirect evaporative cooling units used in air conditioning systems. The air conditioning system increase its efficiency and productivity by the addition of the novel method disclose here. The elements of these improvements refer to the method of two stage indirect evaporative cooling for buildings and devices which allow to realize this method and other elements disclosed here in. The unique air conditioning system structure has been presented. The first stage of the cooling process is realized in individual indirect evaporative air conditioners and second stage is realized in the central unit. The cost effective and efficient indirect evaporative cooling may be accomplished.

[0013] In particular, aspects of the invention relate to cooling devices which allow to realize this method. First stage of the cooling process is realized in individual indirect evaporative air conditioners, second stage is realized in the central unit responsible for ventilation.

[0014] Moreover, further aspects of the invention relate to an air-conditioner, and in particular to an air-conditioner incorporating a combination of indirect evaporative heat exchanger with conventional vapor compression-type cooling system.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method embodying aspects of the invention may be utilized in three ways: by using only indirect evaporative cooling (for new buildings in dry climate), by using a combination of indirect evaporative cooling and typical cooling coils (for new buildings in humid climate) and by adding evaporative cooling units to the existing air conditioning systems (for existing buildings in all type of climates).

[0016] As such, the two stage indirect evaporative cooling aspects of the invention for buildings described herein enable the use of evaporative cooling in efficient and economical way in air conditioning.

[0017] Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram showing indoor air conditioner and fresh air cooler with evaporative cooling system without supporting cooling coils from a direct expansion

(DX) system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing indoor air conditioner and fresh air cooler with evaporative cooling system with supporting cooling coils from a DX system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram showing embodiments of the invention applicable to a room conditioning through evaporative cooling process as an ad-on to the existing air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exterior of an indoor wall conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exterior of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of some elements of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view (C-C) of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view (A-A) or a front view of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view (B-B) or a back view of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stand-alone conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exterior of a stand-alone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of some elements of a stand-alone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-section (B-B) or a side view of a stand-alone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. [0031] FIG. 14 is a cross-section view (A- A) or a back view of a stand-alone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a top view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a cassette conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a top view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0041] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a bottom view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0043] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a cross-section (D-D) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0047] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a window conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention. [0048] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a top view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a front view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0050] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a left side view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a right side view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0052] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0053] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0055] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0056] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a cross-section (D-D) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0059] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0060] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0061] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a standalone conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0062] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a stand-alone conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0063] FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a stand-alone conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. [0064] FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner with additional

DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0065] FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0066] FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0067] FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0068] FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0069] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0071] FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0072] FIG. 55 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0073] FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0074] FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0075] FIG. 58 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0076] FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a window conditioner with supply

- exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0077] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a perspective view with visible suction branches of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0078] FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a back view of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. [0079] FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0080] FIG. 63 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0081] FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0082] FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0083] FIG. 66 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0084] FIG. 67 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0085] FIG. 68 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0086] FIG. 69A is a diagram illustrating a general scheme of an outdoor air cooler with heat and mass exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0087] FIG. 69B is a diagram illustrating a general scheme of an outdoor air cooler with heat and mass exchanger located vertically according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0088] FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0089] FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally with some of the elements therein according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0090] FIG. 72 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section (A-A) of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0091] FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section (B-B) of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention. [0092] Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity so not all connections and options have been shown to avoid obscuring the inventive aspects. For example, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may often not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein may be defined with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The present invention may now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. These illustrations and exemplary embodiments may be presented with the understanding that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of one or more inventions and may not be intended to limit any one of the inventions to the embodiments illustrated. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as methods, systems, computer readable media, apparatuses, or devices. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The following detailed description may , therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0094] Embodiments of the invention include a two-stage indirect evaporative air cooling system and are applicable to any type of building. In one example, the first stage of the cooling process may be realized in individual indirect evaporative air conditioners. In another example, the second stage may be realized in the central unit responsible for ventilation (providing fresh air and removing exhaust air). In another embodiment, a method embodying aspects of the invention may be realized as follows: each room may be equipped with individual indirect evaporative conditioner, which may cool the room air in the dry channel. A wet channel of the device, in another embodiment, may operate on the exhaust air. For example, the exhaust air may be removed by the central unit responsible for ventilation. In a further embodiment, the same exhaust air may later be used again in another evaporative exchanger in the central unit to cool the supplied fresh air. Embodiments of the invention improve over prior art in that aspects of the invention apply the same exhaust airflow for two stages of the process (room conditioning and central fresh air treatment).

