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 a secondary gas stream across a heat transfer surface. Liquid bearing the heat evaporates into the secondary stream. A total gas stream is subjected to initial cooling along a moisture impervious surface of a heat exchange element to cause dry or sensible cooling. A secondary gas stream is diverted from the total discharge from the dry cooling stage and is directed counterflow to the total stream at the opposite surface of the heat exchange element which is an absorbent surface to cause heating and humidification of the secondary stream. The remaining cooled stream which is the primary stream is subjected to sorbent treatment to heat and dehumidify the same by flowing it through an absorbent media. The primary gas flow is then subjected to a final heat exchange treatment stage similar to the initial heat exchange treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning air in an enclosure includes a reservoir of brine, a direct contact air-brine-vapor heat exchanger, a brine evaporator, and a brine circulation system for exchanging brine between the reservoir and heat exchanger, and between the reservoir and the evaporation. The apparatus also includes a condenser operatively associated with the evaporator, a primary air circulation system constructed and arranged to exchange air between the heat exchanger and the enclosure for drying the air in the heat exchanger, and a secondary air circulation system constructed and arranged to exchange air between the evaporator and the condenser for evaporating water from the brine in the evaporator. Water vapor produced by the brine evaporator is condensed in the condenser which is constructed and arranged to transfer the heat released by condensation, which is the same as the latent heat of vaporization of water evaporated from the brine by the vaporizer, to the air in the enclosure.

Abstract: A refrigerating and humidity-regulating system for a container is disclosed, which comprises a refrigerating unit having a humidity-regulating apparatus assembled therein. This humidity-regulating apparatus includes a solid adsorptive material, an air heater, an air blowing means, and an air circulation route for circulating inside and outside air through the air heater and the solid adsorptive material, in that sequence. The solid adsorptive material may be formed as a fixed bed, and inside air and outside air are alternately circulated through the fixed bed. In one preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned humidity-regulating apparatus is assembled in multiple in the refrigerating unit, wherein in each of the humidity-regulating apparatuses the solid adsorptive material is formed as a fixed bed, and inside air and outside air are alternately circulated through the fixed bed in each humidity-regulating apparatus.

Abstract: Method and device for conditioning of a gas which passes through the treatment zone in a regenerative moisture exchanging apparatus (10, 16) for instance a rotor for exchanging moisture with an absorbing bed in the exchanging apparatus. In order to regenerate the bed, a regenerant gas, such as air is passed through the exchanging apparatus in a further treatment zone which is separated from the first mentioned zone. The regenerant air is passed in a closed circuit (3-7) after the passage through the exchanger apparatus. The circuit comprises an evaporator(E) in a heat pump circuit by means of which the regenerant gas air is cooled and its moisture content is decreased. The regenerant air is then passed over a condenser(K) in the heat pump circuit by means of which the regenerant air is heated before being passed to the regenerating zone of the exchanger apparatus.

Abstract: A residential-type hybrid air conditioning system having a conventional refrigeration subsystem which handles system sensible heat loads and a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem which handles system latent heat loads additionally incorporates an evaporative cooler which cooperates with and receives heat from the dehumidification subsystem to increase the performance efficiency of the total system.

Abstract: A building hybrid air conditioning system having a conventional refrigeration subsystem in combination with a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem that dehumidifies make-up ventilation air is provided with an additional and localized dehumidifier assembly that cooperates with the dehumidification subsystem liquid desiccant central supply to remove excess moisture from its localized zone in by-pass relation to system dehumidification of the make-up ventilation air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat and mass transfer is described that is applicable to: concentration, crystallization, purification, fractionation, stripping, absorption, and/or heat exchange for liquid media; drying for solid or gel media; and temperature and humidity modification for gas media. Generally, using a moving gas, such as air at a constant and atmospheric pressure, a continual change in a vapor-liquid equilibrium is created between proximate but continually changing gas and liquid temperatures within energy transferring chambers. Chamber wetting, implemented segmentedly, allows mass transfer into and from the moving gas. A forced temperature differential in each chamber causes heat transfer between chambers by means of thermally conductive partitons. This transfer can allow condensation causing further evaporation in the opposite chamber resulting in a recycling of energy.

