Desiccant assisted multi-use air pre-conditioner unit with system heat recovery capability

Abstract

A dehumidifier unit for pre-conditioning air delivered to a multiplicity of separate refrigeration air conditioner units and especially ductless systems where the compressor-condenser unit is separate from the fan-coil unit, and assisted by heat pipe transfer of heat from air dehumidified through a desiccant wheel and by heat of compression from the condenser of one compressor-condenser unit, and with a heater to maintain the temperature of regeneration air through the wheel, one dehumidifier unit pre-conditioning air for a multiplicity of refrigeration air conditioners or fan-coil units.

I claim:  
     
       1. A convertible desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner for implemented use to dehumidify an air column delivered into an air conditioned space, and including; 
       a first ducting means dedicated to dehumidification of incoming air at an intake end and delivering supply air at a discharge end for conditioning said air conditioned space,  
       a second ducting means dedicated to desiccant regeneration by means of return air from said air conditioned space,  
       there being at least one air flow control means at an intake end of the second ducting means,  
       a third ducting means for receiving return air at an intake end and delivering exhaust air at a discharge end,  
       there being one air flow control means space at the intake end of the third ducting means and at least one air flow control means space at the discharge end of the third ducting means,  
       a coupler means duct open between the at least one air flow control means at an intake end of the second ducting means and said one flow control means space at the intake end of the third ducting means,  
       desiccant dehumidifying means exposed to an air column flowing through the first ducting means for dehumidification and exposed to an air column flowing through the second ducting means for regeneration of weakened desiccant,  
       heater means for tempering the air column to a regenerating temperature through the second ducting means,  
       and heat transfer means exposed to air columns flowing through each of said first and third ducting means.  
     
     
       2. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  1 , wherein useful implementation is by means of a flow splitter member fixed in said one flow control means space at the intake end of the third ducting means and splitting intake air between the third ducting means and said coupler ducting means, and a corner member fixed in said at least one flow control means space at the intake end of the second ducting means and turning a split off portion of the air flow through the second ducting means and through the heating means and the desiccant dehumidifying means exposed therein and passing a portion thereof through the third ducting means and through the heat transfer means exposed therein, whereby dehumidified air flows from the discharge end of the first ducting means at reduced temperature assisted by the transfer of heat of absorption to air flow exhausted from the discharge end of the third ducting means, and weakened desiccant regenerated by means of the heated air column flowing through the dehumidifier means exposed in the second ducting means. 
     
     
       3. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  1 , wherein the desiccant dehumidifying means is of wheel configuration having a dehumidifying segment exposed into the air column in the first ducting means and having a regenerating segment exposed into the air column in the second ducting means, and with motor means for revolving the wheel. 
     
     
       4. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  1 , wherein the heat transfer means is comprised of at least one heat pipe having a hot end exposed in the first ducting means downstream of the dehumidifying means for absorbing heat, and having a cold end exposed in the third ducting means for dissipating said heat. 
     
     
       5. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  4 , there being an air flow control means space intermediate the intake and discharge ends of the third ducting means and upstream of the heat transfer means exposed therein, and wherein an evaporative cooler means is fixed in said last mentioned control means space for assisting the cold end of the heat pipe to dissipate heat. 
     
     
       6. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  2 , wherein the desiccant dehumidifying means is of wheel configuration having a dehumidifying segment exposed into the air column in the first ducting means and having a regenerating segment exposed into the air column in the second ducting means, and with motor means for revolving the same. 
     
     
       7. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  2 , wherein the heat transfer means is comprised of at least one heat pipe having a hot end exposed in the first ducting means downstream of the dehumidifying means for absorbing heat, and having a cold end exposed in the third ducting means for dissipating heat. 
     
     
       8. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  7 , there being an air flow control means space intermediate the intake and discharge ends of the third ducting means and upstream of the heat transfer means exposed therein, and wherein an evaporative cooler means is fixed in said last mentioned control means space for assisting the cold end of the heat pipe to dissipate heat. 
     
     
       9. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  1 , wherein a first fan means at the intake end of the first ducting means transports conditioned air therethrough, and a second fan means at the intake end of the third ducting means transports regeneration air therethrough. 
     
     
       10. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  2 , wherein a first fan means at the intake end of the first ducting means transports conditioned air therethrough, and a second fan means at the intake end of the third ducting means transports regeneration air therethrough. 
     
     
       11. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  2  and in combination with at least one refrigeration air conditioner system comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air conditioner. 
     
     
       12. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  3  and in combination with at least one refrigeration air conditioner system comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air conditioner. 
     
     
       13. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  4  and in combination with at least one refrigeration air conditioner system comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air conditioner. 
     
     
       14. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  5  and in combination with at least one refrigeration air conditioner system comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air conditioner. 
     
