Abstrict An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved air conditioning
system for admitting air from an exterior space, adjusting the temperature
and humidity of the exterior air, delivering the adjusted air to
an interior space of a structure, removal of exhaust air therefrom
and return of the exhaust air to the exterior space and wherein
a regenerative desiccant is provided for removing water vapor from
the air to be delivered to the interior space and delivering the
water vapor to the exhaust air stream and a heat exchanger is provided
for removing sensible heat from the air to be delivered to the interior
space and transferring the sensible heat to the exhaust air stream.
The apparatus combines for the first time electric air conditioning
reheat and solar energy with desiccant technology, thereby furnishing
conditioned air at an 80% reduction of energy cost. The apparatus
for the first time allows the use of waste oil heat to furnish conditioned
air at an 80% reduction in energy cost. Additionally, natural gas
or propane gas may be used at a great reduction in energy cost vs.
electrical cost. The apparatus allows the reduction in electrical
power presently used to condition air for use in a given space.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. An improved air conditioning system for admitting air from a
space, adjusting the temperature and humidity of the air, delivering
the adjusted air to an interior space of a structure, removal of
exhaust air therefrom and return of the exhaust air to the space,
comprising:
a first path for conditioning air including a first air intake
means for admitting air to be conditioned;
an air supply first blower means communicating with said first
air intake means for receiving, pressurizing and moving the air
from said first air intake means;
a desiccant means rotatable through a first zone and second zone,
the first zone communicating with said air supply first blower means
and receiving the pressurized exterior air from said exterior air
supply first blower means for reducing the humidity by means of
reducing the water vapor content of the air passing therethrough;
a heat exchanger means having a first area for accepting heat and
a second area for rejecting heat, wherein said first area of said
heat exchanger means communicates with said desiccant means for
receiving the air with reduced water vapor content from said desiccant
means for downwardly adjusting the temperature of air displaced
therethrough;
a heating means communicating with said heat exchanger means for
receiving the cooled reduced water vapor content air from said heat
exchanger means for optionally upwardly adjusting the temperature
of air displaced therethrough;
a conditioned first air exit means communicating with said heating
means for receiving the temperature and humidity adjusted air from
said heating means and communicating with the interior space of
a structure for delivery thereto;
a second path independent of the first path for indirect evaporative
cooling of air including a second air intake means for accepting
air from a space with said second area of said heat exchanger thereadjacent
wherein the accepted air passes over said second area and removes
heat from said second area of said heat exchanger means;
a second air blower means communicating with said second area for
receiving and moving air from said second area of said heat exchanger
means;
a second air exit means communicating with said second air blower
means for receiving second air from said second air blower means
and communicating with the exterior of the structure for delivering
of the second air thereto;
a third path, independent of the first path and second path for
regeneration of desiccant air including a third air intake means,
a heater associated therewith and the second zone of said desiccant
means wherein said desiccant means communicates with said regenerated
third air intake means for regeneration of said desiccant means
by transfer of water vapor and subsequent removal; and
a third regeneration air exit means communicating with said second
zone of said desiccant means for receiving regeneration air from
said second zone of said desiccant means for delivery of the regeneration
air thereto.
2. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein a humidifying means disposed to and communicating with said
heating means and with said conditioned air exit means is provided
for receiving the temperature adjusted reduced water vapor content
air from said heating means, for upwardly adjusting the water vapor
content of the air, and for delivery of the temperature and humidity
adjusted air to said conditioned air exit means.
3. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein an evaporative cooling means, disposed to and communicating
with said exhaust air intake means and with said regeneration means,
is provided for evaporatively cooling the exhaust air.
4. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said regeneration means comprises a finned tube liquid to
air heat exchanger wherein the heated liquid is provided by a boiler
fueled by gas, oil, including waste oil or the like.
5. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said regeneration means comprises a finned tube liquid to
air heat exchanger wherein the heated liquid is provided by a solar
heating means.
6. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said regeneration means comprises a finned tube liquid to
air heat exchanger wherein the heated liquid is provided by an internal
combustion engine cooling system means.
7. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said desiccant means comprises a rotatable, axially mounted
disc wherein said disc provides a substrate for a solid desiccant
material.
8. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said heat exchanger means comprises a rotatable, axially
mounted disc.
9. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein a humidifying means disposed to and communicating with said
heating means and with said conditioned air exit means is provided
for receiving the temperature adjusted reduced water vapor content
air from said heating means, for upwardly adjusting the water vapor
content of the air, and for delivery of the temperature and humidity
adjusted air to said conditioned air exit means and wherein an evaporative
cooling means, disposed to and communicating with said exhaust air
intake means and with said regeneration means, is provided for evaporatively
cooling the exhaust air.
10. An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1
wherein a plenum means is provided for mounting said air conditioning
system, for admitting the adjusted air from said conditioned air
exit means to an interior space of a structure, for removal of exhaust
air from an interior space of a structure for delivery of the exhaust
air to an exhaust air intake means of said air conditioning system.
Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved air conditioning system,
and more particularly to a regenerative desiccant based temperature
and humidity controlling system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The need to control the temperature and humidity of the interior
spaces of structures has risen to prominence as an absolute necessity
for both man and machine. Modern electrical, mechanical and electronic
devices generate substantial quantities of heat, but may be intolerant
of extreme temperatures, as is the case with modern electronic devices.
Further, the effects of temperature and humidity extremes on the
comfort and productivity of man is a fundamentally accepted principle.
Environmental control, when originally established and as it progressed,
was not mandated to address the issue of energy conservation since
there was an abundance of energy at reasonable cost. As the energy
supply became more acute, the demand increased and energy costs
escalated, a new energy awareness was establisehd, wherein more
complex and expensive equipment could easily be justified if a net
energy savings could be realized by purchase and use of this new
equipment.
The original equipment used to control the environment used refrigeration
equipment to cool the air and for dehumidification and a variety
of mechanisms, devices, and fuels to heat the air to the desired
temperature. The use of desiccating materials and heat exchangers
to control the temperature and humidity of interior spaces advanced
the state of the art and provided more energy efficient mechanisms.
A wide variety of air conditioning systems have evolved and have
been developed, however system improvements have been incremental
and systems developed using the prior art have not fully answered
the needs of efficient energy conservation and still providing adequate
environmental control of interior spaces.
U.S. Pat. No. 4719761 to Cromer teaches moisture removal by a
combination of regenerative desiccation and a standard compressor
type air cooling system, wherein moisture removed from cooled air
by means of a solid or liquid desiccant is evaporated into the incoming
air, regenerating the desiccant. Moisture removal is effected by
the compressor type cooling system and the regenerated desiccant.
U.S. Pat. No. 2926502 to Nuntars et al teaches an air conditioning
system including the recycling of enclosure and air at least 3 air
flow paths. Recycle enclosure air Multiple passages--all embodiments
including a recycling of interior space conditioned air path, a
regeneration air path and a supplementary air path for additional
heat exchange.
U.S. Pat. No. 3009684 to Munters teaches an apparatus and method
of conditioning air by thermodynamic exchange wherein the input
heat required by the system may be provided by gas, oil or steam.
Parallel air paths are described wherein a first path removes interior
air and a second path delivers conditioned air to the interior space
to be environmentally controlled, plus third path wherein incoming
air is divided and is used to regenerate a second moisture transfer
wheel. A second heat transfer wheel and heater system are also provided
in this third path.
U.S. Pat. No. 4594860 to Coellner et al describes an open cycle
desiccant air conditioning system and associated components.
Both moisture transfer and heat exchanger wheels utilized are formed
by wrapping layers of the appropriate material about a shaft, and
terminating with the installation of a metallic rim. Moisture transfer
and heat exchanger wheels rotate in opposite directions, and a sector
baffle system is provided to direct air flow from the moisture transfer
wheel containing an appropriate desiccant and the heat transfer
wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 2186844 to H. F. Smith teaches a refrigeration
apparatus wherein heat from a mechanical refrigeration unit regenerates
desiccant.
U.S. Pat. No. 2200243 to A. B. Newton et al describes an air
conditioning system dehumidification of the air is required and
particularly addresses a control system for a desiccant based dehumidifying
a/c system.
U.S. Pat. No. 3144901 to G. W. Meek teaches an air conditioning
system wherein a rotary evaporator and heat transfer system is followed
by additional evaporative cooling to further reduce temperature
and increase humidity to normal levels. The system circulates fresh
outside air into the interior space and exhausts air to exterior
spaces. Regeneration heat is provided by burners utilizing any suitable
fuel and has u-shaped flue tubes to heat air passing through the
moisture transfer wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 2186844 to H. F. Smith teaches an air conditioning
system wherein heat from a mechanical refrigeration unit regenerates
the LiCl desiccant impregnated on vertical cloth rotating wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 3247679 to Meckler teaches a process and apparatus
for cooling and dehumidifying air wherein exhaust heat from a heat
engine whose shaft power drives refrigeration equipment is used
to regenerate the desiccant.
U.S. Pat. No. 3488971 to Macklet teaches a system for supplying
comfort conditioned air to an interior space wherein a heat recapture
system for lighting is described to provide regeneration heat for
a desiccant.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide
an improved air conditioning system for admitting air from an exterior
space, adjusting the temperature and humidity of the exterior air,
delivering the adjusted air to an interior space of a structure,
subsequent removal of exhaust air from the interior space and return
of the exhaust air to the exterior space.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved air
conditioning system wherein a humidifying means is disposed to and
communicates with a heating means and with the conditioned air exit
means is provided for receiving the temperature adjusted reduced
water vapor content air from the heating means, for upwardly adjusting
the water vapor content of the air, and for delivery of the temperature
and humidity adjusted air to the conditioned air exit means.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved air
conditioning system wherein more economical operation, lower maintenance
costs, and lower weight are provided relative conventional air conditioning
systems.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved air
conditioning system wherein a safe efficient means is provided to
convert environmentally hazardous waste products including waste
oil into cooling and heating energy.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of
the present invention. These objects should be construed as being
merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications
of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained
by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying
the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other
objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring
to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing
the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention
defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
For Example: If we circuit through our machine existing a/c compressor
gas through a De-Super heater coil then thru a condenser coil and
back to original a/c compressor and also use a separate solar coil
the desiccant is regenerated with an energy that costs nothing.