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: A biochemical analysis apparatus comprises a sample accommodating region, a refrigerator for keeping cool a long test film containing a reagent which reacts with a liquid sample to give rise to a change in optical density, and a test film conveyor for sequentially pulling out the long test film from the refrigerator. A sample applicator takes up the liquid sample from the sample accommodating region and applies it to the long test film at the position to which the long test film has been pulled out of the refrigerator. An incubator maintains the sample-applied portion of the long test film at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. A detector irradiates light to the sample-applied portion of the long test film, and measures the optical density given rise to by the reaction during or after the passage of the predetermined time.

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: Apparatus for conditioning the air of a closed space and for removing heat from a refrigerated display case in the space is disclosed. The apparatus includes first refrigeration apparatus, second refrigeration apparatus, a chemical dehumidifier which uses a desiccant, a regenerator for the dehumidifier, a cogenerator for converting a fuel into heat and shaft work, means for transferring heat from the cogenerator to the regenerator to enable regeneration of the desiccant of the dehumidifier, means for transferring heat from the condenser of the first refrigeration apparatus to the heat absorbing section of the second refrigeration apparatus, and means for causing air to flow in dehumidifying relationship with the dehumidifier and then into the space. The apparatus is operable to maintain the temperature of the case below that of the closed space and to deliver dehumidified air to the space to maintain a humidity ratio in the closed space below about 50 grains of moisture per pound of dry air.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises compression refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator operable to provide electricity and heat, an air handler, a plurality of mixing boxes operable to receive conditioned air, to cause a flow of recirculated air from a space to be conditioned, and to deliver to the space a mixture of conditioned air and recirculated air, a circulating system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handle and then to the mixing boxes, a coil for heat transfer with air in the mixing boxes, and a sprinkler system through at least a part of which a heat transfer fluid is circulated to the coils. Preferred apparatus includes, in addition, at least one of absorption refrigeration apparatus and a dehumidifier which employs a desiccant, and means for using heat from the cogenerator as an energy source for the absorption refrigeration apparatus, for regeneration of the dehumidifier, or both.

Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system which simultaneously dehumidifies and cools air using standard vapor-compression equipment and aqueous solutions of liquid desiccant. By using a circulating liquid desiccant and an adiabatic humidifier, a more efficient refrigerant cycle is utilized. Moreover, conditioned air can be delivered at the same temperature and absolute humidity as conventional vapor-compression systems but without overworking the compressor.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for dehumidification and cooling of air for use in air conditioning of buildings comprises a container with stationary matrices, air fans, water pumps and a solid state processor, with the stationary matrices providing a periodic flow type energy efficient transfer of heat, dehumidification and evaporative cooling of air. Dehumidification of air and reactivation of the spent desiccant is achieved by the energy of the outdoor air and results in a cooling energy efficiency ratio of the apparatus (EER) 10 to 20 times larger than that of the most energy efficient vapor compression systems. Only a small amount of electric power is used to operate air fans providing alternate, periodic and countercurrent flow of the primary and the secondary air streams through the apparatus, and to operate water pumps used in evaporative cooling of the air. Operation of the apparatus is automatic and is controlled by a solid state processor.