     
       15. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  2  and in combination with at least one refrigeration air conditioner system comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the condenser circuit in parallel with said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air conditioner. 
     
     
       16. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  2 , and in combination with at least one refrigeration air conditioner system comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the condenser circuit in series with said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air conditioner. 
     
     
       17. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner as set forth in claim  1 , wherein useful implementation is by means of a closure member fixed in said one control means space at the intake end of the third ducting means and closing the coupler duct means thereto, a closure member fixed in said at least one flow control means space at the discharge end of the second ducting means space and closing the coupler duct means thereto and leaving an open control means space, a closure member fixed in said at least one control means space at the discharge end of the third ducting means and leaving an open flow control means space, there being a fourth ducting means attached to the second ducting means and in open communication between the open flow control space at the discharge end of the third ducting means and the open flow control means space at the intake end of the second ducting means, whereby dehumidified air flows from the discharge end of the first ducting means at reduced temperature assisted by the transfer of heat of absorption to the column of air through the fourth ducting means as regeneration air through the second ducting means and through the dehumidifying means exposed therein for regenerating weakened desiccant. 
     
     
       18. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner and refrigeration air conditioner combination as set forth in claim  17 , wherein the desiccant dehumidifying means is of wheel configuration having a dehumidifying segment exposed into the air column in the first ducting means and having a regenerating segment exposed into the air column in the second ducting means, and with motor means for revolving the same. 
     
     
       19. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner and refrigeration air conditioner combination as set forth in claim  17 , wherein the heat transfer means is comprised of at least one heat pipe having a hot end exposed in the first ducting means downstream of the dehumidifying means for absorbing heat, and having a cold end exposed in the third ducting means for dissipating said heat. 
     
     
       20. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner and refrigeration air conditioner combination as set forth in claim  19 , there being an air flow control means space intermediate the intake and discharge ends of the third ducting means and upstream of the heat means exposed therein, and wherein an evaporative cooler means is fixed in said last mentioned control means space for assisting the cold end of the heat pipe to dissipate heat. 
     
     
       21. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner and refrigeration air conditioner combination as set forth in claim  17 , wherein a first fan means at the intake end of the first ducting means transports conditioned air therethrough, and a second fan means at the intake end of the third ducting means transports regeneration air therethrough. 
     
     
       22. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner and refrigeration air conditioner combination as set forth in claim  17 , wherein the refrigeration air conditioner is comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration compressor-condenser unit. 
     
     
       23. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner and refrigeration air conditioner combination as set forth in claim  17 , wherein the refrigeration air conditioner is comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the condenser circuit in parallel with said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air compressor-condenser unit. 
     
     
       24. The desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner and refrigeration air conditioner combination as set forth in claim  17 , wherein the refrigeration air conditioner is comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, wherein the second ducting means of the pre-conditioner has a supplemental heat section in which the said heating means is exposed together with a condenser section comprised of a substantial portion of the condenser circuit in series with said refrigerant condenser, whereby refrigerant heat of compression is applied to the regeneration air and supplemented by the heating means for maintaining a regeneration temperature, and reducing energy to cool applied by the refrigeration air compressor-condenser unit. 
     
     
       25. A desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner implemented to pre-condition outside air delivered to a multiplicity of refrigeration air conditioner units and each of which is comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression, a thermal expansion valve and refrigeration coil with refrigerant return to the compressor, the air pre-conditioner including: 
       a first ducting means dedicated to dehumidification of incoming outside air with discharge ducting to each of said multiplicity of refrigeration air conditioner units,  
       a second ducting means dedicated to desiccant regeneration by means of return air therethrough to exhausting from the air space conditioned by said multiplicity of refrigeration conditioner units,  
       a third ducting means for receiving said return air and delivering it to said second ducting means,  
       a desiccant dehumidifying means exposed into the first ducting means for dehumidifying the air flow therethrough and exposed into the second ducting means for regeneration of weakened desiccant,  
       a heat transfer means exposed to the air flow from the dehumidifying means exposed into said first ducting means to absorb heat and exposed into the air flow through the third ducting means to dissipate heat into the air flow therethrough,  
       a substantial portion of said refrigerant condenser of one of said multiplicity of refrigeration air conditioner units being exposed in the second ducting means for dissipating heat of compression to the regeneration air flow therethrough,  
       and a heater means exposed in the second ducting means for supplementing said heat transfer means heat dissipation and said heat of compression condenser portion dissipation to maintain regeneration temperature.  
     
