SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEHUMIDIFICATION AND AIR CONDITIONING

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods having air conditioning capabilities to selectively heat, cool, and/or dehumidify the air inside (or being delivered to) an enclosed space. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems are dynamic and responsive to, at least, (i) user provided settings and/or controls, and (ii) measurements of the enclosed space, where the measurements include one or more of a temperature and a humidity level for the enclosed space. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems include an outdoor unit in fluid communication with an indoor unit, the indoor unit including a gas furnace, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit both in electrical communication with a control module. The control module is configured to automatically select an operational mode for the system based on signals received regarding a temperature and/or humidity level for the enclosed space.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED MATTER

This application is a continuation-in-part to U.S. application Ser. No. 18/090,775, filed Dec. 29, 2022, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEHUMIDIFICATION, AIR CONDITIONING, AND CONTROLLED PROVISION OF CO₂ (“the '775 application”). The entire disclosure of the '775 application is hereby incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to dehumidification and air conditioning systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to systems capable of selective dehumidification and/or air conditioning in providing air to an enclosed space, and methods of use thereof.

SUMMARY

In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for conditioning the air of enclosed spaces. In particular, systems and methods are provided to dehumidify and/or condition (i.e., heat or cool) the air of an enclosed space. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure supply air to enclosed and/or controlled environments, where the air is supplied with a desired temperature and/or humidity. The desired temperature may be achieved by a gas split system. Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure dynamically maintain the desired temperature and/or humidity of the enclosed and/or controlled environments. Embodiments of the present disclosure selectively engage an operational mode to provide or dynamically maintain the desired temperature and/or humidity of the enclosed and/or controlled environments. The disclosed systems and methods are configured to dehumidify the air of an enclosed space without any noticeable or sensible cooling of the air.

These objectives are achieved by providing systems and methods that operate on the vapor compression principle and employ an evaporator coil in serial air flow with an indoor unit (i.e., indoor heat exchanger). For example, the evaporator coil can be disposed in serial air flow between an outdoor unit or heat exchanger and the indoor unit. In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger can be a gas furnace, such as a 90+ gas furnace. Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a single system that is capable of selectively cooling, heating, and/or dehumidifying the supplied air without cooling an enclosed space below a desired temperature. In some embodiments, one or more of the functions of the single system is controlled by a control module.

In some embodiments, disclosed systems include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit in fluid communication with the outdoor unit. In some embodiments, the system can also include an evaporator coil cabinet installed between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, such that the evaporator coil cabinet is in serial air flow between the outdoor and indoor units. The evaporator coil cabinet may house the evaporator coil. For example, when the indoor unit includes a gas furnace, the evaporator coil cabinet (or the evaporator coil) can be installed “between” the outdoor unit and the gas furnace of the indoor unit, such that the evaporator coil is before the heat exchanger and blower of the indoor unit.

In some embodiments, disclosed systems are capable of executing and running a variety of operational modes, such as a cooling mode, heating mode, and dehumidification mode. A control module can be configured to selectively and automatically start, stop, and/or change an operational mode of the system in response to measured temperature and/or humidity levels for the enclosed space.

The disclosed systems are compact and simplified, energy and cost efficient to manufacture, and can easily be installed by a qualified HVAC professional. The disclosed systems allow for avoiding the costs and hassle of installing additional dehumidifiers. Further, the disclosed systems and methods are energy and cost efficient in their operations.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic overview of a system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic wiring diagram of a control module according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the control module of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate decision trees or hierarchies for prioritizing tasks by a control module according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate flowcharts of example methods of operational modes according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Typically, in enclosed spaces and/or controlled environments, a comfortable climate requires precise control over not only the air temperature but also the humidity level within the enclosed space. Air conditioning systems for cooling and maintaining the air temperature within an enclosed space are frequently used for this purpose.