Therefore, the machine reduces the latent effect with only the energy
required to rotate the desiccant wheel. If we add a spray type or
pad type evaporative cooler to the exhaust air side we further reduce
the air temperature on the supply side to relieve in some instances
the need for any mechanical cooling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specific
embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose
of summarizing the invention, the invention as relates to a new
and improved method and apparatus for an air conditioning system
for admitting air from an exterior space, adjusting the temperature
and humidity of the exterior air, delivering the adjusted air to
an interior space of a structure, removal of exhaust air therefrom
and return of the exhaust air to the exterior space. An air intake
means is provided for admitting the exterior air to an exterior
air supply blower means which pressurizes and moves the exterior
air through the supply system. A desiccant means having a desiccating
area and a regeneration area is provided wherein the desiccating
area communicates with the exterior air supply blower means and
receives the pressurized exterior air from the exterior air supply
blower means for reducing the humidity of the exterior air by means
of reducing the water vapor content of the exterior air passing
therethrough. A heat exchanger means having a cooled area and a
heated area is provided, wherein the cooled area of the heat exchanger
means communicates with the desiccant means for receiving the exterior
air with reduced water vapor content from the desiccant means and
wherein the heat exchanger means downwardly adjusts the temperature
of air displaced therethrough. A heating means is provided which
communicates with the heat exchanger means for receiving the cooled
reduced water vapor content air from the heat exchanger means for
optionally and seasonally upwardly adjusting the temperature of
air displaced therethrough. A conditioned air exit means communicating
with the heating means is provided for receiving the temperature
and humidity adjusted air from the heating means and communicating
with the interior space of a structure for delivery of the conditioned
air thereto.
The system provides an exhaust air intake means for removing air
from the interior space of a structure, and wherein the exhaust
air passes over and removes heat from the heated area of the heat
exchanger means and the regeneration area of the desiccant means
communicates with the heated area of the heat exchanger means for
regeneration of the desiccant means by vaporization of water and
subsequent removal. An exhaust air blower means communicating with
the regeneration means is provided for receiving and moving exhaust
air from the regeneration means to an exhaust air exit means for
delivery of the exhaust air to the exterior.
In a more specific embodiment of the invention, a humidifying means
disposed to and communicating with the heating means and with the
conditioned air exit means is provided for receiving the temperature
adjusted, reduced water vapor content air from the heating means,
for upwardly adjusting the water vapor content of the air, and for
delivery of the temperature and humidity adjusted air to the conditioned
air exit means.
In one embodiment of the invention, an evaporative cooling means,
disposed to and communicating with the exhaust air intake means
and with the regeneration means, is provided for evaporatively cooling
the exhaust air.
In one embodiment of the invention, the regeneration means comprises
a finned tube liquid to air heat exchanger wherein the heated liquid
is provided by a boiler fueled by combustible fuels including gas,
oil, waste oil or the like.
In another embodiment of the invention, the regeneration means
comprises a finned tube liquid to air heat exchanger wherein the
heated liquid is provided by a solar heating means.
In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the regeneration
means comprises a finned tube liquid to air heat exchanger wherein
the heated liquid is provided by an internal combustion engine cooling
system means.
In a more specific embodiment of the invention, a plenum means
is provided for mounting the air conditioning system, for admitting
the adjusted air from the conditioned air exit means to an interior
space of a structure, for removal of exhaust air from an interior
space of a structure for delivery of the exhaust air to an exhaust
air intake means of the air conditioning system.
In another embodiment of the invention the regulation of the desiccant
material is provided by the existing air conditioning systems by
routing the hot gas through coils in the invention and also an additional
coil in which a solar liquid is circulated to provide heat for regeneration.
Additionally spray heads or evaporator pads are placed in heat exchanger
air stream to treat the air before reaching the heat exchanger wheel
this process further reduces the supply air temperature to the interior
space.