[0095] In a further embodiment, methods embodying aspects of the invention may be implemented as follows:

[0096] In one embodiment, using only indirect evaporative cooling (for new buildings in dry climate).

[0097] In another embodiment, using units equipped with indirect evaporative cooling exchangers and typical cooling coils (for new buildings in humid climate); and by adding evaporative cooling units to the existing air conditioning systems (for existing buildings in all type of climates).

[0098] Exhaust air, after passing the wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger in the central unit responsible for ventilation, may be also used to cool the condensers of the DX systems, because its temperature is lower than of the outdoor air.

[0099] Several units were proposed to realize this method, both for the central units and individual room conditioners. All of the units may be based on the counter flow or cross- flow evaporative air coolers. Exchangers may be located horizontally or vertically, depending on the type of application, their shape may be designed to fit in the units similar to the typical conditioners used in existing air conditioning systems. In indoor conditioners ad discussed in this invention, airflow may be arranged in two different ways: exhaust air and room air are mixed before exchanger and they are driven through dry channel at first and they are separated after they pass dry channel (cooled room air is delivered to the occupants, while exhaust air is delivered to the wet channel) or they are driven separately from the beginning: room air flows through dry channel while exhaust air flows through wet channel.

[0100] A central unit may be based on the indirect evaporative heat and mass exchanger with water tank and water pump to distribute the water in the wet channel. Central unit may also be connected directly to pipeline or used a tank located on top of the unit to avoid using pump (water distribution system may operate on the pipeline pressure or use gravitational force to deliver water to the exchanger). Unit may be additionally equipped with supporting fans, exhaust air recirculation system and solar panels which provide electrical energy to operate the unit. If outdoor units is equipped with the solar panels, it may be arranged to use the exhaust air, which passes the wet channel of the heat exchanger, to cool the solar panels in order to increase their effectiveness. Indoor conditioners may be designed to look similar to the commonly used indoor units: duct conditioner, cassette conditioner, stand-alone conditioner, wall conditioner, window conditioner, or the like. Each indoor unit may be designed in two ways: to operate with and without additional cooling coil. In case of operation with a cooling coil, all the units may be equipped with droplet recovery system to provide water for the wet channel. Window conditioners may also be equipped with rain water recovery system with water filter.

[0101] When central units and indoor units are added to the existing air conditioning system in a building, they may also be equipped with pipe connection to capture the droplets from the existing DX units (in typical air conditioning systems the droplets are removed out of the system through a pipe system).

[0102] Window conditioners are discussed in three versions: equipped only with evaporative air cooler (operating on room air), equipped with evaporative cooler and DX cooling system (compressor, condenser and evaporator) operating on room air and equipped with DX cooling system and operating on fresh air and exhaust air. In case of units combined with DX system, exhaust air, after passing the wet channel, may also be used to cool the condenser.

[0103] Duct conditioner are discussed in three arrangements as well: equipped only with evaporative air cooler and one fan, equipped with evaporative cooler and DX cooler and one fan and equipped with evaporative cooler and double fan system.

[0104] Stand-alone conditioner may be equipped with long elastic duct to remove the exhaust air out of the room and wheels on the bottom side to be portable.

[0105] All units may be equipped with different kind of air guides, dampers and membranes to create even air distribution inside the heat and mass exchanger and on the elements of DX cooling system.

[0106] Most conventional evaporative coolers may include a water spraying system on a top of heat and mass exchanger. The water is sprayed from the water nozzles to the wet channels and runs down onto the top of the evaporative media. The second possibility may be the use of porous materials for the construction of the heat exchanger, so the nozzles may be avoided. In addition, the proposed evaporative cooling system may work with any means to distribute water.

[0107] To obtain maximum evaporation, the uniform water film may be created on the surfaces of the wet channels. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic or hygroscopic covering may be used which allows the walls the required water distribution and water accumulation properties, to providing storage of the water for evaporating between irrigation intervals. The coating is thin that it has an almost negligible thermal resistance, whereby the heat conduction between the main air flow and the working air flow can occur in almost undisturbed way.