Often, when the temperature of the air is warmer than comfortable for most people, systems exist to dehumidify the air in an attempt to bring the temperature of the air down. These systems are typically installed alongside pre-existing air condition systems and can be expensive to both install and maintain. Additionally, when the temperature of an enclosed space is comfortable for most people, the air can be undesirably humid.

Embodiments of the present disclosure address and solve these and other issues. Disclosed are systems and methods having air conditioning capabilities to selectively heat, cool, and/or dehumidify the air inside (or being delivered to) an enclosed space. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems are dynamic and responsive to, at least, (i) user provided settings and/or controls, and (ii) measurements of the enclosed space, where the measurements include one or more of a temperature and a humidity level for the enclosed space. In some embodiments, the enclosed space includes one space. In some embodiments, the enclosed space includes a plurality of spaces, such as a first space, a second space, a third space, etc. The plurality of spaces may be connected (i.e., in fluid communication) as part of a larger facility. In some embodiments, the space is a residential unit.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic overview of a system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated system 100 includes an outdoor unit or heat exchanger 10, an indoor unit or heat exchanger 20, a control module 30, and a plurality of monitors 40. The outdoor unit 10 can include a compressor 12, at least one coil 14, a condensing fan 16, and a motor 18 for the condensing fan 16. In some embodiments, the at least one coil 14 is an evaporator coil. In some embodiments, the at least one coil 14 includes two coils—an evaporator coil and a condensing coil.

The indoor unit 20 can include a gas furnace 22, having a heat exchanger 24 and a fan of blower 26, and a indoor evaporator coil 28. In some embodiments, the indoor evaporator coil 28 is installed within an evaporator coil cabinet 21, which is incorporated into the indoor unit 20. In some embodiments, the indoor unit 20 further includes a return air orifice 23, to pull air into the gas furnace 22 (or the indoor unit 20) to interact with and be conditioned by the gas furnace 22. The gas furnace 22 (or the indoor unit 20) can also include a supply air orifice 25 to deliver conditioned air to an enclosed space 50.

The evaporator coil cabinet 21 (and, thus, the indoor evaporator coil 28) is installed in serial air flow between the outdoor heat exchanger 10 and the gas furnace 22 of the indoor unit 20. Specifically, the evaporator coil cabinet 21 is installed in serial air flow between the outdoor heat exchanger 10 and the blower 26 of the gas furnace 22. This also positions the indoor evaporator coil 28 in serial air flow just after the return air orifice 23. In this arrangement, air coming through the return air orifice 23 will pass first through the evaporator coil cabinet 21 (and the indoor evaporator coil 28) and then through the gas furnace 22. The evaporator coil cabinet 21 (and the indoor evaporator coil 28) can be connected to the outdoor unit 10 via standard suction and liquid lines. The gas furnace 22 can also be connected to the outdoor unit 10 via standard suction and liquid lines.

The control module 30 is in electric communication with the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the plurality of monitors 40. As illustrated, the plurality of monitors 40 can include a thermostat 42 and a humidistat 44. The control module 30 is configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of monitors 40 and, in response, send signals to the outdoor unit 10 and/or the indoor unit 20. The signals received by the control module 30 contain at least information relating to measured temperature and humidity levels for the enclosed space 50. The control module 30 is also configured to automatically start, stop, and/or change an operational mode of the system 100 in response to the received signals.

For example, the plurality of monitors 40 can include a thermostat 42 and a humidistat 44, among others. The control module 30 is configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of monitors 40 and, in response, send signals to the outdoor unit 10 and/or components of the indoor unit 20 (e.g., the gas furnace 22).

FIG. 3 illustrates a wiring diagram 35 for a control module 30 and FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram 37 of a control module 30, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Disclosed control modules 30 can be configured to analyze and command, energize, or activate various components of the system 100 depending on the user (i.e., control) settings, indicated and measured by one of the plurality of monitors 40 (e.g., a thermostat 42 and/or a humidistat 44).