Abstract: A heat exchanger according to the present invention comprises a housing for containing an upper and a lower layer of fluid, means for preventing intermixing of the two fluid, and heat transfer means for enhancing the transfer of heat between the layers. Specifically, the heat exchanger means is in form of a plurality of elongated cylinders extending into both layers, each of said cylinders containing a convective fluid. Preferably, the convective fluid is a liquid; and the preferred liquid includes water. Where the fluid in each of said upper and lower layers is a gas, the preferred orientation of the cylinders is vertical. The hotter fluid should be beneath the cooler fluid so that heat from the hotter fluid is first transferred to the liquid in the lower ends of each cylinder. The buoyancy of the heated liquid sets up convection currents which carry the heated liquid upwardly in the vertical cylinders where the heat is given up to the cooler fluid.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a cassette accommodating section which is enclosed by a wall, kept at a low temperature, and capable of accommodating a film feed cassette in such a way that it can be released therefrom. The film feed cassette houses therein a long test film containing a reagent which will react with a liquid sample and give rise to a change in optical density. The film feed cassette has a film outlet through which the long test film is fed out. The refrigerator has a film outlet which is formed in the wall at a position corresponding to the position of the film outlet of the film feed cassette and through which the long test film is pulled out. An air stream jetting system jets dry air to the surface of the portion of the long test film positioned between the film outlet of the film feed cassette and the film outlet of the refrigerator.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes, referring to FIG. 28 of the drawings, a number of air outlets 636, a dehumidifier 630, a constant pressure blower 833 in the dehumidifier 630 a duct 653 for circulating dehumidified air to the outlets 636, dampers 655 for controlling the rate at which dehumidified air circulated to the outlets 636 is delivered to a space to be conditioned, and panels 637 positioned in heat transfer relationship with space to be conditioned by the apparatus. The constant pressure blower controls the rate at which dehumidified air is delivered to the air outlets 636 so that dehumidified air is available at the rate required from time to time by each of the air outlets 636. Each of the air outlets 636 is operable to deliver air circulated thereto to a space to be conditioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for ventilation, recovery of heat, dehumidification and cooling of air or industrial gases for use in industrial processes and in air conditioning of residential, commercial and industrial building comprises a highly effective valveless periodic flow type dehumidifier-heat exchanger in which a countercurrent flow of two gaseous streams through a stationary matrix of a desiccant and a solid heat exchanging material is achieved by an air fan controlled by a variable timer controller. The stationary matrix may include a single bed or two beds of solid materials with distinguished mositure and heat sorption properties, a heater and a wet filter to provide simultaneously an effective transfer of heat and moisture, removal of particulates and adiabatic cooling of the two gaseous streams.The released sorption heat is temporarily stored within the matrix material and then used in reactivation of the desiccant.

Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system which simultaneously dehumidifies and cools air using standard vapor-compression equipment and aqueous solutions of liquid desiccant. By using a circulating liquid desiccant and an adiabatic humidifier, a more efficient refrigerant cycle is utilized. Moreover, conditioned air can be delivered at the same temperature and absolute humidity as conventional vapor-compression systems but without overworking the compressor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for regenerating aqueous desiccants for use in an air conditioning system are disclosed. The disclosed method and apparatus utilizes a gas-fired desiccant boiler and a combined desiccant regenerator/interchange heat exchaner. The combined regenerator/heat exchanger utilizes steam produced from the boiler to provide heat for partial regeneration. The desiccant boiler has a liquid/vapor separator chamber and thermosyphon recirculation to reduce scale and corrosion of the boiler.

Abstract: A heat pump is disclosed which includes a first packed bed of liquid desint for removing moisture from outside air in the heating mode of operation, and a pump for transferring the moisture laden desiccant to a second packed bed which humidifies condenser heated inside air by adding water vapor to the air. The first packed bed, by removing moisture from the outside air before it passes through the heat pump's evaporator coils, prevents frost from forming on the coils. In the cooling mode of operation the second packed bed of liquid desiccant removes water vapor from the air inside of the building. The moisture laden desiccant is then transferred to the first packed bed by a second pump where condenser heat transfers the moisture from the desiccant to outside air.

Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system for an enclosed space in a building is comprised of a refrigeration subsystem handling the enclosed space sensible heat load and of a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem handling the enclosed space latent heat load. The dehumidification subsystem primarily utilizes available heat from the refrigeration subsystem for liquid desiccant regeneration and dehumidifies ventilation air from the ambient atmosphere for subsequent mixing with enclosed space recirculated air to control the relative humidity within the enclosed space to a desired level. Total system performance efficiency is improved by a novel arrangement and control of system elements.