[0108] This method may be carried out through a control system that at least determines the temperature of the room air and controls the operation of the air conditioner to operate only the indirect evaporative cooler when the temperature is maintained below the assumed level, and operates both evaporative units and the vapor compression type cooling system (if there is such a possibility and necessity) when the temperature increases above a assumed level.

[0109] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, diagrams illustrating indoor air conditioner and fresh air cooler with evaporative cooling system without supporting cooling coils from a direct expansion (DX) system according to one embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1) and with supporting cooling coils from a direct expansion (DX) system (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the following lists reference numbers are used in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2:

[0110] I - Mixture of exhaust and room air before the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger in indoor conditioner

[0111] II - Cooled room air after indoor conditioner

[0112] III - Exhaust air before the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in indoor conditioner

[0113] IV - Exhaust air after the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in indoor conditioner and before the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in fresh air cooler [0114] V - Exhaust air after the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in fresh air cooler [0115] VI - Fresh air before the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger in fresh air cooler [0116] VII - Cooled fresh air

[0117] 1 - Indoor conditioner

[0118] 2 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0119] 3 - Water distribution system

[0120] 4 - Water supply from the pipeline [0121] 5 - Fresh air cooler

[0122] 6 - Supporting DX cooling coil

[0123] 7 - Droplets capturing system

[0124] 8 - Condensers from the DX system

[0125] In these embodiments, aspects of the invention may be adapted to existing indoor air conditioning or indoor system as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As an illustration and not as a limitation, a mixture of exhaust and room air enters, shown in I, into a dry channel of a heat and mass exchanger in an indoor conditioner 1. In one embodiment, the indoor conditioner 1 may include a heat and mass exchanger 2. The heat and mass exchanger 2 may include a dry channel and a wet channel. The indoor conditioner 1 may further include a water distribution system 3, and the water distribution system 3 may be coupled or connected to a water supply 4 from an external source, such as from water pipes connected to the water system.

[0126] In another embodiment, at II, cooled room air after the indoor conditioner 1 may be output to the conditioned space. In one embodiment, exhaust air is collected before entering the wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger 2 in the indoor conditioner 1 at III. In another embodiment, exhaust air departs from the wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger in the indoor conditioner 1 at IV. In one example, the exhaust air is led to and before the wet channel of a heat and mass exchanger 2 in a fresh air cooler 5. In one embodiment, the fresh air cooler 5 may also include the heat and mass exchanger 2, which may include a dry channel and a wet channel. At V, exhaust air leaves after the wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger 2 in the fresh air cooler 5. At VI, fresh air enters before the dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger 2 in the fresh air cooler 5. Aspects of the invention comes to full circulation when at VII, cooled fresh air enters the conditioned space via embodiments of the invention such that the cooled air may be recycled as input at I above again.

[0127] At FIG. 2, with the addition of a direct expansion (DX) system, embodiments of the invention may conveniently and efficiently enhance existing DX systems. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates how a DX cooling coil 6, a droplets capturing system 7, and a condenser from the DX system 8 may be supplemented to the fresh air cooler 5 as the cooled fresh air enters the conditioned space at VII.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagram shows embodiments of the invention applicable to a room conditioning through evaporative cooling process as an ad-on to the existing air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the following lists reference numbers are used in FIG. 3 :

[0129] I - Room air before the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger in indoor conditioner [0130] II - Cooled room air after indoor conditioner

[0131] III - Exhaust air before the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in indoor conditioner

[0132] IV - Exhaust air after the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in indoor conditioner and before the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in fresh air cooler [0133] V - Exhaust air after the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger in fresh air cooler [0134] VI - Fresh air before the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger in fresh air cooler [0135] VII - Cooled fresh air

[0136] VIII - Room air additionally cooled in the indoor conditioner in existing system

[0137] IX - Fresh air supplied to the room after additional cooling in air handling unit in existing system

[0138] 1 - Indoor evaporative conditioner (ad-on to the existing system)

[0139] 2 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0140] 3 - Water distribution system

[0141] 4 - Water supply from the pipeline

[0142] 5 - Fresh air cooler

[0143] 6 - Droplets capturing system

[0144] 7 - Air handling unit (existing system)

[0145] 8 - Indoor conditioner (existing system)

[0146] 9 - Condensers (existing system)