The disclosed control modules 30 can be connected to (i.e., in electrical communication with) the outdoor and indoor units 10, 20 via low-voltage wiring. The control modules 30 can also be connected to (i.e., in electrical communication with) the plurality of monitors 40, such as the thermostat 42 and humidistat 44, via low-voltage wiring. The control module(s) 30 can be directly connected to one or more elements of the indoor and/or outdoor units. Specifically, the control module(s) 30 can be directly connected to the heat exchanger of the gas furnace, and directly connected to the indoor evaporator coil of the indoor unit. In some embodiments, the control modules 30 can communicate with the plurality of monitors 40, the outdoor unit 10, and the indoor unit 20 via Wifi, Bluetooth, network signaling, ethernet connection, other appropriate communication protocols, etc.

As illustrated, the control module 30 can include at least one microprocessor unit 32, at least one storage device 36, at least one transceiver 38, and a plurality of terminal connections 39. The plurality of terminal connections 39 provide the sites for low-voltage wiring to connect the control module 30 to various components of the system 100 (e.g., the outdoor/indoor units 10, 20 and the plurality of monitors 40). In some embodiments, the control module 30 includes communication protocols to allow the control module 30 to communicate, engage, and interface with various components of the system 100.

The at least one microprocessor unit 32 can include a plurality of microprocessor units 1, 2, 3, etc. The control module 30 can include as many microprocessor units 32 as appropriate to adequately and automatically carry out the described function and operational modes for the system 100. In some embodiments, the microprocessor unit(s) 32 is configured to receive a signal from one of the plurality of monitors 40. The microprocessor unit(s) 32 is also configured to send a signal to at least one component of the system 100 (e.g., the outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20, coil 28, etc.) in response to the received signal. In other embodiments, microprocessor unit(s) 32 are not provided. In some embodiments, the control module 30 can include one or more sensors 34.

In some embodiments, the microprocessor unit(s) 32 receives and processes the signal from one of the plurality of monitors 40. In some embodiments, the microprocessor unit(s) 32 sends a signal to one or more transceivers 38 and the one or more transceivers 38 send and/or relay the signal to one or more components of the system 100.

In some embodiments, the control module 30 (e.g., the microprocessor unit(s) 32 of the control module 30) sends one or more signals containing information relating to (i) an operational mode of/for the system 100, (ii) a measurement of the enclosed space 50, and/or (iii) a change in the operational mode for the system 100. In some embodiments, the microprocessor unit(s) 32 sends a signal to one or more transceivers 38 and the one or more transceivers 38 send and/or relay the signal to one or more components of the system 100.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate decision trees or hierarchies for prioritizing tasks by a control module according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a decision tree for the control module (abbreviated as “CM” in FIG. 5) to activate/deactivate various aspects of the disclosed system. If the desired temperature 305 is not reached, the control module will activate a heating or cooling mode 310. Activating the heating mode will activate the furnace and blower of the indoor unit, 325h. Activating the cooling mode will activate the compressor and indoor unit, 325c.

If the desired humidity level 315 is not reached, the control module will activate a dehumidification mode 330 as described herein. If the desired humidity level 315 has been reached or satisfied, the control module will turn off the system, 320.

As shown in FIG. 6, a desired temperature for the enclosed space can be set by a user, 405. A thermostat (see thermostat 42 of FIG. 1) monitors and measures the temperature of the enclosed space, 410. The temperature value is received by the control module, 415. The signal received/sent to the control module can contain information relating to the temperature of the enclosed space. The control module may constantly or nearly constantly query to determine if the temperature value is equal to, greater than, or less than the desired temperature input by the user. When the temperature of the enclosed space does not satisfy a threshold value (i.e., does not satisfy the desired user-set temperature), the control module (e.g., control module 30) with send necessary signals to the system to run a heating or cooling mode.

Based on the temperature value received at the control module, the control module will selectively activate a heating or cooling mode for the system, 420. For example, if the signal received indicates the temperature of the enclosed space is above the desired user-set temperature, the control module can selectively activate the cooling mode of the system. In activating the heating or cooling mode, the control module will selectively activate or engage components of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, 425. For example, the control module can activate the compressor of the outdoor unit, the heat exchanger of the furnace, etc.

