• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
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    • 专利摘要:
    An air conditioning and dehumidifier system comprising: an air conditioner comprising a cooling unit; a first inlet 5 to the cooling unit drawings air from a controlled area; a second inlet to the cooling unit drawing fresh air from outside the area; an outlet to the area; a condenser with an air inlet into which relatively cool outside air is drawn; and a heater air outlet from the condenser; a 10 dehumidifying unit utilizing liquid desiccant, comprising a drying unit having a wet air inlet and dry air outlet; a regenerator unit; a hot air inlet; a wet air outlet; and a heat pump that transfers heat from relatively cooler liquid desiccant to relatively warmer liquid desiccant; a is conduit connecting the heater air outlet of the air conditioner to the hot air inlet of the dehumidifying unit; and a conduit connecting the dry air outlet of the dehumidifying unit to the second inlet of the air conditioner. 4015603 (GHMatters) P43345.AU.4 WO 00/55546 PCT/ILOO/00105 Ln C) 0 co o 0 tn Ln Ldi Lo CN U-) NO rn C%4 Ln Ln
    公开号:AU2013200647A1
    申请号:U2013200647
    申请日:2013-02-07
    公开日:2013-02-28
    发明作者:Dan Forkosh；Mordechai Forkosh；Tomy Forkosh
    申请人:Ducool Ltd；
    IPC主号:F24F5-00
    专利说明:
    - 1 DEHUMIDIFIER/AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention is related to the field of environmental control systems and more particularly, to the field of systems which combine dehumidification and air conditioning. 10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general, air conditioning systems not only reduce the temperature of the ambient air, but also remove is substantial amounts of water from it. This is especially true when the air conditioner is treating "fresh" air inputted from outside the controlled environment. However, such combined air conditioning/dehumidification is generally inefficient. Furthermore, since some of the 20 potential cooling power of the air-conditioner is used for dehumidification, the effective cooling capacity of the air conditioner is significantly reduced. It is known in the art to provide dehumidification of air 25 prior to its being cooled. In some cases, the mechanisms of the dehumidifier and the air conditioner are not integrated. In such cases, while there is an increase in the cooling capacity of the air conditioner, the overall efficiency of the system is relatively poor. 30 U.S. Patent 4,984,434 describes an integrated system in which air to be cooled is first dehumidified by passing it through a desiccant type dehumidifier before being cooled by contact with an evaporator of an air conditioner. 35 Regeneration of the desiccant is performed by passing the water containing desiccant over the condenser of the air conditioning system. 5102113 4015E03_1 (GHMallers) P43348.AU4 - 2 This system suffers from a number of limitations. Firstly, it dehumidifies all of the air being cooled. Since most of the air inputted to the dehumidifier is from the s controlled space (and thus fairly dry already) the dehumidifier does not remove much water from the air and thus does not provide much cooling for the condenser. This would cause an overall increase in the temperature of the desiccant and a reduction in the efficiency of both the 10 dehumidifier and the air-conditioner. A second problem is that such a system is not modular, namely, the dehumidifier must be supplied as part of the system. Furthermore, adding a dehumidifier to an existing air conditioning system and integrating the dehumidifier and 15 air conditioner to form the system of this patent appears to be impossible. Another type of dehumidifying/air conditioning system is also known. In this type of system, as described, for 20 example in US patents 5,826,641, 4,180,985 and 5,791,153, a dry desiccant is placed in the air input of the air conditioner to dry the input air before it is cooled. Waste heat (in the form of the exhaust air from the 25 condenser) from the air conditioner is then brought into contact with the desiccant that has absorbed moisture from the input air in order to dry the desiccant. However, due to the relatively low temperature of the air exiting the air conditioner, the amount of drying available from the 30 desiccant is relatively low. The above referenced US Patent 4,180,985 also describes a system using liquid desiccant as the drying medium for the dehumidifying system. Here again, the low temperature of 35 the exhaust gas from -the air conditioner reduces substantially the efficiency of the system. 5102/13 4015603_1 (GHMaLers) P43346.AU.4 - 3 Prior art desiccant based dehumidifiers generally require the movement of the desiccant from a first region in which it absorbs moisture to a second regeneration region. In the case of solid desiccants, this transfer is achieved by 5 physically moving the desiccant from a dehumidifying station to a regeneration station, for example by mounting the desiccant on a rotating wheel, a belt or the like. In liquid desiccant systems two pumps are generally provided, one for pumping the liquid to the regeneration station and 10 the other for pumping the liquid from the regeneration station to the dehumidifying station. In some embodiments, a single pump is used to pump from one station to the other, with the return flow being gravity fed. 15 The operation of standard air conditioning systems and the desiccant systems described above is illustrated with the aid of Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a chart of temperature vs. absolute humidity in which iso-enthalpy and iso-relative humidity curves are superimposed. Normal air conditioners 20 operate on the principle of cooling the input air by passing it over cooling coils. Assuming that the starting air conditions are at the spot marked with an X, the air is first cooled (curve 1) until 25 its relative humidity is 100% at which point further cooling is associated with condensation of moisture in the air. In order for there to be removal of liquid from the air, it must be cooled to a temperature that is well below a comfort zone 4. The air is heated to bring it to 30 the comfort zone, generally by mixing it with warmer air already in the space being cooled. This excess cooling in order to achieve dehumidification is a major cause of low efficiency in such systems, under certain conditions. 35 Normal dehumidifier systems actually heat the air while they remove air from it. During dehumidification (curve 2) the enthalpy hardly changes, since there is no removal of 5/02113 40156031 {GHMattem) P43346.AU.4 - 4 heat from the system of air/desiccant. This results in an increase in temperature of both the desiccant and the air being dried. This extra heat must then be removed by the air conditioning system, lowering its efficiency. 5 In all dehumidifier systems mechanical power must be exerted to transfer the desiccant in at least one direction between a regenerating section and a dehumidifying section thereof. For liquid systems, pumps 10 are provided to pump liquid in both directions between the two sections or between reservoirs in the two sections. While such pumping appears to be necessary in order to transfer moisture and/or desiccant ions between the two sections, the transfer is accompanied by undesirable heat 15 transfer as well. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one form of the present invention, there is 20 provided a dehumidifier system comprising: first and second reservoirs of liquid desiccant, wherein one of said reservoirs contains a relatively higher desiccant concentration than the other; 25 a dehumidifier unit functionally associated with the reservoirs containing a relatively lower desiccant concentration, into which moist air is introduced and from which less moist air is removed using at least one fan or 30 air mover; a regenerator unit functionally associated with the reservoirs containing a relatively higher desiccant concentration; and 35 a passageway connecting the first and second reservoirs. 