Additionally another embodiment of this invention is the use of
silicagel or zevlite wheel using a direct or indirect fired gas
or waste oil or oil burner to super heat the desiccant for regeneration
to temperatures exceeding 300 F. as to lower constant humidity to
the space below 20% RH for specialized hi-tech and industrial applications.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and
important features of the present invention in order that the detailed
description that follows may be better understood so that the present
contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional
features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form
the subject of the claims of the invention.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception
and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as
a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying
out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be
realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set
forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,
reference should be made to the following detailed description taken
in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an improved air
conditioning system mounted on a plenum means incorporating the
present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a forth embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present air conditioning
system with electric air conditioning and solar energy panels; and
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system with a direct or indirect fired burner using
a solid desiccant.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout
the several Figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
FIG. 1 is an isometric view and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a
first embodiment of an improved air conditioning system incorporating
the present invention, wherein system components are affixed to
chassis 10. System input air 5 comprising unconditioned outside
air, return air, or any combination thereof, is drawn through outside
air intake 20 and air filter 30 by means of suction provided by
forced air intake blower 40. An optional return/mixing air port
25 is provided in chassis 10. Forced air intake blower 40 further
forces system input air 5 through desiccant wheel 50 rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 heating coil 70 optional humidifier 80
and side discharge port 90. Alternately, an optional discharge port
95 is provided in chassis 10 to allow discharge of conditioned air
100 for delivery to an interior space. Return air 105 comprising
return air from an interior space, outside air, or any combination
thereof is drawn through outside/return airport 110 by means of
suction provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. An optional return
air port 115 is provided in chassis 10 for return air 105 from an
interior space. Air exhaust blower 140 further draws return air
105 through air filter 30 optional evaporative elements 120 rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 regeneration coil 130 desiccant
wheel 50 through air exhaust blower 140 which forces exhaust air
160 through exhaust air port 150 to exterior space. Required electrical
disconnect 170 and control section 180 are also provided. Control
section 180 comprises required control circuitry, sensors, plumbing
and wiring necessary for proper system operation. Desiccant wheel
rotary motive power and mechanical apparatus 190 as well as heat
exchanger rotary motive power and mechanical apparatus 200 are not
shown. The system and apparatus is substantially divided into a
supply section 1 which conditions system input air 5 and an exhaust
section 2 which removes air from the interior space and reconditions
the desiccant wheel 50 and the rotary regenerative heat exchanger
wheel 60.
In the cooling cycle, unconditioned system input air 5 enters the
outside air intake 20 and passes through a high efficiency disposable
air filter 30 which is typically a disposable pleated type air
filter which essentially removes all particulate matter larger than
5 microns, and may be treated to capture bacteria and other contaminants.
Forced air intake blower 40 which may be belt or direct motor driven,
draws filtered system input air 5 from air filter 30 pressurizes
it and forces the filtered system input air 5 through the balance
of the supply section 1. Axially and rotatably mounted, motor and
belt driven desiccant wheel 50 comprising liquid or dry desiccants
disposed to metallic or fiberglass reinforced plastic base material,
is substantially equally divided into a supply sector 51 and an
exhaust sector 52 by means of duct/seal 55 comprising a substantially
air tight seal between the supply sector 51 and exhaust sector 52
of desiccant wheel 50. Filtered system input air 5 passes through
the supply sector 51 of desiccant wheel 50 where water vapor, contained
in filtered outside air 5 is absorbed by the desiccant material
comprising the supply sector 51 of desiccant wheel 50. The process
of water vapor removal releases latent heat of vaporization, resulting
in heating of filtered dehumidified system input air 5.
Axially and rotatably mounted and motor driven rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 comprising a metallic or fiberglass reinforced
plastic material, is substantially equally divided into a supply
sector 61 and an exhaust sector 62 by means of duct/seal 65 comprising
a substantially air tight seal between the supply sector 61 and
exhaust sector 62 of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60.
The filtered, dehumidified, heated system input air 5 passes through
the supply sector 61 of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 and heat contained in filtered, dehumidified, heated system input
air 5 is transferred to the structure of the rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 lowering the temperature of the filtered,
dehumidified system input air 5.
The filtered, dehumidified, cooled system input air 5 has been
reduced to a low enthalpy or energy content and may be humidified
by means of optional humidifier coil 80. This addition of water
vapor effectively substitutes increased humidity for reduced temperature
and does not alter the enthalpy value. Conditioned air 100 exits
side discharge port 90 at temperature, humidity, and enthalpy values
substantially identical with those provided by conventional vapor
compression devices. Discharge port 90 disposed to conventional
HVAC duct work provides the pathway for conditioned air 100 to enter
interior space.
Outside/return air port 110 disposed to conventional HVAC duct
work provides the pathway for return air 105 to exit interior space
and enter exhaust section 2 of the apparatus through air filter
30 wherein evaporative cooling element 120 optionally evaporatively
cools return air 105. Return air 105 flows through the rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 removing heat and lowering the temperature
of the structure. As rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60
axially rotates heat is transferred from filtered, heated system
input air 5 in supply section 1 to supply sector 51 structure of
rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60. Continued rotation
of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 continually moves
increments of supply sector 51 through duct/seal 65 into exhaust
sector 62 wherein heat is removed and the temperature of the exhaust
sector 62 of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 is lowered.
Further rotation of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60
returns increments of exhaust sector 62 through duct/seal 65 into
supply sector 61. Return air 105 heated by contact with exhaust
sector 62 of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 is further
heated as return air 105 passes through regeneration coil 130 comprising
a finned tube liquid to air heat exchanger. The fluid heat source
may be a variety of heat producing mechanisms. These mechanisms
include, but are not limited to boilers fired by gas, oil, or waste
oil; solar; or heat reclaimed from an engine cooling system.
