Abstract: A method for modulating humidity across large single-zone air conditioned spaces such as those typically found in supermarkets wherein conventional air conditioning means and a desiccant unit are combined to supply varying levels of humidity to different regions within the single-zone space.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a motor control system for controlling the speed of an electrical motor in an air temperature control system having a control signal determined in accordance with various loads of the air temperature control system. An electrical energy source provides electrical energy to the control system. A motor starter has a starter input coupled to the electrical energy source and a starter output coupled to the electrical motor for receiving the electrical energy from the electrical energy source and selectably applying the received electrical energy to the electrical motor. An inverter is directly coupled to the starter input and to the starter output to bypass the starter and provide a frequency signal to control the speed of the electrical motor according to the control signal. The motor operates in a high speed mode and in a reduced speed mode wherein the mode of operation of the motor is determined according to frequency signal.

Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system for controlling the condition of air in a building enclosed space. The hybrid air-conditioning system includes a rotatable moisture transfer wheel having first and second zones. The first zone is located in a process air flow and the second zone is located in a regenerative air flow. The second zone of the moisture transfer wheel has relatively wet and dry regions. A compressor having a suction side and a discharge side is provided. The suction side of the compressor is in fluid communication with a recovery evaporator coil, and the discharge side of the compressor is in fluid communication with a subcool condenser coil. The recovery evaporator coil is positioned such that the regenerative air flow through the dry region of the second zone of the moisture transfer wheel passes through the recovery evaporator coil.

Abstract: The concentration of airborne microorganisms can be substantially reduced by passing air containing a concentration of microorganisms through a core of desiccant. Preferably, the core of desiccant is present in a moisture transfer wheel, which forms part of an open-cycle air conditioning system. The preferred desiccant is a large-pored crystalline titaniumsilicate molecular sieve, which can be regenerated into an essentially anhydrous state at a regeneration temperature of less than about 200.degree. F., and thereafter can absorb moisture from air to provide air having a vapor pressure of less than about 3 torr.

Abstract: Rotatably supported, regenerative fluid treatment wheel assemblies include a wheel with circumferential rim and track, a housing in which the wheel is disposed and a plurality of rollers disposed within the housing in rolling engagement with the track to locate a wheel axially and radially within the housing. Seal flanges are provided projecting radially outwardly from the rim and are opposed by flexible seals which are clip mounted to walls of the housing surrounding openings through those walls which are aligned with the wheel. At least one wheel is preferably spring loaded so to compensate for any eccentricity in the wheel. The wheel is belt driven. A subassembly, including a mounting plate, flange-mounted motor, drive pulley and spring loaded idler pulley is provided for easy installation and removal. Wear strips appropriate for contact with either the seal flanges or face of the wheel core are applied to the flexible seals by pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A desiccant assisted system for dehumidification and cooling of an enclosed space comprising a rotatable desiccant wheel and a rotatable heat exchange wheel. A first path for process air extends from an exit of the enclosed space to be conditioned in series through a first zone of the rotatable desiccant wheel, a first zone of the rotatable heat exchange wheel and an entrance to the enclosed space. A second path for regenerative air extends from an entrance to ambient air outside the enclosed space in series through a second zone of the rotatable heat exchange wheel, a second zone of the rotatable desiccant wheel and an exit back to ambient air outside the enclosed space. Condenser coil(s) are provided along the second, regeneration air path between the rotatable wheels. A compressor is provided and a first process evaporator is coupled with the compressor and located along the first path.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid air-conditioning system for fast start-up for controlling the condition of air in a building enclosed space.

Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system for controlling the condition of air in a building-enclosed space includes a first fan for passing process air from an ambient space through a first pre-cool evaporator coil, through a first zone of a rotatable moisture transfer wheel and then through a first zone of a rotatable heat exchange wheel to an enclosed and conditioned space. A second fan passes regenerative air from the enclosed and conditioned space through a second zone of the heat exchange wheel, through a first condenser coil, through a second zone of the moisture transfer wheel and then to the ambient space. The system further includes first and second compressors. The first compressor is in fluid communication with the first pre-cool evaporator coil and with the first condenser coil. The second compressor has a suction side in fluid communication with a second pre-cool evaporator coil and with a second condenser coil.

Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system for controlling the condition of air in a building-enclosed space includes a first fan for passing process air from an ambient space through a first pre-cool evaporator coil, through a first zone of a rotatable moisture transfer wheel and then through a first zone of a rotatable heat exchange wheel to an enclosed and conditioned space. A second fan passes regenerative air from the enclosed and conditioned space through a second zone of the heat exchange wheel, through a first condenser coil, through a second zone of the moisture transfer wheel and then to the ambient space. The system includes a first compressor having a suction side in fluid communication with a first side of the first pre-cool evaporator coil and a discharge side in fluid communication with a first side of the first condenser coil. The second side of the first pre-cool evaporator coil is in fluid communication with a second side of the first condenser coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modulating humidity across large single-zone air conditioned spaces such as those typically found in supermarkets wherein conventional air conditioning means and a desiccant unit are combined to supply varying levels of humidity to different regions within the single-zone space.

Abstract: An energy-efficient space conditioning system comprising an integrated direct expansion heat pump with desiccant and thermal exchange wheels. A method is disclosed for controlling the system to have four distinct modes of operation: Heating, Cooling/Regneration, Coil Defrost, and Regeneration.