Abstract: An air conditioning system is provided by combining a first air conditioning device for processing mainly a sensible heat load, a second air conditioning device using desiccant for dehumidification of the air, and a heat pump as a heat source, so that not only the cooling tower is no longer necessary but a significantly higher coefficient of performance is possible.

Abstract: A method of control of a car air-conditioner which prevents condensation and fogging on window glass occurring at the initial start of a slow starting heat pump system, without dehumidification by a large amount of ventilation as in the past, by driving an absorbent fan simultaneously with the start of a heating operation by the system so as to remove the moisture from the air in the passenger compartment by a small amount of an absorbent, starting a low level of ventilation when the heat pump system has finished warming up, ending the dehumidification by the absorbent within a relatively short time, and starting the regeneration of the absorbent by supplying power to a heater.

Abstract: An air conditioning system utilizes parallel fluidized bed desiccators for reducing the temperature and humidity of supply air. While one fluidized bed removes moisture from the supply air, the other is regenerated by a heated air flow. Use of the two beds is cycled back and forth between moisture removal and regeneration during operation of the system.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a process stream of air in an air conditioning system wherein a process stream of air is dehumidified and cooled to provide a conditioned stream of air for introducing to a conditioned space, the method comprises the steps of providing an enthalpy wheel comprised of an adsorbent contained in a paper web, the enthalpy wheel having a multiplicity of passages through which the process air can flow, the enthalpy wheel capable of regeneration by passing an air stream therethrough having a temperature and humidity lower than the process air. In the method, process air is passed through the enthalpy wheel to remove heat and moisture therefrom, and the enthalpy wheel is regenerated by passing air therethrough to remove heat and moisture therefrom.

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: 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 device for heating a passenger compartment in a motor vehicle comprises a heating device for warming up an air current fed to the passenger compartment, and a sorption reactor with a sorbent such as zeolite or the like, through which at least part of the air current flows. In order to avoid misting of the vehicle windows after starting the motor vehicle, the sorptive capacity of the sorbent received in the sorption reactor is chosen such that it is adapted to the warm-up time of the heat exchanger in such a way that the air current flowing through the sorption reactor and fed directly to the passenger compartment can be dried in an uninterrupted adsorption operation until a predeterminable air-outlet temperature is reached at the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for obtaining potable water from the ambient air. A compressor (16) is provided for compressing a refrigerant. A condenser (18) is provided for condensing the refrigerant received from the compressor (16). An evaporator coil (14) is provided for receiving at one end thereof compressed refrigerant from the condenser (18) and being disposed in a water tank (12). The evaporator (14) is operable for evaporating refrigerant and thereby cooling the potable water (13) in the water tank (12). Drip coils (28) are provided for condensing the potable water from the ambient air with the cooled potable water (13) from the water tank passing through the drip coils (28) before returning to the water tank (12). A fan (20) is provided for blowing ambient air about the drip coils(28) and the condenser (18).

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: Air handling system including a heat recovery means including blowers and dampers for controlling air flow and a desiccant wheel movable into and out of the air stream to selectively recover heat from exhaust air and transfer it to outside air. The air handlling system may also include an air conditioning system and an economizer inclulding dampers to control recirculated air and inlet and exhaust air.

Abstract: A contactor, particularly a vapor exchanger, working by the sorption or desorption of water vapor from or into an air stream (U) by an aqueous hygroscopic solution inside the contactor, is formed by at least a container (1, 1') with membrane walls (101) in contact with the air stream (U) whose air vapor content is to be controlled. The walls (101) of the container (1, 1') in contact with the air stream (U) are provided by many capillary open micropores so as to be impermeable to the solution but sufficiently permeable to the water vapor transfer to/from the solution. A device for handling air, particularly for dehumidification and/or humidification and air conditioning has at least one container (1) in combination with elements (6, 6'; 33, 34, 134) for adjusting the temperatures of the hygroscopic solution and/or of the air streams for controlling the transfer sense and rates of the vapor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for open cycle desiccant cooling wherein the process stream and regeneration stream are divided into a plurality of radial stream segments by non-parallel partitions forming unequal face segments in the desiccant wheel and the heat wheel for the same stream segment. The unequal face segments in the desiccant wheel and the heat wheel provide differing temperature profiles at the face of each wheel and allow obtaining desired temperature profiles for heat exchange and moisture adsorption. The process of this invention results in reduction of the radial speed of the heat wheel to less than 4 providing high effectiveness of the heat wheel increasing the capacity and the COP of the system.