5102113 4015603_1 (GHMaters} P43346.AU.4 - 5 According to one form of the present invention, there is provided a dehumidifier system comprising: first and second reservoirs of liquid desiccant, wherein s one of said reservoirs contains a relatively higher desiccant concentration than the other; a dehumidifier unit functionally associated with the reservoirs containing a relatively lower desiccant 10 concentration, into which moist air is introduced and from which less moist air is removed using at least one fan or air mover; a regenerator unit functionally associated with the is reservoirs containing a relatively higher desiccant concentration; and a passageway connecting the first and second reservoirs such that transfer of liquid desiccant between the 20 reservoirs is facilitated. According to one form of the present invention, there is provided a method of dehumidifying utilizing a dehumidifier having a dehumidifier unit functionally 25 associated with a first reservoir of liquid desiccant and a regenerator functionally associated with a second reservoir of liquid desiccant, wherein liquid in said first and second reservoirs are connected by a passageway, the method comprising: 30 introducing air into said dehumidifier unit such that moisture is removed from the introduced air, diluting the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir and increasing the volume of the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir; 35 transferring liquid desiccant from said first reservoir to said second reservoir by flowing liquid desiccant 5102/13 40166031 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 6 containing moisture and a quantity of desiccant from said first to said second reservoir via said passageway; removing moisture from the regenerator such that the 5 liquid desiccant in the second reservoir becomes more concentrated and reduced in volume; transferring an amount of desiccant salt ions, substantially equal to said quantity from the second 10 reservoir to the first reservoir via said passageway, such that desiccant salt ion levels in both reservoirs remain substantially constant. According to one form of the present invention, there is is provided a method of dehumidifying utilizing a dehumidifier having a dehumidifier unit having a first reservoir of liquid desiccant and a regenerator having a second reservoir of liquid desiccant, wherein liquid in said first and second reservoirs are connected by a 20 passageway, the method comprising: introducing air into said dehumidifier unit such that moisture is removed from the introduced air using at least one fan or air mover, diluting the liquid desiccant in the 25 first reservoir and increasing the volume of the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir; transferring liquid desiccant from said first reservoir to said second reservoir via a passageway; 30 removing moisture from the regenerator such that the liquid desiccant in the second reservoir becomes more concentrated and reduced in volume; 35 transferring an amount of desiccant ions, equal to said quantity from the second reservoir to the first reservoir via said passageway, such that, during steady state 5(0213 4015603_1 (GHMallers) P43346AU,4 - 7 operation of the dehumidifier, liquid desiccant is passively transferred from one reservoir to the other reservoir. 5 According to one form of the present invention, there is provided a method of dehumidifying utilizing a dehumidifier having a dehumidifier unit having a first reservoir of liquid desiccant and a regenerator having a second reservoir of liquid desiccant, wherein liquid in 10 said first and second reservoirs connected by a passageway, the method comprising: introducing air into said dehumidifier unit such that moisture is removed from the introduced air using at least 15 one fan or air mover, diluting the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir and increasing the volume of the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir; transferring liquid desiccant from said first reservoir to 20 said second reservoir by flowing liquid desiccant containing moisture and a quantity of desiccant from said first to said second reservoir via said passageway; removing moisture from the regenerator such that the 25 liquid desiccant in the second reservoir becomes more concentrated and reduced in volume; transferring an amount of desiccant ions between the reservoirs via apertures between the reservoirs. 30 An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention is concerned with a combined dehumidifier/air conditioner is which a relatively low level of integration is provided. In preferred embodiments of the invention, heat 3s generated by the condenser is used to remove liquid from the desiccant. However, unlike the above referenced prior art, the air conditioner condenser continues to be cooled 5102113 40156031 (GHMallers) P43346.AU.4 by outside air. The heated air which exits the air conditioner, containing waste heat, is used to remove moisture from the desiccant. 5 In contrast to the prior art, in which the heated air is the sole source of energy for the regeneration of the desiccant, in preferred embodiments of the invention, a heat pump is utilized to transfer energy from relatively cool desiccant to heat the desiccant during regeneration, 10 in addition to the heat supplied from the exhaust of the air conditioning portion of the system. This results in a system in which the air conditioner does not have to overcool the air to remove moisture and the dehumidifier does not heat the air in order to remove moisture. This is is in contrast with the prior art systems in which one or the other of these inefficient steps must be performed. In some preferred embodiments of the invention combined dehumidifier/air-conditioner in which only "fresh", 20 untreated air is subject to dehumidification prior to cooling by the air conditioner. This allows for both the dehumidifier and the air-conditioner to operate at high efficiency, since the dehumidifier will be operating on only wet "fresh" air and the air conditioner will be 25 cooling only relatively dry air. Thus, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the amount of waste heat generated by the air-conditioner is relatively high and the heat requirements of the 30 dehumidifier are relatively low, since a major portion of the heat for regeneration is supplied by the heat pump. According to an aspect of the invention a simple method of integration of an air conditioner and dehumidifier is 35 provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner and dehumidifier are separate units without conduits for air connecting the 5/02/13 40156031 (GNMatters) P43348.AU.4 - 9 units. However, unlike prior art unintegrated units, the present invention provides advantages of utilizing waste heat from the air conditioner to provide regeneration energy for the dehumidifier. 5 According to an aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention, in the steady state, moisture is transferred from the dehumidifier portion of a system to the regenerator without the necessity of transferring 10 liquid from the regenerator back to the dehumidifier. In general, in liquid dehumidifier systems, moisture must be transferred from the dehumidifier section to the regenerator section. Since the moisture is in the form of is a moisture rich (low concentration) desiccant, this is performed by pumping or otherwise transferring the desiccant. Since the desiccant also contains desiccant ions, these must be returned to the dehumidifier to maintain the desiccant ion level required for 20 dehumidification. This is generally achieved by pumping high concentration desiccant from the regenerator to the dehumidifier section. However, in addition to pumping ions, moisture is also transferred. While the extra energy utilized for pumping may or may not be significant, the 25 inadvertent heat transfer implicit in pumping of the moisture back to the dehumidifier is significant in reducing the efficiency of the system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, reservoirs in 30 the dehumidifier and regenerator sections are connected with a passageway that allows only limited flow. Preferably, the passageway takes the form of an aperture in a wall common to the two reservoirs. 35 During operation, the absorption of moisture in the dehumidifying section increases the volume in the dehumidifier reservoir, resulting in the flow, by gravity, 5/02/13 4G15503_1 (GHMalters) P43346AU,4 - 10 of moisture rich (low concentration) desiccant from the dehumidifier reservoir to the regenerator reservoir. This flow also carries with it a flow of desiccant ions, which must be returned to the dehumidifier section. As indicated 5 above, in the prior art, this is achieved by pumping ion rich desiccant solution from the regenerator to the dehumidifier section. