Thermodynamic closed loop desiccant rotor system and process

Abstract

A thermodynamic closed loop desiccant rotor system and process utilizes at least one closed recirculation loop that provides interchangeable energy directly to the desiccant material and various rotor isolated zoning configurations in combination with various arrangements of energy exchange devices and refrigeration components to maximize the interchangeable and recovered energy capability and capacity through both closed thermodynamic cycles and open cycle processes for significantly improved efficiency and energy conservation. The present desiccant rotor system may be utilized in an air conditioning system for dehumidification, humidification, moisture removal, and capture of moisture, and in other applications to remove unwanted gases.

1 . A thermodynamic closed loop desiccant rotor system for conditioning a fluid, comprising:
 a desiccant rotor wheel impregnated with a desiccant material and having an isolated preconditioning zone, an isolated regeneration zone, and an isolated process zone;   a process fluid stream;   a regeneration fluid stream;   heating means in fluid communication with said regeneration zone of said desiccant rotor wheel and said regeneration fluid stream for heating said regeneration fluid stream;   a first isolated preconditioning fluid stream that circulates in a first closed loop independent of said process fluid stream and said regeneration fluid stream;   said first closed loop comprising a first energy exchange means for the exchange of thermal energy with said isolated fluid stream, recirculating means connected in fluid communication with said energy exchange means and said isolated preconditioning zone of said desiccant rotor wheel for recirculating said isolated preconditioning fluid stream in a fluid flow path across said first energy exchange means, and across said isolated preconditioning zone in a continuous closed loop, said first energy exchange means operative to raise or lower the temperature and vapor conditions of said preconditioning fluid stream;   said desiccant rotor wheel rotating continuously such that said desiccant material passes sequentially through said isolated preconditioning zone, said isolated regeneration zone, said isolated process zone, and returns to said isolated preconditioning zone; wherein, in a cycle of operation;   said first isolated preconditioning fluid stream after leaving said first energy exchange means passes through said desiccant material at said preconditioning zone to directly precondition the desiccant material and its moisture content such that the desiccant material reacts to achieve an equilibrium state with the crossing preconditioning fluid stream and the crossing preconditioning fluid stream exits said isolated preconditioning zone having different temperature and vapor conditions relative to entering temperature and moisture conditions;   said preconditioned desiccant material enters said isolated regeneration zone and said heated regeneration fluid stream after leaving said heating means passes through said preconditioned desiccant material thereby accelerating the release of moisture and vapor from the desiccant material into the regeneration fluid stream thereby regenerating the desiccant material;   said desiccant material having reduced moisture and vapor content enters said isolated process zone and said process fluid passes through said desiccant material to adsorbs moisture and exits the isolated process zone as the conditioned fluid; and   said desiccant material reenters said isolated preconditioning zone to repeat the cycle.