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 dehumidifier works in conjunction with a vehicle air conditioner to reduce both condensation and cooling load on the evaporator. A unique desiccant wheel design incorporates end plates separated by desiccant tubes that allow a cooling cross flow to be sent through and between the wheel end plates, over the outside of, but sealed from the inside of, the tubes. As outside air passes through the inside half of the tubes and is dried, the released latent heat of vaporization is picked up by the cooling cross flow, which is pre heated. It continues on across the wheel, where it is turned around, heated farther by engine waste heat, and then sent through the inside of the other half of the tubes to regenerate the desiccant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning air for an enclosure is disclosed in which a first stream of outside ambient air is dried in a desiccant wheel dehumidifier and cooled in a heat exchanger while maintaining the moisture content thereof relatively unchanged; thereafter the air stream is cooled by passing the same over a cooling element whose surface temperature under normal operating conditions is higher than the dew point of the cooled and dried air leaving the heat exchanger. The thus cooled first outside air stream is then supplied to the enclosure while return air is withdrawn from the enclosure and supplied to the heat exchanger to pass in heat exchange relation to the dried first outside air stream in order to reduce the temperature of the first outside air stream in the heat exchanger while increasing the temperature of the enclosure return air which can be either exhausted to the atmosphere or used to reactivate the desiccant wheel before being returned to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A liquid glycol enhanced with a polymer-salt solution such as a desiccant in an air pre-conditioner system with a heat-pipe having its heat absorber section in an outside air inlet duct following water vapor adsorption into the desiccant by a contacter section of a dehumidifier, the heat-pipe having its heat rejecter section in an exhaust air duct and preferably preceeding water vapor discharge from the desiccant by a regenerater section of the dehumidifier, a desuperheater for efficient refrigerant compression, a reflux boiler for desiccant regeneration, and a glycol interchanger recovery system for desiccant recovery.

Abstract: A system for cooling and gases in which the process gas is dehumidified in a desiccant module and subsequently treated in a heat exchanger. Additional heat exchanger and gas washers may be included in the system. The system is operable in either an open or closed system to generate either cold gas or cold fluid or both. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger has a dry channel in which both sensible and adiabatic gas cooling occurs and an adjacent counterflow wet channel. The desiccant may be either a liquid or solid and is regenerated.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a cabin, especially a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, a sleeping cabin of a truck, or the like. To the cabin there is respectively connected an intake-air duct and a waste-air duct. The apparatus includes a sorption reactor which is filled with zeolite, or the like, and through which an air-current flows via corresponding ducts. In the adsorption phase of the reactor, the air-current takes up adsorption heat and releases moisture. After being cooled down via a humidifier, the air-current cools the intake-air current to the cabin. In addition, a heating device is provided for heating up the air current for the desorption of the reactor, the heated air current being evacuated with the moisture taken up from the sorbent.

Abstract: An air dehumidifying and air pollutant removal system adapted especially to desiccant wheel operation with downstream air filtering, and the discrete use of desiccants for the adsorption of gaseous pollutants as well as water vapor and both of which are desorped by regeneration, and downstream filter packs for the absorbtion of gasses and particulate matter collected thereby and desorbed for exhaust to atmosphere during off periods of building occupancy.

Abstract: A rooftop air conditioning unit for conditioning air in a conditioned space is provided with a rotary regenerative exchanger where sensible and latent heat transfer occur between exhaust air and fresh air with the use of a rotary regenerative exchanger. The exchanger is secured to the housing of the unit in front of a side opening adjacent the air circuit thereof. The position of the exchanger avoids a modification in the conditioned air ductwork of the conditioned space and allows sharing the same roof reinforcement structure with the original unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling the condition of air in an enclosure, such as a greenhouse, containing growing plants involves reducing the heat load on the enclosure by reducing the rate of convective heat flow of air across the canopy of the plants. This is achieved by heating and dehumidifying the air in the greenhouse during periods of low light levels such as at night in a manner that minimizes ventilation for controlling humidity. Apparatus is also provided for controlling the condition of air in an enclosure using an air-brine-vapor direct contact heat exchanger. Regeneration of the brine from the heat exchanger can be achieved by heating the brine using heated air from the enclosure or hot flue gases such that latent heat and/or sensible heat contained in the air, gases, and/or vapor exiting the regenerator can be transferred to the sir in the enclosure.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for heating or cooling a motor vehicle passenger compartment which communicates with a supply air duct for supplying a stream of air to the compartment and a used air duct for exhausting air from the compartment. A heat source in the form of a sorption reactor transfers heat energy to the air stream, with the reactor being provided with a sorbent such as zeolite or the like. The air stream passes through the reaction chamber of the reactor for extracting moisture from the air stream and adding adsorption heat to the air stream. The air stream then passes through an inflow duct before passing through the reactor, and passes from the reactor through an outflow duct at the outlet end of the reactor. A fresh air duct is provided for selectively feeding fresh air into the inflow duct, and an exhaust air duct opening into the atmosphere is provided for selectively communicating the outflow duct with the exhaust air duct.