Abstract: A desiccant assisted air conditioning system for delivering dehumidified refrigerated supply air into a conditioned space and with return therefrom divided between recirculation air and exhaust-relief air employed to remove heat resulting from dehumification and employing waste heat from refrigeration for desiccant regeneration.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a housing containing upper and lower layers of fluid, the upper layer being less dense than the lower layer. The large and sharp density gradient at the interface between the upper and lower layers acts to prevent mixing of the two layers. A plurality of vertically oriented tubular sleeves that are closed at each end and filled with fresh water are located in the housing such that the axial ends of each tubular sleeve are in different ones of the layers. Heat added to the liquid in the lower layer is transferred to the liquid in the upper layer through the medium of the water contained in the tubular sleeves.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning the air in an enclosure utilizes a primary direct contact air/brine heat exchanger in which enclosure air is contacted with brine from a reservoir for condensing water vapor in the enclosure air onto the brine to form dilute brine. A brine concentrator is provided in the form of a secondary direct contact air/brine heat exchanger in which segregated air, separate from enclosure air, is contacted with heated dilute brine from the reservoir for evaporating water from the heated dilute brine into the segregated air to form concentrated brine. The secondary heat exchanger operates to heat the brine while it is being contacted with the segregated air.

Abstract: An air conditioning process and apparatus with absorption of water vapor in a circulating absorption liquid containing an aqueous salt solution. The absorption liquid to be supplied to the absorber is cooled by indirect contact with a circulating water stream in a heat exchanger. The circulating water is expanded at reduced pressure to release water vapor and lower the temperature of the water. The water vapor is thereafter absorbed in absorption liquid from the absorber.

Abstract: An air conditioning process and apparatus includes absorption of water vapor in a circulating absorption liquid composed of an aqueous salt solution. The absorption liquid is regenerated by evaporative concentration by indirect heat exchange with a heating fluid in an evaporator. The water vapor produced in the evaporator is condensed in a condenser by indirect heat exchange with a cooling liquid which is mainly composed of the absorption liquid to be concentrated or which has already been concentrated in the evaporator. The water vapor pressure over the cooling liquid in the condenser is lowered by causing gas to flow in contact with the cooling liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning air in an enclosure includes a direct contact air/brine heat exchanger constructed to exchange air in the enclosure with the direct contact heat exchanger, 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 flow into the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a brine boiler constructed and arranged for establishing a second brine loop in which dilute brine from the first loop is exchanged with the boiler for evaporating water from the dilute brine and producing steam. Finally, a flow control is provided for maintaining a smaller flow rate in the second loop than in the first loop.

Abstract: Dehumidifier water heater structure and method. The structure includes an outer, air permeable enclosure and a vertical stack positioned centrally thereof, a heat pump circuit including a compressor centrally of the enclosure, a condenser heat exchanger, within and extending axially of the vertical stack, an expansion device connected to the bottom of the condensor heat exchanger and an evaporator coil within the enclosure surrounding the compressor and connected between the compressor and expansion device. A fan for forcing air form the enclosure through the stack, insulation surrounding the condenser heat exchanger and a pump for passing water to be heated through the condenser heat exchanger may also be provided.

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: Apparatus for conditioning the air of a supermarket and for removing heat from refrigerated display cases therein is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second refrigeration apparatus, a chemical dehumidifier which uses a desiccant, a regenerator for the dehumidifier, means for transferring heat to the regenerator to enable regeneration of the desiccant of said dehumidifier, and means for causing air of flow in dehumidifying relationship with the dehumidifier and then into the space. The apparatus is operable to maintain the temperature of the case below that of the supermarket and to deliver dehumidified air to the supermarket to maintain a humidity ratio therein below about 50 grains of moisture per pound of dry air. The first refrigeration apparatus has a heat rejecting section, a compressor, and a heat absorbing section which is operable to transfer heat from the refrigerated case.

