Split system dehumidifier

Abstract

Mini, split-system dehumidifier that provides three modes of operation: heating and dehumidification, cooling and dehumidification, and dehumidification only. The dehumidifier maintains a set temperature of the supply air by controlling the amount of heat of rejection at the primary condenser that is cycled back into the supply air.

1 : Dehumidification apparatus comprising:
 an indoor section including an evaporator, a reheat condenser, and a supply-air fan;   a condensing unit that includes a compressor, a primary condenser, and a fluid pump that provides a flow of heat-exchange medium over said primary condenser;   a refrigeration circuit containing refrigerant that flows through said indoor section and said condensing unit, wherein said refrigerant selectively flows through said primary condenser and/or said reheat condenser;   a first process control for selectively enabling three modes of operation, said modes of operation including a dehumidification-and-heating mode, a dehumidification-and-cooling mode, and a dehumidification-only mode;   a second process control for directly adjusting a rate of flow of said heat-exchange medium, based on a property of said refrigerant at said primary condenser;   wherein, in said dehumidification-only mode, said second process control apportions heat of rejection to said reheat condenser and said primary condenser as required to maintain a temperature of supply air to said indoor space.   
   
   
       2 : The dehumidification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said property of said refrigerant is head pressure and wherein said second process control includes a head-pressure sensor for measuring said head pressure and a controller for adjusting said rate of flow of said heat-exchange medium, based on said head pressure. 
   
   
       3 : The dehumidification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said property of said refrigerant is temperature and wherein said second process control includes a temperature sensor for measuring said temperature and a controller for adjusting said rate of flow of said heat-exchange medium, based on said temperature. 
   
   
       4 : The dehumidification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said heat-exchange medium is air and said fluid pump is a condenser fan. 
   
   
       5 : The dehumidification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said heat-exchange medium is liquid and said fluid pump is variable-speed pump that drives fluid in a liquid circulation loop over said primary condenser. 
   
   
       6 : The dehumidification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said heat-exchange medium is liquid and said liquid circulation loop incorporates a modulating valve to regulate the rate of flow of said heat-exchange medium over said primary condenser. 
   
   
       7 : The dehumidification apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an auxiliary heating element for providing a second stage of heating. 
   
   
       8 : The dehumidification apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a heating priority switch which energizes said compressor on a call for heating, without a call for dehumidification.