The heated return air 105 flows through the exhaust sector 52 of
desiccant wheel 50 heating and drying, thereby regenerating, the
desiccant. Continued rotation of desiccant wheel 50 continually
moves increments of supply sector 51 through duct/seal 55 into exhaust
sector 52 wherein moisture is removed from exhaust sector 52 of
desiccant wheel 50. Further rotation of desiccant wheel 50 returns
increments of exhaust sector 52 of desiccant wheel 50 through duct/seal
55 into supply sector 51 of desiccant wheel 50. Moisture laden exhaust
air 160 passes through exhaust air blower 140 and exits the apparatus
to exterior space through exhaust air port 150.
In the heating mode, the optional evaporative elements 120 and
desiccant wheel 50 are disabled and regeneration coil 130 is disabled
by diversion of heated fluid flow to heating coil 70. System input
air 5 enters the outside air intake 20 and passes through air filter
30. Forced air intake blower 40 draws filtered system input air
5 from air filter 30 pressurizes it and forces the filtered system
input air 5 through the balance of the supply section 1. Desiccant
wheel 50 is disabled, and does not substantially alter the temperature,
moisture content or enthalpy of system input air 5 passing therethrough.
The filtered system input air 5 passes through the supply sector
61 of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 and heat contained
in the structure of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 is transferred to and increases the temperature of the filtered
system input air 5. The filtered heated system input air 5 is further
heated as it passes through heating coil 70 comprising a liquid
to air heat exchanger, wherein heated liquid may be provided by,
but are not limited to, boilers fired by gas, oil, or waste oil;
solar; or heat reclaimed from an engine cooling system. Humidification
of system input air 5 is optionally performed by humidifier coil
80. Conditioned air 100 exits side discharge port 90 disposed to
conventional HVAC duct work provides the pathway for conditioned
air 100 to enter interior space.
Return air port 110 disposed to conventional HVAC duct--work provides
the pathway for return air 105 to exit interior space and enter
exhaust section 2 of the apparatus through air filter 30. Evaporative
cooling element 120 is disabled, and does not substantially alter
the temperature, moisture content or enthalpy of return air 105
passing therethrough. Return air 105 flows through the rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 and transfers heat thereto, removing heat
and lowering the temperature of the return air 105 and increases
the temperature of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60. As rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 axially rotates
heat is transferred from return air 105 in exhaust section 2 to
exhaust sector 62 structure of rotary regenerative heat exchanger
wheel 60. Continued rotation of rotary regenerative heat exchanger
wheel 60 continually moves increments of exhaust sector through
duct/seal 65 into supply sector 61 wherein heat is transferred
to system input air 5 and the temperature of the supply sector 61
of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 is lowered. Further
rotation of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 returns
increments of supply sector 61 through duct/seal 65 into exhaust
sector 62. Contact of return air 105 with exhaust sector 62 of rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 results in heating of structure
of exhaust sector 62 of rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60. Return air 105 passes through the disabled regeneration coil
13 and desiccant wheel 50 and the temperature, moisture content
or enthalpy of system input air 5 passing therethrough is not substantially
altered. Return air 105 passes through exhaust air blower 140 and
exits the apparatus to exterior space through exhaust air port 150.
With a 0 degree Fahrenheit exterior temperature a typical system
would provide heating performance of 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
air for delivery to the interior spaces. Return air 105 of 70 degrees
Fahrenheit at rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 will heat
outside air at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention, wherein
system components are affixed to chassis 10. The system and apparatus
is substantially divided into a supply section 1 which conditions
system input air 5 and an exhaust section 2 which is further subdivided
into a heat exchanger exhaust section 2a and a desiccant exhaust
section 2b. System input air 5 comprising unconditioned outside
air, return air, or any combination thereof, is drawn through outside
air intake 20 and air filter 30 by means of suction provided by
forced air intake blower 40. An optional return/mixing air port
25 is provided in chassis 10. Forced air intake blower 40 further
forces system input air 5 through heating coil 70 desiccant wheel
50 rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 optional evaporator
elements 120 optional humidifier 80 and side discharge port 90.
Alternately, an optional discharge port 95 is provided in chassis
10 to allow discharge of conditioned air 100 for delivery to an
interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 comprising
return air from an interior space, outside air, or any combination
thereof is drawn through heat exchanger return air port 111 by means
of suction provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. An optional
return air port 115 is provided in chassis 10 for return air 105
from an interior space. Air exhaust blower 140 further draws return
air 105 through air filter 30 air exhaust blower 140 and forces
return air 105 through optional evaporative elements 120 rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 through heat exchanger exhaust
air port 151 wherein heat exchanger exhaust air 161 exits to exterior
space.
In desiccant exhaust section 2b, return air 105 comprising return
air from an interior space, outside air, or any combination thereof
is drawn through and heated by enclosed burner 210 drawn through
desiccant exhaust return airport 112 by and filter 30 by means of
suction provided by forced air exhaust blower 140 which further
forces return air 105 through desiccant wheel 50 and desiccant
exhaust air 162 exits system through desiccant exhaust port 152.
Required electrical disconnect 170 and control section 180 comprising
required control circuitry, sensors, plumbing and wiring necessary
for proper system operation, desiccant wheel rotary motive power
and mechanical apparatus 190 as well as heat exchanger rotary motive
power and mechanical apparatus 200 are also provided, but not shown.