Abstract: A method of forming an artificial snow surface and an ice crusher machine used in the method are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of maintaining a snow surface. The surface forming method has the steps of spraying water onto a floor incorporating a refrigerating unit; freezing the water by the refrigerating unit to form an ice layer on the floor; shaving a surface of the ice layer to generate artificial snow consisting of fine ice particles; and forming an artificial snow layer having an artificial snow surface by leaving the shaved snow on the remain of the ice layer in the course of the shaving step. The ice crushing machine has a self-propeling device for propelling the machine body on the ice layer while shaving the surface of the layer to produce fine ice particles behind the propelling path of the machine. The surface maintaining method has the step of dehumidifying air present adjacent the snow surface to avoid frosting of water content in the air on the surface.

Abstract: An improved air recirculation and conditioning system for recirculating and dehumidifying air within a living space is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention the system diverts a portion of the air recirculated through a return and removes moisture from that portion of the air before mixing the drier air with the air in the return. In accordance with another aspect of the invention the system makes use of a standard water heater as a source of heat to heat a regenerative air stream to regenerate a desiccant wheel of the system. Finally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the system externally draws all of the air for the regenerative air stream and exhausts the regenerative air stream to an air space external of the living space within which the air is being treated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the refrigerated drying of gases, more particularly of compressed air, has at least one gas supply system, with a refrigerating device which has a heat exchanger unit through which a refrigerant carrier is passed, a cooling assembly for cooling down the refrigerant to such a temperature that the liquid contained in the gas or the vapour contained in the gas is deposited in ice form, and a de-icing unit. In addition to a main gas supply system there is a further gas supply system which comprises the de-icing unit and to which hot refrigerant can be supplied from the main gas supply system wherein at least two de-icers are provided for the de-icing unit of which at least one can selectively undergo regeneration, and that downstream of the de-icer in the second gas supply system there is a collecting container which is connected to each of the de-icers and from which the refrigerant consumers can be supplied straightaway.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An air-conditioning process uses an internally-cooled, liquid-desiccant absorber through which the air to be conditioned, the coolant and the liquid desiccant are passed. The desiccant is passed into the absorber at a flooding rate not exceeding 1.0 gpm/ft.sup.2. Preferably cooling water (as coolant) is passed into the absorber at a flooding rate not exceeding 1.0 gpm/ft.sup.2 and, in that case, cooling air is passed through the absorber in intimate contact with the cooling water to promote evaporative cooling of the cooling water.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a cab, for example a motor vehicle passenger compartment, communicating with a supply duct for supplying air to the compartment and an exhaust air duct for exhausting air from the compartment. The apparatus includes at least two sorbent reactors provided with a sorbent such as zeolite or the like, each reactor having a reaction chamber. First and second air streams alternately flow through each of the reaction chambers such that while the first air stream is flowing through the first reactor and undergoing adsorption in the selected reaction chamber, the second air stream is simultaneously flowing through the other reactor where desorption takes place, thereby allowing for continuous heating or cooling of the cab.