[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 4-9, these figures illustrate how aspects of the invention may be incorporated into an indoor wall conditioner without supporting cooling coils that may be found in a typical DX system. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exterior of an indoor wall conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exterior of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of some elements of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a side view (C-C) of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-section view (A-A) or a front view of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-section view (B-B) or a back view of an indoor wall conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0148] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIGS. 4-9 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0149] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0150] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0151] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0152] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0153] 1 - Intake for mixture of exhaust and room air to the conditioner

[0154] 2 - Air filter

[0155] 3 - Fan

[0156] 4 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0157] 5 - Water distribution system

[0158] 6 - Water pump

[0159] 7 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0160] 8 - Damper for the room air outlet

[0161] 9 - Exhaust air passage with damper

[0162] 10 - Water tank

[0163] 11 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0164] 12 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0165] 13 - External cover of the conditioner

[0166] 14 - Water connection

[0167] 15 - Water valve

[0168] In a further embodiment, FIGS. 10-14 illustrate diagrams showing how aspects of the invention may be incorporated into a stand-alone conditioner without supporting cooling coils that may be found in a typical DX system. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a standalone conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exterior of a stand-alone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is an isometric view of some elements of a standalone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 is a cross- section (B-B) or a side view of a stand-alone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-section view (A-A) or a back view of a stand-alone conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0169] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 10 to FIG. 14 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0170] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0171] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0172] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0173] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0174] 1 - Intake for mixture of exhaust and room air to the conditioner

[0175] 2 - Air filter

[0176] 3 - Fan

[0177] 4 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0178] 5 - Water distribution system

[0179] 6 - Water pump

[0180] 7 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0181] 8 - Damper for the room air outlet

[0182] 9 - Exhaust air passage with damper

[0183] 10- Water tank

[0184] 11 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0185] 12 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0186] 13 - External cover of the conditioner

[0187] 14 - Water connection

[0188] 15 - Water valve

[0189] FIGS. 15-21 illustrate another implementation of embodiments of the invention in a duct conditioner. For example, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a top view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a duct conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0190] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 15 to FIG. 21 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0191] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0192] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0193] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0194] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0195] 1 - Intake for room air to the conditioner

[0196] 2 - Intake for exhaust air to the conditioner

[0197] 3 - Air filter

[0198] 4 - Fan

[0199] 5 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0200] 6 - Water distribution system

[0201] 7 - Water pump

[0202] 8 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner with damper

[0203] 9 - Exhaust air passage to the wet channel with damper

[0204] 10 - Water tank

[0205] 11 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0206] 12 - Water connection

[0207] 13 - Water valve

[0208] 14 - External cover of the conditioner

[0209] 15 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0210] FIGS. 22-29 illustrate another implementation of embodiments of the invention in a cassette conditioner. For example, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a cassette conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a top view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a bottom view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a cross-section (D-D) view of a cassette conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0211] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 22 to FIG. 29 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0212] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0213] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0214] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0215] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0216] 1 - Intake for mixture of room air and exhaust air to the conditioner with air filter [0217] 2 - Fan

[0218] 3 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0219] 4 - Water distribution system

[0220] 5 - Water pump

[0221] 6 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0222] 7 - Exhaust air passage to the wet channel with damper

[0223] 8 - Water tank

[0224] 9 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0225] 10 - Water connection

[0226] 11 - Water valve

[0227] 12 - External cover of the conditioner

[0228] 13 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0229] 14 - Blockade used to create uniform supply air distribution before the outlet from the conditioner

[0230] 15 - Outlet of the primary air from the exchanger chamber to the supply chamber [0231] 16 - HMX chamber

[0232] 17 - Supply chamber

[0233] FIGS. 30-39 illustrate another implementation of embodiments of the invention in a window conditioner. For example, FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a window conditioner in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a top view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a front view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a left side view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a right side view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a cross-section (D-D) view of a window conditioner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0234] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 30 to FIG. 39 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0235] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger; II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger; III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger; IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0236] 1 - Intake for mixture of room air and exhaust air to the conditioner with air filter

[0237] 2 - Fan

[0238] 3 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0239] 4 - Water distribution system

[0240] 5 - Water pump

[0241] 6 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0242] 7 - Exhaust air passage to the wet channel with damper

[0243] 8 - Water tank

[0244] 9 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0245] 10 - Water connection