In the heating mode, the optional evaporative elements 120 desiccant
wheel 50 and desiccant exhaust section 2b are disabled. System
input air 5 enters the outside air intake 20 and passes through
air filter 30. Forced air intake blower 40 draws filtered system
input air 5 from air filter 30 pressurizes it and forces the filtered
system input air 5 through the balance of the supply section 1.
The filtered heated system input air 5 is further heated as it passes
through heating coil 70 wherein enclosed burner 210 provides heat
to heating coil 70. Desiccant wheel 50 is disabled, and does not
substantially alter the temperature, moisture content or enthalpy
of system input air 5 passing therethrough. Axially and rotatably
mounted and motor driven rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 is substantially equally divided into a supply sector 61 and
an exhaust sector 62. The filtered system input air 5 passes through
the supply sector 61 of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 and heat contained in the structure of the rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 is transferred to and increases the temperature
of the filtered system input air 5. Conditioned air 100 exits side
discharge port 90 disposed to conventional HVAC duct work provides
the pathway for heated, conditioned air 100 to enter interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 is drawn through
heat exchanger return air port 111 and filter 30 by means of suction
provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. Air exhaust blower 140
further forces return air 105 through disabled optional evaporative
elements 120 rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 wherein
return air 105 passes through the exhaust sector 62 of the rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 transferring heat to the structure
of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 forcing heat
exchanger exhaust air 161 through heat exchanger exhaust air port
151 to exterior space.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention, wherein
system components are affixed to chassis 10. The system and apparatus
is substantially divided into a supply section 1 which conditions
system input air 5 and an exhaust section 2 which is further subdivided
into a heat exchanger exhaust section 2a and a desiccant exhaust
section 2b. In the cooling cycle, wherein component function has
been described in FIG. 2 system input air 5 comprising unconditioned
outside air, return air, or any combination thereof, is drawn through
outside air intake 20 and air filter 30 by means of suction provided
by forced air intake blower 40. An optional return/mixing air port
25 is provided in chassis 10. Forced air intake blower 40 further
forces system input air 5 through desiccant wheel 50 rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 optional evaporator elements 120 optional
humidifier 80 and side discharge port 90. Alternately, an optional
discharge port 95 is provided in chassis 10 to allow discharge of
conditioned air 100 for delivery to an interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 comprising
return air from an interior space, outside air, or any combination
thereof is drawn through heat exchanger return air port 111 by means
of suction provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. An optional
return air port 115 is provided in chassis 10 for return air 105
from an interior space. Air exhaust blower 140 further draws return
air 105 through air filter 30 air exhaust blower 140 and forces
return air 105 through optional evaporative elements 120 rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 through heat exchanger exhaust
air port 151 wherein heat exchanger exhaust air 161 enters recirculation
duct 230 and flows into natural gas furnace 220 wherein heat exchanger
exhaust air 161 is further heated, and flows into desiccant exhaust
section 2b. Heat exchanger exhaust air 161 is further forced through
desiccant exhaust return air port 112 desiccant wheel 50 and desiccant
exhaust air 162 exits system through desiccant exhaust port 152.
Required electrical disconnect 170 and control section 180 comprising
required control circuitry, sensors, plumbing and wiring necessary
for proper system operation, desiccant wheel rotary motive power
and mechanical apparatus 190 as well as heat exchanger rotary motive
power and mechanical apparatus 200 are also provided, but not shown.
In the operation of heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air
105 is drawn into heat exchanger return air port 111 through air
filter 30 by action of exhaust air blower 140 further forcing
return air 105 through optional evaporative elements 120 wherein
return air 5 is evaporatively cooled, through rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 wherein cooled return air 105 removes heat
and lowers the temperature of the structure of rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel exhaust sector 62 of rotary regenerative heat
exchanger wheel 60 as previously described under FIG. 2 and heat
exchanger exhaust air 161 is discharged to an exterior space through
heat exchanger exhaust air port 151.
In the operation of desiccant exhaust section 2b, system input
air 5 is heated by enclosed burner 210 drawn into desiccant exhaust
intake 112 through air filter 30 by action of exhaust air blower
140 further forcing heated system input air 5 through the exhaust
sector 52 of desiccant wheel 50 heating and drying, thereby regenerating
the desiccant and desiccant exhaust air 162 is discharged to an
exterior space through heat exchanger exhaust air port 152.
In the heating mode, the optional evaporative elements 120 desiccant
wheel 50 and desiccant exhaust section 2b are disabled. System
input air 5 enters the outside air intake 20234 and passes through
air filter 30. Forced air intake blower 40 draws filtered system
input air 5 from air filter 30 pressurizes it and forces the filtered
system input air 5 through the balance of the supply section 1.