During execution and activation of the heating or cooling mode, the thermostat will continue to measure the temperature of the enclosed space, 430. Additionally, the measured temperature will continued to be received at the control module. When the temperature of the enclosed space satisfies the threshold value (i.e., satisfies the desired user-set temperature), the control module will terminate or deactivate the heating or cooling mode, 435.

A similar sequence of events or decisions is illustrated in FIG. 7, regarding the humidity of the enclosed space. In some embodiments, the control module will prioritize a temperature of the enclosed space instead of a humidity. In such embodiments, the control module will first execute the sequence or decisions illustrated in FIG. 6 and then execute the sequence or decisions illustrated in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, the system can prioritize a humidity of the enclosed space instead of a temperature of the enclosed space. In such embodiments, the control module will first execute the sequence or decisions illustrated in FIG. 7 and then executed the sequence or decisions illustrated in FIG. 6.

Specifically, a user provides or establishes a desired humidity level for the enclosed space, 505. In some embodiments, a humidistat (see humidistat 44 of FIG. 1) can monitor and measure the humidity of the enclosed space, 510. The humidistat can also send a signal to the control module containing information relating to the humidity of the enclosed space, and/or the control module can query the humidistat to receive the humidity level as measured by the humidistat. The control module may constantly or nearly constantly query to determine if the measure humidity value is equal to or greater than the desired humidity input by the user, 515. If the desired humidity level is equal to or less than the desired humidity input by the user, (e.g., the humidity level of the enclosed space is less than a desired threshold value), the control module will either keep the system off or terminate the system (i.e., terminate a dehumidification mode), 520.

If the humidity of the enclosed space is above a desired humidity input by the user. (i.e., the desired user-set humidity level), the control module will activate the dehumidification mode of the system, 525. Specifically, the control module will activate the gas furnace, the compressor of the outdoor unit, and the indoor evaporator coil of the indoor unit. Activating the compressor will cause refrigerant to flow through the indoor evaporator coil of the indoor unit, 530.

Water from air flowing over the cold indoor evaporator coil will condense and be drained out of the indoor unit. The cooled and dehumidified air will be passed over and through the gas furnace to be neutralized prior to delivery to the enclosed space. In this way, the humidity level of the enclosed space can be controlled without undesirably, uncomfortably and noticeably cooling the enclosed space.

During execution of the dehumidification mode, the humidistat will continue to measure the humidity of the enclosed space. Additionally, measured humidity values will continue to be received at the control module regarding the measured humidity of the enclosed space. The control module may constantly or nearly constantly query to determine if the measure humidity value is equal to or below the desired humidity input by the user, 535. Once the measured humidity level (as measure by the humidistat and received at the control module) has reached or is below the desired humidity value (i.e., the desired user-set humidity level), the control module will terminate or deactivate the dehumidification mode, 540. If the measured humidity level is greater than the desired humidity value, the control module will continue running the dehumidification mode, 550. In some embodiments, the control module will then check the temperature of the enclosed space to ensure it continues to satisfy the desired user-set temperature. If the temperature does not satisfy the desired user-set temperature, the system may optionally activate the cooling or heating mode, 545.

Also disclosed are various operational modes for the system 100. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate flowcharts of methods corresponding to the various operational modes according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 600 for cooling an enclosed space according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 600 includes flowing warm liquid refrigerant from a compressor to an expansion valve, at 610. For example, warm, compressed liquid refrigerant flows from the compressor of the outdoor unit to the expansion valve of the indoor unit. In some embodiments, the expansion valve is part of an evaporator coil cabinet. The evaporator coil cabinet may be installed within the indoor unit, such as in series between the outdoor unit and a gas furnace. For example, the evaporator coil cabinet may be installed “after” the outdoor unit and “before” the blower and heat exchanger of the gas furnace.