[0246] 11 - Water valve

[0247] 12 - External cover of the conditioner

[0248] 13 - Impenetrable air blockade [0249] 14 - Blockade used to create uniform supply air distribution before the outlet from the conditioner

[0250] 15 - Outlet of the primary air from the exchanger chamber to the supply chamber

[0251] 16 - Supply chamber

[0252] 17 - Rain water tank

[0253] 18 - Rain water supply

[0254] 19 - Rain water filter

[0255] 20 - Rain water valve

[0256] 21 - Mounting element

[0257] FIGS. 40-43 illustrate another implementation of embodiments of the invention in a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler. For example, FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a cross- section (A-A) view of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0258] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 40 to FIG. 43 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0259] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0260] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0261] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0262] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0263] 1 - Intake for mixture of exhaust and room air to the conditioner

[0264] 2 - Air filter

[0265] 3 - Fan

[0266] 4 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0267] 5 - Water distribution system

[0268] 6 - Water pump

[0269] 7 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0270] 8 - Damper for the room air outlet [0271] 9 - Exhaust air passage with damper

[0272] 10 - Water tank

[0273] 11 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0274] 12 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0275] 13 - External cover of the conditioner

[0276] 14 - Water connection

[0277] 15 - Water valve

[0278] 16 - DX cooler with droplet separator

[0279] 17 - Droplet recovery

[0280] 18 - Refrigerant connection pipes

[0281] 19 - Exhaust air guides

[0282] In a further embodiment, FIGS. 44-46 illustrate another implementation of embodiments of the invention in a stand-alone conditioner with additional DX cooler. For example, FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a stand-alone conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a stand-alone conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a stand-alone conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0283] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 44 to FIG. 46 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0284] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0285] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0286] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0287] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0288] 1 - Intake for mixture of exhaust and room air to the conditioner

[0289] 2 - Air filter

[0290] 3 - Fan

[0291] 4 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0292] 5 - Water distribution system

[0293] 6 - Water pump

[0294] 7 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner [0295] 8 - Damper for the room air outlet

[0296] 9 - Exhaust air passage with damper

[0297] 10 - Water tank

[0298] 11 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0299] 12 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0300] 13 - External cover of the conditioner

[0301] 14 - Water connection

[0302] 15 - Water valve

[0303] 16 - DX cooler with droplet separator

[0304] 17 - Droplet recovery

[0305] 18 - Refrigerant connection pipes

[0306] 19 - Exhaust air guides

[0307] In a further embodiment, aspects of the invention may be incorporated into a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler. For example, FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0308] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 47 to FIG. 50 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0309] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0310] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0311] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0312] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0313] 1 - Intake for room air to the conditioner

[0314] 2 - Intake for exhaust air to the conditioner

[0315] 3 - Air filter

[0316] 4 - Fan

[0317] 5 - Heat and mass exchanger [0318] 6 - Water distribution system

[0319] 7 - Water pump

[0320] 8 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner with damper

[0321] 9 - Exhaust air passage to the wet channel with damper

[0322] 10 - Water tank

[0323] 11 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0324] 12 - Water connection

[0325] 13 - Water valve

[0326] 14 - External cover of the conditioner

[0327] 15 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0328] 16 - DX cooler with droplet separator

[0329] 17 - Droplet recovery

[0330] 18 - Refrigerant connection pipes

[0331] In yet another example, embodiments of the invention may be integrated into a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler. As an illustration, FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0332] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 51 to FIG. 53 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0333] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0334] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0335] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0336] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0337] 1 - Intake for mixture of room air and exhaust air to the conditioner with air filter [0338] 2 - Fan

[0339] 3 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0340] 4 - Water distribution system

[0341] 5 - Water pump [0342] 6 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0343] 7 - Exhaust air passage to the wet channel with damper

[0344] 8 - Water tank

[0345] 9 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0346] 10 - Water connection

[0347] 11 - Water valve

[0348] 12 - External cover of the conditioner

[0349] 13 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0350] 14 - Blockade used to create uniform supply air distribution before the outlet from the conditioner

[0351] 15 - Outlet of the primary air from the exchanger chamber to the supply chamber