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

Abstract: A liquid polymer-salt solution as a desiccant in an air conditioning system comprised of a heat-pipe having its heat absorber section in an outside air inlet duct following water vapor adsorption into the desiccant by a contacter section of a dehumidifier, and the heat-pipe having its heat rejecter section in an exhaust air duct and preferably preceeding water vapor discharge from the desiccant by a regenerater section of the dehumidifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for self-replenishment of the solution contained within an automobile windshield washer system. Water is extracted from air such as through the use of a desiccant system in combination with an automobile air conditioning system. This water is combined with a stored concentrated anti-freeze liquid in a preselected ratio to produce a windshield washer solution having sufficient freezing point depression for use during winter weather conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning air in deep, underground mines. The apparatus includes an air passageway connecting an air inlet for ambient air and an air outlet for conveying dried air to the mine's working level. The air passageway provides for dehumidification of the air by passing it through activated adsorbent particles, preferably zeolite, and for reactivating the particles by reverse heating cycles, or revolving the adsorbent beds through separate air flows, one for dehumidification of the air, and the other for regeneration of the adsorbent particles. The dehumidification unit contained within the air passageway is sufficiently efficient to reduce the moisture content of the air to less than 0.001 kilograms of water per kilogram of air. A humidifier at the mines's working level receives the dried air at an increased pressure and temperature due to the mine's depth, and by evaporative cooling reduces the air temperature so that it is cooled to 25.degree. C. dry bulb/20.degree. C.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning air in an enclosure includes a direct contact air/brine heat exchanger with which air in the enclosure is exchanged, and a reservoir of brine. A first brine loop is established by which brine from the reservoir is exchanged with the direct contact heat exchanger for condensing water vapor in the enclosure air onto the brine to form dilute brine that flows into the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a brine concentrator for evaporating water from the dilute brine in the first loop to produce concentrated brine that is supplied to the reservoir. The brine concentrator is preferably constructed and arranged such that a thin film of dilute brine in the first loop flows over a heat transfer surface that is heated by flue gases from a burner.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting moisture from the ambient air includes a desint pond for absorbing moisture from the air to produce a water rich desiccant, means for vaporizing the moisture in the water rich desiccant, mixing the vaporized moisture with ambient air to increase the dew point of the ambient air, condensing the vaporized moisture to form a potable water condensate and returning the water lean desiccant back to the desiccant pond.

Abstract: The humidity control apparatus comprising solid absorbers (13a, 13b) and a heater therebetween selects the suitable operation mode among a dehumidification operation, a dehumidification with ventilation operation, a humidification operation and a dehumidification with ventilation operation, in accordance with the detected data of a temperature sensor (17), a moisture sensor (18) and an oxygen sensor (19). The apparatus selects and operates a suitable operation mode by combination of controllings of an intake damper (10) for selecting the inlet air-flow course, an exhaust damper (11) for selecting the outlet air-flow course, the heater (14) for heating the solid adsorbers (13a, 13b), a fan for flowing the air in the solid adsorbers (13a, 13b).

Abstract: The air in a greenhouse is dehumidified using a direct-contact heat exchanger utilizing concentrated brine. The diluted brine produced when water vapor in the greenhouse condenses on the concentrated brine is regenerated in a fuel-fired boiler whose products of combustion, carbon dioxide and water vapor, are passed into the greenhouse. The products of combustion provide the desired level of carbon dioxide in the greenhouse; and the excess water vapor in the products of combustion as well as a significant portion of the water vapor produced by plants, growing in the greenhouse are removed by the hygroscopic concentrated brine.

Abstract: A cooler for use with gaseous process fluids such as air containing a vapor has a vapor adsorption unit for passing process air through an adsorption media to dry the air, a heat exchanger to control the temperature of the heat adsorption media and process air, a vapor removal system for removing the adsorbed vapor from the adsorption media, and a humidification unit to add a vaporizable liquid to the dried process air, so as to vaporize the liquid into the dried process air. Thus, heat in the process air is utilized for the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid to reduce the temperature in such process air, while maintaining a predetermined humidity level in said air. The vaporizable liquid may be sprayed into the process fluid as a mist. Excess cooled coalesced liquid may be used in a heat exchanger to precool the process fluid before it enters the humidifier.

Abstract: A low energy consumption apparatus and method for treating a gas in which a main gas stream is cooled and heat is transferred by convection to a liquid and to a secondary gas stream across a heat transfer surface. Liquid evaporates into the secondary stream. A total gas stream is subjected to initial sensible cooling along a moisture impervious surface of a heat exchange element. A secondary gas stream is diverted from the total discharge from the initial cooling stage and is directed counterflow to the total stream at the opposite absorbent surface of the heat exchange element to cause heating and humidification of the secondary stream. The remaining cooled stream which is the primary stream is subjected to sorbent treatment in an absorbent media to heat and dehumidify the stream. The primary gas flow is subjected to a final treatment stage similar to the initial heat exchange treatment. Condensate may be removed from the saturated or near-saturated secondary flow.

Abstract: A liquid polymer-salt solution as a desiccant in an air conditioning system comprised of a heat-pipe having its heat absorber section in an outside air inlet duct following water vapor adsorption into the desiccant by a contacter section of a dehumidifier, and the heat-pipe having its heat rejecter section in an exhaust air duct and preferably preceeding water vapor discharge from the desiccant by a regenerater section of the dehumidifier.