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the return flow of ions is achieved, by diffusion of ions, via the aperture, from the high 10 concentration regenerator reservoir to the low concentration reservoir. The inventors have found that, surprisingly, diffusion is sufficient to maintain a required concentration of ions in the dehumidifier section and that the return flow is not associated with an is undesirable heat transfer associated with the transfer of (hot) moisture together with the ions, as in the prior art. In especially preferred embodiments of the invention, no 20 pumps are used to transfer desiccant between the reservoirs or between the dehumidifier section and the regenerator, in either direction. One form of equipment for use with the dehumidifier system 25 includes: an air conditioner comprising: a cooling unit in which air is cooled; 30 a first inlet to the cooling unit drawing air from the area; a second inlet to the cooling unit drawing fresh air from outside the area; 35 an outlet to the area via which cooled air is transferred to the area; 5/02113 40156031 (GHMeters) P43346AtJA - 11 a heat exchanger at which heat removed from air by the cooling unit is removed from the air conditioner; an air inlet to the heat exchanger into which relatively s cool outside air is drawn, heat being transferred to said air from said heat exchanger; and a heated air outlet from the heat exchanger from which the heated air exits; 10 a dehumidifying unit utilizing liquid desiccant, comprising: a drying unit having a wet air inlet and a dry air outlet is from which air dried by the drying unit exits and in which liquid desiccant dries the air and removes heat from it; a regenerator unit in which moisture removed from air by the drying unit is removed from the liquid desiccant; a 20 hot air inlet to the regenerator unit; a wet air outlet from the regenerator unit via which air entering the hot air inlet exits after moisture is transferred to it; and 25 a heat pump that transfers heat from relatively cooler liquid desiccant in the dehumidifying unit to relatively warmer liquid desiccant; 30 a conduit connecting the heated air outlet of the air conditioner to the hot air inlet of the dehumidifying; and a conduit connecting-the dry air outlet of the dehumidifying unit to the second inlet of the air 35 conditioner. Preferably, moisture removal from the desiccant is aided 5/02113 4015603_1 {GHMatters) P43346AU.4 - 12 by providing heat to the regenerator. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes at least one pump to pump desiccant between the drying unit and the 5 regenerator. Preferably, the relatively cooler liquid desiccant is in a dehumidifier sump that receives desiccant after it has absorbed moisture from the outside air. 10 Preferably, the drying unit comprises a chamber in which said moisture is removed from the outside air and wherein the heat is removed by the heat pump from liquid desiccant being transported to the chamber. Preferably, the drying 15 unit comprises a dehumidifier sump that receives desiccant after it has absorbed moisture from the outside air and wherein the heat is removed by the heat pump from liquid desiccant being transported to the chamber from the sump. 20 In a preferred embodiment, the regenerator unit comprises a compartment that contains liquid desiccant being regenerated and wherein the heat is transferred directly by the heat pump to said desiccant in said compartment. 25 Preferably, the regenerator unit comprises a compartment that contains liquid desiccant being regenerated and wherein the heat is transferred by the at least one heat pump to liquid desiccant being transported to the compartment. Preferably, the regenerator unit comprises a 30 regenerator sump that receives desiccant after moisture has been removed from it and wherein the heat is transferred to desiccant being transported to the chamber from the regenerator sump. 35 In a preferred embodiment, the air conditioner includes a fan to draw air into the cooling unit and wherein the fan is also operative to draw air into the wet air inlet of 5102113 40156031 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 13 the drying unit. In a preferred embodiment, the air conditioner includes a fan to draw air into the heat exchanger and wherein the s fan is also operative to force air exiting the heat exchanger into the hot air inlet of the regenerator. In a preferred embodiment, the air conditioner utilizes a refrigerant to which heat is transferred in a condenser in 10 said cooling unit and from which refrigerant heat is transferred in an evaporator in said heat exchanger. In a preferred embodiment, the air conditioner cools an interior space and wherein the heat exchanger is outside 15 the space. Preferably, the wet air inlet communicates to an area outside the controlled area. 20 In a preferred embodiment, the controlled area is at least a portion of a building. In a preferred embodiment, the proportion of air drawn into the cooling unit via the first and second inlets 25 thereto is at least partially controllable. There is further provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a dehumidifier system comprising: 30 a liquid desiccant in two reservoirs, one of which contains a higher desiccant concentration than the other; a dehumidifier unit into which moist air is introduced and from which less moist air is removed after 35 dehumidification by liquid desiccant transferred thereto; a regenerator unit which receives desiccant solution that 5/02/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 14 has absorbed from the moist air and removes moisture from it; and a passageway connecting the reservoirs, via which 5 passageway, during steady state operation of the dehumidifier, there is a net flow of moisture from the reservoir having the lower desiccant concentration to the other reservoir without there being a net flow of desiccant ions through the passageway. 10 Preferably, the passageway is an aperture such that the level of liquid desiccant in the two reservoirs is the same. is In a preferred embodiment, there is no pumping of liquid desiccant from one reservoir to the other. Preferably, the transfer of moisture is by gravity. In a preferred embodiment, there is no transfer of liquid 20 desiccant between the reservoirs except via apertures connecting the reservoirs. In a preferred embodiment, the two reservoirs include a first reservoir which receives said liquid desiccant from 25 said dehumidifying chamber after said desiccant absorbs moisture thereat. Preferably, liquid desiccant is transferred to the dehumidifying chamber from the first reservoir. 30 In a preferred embodiment, the two reservoirs include a second reservoir which receives said liquid desiccant from said regenerator after removal of moisture therefrom. Preferably, liquid desiccant is transferred to the regenerating chamber from said second reservoir. 35 In a preferred embodiment, the dehumidifier includes a heat pump that transfers heat from relatively cooler 502/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU4 - 15 liquid desiccant to relatively warmer liquid desiccant. Preferably, the heat pump pumps heat from the reservoir having the lower concentration of desiccant to that having 5 the higher concentration of desiccant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat pump transfers heat from desiccant in a conduit carrying desiccant to the dehumidifier unit. 10 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a substantial temperature differential is maintained between the first and second reservoirs. Preferably, the temperature differential is at least 50C. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the temperature differential is at least i5 100C or at least 150C. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Particular embodiments will be described with reference to 20 the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures wherein identical structures, elements or parts which appear in more than one figure are preferably labelled with a same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, in which: 25 Fig. 1 shows cooling and dehumidification curves for conventional air conditioning and dehumidification systems; 30 Fig. 2 schematically shows a dehumidifier unit, usable in a combined dehumidifying/air-conditioning system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 35 Fig. 3 schematically shows a second dehumidifier unit, usable in a combined dehumidifying/air conditioning system, in accordance with an alternative preferred 5/0213 4015503_1 (GHMallers) P43346.AU.4 - 16 embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a dehumidifier unit system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, 5 that is also usable in a dehumidifying/air-conditioning systems in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 shows the dehumidification curves for the systems 10 described with respect to Figs. 2-4, together with those for conventional air conditioning and dehumidification systems; and Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a combined is dehumidifier/air-conditioner system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 20 In some preferred embodiments, the dehumidifiers described in applicants' PCT Applications PCT/IL97/00372, filed 16 November 1997 and PCT/IL98/00552, filed 11 November 1998, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by 25 reference, are used as dehumidifier 42. These applications were published on May 27, 1999 as WO 99/26025 and WO 99/26026 respectively. They were published after the filing of the application from which the present application claims priority and were incorporated by 30 reference therein. In view of the utility of these dehumidifiers in the present invention, the dehumidifiers described therein are described in detail herein. Referring first to Fig. 2, a dehumidifying system 10, as 35 described in the above referenced applications, comprises, as its two main sections a dehumidifying chamber 12 and a regenerator unit 32. Moist air enters dehumidifying 5/02/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346AU4 - 17 chamber 12 via a moist air inlet 14 and dried air exits chamber 12 via a dry air outlet 16. Preferably, desiccant 28 is pumped by a pump 20 from a s desiccant reservoir 30 via a pipe 13 to a series of nozzles 22. These nozzles shower a fine spray of the desiccant into the interior of chamber 12, which is preferably filled with a cellulose sponge material 24 such as is generally used in the art for such purposes. More io preferably, the desiccant is simply dripped on the sponge material. The desiccant slowly percolates downward through the sponge material into reservoir 30. Moist air entering the chamber via inlet 14 contacts the desiccant droplets. is Since the desiccant is hygroscopic, it absorbs water vapor from the moist air and drier air is expelled through outlet 16. Preferably, reservoir 30 is located on the bottom of chamber 12 so that the desiccant from sponge 24 falls directly into the reservoir. 20 In this embodiment, a pump 35 and associated motor 37 pump desiccant from an extension of reservoir 30 into pipe 13. A divider 38 receives desiccant from pipe 13 and sends part of the desiccant to nozzles 22 and part to 25 regenerator unit 32. A valve or constriction 39 (preferably a controllable valve or constriction) may be. provided to control the proportion of the desiccant which is fed to regenerator 32. If a controllable valve or constriction is used, the amount of desiccant is 30 preferably controlled in response to the amount of moisture in the desiccant. Chamber 34 includes a heat exchanger 36 which heats the desiccant to drive off part of the water vapor it has 35 absorbed, thus regenerating it. Regenerated liquid desiccant is transferred back to 5/02113 4015603%1 (GHMS1erS) P43346AU.4 - 18 reservoir 30 via a pipe 40 and a tube 42 of sponge material such as that which fills chamber 12. Tube 40 is preferably contained in a chamber 58 which has an inlet 60 and an outlet 62. Air, generally from outside the area in 5 which the air is being modified, for example from an air conditioning exhaust, as described below, enters the chamber via inlet 60 and carries away additional moisture which is evaporated from the still hot desiccant in tube 42. The air exiting at outlet 62 carries away this 10 moisture and also moisture which was removed from the desiccant in the regenerator. Preferably a fan (not shown) at exit 62 sucks air from chamber 58. Alternatively or additionally, heat is transferred from is the regenerated liquid desiccant to the desiccant entering or in the regenerator by bringing the two desiccant streams into thermal (but not physical) contact in a thermal transfer station (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, a heat pump may be used to transfer 20 additional energy from the cooler desiccant leaving the regenerator to the hotter desiccant entering the regenerator, such that the desiccant returning to the reservoir is actually cooler than the desiccant which enters chamber 58. 25 Preferably, a heat pump system 44 is provided which extracts heat from the desiccant in reservoir 30 to provide energy to heat exchanger 36. Preferably, this heat pump includes (in addition to exchanger 36 which is the 30 condenser of the system) a second heat exchanger 46 in reservoir 30, which is the evaporator of the system, and an expansion valve 56. This transfer of energy results in a reduced temperature of the desiccant which contacts the air being dried thus reducing the temperature of the dried 35 air. Second, this transfer of energy reduces the overall requirement of energy for operating the regenerator, generally by up to a factor of 3. Since the energy 5/02/13 40156031 (GHMailers) P43348.AUA - 19 utilized by the regeneration process is the major energy requirement for the system, this reduction in energy usage can have a major effect on the overall efficiency of the system. Additionally, this method of heating of the 5 desiccant in the regenerator may be supplemented by direct heating, utilizing a heating coil or waste heat from an associated air-conditioner. It should be understood that the proportion of water vapor 10 in the desiccant in reservoir 30 and in the regenerated desiccant must generally be within certain limits, which limits depend on the particular desiccant used. A lower limit on the required moisture level is that needed to dissolve the desiccant such that the desiccant is in 15 solution and does not crystallize. However, when the moisture level is too high, the desiccant becomes inefficient in removing moisture from the air which enters chamber 12. Thus, it is preferable that the moisture level be monitored and controlled. It should be noted that some 20 desiccants are liquid even in the absence of absorbed moisture. The moisture level in these desiccants need not be so closely controlled. However, even in these cases the regeneration process (which uses energy) should only be performed when the moisture level in the desiccant is 2S above some level. This monitoring function is generally performed by measurement of the volume of desiccant, which increases with increasing moisture. A preferred method of measuring 30 the volume of liquid in the reservoir is by measurement of the pressure in an inverted vessel 50 which has its opening placed in the liquid in the reservoir. A tube 52 leads from vessel 50 to a pressure gauge 54. As the volume of desiccant increases from the absorption of moisture, 35 the pressure measured by gauge 52 increases. Since the volume of desiccant in the dehumidifier chamber and in the regenerator is fairly constant, this gives a good 5102/13 4015603.1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 20 indication of the amount of desiccant and thus of the amount of moisture entrained in the desiccant. When the moisture level increases above a preset value, the heat in chamber 34 is turned on. In a preferred embodiment of the s invention, when the moisture level falls below some other, lower preset value, the heater is turned off. Other factors which may influence the cut-in and cut-out points of the regeneration process are the temperature of io the dry air, the regeneration efficiency and the heat pump efficiency. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, it may be advisable to provide some direct heating of desiccant in the regeneration process. 