Abstract: A waste heat powered cooling apparatus utilizes a waste heat collector to convert wasted energy into heat stored in water. An evacuated chamber houses a desiccant bed and a sprayer which introduces an adsorbate into contact with a heat exchanger conduit extending within the chamber. Evaporation of the adsorbate in contact with the conduit cools a medium circulated within the conduit between the chamber and a chilled water reservoir. The evaporated adsorbate is adsorbed by the desiccant bed until a predetermined temperature or saturation level is reached, at which point, heated water from the waste heat collector is passed through heat exchanger conduits in the desiccant bed to regenerate the desiccant bed. Iterative adsorption and regeneration cycles maintain the chilled water in a desired temperature range.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning air in an enclosure includes a reservoir of brine, a direct contact air-brine-vapor heat exchanger, a brine evaporator, and a brine circulation system for exchanging brine between the reservoir and heat exchanger, and between the reservoir and the evaporator. The apparatus also includes a condenser operatively associated with the evaporator, a primary air circulation system constructed and arranged to exchange air between the heat exchanger and the enclosure for drying the air in the heat exchanger, and a secondary air circulation system constructed and arranged to exchange air between the evaporator and the condenser for evaporating water from the brine in the evaporator. Water vapor produced by the brine evaporator is condensed in the condenser which is constructed and arranged to transfer the heat released by condensation, which is the same as the latent heat of vaporization of water evaporated from the brine by the vaporizer, to the air in the enclosure.

Abstract: A desiccant air conditioning system incorporates a desiccant material structure in the form of a heat exchanging desiccant bed. The heat exchanging desiccant bed is formed by granular desiccant material defining air passageways and liquid circulating channels for circulating heat transfer liquid in heat exchange relationship with the desiccant bed. The desiccant bed may include at least one stack of substantially parallel spaced-apart thermally conducting fins or plates with the granular desiccant material intimately bonded to the surfaces of the plates. The plates are provided by tube sheets or tube fins which include the tubes or channels for circulating heat transfer fluid. The method of air conditioning contemplates drawing building air to be conditioned through an adsorb air passageway; preconditioning the air by initially moisturizing or humidifying the air to substantially 100% relative humidity and adding heat to the moisture-laden air extracted from the air exiting from the desiccant bed.

Abstract: A high efficiency system for removing moisture from compressed air and the like as used in pneumatic systems. To effectively achieve dew points of about -100 degrees F., the system utilizes two integrated dryer stages. The first stage causes the incoming air to be cooled to a dew point of about -35 to -40 degrees through the use of a refrigerant flowing in a heat exchanger to remove the heat of the air. Preferably for this cooling there is a precooler in the form of an air-to-air heat exchanger. The refrigerant is derived from a system having a compressor. The second stage of drying is achieved by passing the outlet air from the first stage, after removing moisture droplets and mist via a separator unit, into a heatless bed of desiccant or like material. Preferably, two beds are employed so as to permit one bed to be removing moisture while collected moisture is being removed (purged) from the other bed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a housing containing upper and lower layers of fluid, the upper layer being less dense than the lower layer. The large and sharp density gradient at the interface between the upper and lower layers acts to prevent mixing of the two layers. A plurality of vertically oriented tubular sleeves that are closed at each end and filled with fresh water are located in the housing such that the axial ends of each tubular sleeve are in different ones of the layers. Heat added to the liquid in the lower layer is transferred to the liquid in the upper layer through the medium of the water contained in the tubular sleeves.

Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidifying air is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second dehumidifiers, both of which employ a desiccant. Air to be dehumidified is passed through the first dehumdifier, then through the second dehumidifer, and from the second dehumidifier to a space to be conditioned. The desiccants of the two dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air so that it is dehumidified before it reaches the space. The apparatus also includes a first regenerator for the desiccant of the first dehumidifier, and a second regenerator for the desiccant of the second dehumidifier. Air is passed to and through each of the regenerators in contact with the desiccant therein and is then discharged. Heat of sorption is transferred from the two dehumidifiers, and moisture laden desiccant is moved from each of the dehumidifiers to its regenerator; finally, heat is transferred to each of the regenerators, and the heat transferred to the first regenerator includes heat of sorption from the first dehumidifier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for increasing removal of moisture in a cooling system provides for a desiccant to contact and evaporate moisture into the dry feed air prior to passing the feed air over cooling coils to increase the dew point (moisture content) of the feed air. This increases the moisture removal of the cooling system. The desiccant material is loaded with moisture by absorption of moisture from the moisture saturated air leaving the cooling coils. The method includes removing the moisture by desiccant from the saturated air leaving a cooling means and delivers it to dry air entering said cooling means thus, increasing the dehumidification of the cooling means.

Abstract: An apparatus for dehumidification and cooling of moist air for use in ventilation and air - conditioning applications comprises two fixed bed sorption dehumidification-heat recovery units equipped with a valving system permitting continuous countercurrent cyclic operation removing moisture and sorption heat from the treated moist outdoor air to provide dehumidified and cool fresh air. Additional cooling of the treated fresh air if desired may be achieved in a conventional direct evaporative cooler. Released sorption heat is recovered and used in reactivation of the spent sorbent material with the required additional heat being provided by fossil fuel, solar or waste heat energy sources. Small amount of electric power is used for operation of two air blowers that provide also balanced ventilation of the air conditioned space. Cooling COP of the apparatus is higher than that of the prior art systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidity and temperature control of the air in an enclosure comprising brine-vapor-air direct heat exchanger apparatus disposed in communication with an enclosure and a brine reservoir arranged to store brine and to be exposed to naturally occuring temperature gradients for desired conditioning of the brine. The temperature gradients may be relatively short term, such as day-night or may be longer term, such as summer-winter.

Abstract: A solar powered cooling apparatus utilizes a solar collector to convert radiant energy into heat stored in water. An evacuated chamber houses a dessicant bed and a sprayer which introduces an adsorbate into contact with a heat exchanger conduit extending within the chamber. Evaporation of the adsorbate in contact with the conduit cools a medium circulated within the conduit between the chamber and a chilled water reservoir. The evaporated adsorbate is adsorbed by the dessicant bed until a predetermined temperature or saturation level is reached, at which point, heated water from the solar collector is passed through heat exchanger conduits in the dessicant bed to regenerate the dessicant bed. Iterative adsorption and regeneration cycles maintain the chilled water in a desired temperature range.

Abstract: An improved desiccant air conditioning system includes at least one heat exchanging desiccant bed having desiccant material surfaces defining air passageways through the desiccant bed. The desiccant material surfaces adsorb moisture from building air during an adsorption phase and desorb moisture into exhaust air during a desorption phase. The heat exchanging desiccant bed is formed with refrigerant circulating channels or tubes in heat exchange relationship with the desiccant material surfaces. A heat pump system is also provided including an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering device operatively coupled by a refrigerant circulating line for evaporation of refrigerant and transfer of heat to the refrigerant from air in the evaporator air passageways during a coincident adsorption/evaporation phase and for condensation of refrigerant and transfer of heat from the refrigerant to air in the condenser air passageways during a coincident desorption/condensation phase.

Abstract: Cogenerating air conditioning comprised of a support system having a continuously operating desiccant regenerator with desiccant storage and employing waste heat from a prime mover driving a co-generator, and an air handling system having multiple desiccant contactors supplied from stored desiccant to dehumidify building return air and having heating coils employing waste heat from said prime mover and with cooling coils employing regeneration chilled water and/or evaporatively chilled water, with chilled water being employed to continuously purge fire sprinkler mains.