[0352] 16 - HMX chamber

[0353] 17 - Supply chamber

[0354] 18 - DX cooler with droplet separator

[0355] 19 - Droplet recovery

[0356] 20 - Refrigerant connection pipes

[0357] In another embodiment, aspects of the invention enable a window conditioner with additional DX cooler to take advantage of the two-stage indirect evaporative air cooling system. For example, FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler in a conditioned space according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 55 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 58 is a diagram showing a cross-section (C-C) view of a window conditioner with additional DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0358] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 54 to FIG. 58 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0359] I - Inlet for mixture of exhaust and room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0360] II - Outlet for cooled mixture of exhaust and room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger [0361] III - Intake for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0362] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0363] 1 - Intake for mixture of room air and exhaust air to the conditioner with air filter [0364] 2 - Fan

[0365] 3 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0366] 4 - Water distribution system

[0367] 5 - Water pump

[0368] 6 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0369] 7 - Exhaust air passage to the wet channel with damper

[0370] 8 - Water tank

[0371] 9 - Exhaust air outlet to the condenser fan

[0372] 10 - Water connection

[0373] 11 - Water valve

[0374] 12 - External cover of the conditioner

[0375] 13 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0376] 14 - Blockade used to create uniform supply air distribution before the outlet from the conditioner

[0377] 15 - Outlet of the primary air from the exchanger chamber to the supply chamber

[0378] 16 - Supply chamber

[0379] 17 - Rain water tank

[0380] 18 - Rain water supply

[0381] 19 - Rain water filter

[0382] 20 - Rain water valve

[0383] 21 - Mounting element

[0384] 22 - DX cooler with droplet separator

[0385] 23 - Droplet recovery

[0386] 24 - Refrigerant connection pipes

[0387] 25 - Condenser fan

[0388] 26 - Outdoor air inlet for the condenser

[0389] 27 - Condenser

[0390] 28 - Compressor

[0391] 29 - Refrigerant pipe

[0392] 30 - Condenser fan diffuser [0393] It is to be understood that sometimes existing units may have additional parts or elements attached or supplemented. As such, in a further embodiment, even for a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler, aspects of the invention may be incorporated thereto. For example, FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a perspective view with visible suction branches of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a back view of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 63 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A-A) view of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0394] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 59 to FIG. 64 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0395] I - Inlet for outdoor air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0396] II - Outlet for cooled outdoor air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0397] III - Inlet for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0398] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0399] 1 - Intake of the outdoor air to the conditioner with air filter

[0400] 2 - Outdoor air fan

[0401] 3 - Heat and mass exchanger

[0402] 4 - Water distribution system

[0403] 5 - Water pump

[0404] 6 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner

[0405] 7 - Water tank

[0406] 8 - Exhaust air outlet to the condenser fan

[0407] 9 - Water connection

[0408] 10 - Water valve

[0409] 11 - External cover of the conditioner [0410] 12 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0411] 13 - Outlet of the primary air from the exchanger chamber to the supply chamber

[0412] 14 - Mounting element

[0413] 15 - DX cooler with droplet separator

[0414] 16 - Droplet recovery

[0415] 17 - Condenser fan/Exhaust air fan

[0416] 18 - Outdoor air inlet for the condenser

[0417] 19 - Condenser

[0418] 20 - Compressor

[0419] 21 - Condenser fan diffuser

[0420] 22 - Intake of the exhaust air to the conditioner with air filter

[0421] 23 - Outdoor air fan diffuser

[0422] 24 - Air guides

[0423] Similarly, aspects of the invention may apply to a duct conditioner as well. For example, FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 66 is a diagram showing an isometric scheme with some elements of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 67 is a diagram showing a cross-section (A- A) view of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 68 is a diagram showing a cross-section (B-B) view of a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0424] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 65 to FIG. 68 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0425] I - Inlet for room air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0426] II - Outlet for cooled room air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger

[0427] III - Inlet for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0428] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0429] 1 - Intake for room air to the conditioner