15 In other embodiments, heat pumps or other heat transfer means (not shown for simplicity) are provided to transfer heat from the dried air exiting chamber 12 and or from the heated moist air leaving regenerator chamber 34, to heat the desiccant on its way to or in chamber 34. If heat 20 pumps are used, the source of the heat may be at a temperature lower than the desiccant to which it is transferred. It should be understood that cooling of the desiccant in 25 the reservoir can result in dried air leaving the dehumidifier which has the same, or preferably a lower temperature than the moist air entering the dehumidifier, even prior to any additional optional cooling of the dry air. This feature is especially useful where the 30 dehumidifier is used in hot climates in which the ambient temperature is already high. As indicated above, one of the problems with dehumidifier systems is the problem of determining the amount of water 35 in the desiccant solution so that the dehumidifier solution water content may be kept in a proper range. 5102/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AUA - 21 A self regulating dehumidifier 100, that is self regulating with respect to water content of the desiccant solution and thus does not require any measurement of the volume or water content of the desiccant solution, is 5 shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the dehumidifier operates until a predetermined humidity is reached and then ceases to reduce the humidity, without any controls or cut-offs. Dehumidifier 100 is similar to dehumidifier 10 of Fig. 1, 10 with several significant differences. First, the system does not require any measurement of water content and thus does not have a volumetric measure for the desiccant. However, such a measurement may be provided as a safety measure if the solution becomes too concentrated. 15 Second, the heat pump transfers heat between two streams of desiccant solution being transferred from reservoir 30 (which is conveniently divided into two portions 30A and 30B connected by pipes 30C), namely a first stream being 20 pumped to nozzles 22 by a pump system 130, via a conduit 102 and a second stream being pumped to regenerator unit 32 by a pump system 132, via a conduit 104. Preferably, pipes 30C (including the bypass pipes shown) 25 are designed so that its major effect is to generate a common level of the solution in portions 30A and 30B. In general, it is desirable that the two reservoir portions have different temperatures. This necessarily results in different concentrations of desiccant. However, it is 30 considered generally desirable to provide some mixing between the sections, by some pumping via the bypass pipes shown so as to transfer moisture from one portion to the other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a temperature differential of 5 0 C or more is maintained, more 35 preferably, 10*C or more and most preferably 15*C or even more. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, reservoir portion 30A is at a temperature of 30 0 C or more 5/02/13 4015603_1 (GHMallers) P43345AUA - 22 and reservoir portion 30B is at a temperature of 150C or less. In Fig. 3, a different construction for regenerator unit 5 32 is shown, which is similar to that of the dehumidifier section. Furthermore, in Fig. 3, neither section has a cellulose sponge material. Such material may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 3 or it may be omitted from the embodiment of Fig. 2 and replaced by the spray mechanism 10 of Fig. 3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, applicable to either Figs. 2 or 3, spray nozzles are not used. Rather, the spray nozzles are replaced by a dripper system from is which liquid is dripped on the cellulose sponge to continuously wet the sponge. Such systems are shown, for example in the above referenced PCT/IL98/00552. Returning to Fig. 3, heat pump system 44 extracts heat 20 from the desiccant solution in conduit 102 and transfers it to the desiccant in conduit 104. Heat pump system 44 preferably contains, in addition to the components contained in the embodiment of Fig. 2, an optional heat exchanger 136 to transfer some of the heat from the 25 refrigerant leaving heat exchanger 104 to the regenerating air. Preferably, the compressor is also cooled by the regenerating air. However, when the air is very hot, additional air, not used in the regenerator, may be used for cooling the compressor and the refrigerant. 30 Alternatively, only such air is used for such cooling. The resultant heating of the air entering the regenerator increases the ability of the air to remove moisture from the desiccant. Heat pump 44 is set to transfer a fixed 35 amount of heat. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the humidity set point is determined by controlling the amount of heat transferred between the two 5/02/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P4334B,AUA - 23 streams. Consider the system shown in Fig. 3, with the air entering dehumidifier chamber 12 at 30 degrees C and 100% humidity. 5 Assume further that the amount of liquid removed from the air reduces its humidity to 35% without reducing the temperature. In this situation, the amount of heat transferred between the streams of desiccant solution would be equal to the heat of vaporization of the water 10 removed from the air, so that the temperature of the desiccant solution falling into reservoir 20 from chamber 12 is at the same temperature as that which enters it, except that it has absorbed a certain amount of moisture from the air. 15 Assume further, that the regenerator is set up, such that at this same temperature and humidity, it removes the same amount of water from the desiccant solution. This may require an input of heat (additionally to the heat 20 available from the heat pump). Further assume that the air entering the dehumidifier chamber has a lower humidity, for example 80%. For this humidity, less liquid is removed (since the efficiency of 25 water removal depends on the humidity) and thus, the temperature of the desiccant solution leaving the dehumidifier chamber also drops. However, since less water enters the desiccant solution from the dehumidifier chamber, the amount of water removed from the solution in 30 the regenerator also drops. This results in a new balance with less water removed and the desiccant solution at a lower temperature. A lower temperature desiccant results in cooler air. Thus, the temperature of the exiting air is also reduced. However, the relative humidity remains 35 substantially the same. It should be understood that a reduction of input air temperature has substantially the same effect. Generally, the system is self regulating, 5/02/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 24 with the dehumidifying action cutting off at some humidity level. The humidity level at which this takes place will depend on the capacity of the solution sprayed from nozzles 22 to absorb moisture and the ability of the 5 solution and on the capacity of the solution sprayed from nozzles 22' to release moisture. In general as the air at inlet 14 becomes less humid (relative humidity) the dehumidifier becomes less able to 10 remove moisture from it. Thus, the solution is cooled on each transit through the conduit 102 and the percentage of desiccant in the solution in 30B reaches some level. Similarly, as less moisture is removed from the air, the solution in 30A becomes more concentrated and less is moisture is removed from it (all that happens is that it gets heated). At some point, both removal and absorption of moisture by the solution stop since the respective solutions entering the dehumidifier and regenerator chambers are in stability with the air to which or from 20 which moisture is normally transferred. It should be understood that this humidity point can be adjusted by changing the amount of heat transferred between the solutions in conduits 102 and 104. If greater 25 heat is transferred, the desiccant in the dehumidifying chamber is cooler and the desiccant in the regeneration chamber is hotter. This improves the moisture transfer ability of both the dehumidifying chamber and the regenerator and the humidity balance point is lowered. For 30 less heat pumped from the dehumidifier side to the regenerator side, a higher humidity will result. In addition, the set-point will depend somewhat on the relative humidity of the air entering the regenerator. 