The filtered heated system input air 5 is further heated as it passes
through heating coil 70 wherein enclosed burner 210 provides heat
to heating coil 70. Desiccant wheel 50 is disabled, and does not
substantially alter the temperature, moisture content or enthalpy
of system input air 5 passing therethrough. Axially and rotatably
mounted and motor driven rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 is substantially equally divided into a supply sector 61 and
an exhaust sector 62. The filtered system input air 5 passes through
the supply sector 61 of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 and heat contained in the structure of the rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 is transferred to and increases the temperature
of the filtered system input air 5. Conditioned air 100 exits side
discharge port 90 disposed to conventional HVAC duct work provides
the pathway for heated, conditioned air 100 to enter interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 is drawn through
heat exchanger return air port 111 and filter 30 by means of suction
provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. Air exhaust blower 140
further forces return air 105 through disabled optional evaporative
elements 120 rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 wherein
return air 105 passes through the exhaust sector 62 of the rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 transferring heat to the structure
of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 forcing heat
exchanger exhaust air 161 through heat exchanger exhaust air port
151 to exterior space.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an improved air
conditioning system mounted on a plenum means incorporating the
present invention, wherein cover housing 260 fabricated to protect
components from mechanical damage or elemental degradation, of air
conditioning system 240 is affixed to chassis 10. Plenum/curb 250
affixed to structure roof 280 provides a mounting platform for chassis
10 of air conditioning system 240. Plenum/curb 250 described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4403481 provides a pathway for communication between
supply and return air and air conditioner 240 when used in conjunction
with optional chassis mounted return air ports 25 115 and discharge
port 95 (not shown) previously described in FIGS. 234. Weather
shields 270 prevent entry of rain and other foreign materials into
outside air intake 20. Side discharge port 90 and return air port
110 are illustrated in a disabled condition, with their respective
functions being accepted by discharge port 95 and return air port
115 and curb/plenum 250.
Heat for regeneration of desiccant, as well as increasing supply
air temperatures, as required, may be provided by: a heated fluid,
wherein fluid heat is provided by natural gas, propane, waste oil,
other combustible fuels or the cooling system of an engine;
heated air, wherein the air is heated by means of a hot air furnace
which may use natural gas, propane, waste oil, other combustible
fuels; and
direct fired burner, wherein the regeneration air is directly heated
by means of a burner which may use natural gas, propane, waste oil,
other combustible fuels.
The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended
claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this
invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain
degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure
of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination
and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention, wherein
system components are affixed to chassis 10. The system and apparatus
is substantially divided into a supply section 1 which conditions
system input air 5 and an exhaust section 2 which is further subdivided
into a heat exchanger exhaust section 2a and a desiccant exhaust
section 2b. System input air 5 comprising unconditioned outside
air, return air, or any combination thereof, is drawn through outside
air intake 20 and air filter 30 by means of suction provided by
forced air intake blower 40. An optional return/mixing air port
25 is provided in chassis 10. Forced air intake blower 40 further
forces system input air 5 through heating coil 70 desiccant wheel
50 rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 evaporator elements
120 optional humidifier 80 and side discharge port 90. Alternately,
an optional discharge port 95 is provided in chassis 10 to allow
discharge of conditioned air 100 for delivery to an interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 comprising
return air from an interior space, outside air, or any combination
thereof is drawn through heat exchanger return air port 111 by means
of suction provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. An optional
return air port 115 is provided in chassis 10 for return air 105
from an interior space. Air exhaust blower 140 further draws return
air 105 through air filter 30 air exhaust blower 140 and forces
return air 105 through evaporative elements 120 rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 through heat exchanger exhaust air port
151 wherein heat exchanger exhaust air 161 exits to exterior space.
In desiccant exhaust section 2b, return air 105 comprising return
air from an interior space, outside air, or any combination thereof
is drawn through return air port 112 and filter 30 and heated by
Desuper heater 209 through condenser coil 211 through solar or hot
water coil 212 by means of suction provided by forced air exhaust
blower 140 which further forces return air 105 through desiccant
wheel 50 and desiccant exhaust air 162 exits system through desiccant
exhaust port 152.
Required electrical disconnect 170 and control section 180 comprising
required control circuitry, sensors, plumbing and wiring necessary
for proper system operation, desiccant wheel rotary motive power
and: mechanical apparatus 190 as well as heat exchanger rotary motive
power and mechanical apparatus 200 are also provided, but not shown.
In the heating mode, the optional evaporative elements 120 desiccant
wheel 50 and desiccant exhaust section 2b are disabled. System
input air 5 enters the outside air intake 20 and passes through
air filter 30. Forced air intake blower 40 draws filtered system
input air 5 from air filter 30 pressurizes it and forces the filtered
system input air 5 through the balance of the supply section 1.