[0430] 2 - Intake for exhaust air to the conditioner

[0431] 3 - Air filter

[0432] 4 - Room air fan

[0433] 5 - Heat and mass exchanger [0434] 6 - Water distribution system

[0435] 7 - Water pump

[0436] 8 - Outlet of the cooled room air from the conditioner with damper

[0437] 9 - Water tank

[0438] 10 - Exhaust air outlet from the conditioner

[0439] 12 - Water connection

[0440] 13 - Water valve

[0441] 14 - External cover of the conditioner

[0442] 15 - Impenetrable air blockade

[0443] 16 - DX cooler with droplet separator

[0444] 17 - Droplet recovery

[0445] 18 - Refrigerant connection pipes

[0446] 19 - Exhaust air fan

[0447] Moreover, while illustrations above have mostly dealt with indoor units, aspects of the invention may be incorporated into an outdoor conditioner unit as well. For example, FIG. 69A is a diagram illustrating a general scheme of an outdoor air cooler with heat and mass exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 69B is a diagram illustrating a general scheme of an outdoor air cooler with heat and mass exchanger located vertically according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally with some of the elements therein according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 72 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section (A-A) of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section (B-B) of an outdoor unit with exchanger located horizontally according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0448] In one embodiment, the following illustrates an exemplary air flow description based on the labels in FIG. 69 to FIG. 73 and the elements shown in these figures:

[0449] I - Inlet for outdoor air to the dry channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0450] II - Outlet for cooled outdoor air from dry channel of the heat and mass exchanger [0451] III - Inlet for exhaust air to the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0452] IV - Outlet for exhaust air from the wet channel of heat and mass exchanger

[0453] 1 - Heat and mass exchanger [0454] 2 - Water tank

[0455] 3 - Water distribution system

[0456] 4 - Water pump

[0457] 5 - Recirculation system with dampers (optional)

[0458] 6 - Outdoor air fan

[0459] 7 - Exhaust air fan

[0460] 8 - Water connection

[0461] 9 - Air filter

[0462] 10 - Solar panel for electricity supply (optional)

[0463] 11 - Electric cable from the solar panel (optional)

[0464] 12 - External cover of the unit

[0465] A method of two stage indirect evaporative cooling for buildings and devices which allow to realize this method. This method may be realized in three ways:

[0466] by using only indirect evaporative cooling,

[0467] by using a combination of indirect evaporative cooling and cooling coils supplied by standard mechanical compression cooling system,

[0468] by adding evaporative cooling units to the existing air conditioning systems.

[0469] The invention provides novel means for room air conditioning units. The each room is equipped with individual indirect evaporative conditioner, which cools the room air in the dry channel and wet channel of the device operates on the exhaust air.

[0470] The exhaust air from individual indirect evaporative conditioners is used again in another evaporative exchanger in the central unit, to cool the supplied fresh air.

[0471] In systems stated in claim 1 b) and c) the exhaust air, after passing the central unit, can also be used to cool the condensers in standard air conditioning systems.

[0472] In an embodiment of this invention, all proposed evaporative coolers are based on the counter-flow or cross-flow evaporative air cooler.

[0473] Exchangers stated in claim 5 may be located in the central and indoor units horizontally, vertically or aslant, depending on the type of application and available space.

[0474] Indoor air conditioner and fresh air cooler with evaporative cooling system without supporting cooling coils from DX system, as claimed in claim 2.

[0475] Indoor air conditioner and fresh air cooler with evaporative cooling system with supporting cooling coils from DX system, as claimed in claim 2. [0476] Application of method of room conditioning through evaporative cooling process as an ad-on to the existing air conditioning system.

[0477] The proposed evaporative indoor conditioners can operate with and without supporting cooling coils.

[0478] The proposed evaporative cooling system can work with any means to distribute water in the wet channels of heat exchanger and may be supplied from a water supply network, from a gravity water tank and can use collected condensate and/or rain water.

[0479] Window conditioners as claimed in claim 20; 21, may be equipped with rain water recovery system.

[0480] Central units can also be equipped with rain water recovery system.

[0481] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a wall conditioner for individual room air treatment.

[0482] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a stand-alone conditioner for individual room air treatment.

[0483] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a duct conditioner for individual room air treatment.

[0484] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a cassette conditioner for individual room air treatment.

[0485] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a window conditioner for individual room air treatment.

[0486] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a wall conditioner with additional DX cooler for individual room air treatment.

[0487] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a Stand-alone conditioner with additional DX cooler.

[0488] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a duct conditioner with additional DX cooler for individual room air treatment.

[0489] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a cassette conditioner with additional DX cooler for individual room air treatment.

[0490] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a window conditioner with additional DX cooler for individual room air treatment.