35 Fig. 4 shows another -dehumidifier 200, in which no pumping of desiccant is required. Except as described below, it is generally similar to the dehumidifier of Fig. 3, except 5102n13 4015603_1 {GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 25 that there is no pumping of the desiccant liquid between the sumps 30A and 30B. (Fig. 4 does have a somewhat different layout from that of Fig. 3A). The inventors have surprisingly found that an appropriately shaped and sized 5 aperture, such as aperture 202 connecting the two sumps provides a suitable way to provide required transfer between the two sumps. In general, in a liquid desiccant system such as that of 10 Figs. 3 or 4, sump 30B (the sump of dehumidifying chamber 12) accumulates additional moisture over sump 30A (the sump of regenerator 32). This additional moisture must be transferred to sump 30A or directly to the regenerator in order to remove the moisture from the desiccant. In is addition, the concentration of desiccant in sump 30B is much lower than that in sump 30A, and the proportion of desiccant in sump 30A must be continually increased so that the efficiency and drying capacity of regeneration is kept high. 20 one way of coping with this problem is to use a single sump, as in the device of Fig. 2. However, this results in substantially the same temperature for the desiccants used from dehumidification and that being regenerated. This 25 results in a loss of efficiency. In the dehumidifier of Fig. 3, the sumps are kept separate and pumps are used to pump the liquid from one sump to the other. This allows for a temperature differential to be 30 maintained between the sumps and thus between the regenerator and the dehumidifying sections. As indicated above, pipe 30C is so constructed that only minimal liquid transfer takes place between the sumps, preserving a relatively high temperature differential. 35 However, the transfer of liquid in Fig. 3 is inefficient, since desiccant is inevitably transferred from the 5/02h3 4015503j (GHMalters) P43346.AU.4 - 26 dehumidifying section to the regenerator and moisture is transferred to the dehumidifying section from the regenerator. In addition, in order to preserve the temperature differential, an undesirable balance of 5 moisture and desiccants in the sumps is also preserved, even if it is reduced by the pumping. (The desiccant concentration is higher in the regenerator sump than in the sump of the dehumidifier section). Both these effects result in reduced efficiency of both sections of the 10 dehumidifier. The apparatus of Fig. 4 solves this problem by transferring the desiccants and salts by diffusion between the liquids in the sumps, rather than by pumping desiccant is solution between the sumps. Thus, on a net basis, only desiccant salt ions are transferred from the regenerator sump to the pumps, and only moisture, on a net basis is transferred from the dehumidifier sump to the regenerator sump. 20 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, aperture 202 is provided between sumps 30A and 30B. The size and positioning of this aperture is chosen to provide transfer of ions of water and desiccant salt between the sumps 25 without an undesirable amount of thermal transfer, especially from the hotter to the cooler reservoir. In practice, the size of the aperture may be increased, such that at full dehumidification, the flow of heat between the sumps is at an acceptable level. When the hole is too 30 large, there appears to be a flow of heat from the hotter regenerator reservoir to the cooler dehumidifier reservoir. Undesirable heat flow may be determined by measuring the temperature near the hole and comparing it to the temperature in the bulk solution in the sump. When 35 the hole is too large, there will generally be a significant thermal flow from sump 30B to sump 30A. When the hole size is reduced too much, the transfer of ions is 5102/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 27 reduced and the overall efficiency is reduced. It should be understood that the embodiment of Fig. 4 preferably provides temperature differentials of the same 5 order (or even greater) than that of Fig. 3. While the size is preferably empirically determined as described above, in an exemplary, but not limiting, experimental systems the aperture is rectangular, with 1o rounded corners having a width of 1-3 cm (preferably about 2 cm) and a height of 1-10 cm, depending on the capacity of the system. Preferably, the hole is placed at the bottom of the partition between the reservoirs, so as to take advantage of the higher salt concentration in the i5 regenerator reservoir at the bottom of the reservoir. The additional height allows the system to operate even under extreme conditions when some crystallization (which may block the aperture) occurs at the bottom of the reservoir. 20 It should be understood that the dimensions and positioning of the aperture or apertures is dependent on many factors and that the example given above was determined experimentally. 25 Some salient points about the dehumidifier of Fig. 4 should be noted. There is a net flow of moisture, via aperture 202 from reservoir 30B to reservoir 30A when the system has reached a steady state and the air conditions are constant. In fact, since the dehumidifier section is 30 continuously adding moisture to the desiccant and the regenerator is continuously removing moisture from it, this is to be expected. During operation, the concentration of ions in reservoir 30A is generally higher than that in reservoir 30B. This will be true, because the 35 desiccant in 30A is continuously being concentrated and that in 30B is continuously be diluted. This difference in concentration causes a diffusive flow of ions from 6/02h13 4015603_1 (GHMattes) P43348.AU.4 - 28 reservoir 30A to reservoir 30B, via aperture 202. However, this is balanced by the flow of ions from reservoir 30B to 30A caused by the flow of solution in this direction. This results in no net flow of ions from one reservoir to the 5 other. During periods of changing conditions of the input air, there may be a transient net flow of ions. During a start-up transient, the total amount of liquid desiccant solution increases by the addition of moisture 10 removed from the air. This means that during this transient period there is a net transfer of desiccant ions from reservoir 30B to 30A which results in the concentration of desiccant in reservoir 30B being lower than that in reservoir 30A during steady state. 15 In a practical system, during steady state, the temperature of the desiccant in reservoir 30B is 15"C and the concentration is 25% by weight of salt. Preferably, the salt used is lithium chloride, since this is a stable 20 salt with relatively high desiccating capacity. Lithium bromide is an even better desiccant, but is less stable; it too can be used. Other usable salts include magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and sodium chloride. Other liquid desiccants, as known in the art may also be used. 25 The temperature and concentrations for reservoir 30A is 40 0 C and 35%. It should be understood that the concentration in reservoir 30A can be higher (without crystallization) than that in reservoir 30B due to the 30 higher temperature of the desiccant. When the system stops, the concentrations and temperatures soon equalize. Of course, these numbers will vary widely depending on the temperature and humidity of the air being conditioned and the "set point" of the dehumidifier (as determined by the 35 heat pump setting), among other factors. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there is no 5/02/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 29 transfer of materials between the reservoirs, except via the aperture and no pumps are used for transfer. Fig. 5 shows a diagram, similar to that of Fig. 1, except 5 that the desiccant systems of Figs. 2-4 are represented by a line 3. This shows that the cooling of the desiccant in the dehumidifier side, by the heat pump, results in only a small change in the temperature of the air. This means that the air treated by the dehumidifier need neither be 10 cooled by the air conditioner (as in the case of the desiccant systems of the prior art) nor need it be heated as is necessary if air conditioning systems are used to remove the moisture. This allows the air conditioning system to do the job they do best, namely removing heat 15 from the air, while freeing them from any side effects of having a dehumidifier coupled to them, for example, the heating of the air into the air conditioner by the dehumidifier. 