Abstract: A system for conditioning the air in an enclosure, such as a greenhouse, uses low grade heat contained in a liquid, e.g., condenser cooling water that is normally discharged downstream of a power plant. The system includes an indirect contact heat exchanger with a heat exchange surface having one side contacted by the fluid, and a direct contact air-brine heat exchanger associated with the enclosure including a blower for exchanging air between the enclosure and the air-brine heat exchanger. The system also includes a pump for exchanging brine between the direct contact heat exchanger and the other side of the heat exchange surface of said indirect contact heat exchanger. Thus, an efficient indirect, liquid-to-liquid heat exchange operation takes place between the brine and the low grade heated liquid; and an efficient direct, air-brine heat exchange operation takes place to heat the air in the enclosure without increasing its humidity.

Abstract: In a method of operating an air conditioner for supplying an air from the air conditioner to the inside of a chamber, the temperature of the air supplied to the inside of the chamber upon starting the operation of the air conditioner is increased to an aimed temperature while maintaining the supplied air temperature higher than the temperature at the surfaces of the inner wall of the chamber and/or the equipments installed therein but lower than the temperature the dew point for which is lower than the surface temperature, whereby the moistures contained in the air supplied from the air conditioner is prevented from condensating to form water droplets on the inner wall of the chamber and/or the equipments installed therein. The inside of the chamber can be controlled to an aimed air-conditioned state rapidly without causing undesired dewing phenomenon even during winter or like other cold conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus for sorbing one or more components from a fluid.

Abstract: A humidity reduction duct assembly for attachment over the air inlet of an evaporative cooler having a tray assembly insertable therewith transversely thereacross intermediate the duct inlet and the cooler inlet so that air drawn through the duct passes across and through the tray assembly. The tray assembly is formed of a pair of spaced rigid members having a plurality of foraminous cylinders disposed therebetween in spaced parallel relationship to each other and filled with an air permeable desiccant. The duct removes excessive humidity from the ambient air and enhances the efficiency of the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidifying air is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a receiver for a hygroscopic liquid, a regenerator, a dehumidifier, a heat pump and means for circulating four different streams of the hygroscopic liquid. The heat pump has an energy input section, a heat collecting section and a heat rejecting section, and is operable, when the energy input section is energized, to transfer heat from the heat collecting section at a given temperature to the heat rejection section at a higher temperature. The apparatus has means for circulating the hydroscopic liquid: (1) in a first stream from the receiver into heat transfer relationship with the heat rejection section of the heat pump and then to the regenerator, where it is sprayed; (2) in a second stream from the regenerator to the receiver; (3) in a third steam from the receiver to the dehumidifier, where it is sprayed; and (4) in a fourth steam from the dehumidifier to the receiver.

Abstract: An open-cycle air-conditioning apparatus including a rotatable heat exchanger wheel, a rotatable moisture transfer wheel, evaporative elements, and heating means disposed between the heat exchanger wheel and the transfer wheel wherein both wheels are constructed of spaced alternate layers of material mounted on a hub with means for forming a plurality of axial passages in the area between the layers. The moisture transfer wheel has an absorbent material alternating with a rigid polymeric material and the heat exchanger has rigid material of a low thermal conductivity, such as a rigid polymer forming both layers. In each instance, axial passages exist between the layers. Both wheels have outer semi-rigid rims and a plurality of rigid spokes secured to and extending radially from the hub, through the material and the rim for structurally strengthening the wheels and terminating in a threaded end with a cooperating nut for truing the wheel through adjustment of the nuts.

Abstract: Apparatus for comfort conditioning at least a zone of a building is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, as its main elements, a solar collector, a heated fluid storage tank, an internal combustion engine, a sensor-controller responsive to the temperature of fluid in the heated fluid storage tank, air conditioning apparatus and a sequencing switch. The apparatus also includes means including at least one pump for circulating a heat transfer fluid from the heated fluid storage tank, into heat-receiving relationship with the solar collector, into heat-receiving relationship with the engine, and back to the tank. The sensor-controller is operable to cause the internal combustion engine to operate whenever the fluid temperature in the heated fluid storage tank is below a control point and to control the engine, when operating, to maintain the temperature of fluid within the tank within predetermined limits.