     
       26. A desiccant assisted air pre-conditioner implemented to pre-condition outside air delivered to a multiplicity of refrigeration compressor units and each of which is comprised of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser for removal of heat of compression for delivery to separate fan-coil units comprised of a thermal expansion valve, a refrigeration coil and ductless fan and with refrigerant return to the compressor, the air pre-conditioner including: 
       a first ducting means dedicated to dehumidification of incoming outside air with discharge ducting to each of said multiplicity of fan-coil units,  
       a second ducting means dedicated to desiccant regeneration by means of return air therethrough and to exhausting from the air space conditioned by said multiplicity of fan-coil units,  
       a third ducting means for receiving said return air and delivering it to said second ducting means,  
       a desiccant dehumidifying means exposed into the first ducting means for dehumidifying the air flow therethrough and exposed into the second ducting means for regeneration of weakened desiccant,  
       a heat transfer means exposed to the air flow from the dehumidifying means exposed into said first ducting means to absorb heat and exposed into the air flow through the third ducting means to dissipate heat into the air flow therethrough,  
       a substantial portion of said refrigerant condenser of one of said multiplicity of compressor units being exposed in the second ducting means for dissipating heat of compression to the regeneration therethrough,  
       and a heater means exposed in the second ducting means for supplementing said heat transfer means heat dissipation and said heat of compression condenser portion dissipation to maintain regeneration temperature.  
     
     
       27. A heat pump and desiccant space conditioning system which operates on process air taken from within or outside of a conditioned space, and regenerative air taken from within or outside of said conditioned space comprising: 
       ( a )  dehumidification apparatus for adsorbing water vapor from process air;    
       ( b )  heat transfer apparatus for transferring heat from said process air, at a location downstream from said dehumidification apparatus, to said regenerative air;    
       ( c )  heating and cooling apparatus for selectively cooling said process air and heating regenerative air by phase change of a refrigerant; and    
       ( d )  apparatus for selectively directing said refrigerant through said heating and cooling apparatus for heating or cooling.   
     
     
       28. Apparatus as in claim  27  in which said system comprises a single integral unit. 
     
     
       29. Apparatus as in claim  27  in which said system comprises a stand- alone pre - conditioner with ductwork connected to conduct air to and from remote refrigeration apparatus.   
     
     
       30. Apparatus as in claim  29  in which said refrigeration apparatus comprises separate interconnected compressor and fan- coil units.   
     
     
       31. Apparatus as in claim  27  in which said heating and cooling apparatus includes a pair of interconnected condenser coils, one of which is in the flow path of said regenerative air. 
     
     
       32. Apparatus as in claim  31  in which said coils are connected in parallel with respect to refrigerant flow. 
     
     
       33. Apparatus as in claim  27  in which said apparatus for transferring heat includes a heat transfer device in contact with both said process air and said regenerative air, with evaporative cooling means. 
     
     
       34. Apparatus as in claim  33  in which said heat transfer device comprises a plurality of heat pipes with said evaporative cooling means spraying cooling liquid on one end of said heat pipes. 
     
     
       35. Apparatus as in claim  27  in which said control apparatus is adapted to reverse the direction of flow of said refrigerant. 
     
     
       36. A method of heating, cooling and dehumidifying air in a space to be conditioned utilizing process air taken from within or outside of said space and regeneration air taken from within or outside of said space, said method comprising the steps of: 
       ( a )  providing a refrigeration and heating device in which the flow direction of refrigerant can be reversed to cause refrigeration in one mode or operation and heating in another mode of operation;    
       ( b )  during cooling, treating process air with a desiccant to dehumidify it;    
       ( c )  transferring heat from said process air to said regeneration air by use of heat transfer means contacting both said process air, after dehumidification, and said regeneration air;    
       ( d )  contacting said process air with expansion coils of said refrigeration and heating device to cool said process air;    
       ( e )  contacting said regeneration air with condenser coils of said refrigeration and heating device to heat said regeneration air and then flowing said regeneration air over said desiccant to regenerate it;    
       ( f )  supplying said process air to said space after dehumidification and cooling;    
       ( g )  when heating is desired, reversing the flow of refrigerant in said expansion coils to produce heating of said process air.   
     
     
       37. A method as in claim  36  including the step of cooling said regeneration air into which heat is transferred from said process air. 
     
     
       38. A method as in claim  36 , in which said refrigeration and heating device has primary and secondary condenser coils connected in parallel, said primary condenser coils being the ones contacting said regeneration air, and isolating said primary coils during heating use of said device. 
     
     
       39. A method as in claim  36  in which said desiccant is in the form of a desiccant wheel. 
     
     
       40. A method as in claim  36  in which the heat transfer step is performed by use of a heat pipe transfer device with evaporative cooling of said heat pipe transfer device. 
     
     
       41. A method as in claim  36  including locating said refrigerating and heating device in a single integrated unit. 
     
     
       42. A method as in claim  36  including locating said refrigerating heating device in a location remote from the location at which treating said process air with a desiccant is done. 
     
     
       43. A method as in claim  36  including providing a plurality of said heating and refrigeration units, and a single pre- conditioning unit supplying de - humidified process air to each of said heating and refrigeration units.