The filtered heated system input air 5 is further heated as it passes
through heating coil 70 wherein enclosed burner 210 provides heat
to heating coil 70. Desiccant wheel 50 is disabled, and does not
substantially alter the temperature, moisture content or enthalpy
of system input air 5 passing therethrough. Axially and rotatably
mounted and motor driven rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 is substantially equally divided into a supply sector 61 and
an exhaust sector 62. The filtered system input air 5 passes through
the supply sector 61 of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 and heat contained in the structure of the rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 is transferred to and increases the temperature
of the filtered system input air 5. Conditioned air 100 exits side
discharge port 90 disposed to conventional HVAC ductwork provides
the pathway for heated, conditioned air 100 to enter interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 is drawn through
heat exchanger return air port 111 and filter 30 by means of suction
provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. Air exhaust blower 140
further forces return air 105 through disabled optional evaporative
elements 120 rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 wherein
return air 105 passes through the exhaust sector 62 of the rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 transferring heat to the structure
of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 forcing heat
exchanger exhaust air 161 through heat exchanger exhaust air port
151 to exterior space.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of an improved
air conditioning system incorporating the present invention, wherein
system components are affixed to chassis 10. The system and apparatus
is substantially divided into a supply section 1 which conditions
system input air 5 and an exhaust section 2 which is further subdivided
into a heat exchanger exhaust section 2a and a desiccant exhaust
section 2b. in the cooling cycle, wherein component function has
been described in FIG. 2 system input air 5 comprising unconditioned
outside air, return air, or any combination thereof, is drawn through
outside air intake 20 and air filter 30 by means of suction provided
by forced air intake blower 40. An optional return/mixing air port
25 is provided in chassis 10 Forced air intake blower 40 further
forces system input air 5 through desiccant wheel 50 rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 evaporator elements 120 optional humidifier
80 and side discharge port 90. Alternately, an optional discharge
of conditioned air 100 for delivery to an interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 comprising
return air from an interior space, outside air, or any combination
thereof is drawn through heat exchanger return air port 111 by means
of suction provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. An optional
return air port 115 is provided in chassis 10 for return air 105
from an interior space. Air exhaust blower 140 further draws return
air 105 through air filter 30 air exhaust blower 140 and forces
return air 105 through optional evaporative elements 120 rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 through heat exchanger exhaust
air port 151 wherein heat exchanger exhaust air 161 enters recirculation
duct 230 and flows into desiccant exhaust section 2b where at natural
gas/or oil burner 220 further heats exhaust air 161 as it flows
into desiccant exhaust section 2b. Heat exchanger exhaust air 161
is further forced through desiccant exhaust return air port 112
desiccant wheel 50 and desiccant exhaust air 162 exits system through
desiccant exhaust port 152
Required electrical disconnect 170 and control section 180 comprising
required control circuitry, sensors, plumbing and wiring necessary
for proper system operation, desiccant wheel rotary motive power
and mechanical apparatus 190 as well as heat exchanger rotary motive
power and mechanical apparatus 200 are also provided, but not shown.
In the operation of heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air
105 is drawn into heat exchanger return air port 111 through air
filter 30 by action of exhaust air blower 140 further forcing
return air 105 through optional evaporative elements 120 wherein
return air 5 is evaporatively cooled, through rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 wherein cooled return air 105 removes heat
and lowers the temperature of the structure of rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel exhaust sector 62 of rotary regenerative heat
exchanger wheel 60 as previously described under FIG. 2 and heat
exchanger exhaust air 161 is discharged to an exterior space through
heat exchanger exhaust air port 151.
In the operation of desiccant exhaust section 2b, system input
air 5 is heated by enclosed burner 210 drawn into desiccant exhaust
intake 112 through air filter 30 by action of exhaust air blower
140 further forcing heated system input air 5 through the exhaust
sector 52 of desiccant wheel 50 heating and drying, thereby regenerating
the desiccant and desiccant exhaust air 162 is discharged to an
exterior space through heat exchanger exhaust air port 152.
In the heating mode, the optional evaporative elements 120 desiccant
wheel 50 and desiccant exhaust section 2b are disabled. System
input air 5 enters the outside air intake 20234 and passes through
air filter 30. Forced air intake blower 40 draws filtered system
input air 5 from air filter 30 pressurizes it and forces the filtered
system input air 5 through the balance of the supply section 1.
The faltered heated system input air 5 is further heated as it passes
through heating coil 70 wherein enclosed burner 210 provides heat
to heating coil 70. Desiccant wheel 50 is disabled, and does not
substantially alter the temperature, moisture content or enthalpy
of system input air 5 passing therethrough. Axially and rotatably
mounted and motor driven rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 is substantially equally divided into a supply sector 81 and
an exhaust sector 62. The filtered system input air 5 passes through
the supply sector 61 of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel
60 and heat contained in the structure of the rotary regenerative
heat exchanger wheel 60 is transferred to and increases the temperature
of the filtered system input air 5. Conditioned air 100 exits side
discharge port 90 disposed to conventional HVAC ductwork provides
the pathway for heated, conditioned air 100 to enter interior space.
In heat exchanger exhaust section 2a, return air 105 is drawn through
heat exchanger return air port 111 and filter 30 by means of suction
provided by forced air exhaust blower 140. Air exhaust blower 140
further forces return air 105 through disabled optional evaporative
elements 120 rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 wherein
return air 105 passes through the exhaust sector 62 of the rotary
regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 transferring heat to the structure
of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger wheel 60 forcing heat
exchanger exhaust air 161 through heat exchanger exhaust air port
151 to exterior space. |