The method 600 also includes expanding the liquid refrigerant via the expansion valve to generate cold gaseous refrigerant, at 615. At 620 of the method 600, the cold gaseous refrigerant cools a coil of the indoor unit (e.g., the indoor evaporator coil 28 of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the cold gaseous refrigerant cools the evaporator coil of the evaporator coil cabinet. The cold gaseous refrigerant will warm as it cools the coil (i.e., as the refrigerant absorbs thermal energy from the coil, the refrigerant warms). The method 600 further includes passing air over the cooled coil, thereby cooling the air, at 625. Specifically, as the air passes over the cooled coil, thermal energy is transferred from the air to the coil. This cooled air can then be directed to an enclosed space, thereby cooling the enclosed space.

The method 600 includes flowing warm gaseous refrigerant (back) to the compressor, at 630. For example, the warmed gaseous refrigerant may be directed to the compressor of the outdoor unit. At 635, the method additionally includes condensing the warm gaseous refrigerant to a hot liquid and heating the coil of the outdoor unit. Thermal energy is transferred from the hot liquid refrigerant to the coil of the outdoor unit, thereby heating the coil and cooling the liquid refrigerant, slightly. In some embodiments, the hot refrigerant can be recirculated to the expansion valve to, again, be expanded to a cold gas. In some embodiments, the heat from the coil can be expelled to an outdoor environment.

In expelling the heat to the outdoor environment, air can be passed over the heated coil, thereby heating the air. Similar to cooling the air at 625, as the air passes over the heated coil, thermal energy is transferred from the coil to the air. This will cause the air to warm, and the coil will begin to cool. The hot air can then be expelled to the outdoor environment via, for example, a blower or fan of the outdoor unit. By expelling hot air to the outdoor environment, the outdoor coil can cool down and be in a state to again absorb thermal energy from circulating hot liquid refrigerant.

The refrigerant utilized in the cooling mode will continue to circulate in this way (e.g., condensation to a warm liquid and expansion to a cold gas) until a desired or set temperature has been achieved within the enclosed space. Upon reaching the desired temperature, the cooling mode will automatically shut off until again activated by the control module.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 700 for heating an enclosed space according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 700 includes igniting a gas furnace to burn natural gas, at 705. For example, when the temperature of an enclosed space falls below a desired or set value, the control module (sec FIGS. 3-4) will automatically turn on the heating mode and ignite the gas furnace. The method 700 also includes heating an indoor heat exchanger via the burning of the natural gas, at 710. The indoor heat exchanger 24 can include any suitable heat exchanger for use with a gas furnace. The method 700 further includes, at 715, passing air over the heated indoor heat exchanger, thereby heating the air. The air may be directed to the heated indoor heat exchanger (e.g., into the gas furnace) via a return air or air intake orifice. The return air orifice can be defined by the gas furnace. In a 90+ gas furnace, the return air orifice directs air from outside to the gas furnace. As the air passes over the heated heat exchanger, the air absorbs thermal energy from the heated heat exchanger. This causes the air to be heated and the indoor heat exchanger to cool.

The method 700 includes delivering or directing the heated air to the enclosed space, at 720. In some embodiments, the heated air is directed to the enclosed space via ductwork, such as duct work in a residential unit. Directing the heated air to the enclosed space heats the enclosed space. As the heated air heats the enclosed space, the air begins to cool. The method 700 further includes circulating cooled air back into the indoor unit to again be heated, at 725. The cooled air is circulated or directed back to the indoor unit (e.g., a gas furnace) via a supply air orifice. The supply air orifice can be defined by the gas furnace and may be incorporated into the ductwork. Upon reaching the desired temperature, the heating mode will automatically shut off until again activated by the control module.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 800 for dehumidifying air supplied to an enclosed space, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 800 includes igniting a gas furnace, at 805. The method 800 also includes cooling an evaporator coil, at 810. In some embodiments, the evaporator coil is installed in serial air flow between an outdoor unit and the gas furnace. For example, the evaporator coil can be installed after the outdoor unit and just after the return air orifice of the gas furnace. This positions the evaporator coil “in front of” (from an air flow perspective) the blower and the heat exchanger of the gas furnace. The evaporator coil is connected to the outdoor unit through standard capillary suction and liquid lines.