20 Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a combined dehumidifier/air conditioner system 310 in the context of a split air conditioner 312, such as is normally used to cool an enclosed area such as a large room 314 in a house. Air conditioner 312, in its simplest form, comprises a room 25 air inlet 316 which feeds room air via a conduit 318 to an evaporator 320 which cools the air. Air from the room is drawn into evaporator 320 by a fan 322 and exits the evaporator via a room air outlet 324 to room 314. Heated refrigerant is compressed by a compressor 324 30 (shown in an outside portion of air conditioner 312) and passed to a condenser 328. Condenser 328 is cooled by outside air drawn into a cooling inlet 330 by a fan 332. Heated air exits outside portion 326 via a waste heat outlet 334. 35 The cooled compressed refrigerant is expanded in an expander 336 and returns to evaporator 320 to be used to 5102/13 4015603 1 {CHMntters) PA$346.AI.4 - 30 cool the room air. Additionally, air conditioner 312 comprises a fresh air inlet 338 through which fresh air is brought in to the 5 room. The quantity of fresh air is generally controlled by a louver or baffle system 340, 341. Either one or both louvers or baffles 340, 341 may be supplied, depending on the amount and type of control over the proportion of fresh air required. The fresh air is mixed with the air 10 drawn from the room and is fed to evaporator 320. Air conditioner 312, as described, is completely conventional in design. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, other types of air conditioning systems may is be used as appropriate. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a dehumidifier unit 342 is utilized to increase the efficiency and cooling capacity of the air-conditioner. 20 Dehumidifier 342, in a simplified block diagram comprises a drying unit 344 which receives outside air via a wet air inlet 346 and passes dried air out of a dried air outlet 348. The air is dried in unit 344 by passing it through a 25 mist, or the like, of liquid desiccant or desiccant solution. Moisture in the air is adsorbed by the desiccant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, dried air outlet 348 communicates with fresh air inlet 338 of air conditioner 312, preferably, via a conduit 349. 30 Preferably, since the impedance of drying unit is relatively low, no air pump, additional to fan 322 of the air conditioner is required. However, one may be provided, in some embodiments of the invention. 35 Desiccant with adsorbed water is transferred to a regenerator 350 in which the desiccant is regenerated by removing moisture from it, by heating the desiccant. In a 510213 4015603a_ (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 31 preferred embodiment of the invention, this heating (and the carrying away of the water vapor removed from the desiccant) is accomplished by passing hot air through the desiccant (preferably the desiccant is in a mist or other 5 finely divided form). The hot relatively dry air enters the dehumidifier via an inlet 352 and exits via an outlet 354. This hot air is conveniently and efficiently provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, by connecting waste heat outlet 334 of air 10 conditioner 312 with inlet 352 of the dehumidifier. Since the pressure drop in regenerator 350 is very low, in preferred embodiments of the invention, no fan or other air pump in addition to fan 332 of air conditioner 312 is is needed to move the air through the regenerator. While, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, no additional fans are required for moving air into or out of the dehumidifier, such fan or fans could be present, if 20 convenient, as for example if stand alone dehumidifier and air conditioners are to be integrated as described herein. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner and dehumidifier share a common control panel 25 from which both are controlled and from which, preferably, all the above functions can be turned on or off or adjusted. In preferred embodiments of the invention, one of the 30 systems of Figs. 1-3 is used as dehumidifier 342. In these embodiments of the invention, port 348 of Fig. 4 corresponds to port 16 of Figs. 1-3, port 352 corresponds to port 60, port 346 corresponds to port 14 and port 354 corresponds to port 62. It should be further understood 35 that dehumidifier 342 is shown in very schematic form in Fig. 4 and that, for example, the placement of the elements may be different and many elements are not shown 5/02/13 4O1563_ (GHMaiem) P4334.BAU.4 - 32 in Fig. 4. In addition, for the embodiment of Fig. 3 the pumps shown in Fig. 4 are not present. Furthermore, the heat-pumps of Figs. 1-3 are not shown in Fig. 4, although they are preferably present in the system. 5 System 310 has a number of advantages over the prior art. As can be easily noted from Fig. 4, dehumidifier 342 can be an add on to air conditioner 312, which may be a standard unit. The task of drying incoming air, performed 10 in a most inefficient manner by the air conditioner, has been transferred to a more efficient dehumidifier which utilizes waste heat from the air conditioner for most of its energy (only energy to pump the desiccant between dryer 344 and regenerator 350 is needed). The capacity of 15 the air conditioner system for cooling is enhanced since it no longer needs to dry the air. The efficiency of the combined unit actually increases with increasing temperature in contrast to normal air conditioner systems. While the heat available is the heat developed by the air 20 conditioner in cooling all of the air, the dehumidifier dries only part of the air, namely that entering the room. This balance means that the heating requirements for the dehumidifier are generally easily met by the air conditioner exhaust. 25 In addition, while air conditioning systems are not suitable for use in high humidity, low temperature situations, the system of the present invention is effective in these situations as well. 30 A combination device such as that described above, has shown a 60% cooling capacity over the air conditioner itself and a 30% efficiency improvement over the use of an air conditioner by itself, for the same indoor air 35 quality. The invention has been described in the context of 5102/13 4015603_l (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 33 particular non-limiting embodiments. However, other combinations of air conditioning and dehumidifiers in accordance with the invention, as defined by the claims will occur to persons of skill in the art. For example, in 5 Fig. 2, the heat is removed from liquid desiccant in the sump. Alternatively, it could be removed from liquid desiccant being transported to the drying chamber. In Figs 3 and 4 the heat is pumped from liquid desiccant while it is being transported to the drying chamber. 10 Alternatively, it could be removed from the liquid desiccant in a sump that receives carrier liquid from the drying chamber. Fig. 2 shows a different type of regenerator than does Figs. 3 and 4. In some preferred is embodiments of the invention, the regenerator types are interchangeable. Fig; 2 shows the heat being transferred by the heat pump to the liquid in the regeneration chamber. Alternatively, or additionally, it can be transferred to liquid desiccant being transported to the 20 regeneration chamber (as in Figs. 3 and 4). Finally, while not shown in the Figs., the heat could be transferred to liquid in sump 30A for all both Figs 3 and 4. Additionally, while many features are shown in the preferred embodiments, some of these 15 features, although 25 desirable, are not essential. As used in the claims the terms "comprise", "include" or "have" or their conjugates mean "including but not limited to . 30 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any 35 other country. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 5102113 401503_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AUA - 34 description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "Comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, s i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 5102/13 4D15603_1 (GHMallers) P43340AUA
    权利要求:
    Claims (23)
    [1] 1. A dehumidifier system comprising: 5 first and second reservoirs of liquid desiccant, wherein one of said reservoirs contains a relatively higher desiccant concentration than the other; 10 a dehumidifier unit functionally associated with the reservoirs containing a relatively lower desiccant concentration, into which moist air is introduced and from which less moist air is removed using at least one fan or air mover; 15 a regenerator unit functionally associated with the reservoirs containing a relatively higher desiccant concentration; and 20 a passageway connecting the first and second reservoirs.