Abstract: A solar dehumidifier which utilizes solar energy to evaporate the moisture in air absorbed by the liquid desiccant and then to make said liquid desiccant denser for reuse. In other words, the humid air is dried in order to be used in a specific area. In particular, the solar dehumidifier according to the present invention is provided with a heat-pipe heat exchanger to increase the evaporation rate of the moisture absorbed by the liquid desiccant.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for conditioning air utilizing a desiccant based air conditioning system requiring substantially less regeneration energy than typical systems. This regeneration energy reduction is accomplished through the use of two separate desiccant devices and an indirect evaporative cooler having both a wet and dry side for air flow-through. The first desiccant device regeneration air is first passed through the wet side of the indirect evaporative cooler wherein it is humidified and heated. This air is then dehumidified by passing through the second desiccant device which operates at a high moisture content. This results in a substantial amount of moisture being absorbed from the first regeneration air stream causing a substantial air temperature increase and thereby, reducing the auxiliary heat required. The second desiccant device may be regenerated with ambient air.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for conditioning air utilizing a desiccant based air conditioning system requiring substantially less regeneration energy than typical systems. This regeneration energy reduction is accomplished through the use of two separate desiccant devices and an indirect evaporative cooler having both a wet and dry side for air flow-through. The first desiccant device regeneration air is first passed through the wet side of the indirect evaporative cooler wherein it is humidified and heated. This air is then dehumidified by passing through the second desiccant device which operated at a high moisture content. This results in a substantial amount of moisture being adsorbed from the first regeneration air stream causing a substantial air temperature increase and thereby, reducing the auxiliary heat required. The second desiccant device may be regenerated with ambient air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat and mass transfer is described that is applicable to: regeneration of liquid desiccant solutions, heat pumping of humid gases, cooling and dehumidifying of gases for air conditioning, and water absorption from air. Generally, using a moving gas, at a constant pressure, a continual change in a vapor-liquid equilibrium is created between proximate but continually changing gas and liquid desiccant temperatures within an energy transferring chamber. Chamber wetting, implemented segmentedly, allows mass transfer into and from the moving gas. A forced temperature differential between heat sinks and sources causes heat transferred by means of thermally conductive barriers. Concurrent with temperature variances, the segmented wetting further allows liquid desiccant concentrations caused by evaporation or condensation, to vary between wetted sectors.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus for a building having an electrical grid operatively connected to receive electricity from a utility is disclosed. The apparatus includes compression refrigeration apparatus with an electric motor connected to drive a compressor, absorption refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator, an air handler, induction mixing units, a system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handler and then to said induction mixing units, apparatus for transferring heat from air in the air handler to ice, a heat transfer system connecting the absorption refrigeration apparatus to pump heat to a heat sink from air in the induction mixing units or from air in the air handler, electric circuitry connecting the electric motor of the compression refrigeration apparatus to the building electrical grid for energization, and a heat transfer system for transferring heat generated by the cogenerator into energizing relationship with the absorption refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regenerating aqueous desiccants used in liquid desiccant air conditioners is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilizes a desiccant boiler and a desiccant evaporator/steam condenser in combination with heat exchangers. The evaporator/condenser receives steam produced by the boiler to provide a reuse of heat for regeneration. The boiler and the evaporator/condenser each can provide substantially complete regeneration of a portion of the liquid desiccant.

Abstract: An air conditioning system adapted for use in removing water vapor from gas such as air. The system comprises a passage for the flow of gas therethrough, a fan or the like for causing a flow of air through the passage and at least one porous structure composed at least in part of solid desiccating material located within the flow passage. The structure is hollow such that the interior has an open space communicating with the exterior of the flow passage. The system further includes a pump for creating at least a partial vacuum within the hollow interior of the desiccating structure such that water removed from the gas by the desiccating material is removed from the structure.

Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system having an absorption refrigeration subsystem for sensible heat loads and a cooperating liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem for latent heat loads incorporates additional apparatus for effecting the efficient transfer of available absorber element heat from the absorption refrigeration subsystem to the desiccant dehumidification subsystem desiccant regenerator element to improve the total system Coefficient of Performance (C.O.P.) over a wide range of latent heat load to sensible heat load proportions.

Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system having an absorption refrigeration subsystem for sensible heat loads and a cooperating liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem for latent heat loads incorporates additional apparatus for effecting the efficient transfer of available heat between the subsystems to improve the total system Coefficient of Performance (C.O.P.) over a wide range of latent heat load to sensible heat load proportions. Available heat recovery and system internal load generation are utilized in high and low latent load ratio regions, and modulated heat transfer using an additional series absorption refrigeration cycle loop is optionally utilized in the mid-latent heat load ratio region.