Apparatus and method for enhanced dehumidification

Abstract

A method and apparatus for enhancing performance of a dehumidifier that is operating in a substantially closed air environment facilitates air-to-air heat exchange between a first air stream derived from the closed air environment and a second air stream derived from a source other than the closed air environment, the second air stream being cooler than the first air stream.

1 . An apparatus for enhancing performance of a dehumidifier that is operating in a substantially closed air environment, the apparatus comprising:
 a cabinet adapted to removably attach to the dehumidifier, the cabinet having
 a first inlet receiving a first air stream from the closed air environment; 
 a second inlet receiving a second air stream from a source other than the closed air environment, the second air stream being cooler than the first air stream; 
 a first outlet discharging the first air stream to the dehumidifier; 
 a second outlet discharging the second air stream; and 
 an air-to-air heat exchanger in the cabinet, the air-to-air heat exchanger facilitating heat exchange between the first and second air flows to thereby cool the first air flow prior to discharge of the first air flow to the dehumidifier and warm the second air flow prior to discharge of the second air flow. 
   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a fan for driving the second air stream through the cabinet. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , comprising means for thermostatically controlling the fan. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising means for removably attaching the cabinet to a dehumidifier. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the means for removably attaching the cabinet to a dehumidifier comprise a slot on the cabinet. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the means for removably attaching the cabinet to a dehumidifier comprise a tab having an aperture. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary air stream is discharged to an area other than the substantially closed air environment. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a baffle for directing condensate from the heat exchanger into the drip pan. 
   
   
       9 . A method for enhancing performance of a dehumidifier that is operating in a substantially closed air environment, the apparatus comprising:
 facilitating air-to-air heat exchange between a first air stream derived from the closed air environment and a second air stream derived from a source other than the closed air environment, the second air stream being cooler than the first air stream such that the first air stream is cooled;   discharging the cooled, first air stream to an inlet on the dehumidifier for dehumidification.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the step of dehumidifying the cooled first air stream and discharging the dehumidified first air stream to the closed air environment. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the step of discharging the second air stream to an area outside of the closed air environment. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the source is an air-conditioned source. 
   
   
       13 . An arrangement for dehumidification of a substantially closed air environment, the system comprising:
 a dehumidifier having an inlet for receiving moist air and an outlet for discharging dehumidified air to the closed air environment; and   an air-to-air heat exchanger having a first inlet receiving a first air stream from the closed air environment, a second inlet receiving a second air stream from a source other than the closed air environment, the second air stream being cooler than the first air stream, a first outlet discharging the first air stream to the dehumidifier inlet, and a second outlet discharging the second air stream.   
   
   
       14 . The arrangement of  claim 13 , comprising a cabinet housing the air-to-air heat exchanger, the cabinet adapted to removably attach to the dehumidifier. 
   
   
       15 . The arrangement of  claim 14 , comprising an inlet cover adapted to interchangeably fit on the dehumidifier when the cabinet is not attached to the dehumidifier and on the cabinet when the cabinet is attached to the dehumidifier. 
   
   
       16 . The arrangement of  claim 15 , wherein the inlet cover comprises an air filter. 
   
   
       17 . The arrangement of  claim 13 , comprising a duct carrying the second air stream from the source to the second inlet. 
   
   
       18 . The arrangement of  claim 13 , comprising a duct carrying the second air stream from the second outlet to an area other than the closed air environment. 
   
   
       19 . The arrangement of  claim 13 , comprising a fan for driving the secondary air stream through the air-to-air heat exchanger. 
   
   
       20 . The arrangement of  claim 19 , wherein the fan is thermostatically controlled.