In some embodiments, and similar to the cooling mode described above, cooling the evaporator coil includes flowing cold gaseous refrigerant through the evaporator coil and transferring thermal energy from the evaporator coil to the gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant will warm as it passes through and cools the evaporator coil. The method 800 further includes passing air over the cooled evaporator coil, at 815. Again, similar to the cooling mode described above, as the air passes over the cooled evaporator coil, the evaporator coil will absorb thermal energy from the air. Additionally, any water or humidity present in the air will be cooled alongside the air and condense on the evaporator coil.

The condensed water will collect and, at 820, drain out of the evaporator coil. In this way, the disclosed systems and methods dehumidify air being delivered to an enclosed space. The method 800 also includes passing the cooled and dehumidified air through the ignited gas furnace, at 825. As already explained, as the air passes through the gas furnace, it will pass over the coil of the gas furnace and be warmed. The air will be warmed or “neutralized” to the set temperature, as determined by a thermostat. Warming the air will not introduce any undesirable moisture into the air.

The method 800 further includes delivering the neutralized and dehumidified air to the enclosed space, at 830. In some embodiments, the method 800 is executed and controlled by the system illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. A humidistat monitors and measures the humidity of the enclosed space and, in some embodiments, is configured to send a signal to the control module in response to the measured humidity. The control module can be configured to automatically run the dehumidification mode of the system when the measured humidity is above a predetermined desired value.

Though not illustrated, in some embodiments, the methods 600, 700, 800 can additionally include monitoring, such as continuously monitoring or nearly continuously monitoring, and/or measuring the temperature and/or humidity of the enclosed space. Further, the methods 600, 700, 800 may also include running an operational mode (i.e., cooling, heating, and/or dehumidification) in response to the received measured temperature and/or humidity of the enclosed space as received at the control module. In some embodiments, running the operational mode is automatically carried out by the control module. Specifically, the control module can be configured to send signals to the outdoor unit and/or the indoor unit to start, stop and/or change an operational mode.

As discussed, the control module and the system are configured to dynamically respond to measured values (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) of the enclosed space. For example, humidity levels rise above a threshold or desired value (e.g., 65%), the control module automatically activates the dehumidification mode of the system. After running the dehumidification mode, the system may monitor and measure another value of the enclosed space (e.g., temperature). In response to the subsequent measurement, the control module can automatically activate the appropriate operational mode, such as the heating mode, to ensure the enclosed space maintains the desired and set parameters.

In some embodiments, the threshold temperature value is a temperature of approximately 65° F. to 85° F., such as 68° F., 70° F., 75° F., 79° F., 80° F., 83° F., or a temperature falling within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values. In some embodiments, the threshold humidity level is a humidity of approximately 65% to 85%, such as 68%, 70%, 75%, 79%, 80%, 83%, or a humidity falling within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

EXAMPLES

The following illustrative example refers to the system illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. A user provides set parameter values for an enclosed space. Specifically, the user provides a temperature of 70° F. and a humidity of 65%. The control module receives the user-provided values and receives a measured value for each parameter (temperature and humidity) from the plurality of monitors. In some embodiments, the control module requests the measured values for each parameter from the plurality of monitors.

In response to the received measured values for each parameter, the control module automatically selects and runs an operational mode of the system (see FIGS. 1-2). For example, the control module can select the heating operational mode for the system if the measured temperature parameter is below the user-provided value of 70° F. To run the selected operational mode, the control module also activates one or more components of the system. In the heating mode, for example, the control module activates the gas furnace of the indoor unit to provide hot air to the enclosed space.