    [2] 2. A dehumidifier system comprising: 25 first and second reservoirs of liquid desiccant, wherein one of said reservoirs contains a relatively higher desiccant concentration than the other; a dehumidifier unit functionally associated with the 30 reservoirs containing a relatively lower desiccant concentration, into which moist air is introduced and from which less moist air is removed using at least one fan or air mover; 35 a regenerator unit functionally associated with the reservoirs containing a relatively higher desiccant concentration; and 5/02/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43348.AU.4 - 36 a passageway connecting the first and second reservoirs such that transfer of liquid desiccant between the reservoirs is facilitated. 5
    [3] 3. A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the passageway is an aperture such that the level of liquid desiccant in the two reservoirs is the same. 10
    [4] 4. A dehumidifier according to claim 2 wherein there is no pumping of liquid desiccant from one reservoir to the other. 15
    [5] 5. A dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-4 wherein said transfer of moisture is by gravity.
    [6] 6. A dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein the two reservoirs include a first reservoir 20 which receives said liquid desiccant from said dehumidifying chamber after said desiccant absorbs moisture thereat.
    [7] 7. A dehumidifier according to claim 6, wherein liquid 25 desiccant is transferred to the dehumidifying chamber from the first reservoir.
    [8] 8. A dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-7 wherein the two reservoirs include a second reservoir 30 which receives said liquid desiccant from said regenerator after removal of moisture therefrom.
    [9] 9. A dehumidifier according to claim 8 wherein liquid desiccant is transferred to the regenerating chamber 3s from said second reservoir.
    [10] 10. A dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-9 and 5/02/13 40156031 (GHMaliers) P4334,AV.4 - 37 including a heat pump that transfers heat from relatively cooler liquid desiccant to relatively warmer liquid desiccant. 5
    [11] 11. A dehumidifier according to claim 10 wherein the heat pump pumps heat from the reservoir having the lower concentration of desiccant to that having the higher concentration of desiccant. 10
    [12] 12. A dehumidifier according to claim 10 wherein the heat pump transfers heat from desiccant in a conduit carrying desiccant to the dehumidifier unit.
    [13] 13. A dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-12 is wherein a substantial temperature differential is maintained between the first and second reservoirs.
    [14] 14. A dehumidifier according to claim 13 wherein the temperature differential is at least 5 Degrees C. 20
    [15] 15. A dehumidifier according to claim 14 wherein the temperature differential is at least 10 Degrees C.
    [16] 16. A dehumidifier according to claim 15 wherein the 25 temperature differential is at least 15 Degrees C.
    [17] 17. A method of dehumidifying utilizing a dehumidifier having a dehumidifier unit functionally associated with a first reservoir of liquid desiccant and a 30 regenerator functionally associated with a second reservoir of liquid desiccant, wherein liquid in said first and second reservoirs are connected by a passageway, the method comprising: 35 introducing air into said dehumidifier unit such that moisture is removed from the introduced air, diluting the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir and 5/02113 4015803_ (GHMallers) P4334tAU.4 - 38 increasing the volume of the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir; transferring liquid desiccant from said first 5 reservoir to said second reservoir by flowing liquid desiccant containing moisture and a quantity of desiccant from said first to said second reservoir via said passageway; io removing moisture from the regenerator such that the liquid desiccant in the second reservoir becomes more concentrated and reduced in volume; transferring an amount of desiccant salt ions, 15 substantially equal to said quantity from the second reservoir to the first reservoir via said passageway, such that desiccant salt ion levels in both reservoirs remain substantially constant. 20
    [18] 18. A method of dehumidifying utilizing a dehumidifier having a dehumidifier unit having a first reservoir of liquid desiccant and a regenerator having a second reservoir of liquid desiccant, wherein liquid in said first and second reservoirs are connected by a 25 passageway, the method comprising: introducing air into said dehumidifier unit such that moisture is removed from the introduced air using at least one fan or air mover, diluting the liquid 30 desiccant in the first reservoir and increasing the volume of the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir; transferring liquid desiccant from said first 35 reservoir to said second reservoir via a passageway; removing moisture from the regenerator such that the 5/02)h3
    4015603.1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 39 liquid desiccant in the second reservoir becomes more concentrated and reduced in volume; transferring an amount of desiccant ions, equal to 5 said quantity from the second reservoir to the first reservoir via said passageway, such that, during steady state operation of the dehumidifier, liquid desiccant is passively transferred from one reservoir to the other reservoir. 10
    [19] 19. A method of dehumidifying utilizing a dehumidifier having a dehumidifier unit having a first reservoir of liquid desiccant and a regenerator having a second reservoir of liquid desiccant, wherein liquid in said 15 first and second reservoirs connected by a passageway, the method comprising: introducing air into said dehumidifier unit such that moisture is removed from the introduced air using at 20 least one fan or air mover, diluting the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir and increasing the volume of the liquid desiccant in the first reservoir; 25 transferring liquid desiccant from said first reservoir to said second reservoir by flowing liquid desiccant containing moisture and a quantity of desiccant from said first to said second reservoir via said passageway; 30 removing moisture from the regenerator such that the liquid desiccant in the second reservoir becomes more concentrated and reduced in volume; 35 transferring an amount of desiccant ions between the reservoirs via apertures between the reservoirs. 5102113 4015603_1 (GNMatters) P43346.AU.4 - 40
    [20] 20. A method according to any one of claims 17-19 wherein liquid desiccant is transferred from said first reservoir to said second reservoir substantially by gravity. 5
    [21] 21. A dehumidifier system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10
    [22] 22. A method of dehumidifying utilizing a dehumidifier substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
    [23] 23. Every novel feature as hereinbefore disclosed or is defined in the specification and/or drawings when taken alone or in combination with any other feature including features that are novel or otherwise, including groups of two or more features. 5(02/13 4015603_1 (GHMatters) P43346.AU.4
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    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    CN103994525A|2014-06-10|2014-08-20|青岛微恒工程有限公司|Constant-temperature constant-humidity air conditioning device achieving two-way utilization of energy|US5791153A|1995-11-09|1998-08-11|La Roche Industries Inc.|High efficiency air conditioning system with humidity control|
    AU4963397A|1997-11-16|1999-06-07|Drykor Ltd.|Dehumidifier system|
    法律状态:
    2015-01-22| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    2017-09-14| MK14| Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU27444/99||1999-03-14||
    AU2011200685A|AU2011200685B2|1999-03-14|2011-02-18|Dehumidifier/ air-conditioning system|
    AU2013200647A|AU2013200647B2|1999-03-14|2013-02-07|Dehumidifier/air-conditioning system|AU2013200647A| AU2013200647B2|1999-03-14|2013-02-07|Dehumidifier/air-conditioning system|
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