[0491] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a window conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler for individual room air treatment. [0492] The invention provides novel means for application of indirect evaporative coolers as a duct conditioner with supply - exhaust air system and DX cooler for individual room air treatment.

[0493] Proposed devices may be used to realize the method of air conditioning proposed in claim 1 and they may be used as independent solutions to realize typical evaporative cooling process.

[0494] Duct conditioner can deliver the air to the room directly or it may be connected to a set of diffusers which distribute the air in a room.

[0495] When central units and indoor units are added to the existing air conditioning system in a building they are also equipped with pipe connection to capture the droplets from the existing DX units

[0496] All units, both indoor and central may be equipped with different kind of air guides, dampers and membranes to create even air distribution inside the heat and mass exchanger and on the elements of DX cooling system.

[0497] Stand-alone conditioner may be equipped with long elastic duct to remove the exhaust air out of the room and wheels on the bottom side to be portable.

[0498] In indoor conditioners airflow may be arranged in two ways: exhaust air and room air are mixed before the exchanger and they are driven together through dry channel at first and they are separated after they pass the dry channel (cooled room air is delivered to the occupants, while exhaust air is delivered to the wet channel) or they are driven separately from the beginning: room air flows through dry channel while exhaust air flows through wet channel.

[0499] The proposed outdoor air coolers can use solar panels for optional electricity supply.

[0500] Proposed outdoor unit, if it is equipped with the solar panels, as in claim 24, may be arranged to use the exhaust air, which passed the wet channel of the heat exchanger, to cool the solar panels in order to increase their effectiveness.

[0501] Proposed units may use different air filters before the exchanger (mechanical, anti- dust, anti-fat and anti-bacterial).

[0502] Proposed units may use different water filters to clean the water before it is delivered to the wet channels of the exchanger.

[0503] Proposed units may use different coatings and materials for plates of the heat and mass exchanger to increase the effectiveness of heat transfer, distribute water evenly and remove the condensate from the outdoor air channel when central unit operates in a humid climate. Coatings and plate materials may be made of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, hydroscopic and antibacterial materials.

[0504] Proposed units may use different coatings and materials for the water tank and water capturing system to increase the quality of water and facilitate its capturing. Materials and coatings may be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, hydroscopic and antibacterial.

[0505] Proposed units may use different kind of fans to minimize the costs of air transportation and to establish best possible air distribution inside the unit.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of two stage indirect evaporative cooling for buildings and devices comprising:

a) receiving a mixture of exhaust air and air from a conditioned space to a dry channel of a heat and mass exchange of a conditioning unit;

b) supplying a cooled air mixture of exhaust air and the air from the conditioned space to the conditioned space from the dry channel of the conditioning unit;

c) receiving an exhaust air at a wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger of the same conditioning unit;

d) distributing water to the wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger to treat the received exhaust air;

e) transporting a portion of the received exhaust air away from the conditioned space; and

f) recycling another portion of the received exhaust air from the wet channel to the dry channel.

2. A system of two-stage indirect evaporative cooling comprising:

a heat and mass exchanger comprising a dry channel and a wet channel, said dry channel receiving a mixture of exhaust and air from a conditioned space, said dry channel providing a cooled air to the conditioned space as the mixture of exhaust air and the air from the conditioned space pass through the dry channel, said wet channel receiving an exhaust air from the heat and mass exchanger; and

a water distribution system distributes water to the wet channel to treat the received exhaust air;

wherein the wet channel transports a portion of the received exhaust air away from the conditioned space; and

wherein the wet channel recycles another portion of the received exhaust air from the wet channel to the dry channel.

3. A method of two stage indirect evaporative cooling with an existing cooling coil system comprising:

a) receiving a mixture of exhaust air and air from a conditioned space to a dry channel of a heat and mass exchange of a conditioning unit; b) supplying a cooled air mixture of exhaust air and the air from the conditioned space to the conditioned space from the dry channel of the conditioning unit;

c) receiving an exhaust air at a wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger of the same conditioning unit;

d) distributing water to the wet channel of the heat and mass exchanger to treat the received exhaust air;

e) transporting the received exhaust air to a coil cooling system;

f) receiving fresh air from an external source;

g) combining the received fresh air and the received exhaust air through the coil cooling system; and

h) supplying a treated air to the conditioned system from the coil cooling system.