Once the user-provided value of 70° F. has been achieved, the control module will assess the other measured values for each parameters and evaluate whether they match the user-provided value. For example, the control module may assess the measured humidity level for the enclosed space. If the measured humidity level is above the user-provided value of 65%, the control module will activate one or more components of the system to run the dehumidification mode. Specifically, the control module will activate the indoor evaporator coil and the gas furnace to dehumidify and neutralize the air supplied to the enclosed space.

The control module will continue the measuring, assessing, evaluating, and activating of system components to maintain the user-provided values for each parameter of the enclosed space. In this way, the control module can automatically run the appropriate operational mode without any user interference.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It should also be noted that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may have been disclosed in relation to use in residential units, but also have applications in other settings.

In one embodiment, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to numerical parameters within 10% of the indicated range. The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents used in the context of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the author(s) of this disclosure for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The author(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the author(s) intends for the embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of this disclosure so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

Although this disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims that follow, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and of their elements and features, may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A system to dehumidify and alternately heat or cool a first space, the system comprising:

an outdoor unit comprising an outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger comprising an outdoor coil and a fan;

an indoor unit comprising a gas furnace comprising a heat exchanger, the indoor unit further comprising an indoor evaporator coil, the indoor evaporator coil located prior to the heat exchanger of the gas furnace, such that air flowing into the indoor unit passes indoor evaporator coil before flowing to the heat exchanger of the gas furnace; and

a control module in electrical communication with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, the control module selectively controlling one or more operational modes of the system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the indoor evaporator coil is in serial air flow communication between the outdoor unit and the heat exchanger.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a thermostat and a humidistat, each in electrical communication with the control module.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the operational modes of the system comprise a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a dehumidification mode.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the control module activates the gas furnace in a heating mode of the system.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module activates the indoor evaporator coil in a dehumidification mode.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control module, the user interface allowing a user to select a desired temperature and/or humidity for the first space.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the control module controls the one or more operational modes of the system in response to the user selected desired temperature and/or humidity.

9. A method to dehumidify and alternately heat or cool a first space, the method comprising:

achieving a temperature for the first space using a split gas system; and

achieving a humidity level for the first space without changing the temperature for the first space.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

monitoring the humidity level for the first space; and

monitoring the temperature for the first space.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein a humidistat monitors the humidity level for the first space and a thermostat monitors the temperature for the first space, the humidistat and the thermostat being in electrical communication with a control module via low-voltage wiring.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein achieving the temperature for the first space comprises activating a gas furnace of the split gas system to burn natural gas, the gas furnace comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the gas furnace is activated by a control module.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein achieving the humidity level for the first space comprises activating an indoor evaporator coil and activating a gas furnace of the gas split system to burn natural gas.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a control module activates the indoor evaporator coil and the gas furnace.

15. The method of claim 14, the method further comprising:

receiving, by a control module, a measured temperature value for the first space to the control module; and

receiving, by a control module, a measured humidity level for the first space to the control module.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the temperature ranges from approximately 65° F. to 85° F., such as 68° F., 70° F., 75° F., 79° F., 80° F., 83° F., or a temperature falling within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein the humidity level ranges from approximately 60% to 85%, such as 63%, 65%, 68%, 70%, 75%, 77%, 80%, 83%, or a humidity level within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

18. A control module to dehumidify and alternately heat or cool a first space, the control module comprising:

a first microprocessor for electrical communication with a thermostat and/or a humidistat;

the control module for connection via low voltage wiring to an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the indoor unit comprising a gas furnace; and

a second microprocessor for electrical communication with the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, and/or the first microprocessor,

the second microprocessor configured to alter an operational mode of the indoor unit and/or the outdoor unit in response to at least one signal received from the first microprocessor,

the at least one signal providing information about a temperature and/or a humidity level for the first space.

19. The control module of claim 18, wherein the operational mode of the indoor unit and/or the outdoor unit comprises a heating mode, a cooling mode, and/or a dehumidification mode.

20. The control module of claim 18, the control module for connection via low voltage wiring to an indoor evaporator coil of the indoor unit.