Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for ventilation systems which include an element for the transfer of heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside a building) to cooler exterior fresh air which is drawn into the building. The present invention in particular provides an apparatus whereby, during a defrost cycle, interior air may circulate through both of the fresh air and exhaust air paths for delivery back into the building, i.e. the warm interior air, used as defrost air, may be able to circulate from the interior of the building into the ventilation apparatus and back to the interior of the building. The apparatus can thus use interior air as defrost air while diminishing or avoiding the creation of a negative air pressure in the building.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an evaporator assembly and a condenser assembly. A first portion of the exhaust airstream leaves the condenser and enters a primary channel of an evaporative cooler assembly. Water evaporates from the evaporative cooler tubes and creates a moisture-laden airstream. A plurality of apertures in the evaporative cooler tubes bleeds the moisture-laden airstream into a secondary channel defined within the evaporative cooler tubes. The heat drawn from the air in the primary channel produces an evaporatively cooled airstream that enters a desiccant wheel. A solid desiccant material within the desiccant wheel absorbs moisture from the evaporatively cooled airstream to produce a dehumidified airstream that enters the evaporator assembly. A second portion of the exhaust airstream is directed through a heater and then into the desiccant wheel to provide heat for regeneration of the solid desiccant material.

Abstract: An object is to provide an air conditioner in which a desiccant air conditioner is combined with a refrigerating device to cool an indoor by a refrigeration cycle including a compressor and the like and in which a drop of energy efficiency is suppressed. An air conditioner 200 includes a desiccant air conditioner 220 and a refrigerating device 210 which cools the indoor by a usual refrigeration cycle, this refrigerating device 210 has an auxiliary heat exchanger 17 between an outlet side of a heater 12 and an inlet side of an expansion valve 14, and this auxiliary heat exchanger 17 is disposed externally from an exhaust air passage 4 and a supply air passage 3.

Abstract: A dehumidifying system is disclosed which comprises a dehumidifying element to extract moisture from the air, a rotor to rotate the dehumidifying element, and a heat pump to cool and heat the air within the dehumidifying system. The dehumidifying unit has at least a regeneration zone and a dehumidifying zone. The dehumidifying zone is provided at a flow passage of supply air supplied to a low dew-point chamber and dehumidifies the supply air with a dehumidifying member. The regeneration zone allows regenerating air to pass through the dehumidifying member to regenerate the dehumidifying member. The heat pump is comprised of at least a condenser and an evaporator. The condenser of the heat pump is used to at least heat air passing through the regenerating zone and the evaporator of the heat pump is used to at least cool the supply air before it enters the dehumidifying zone.

Abstract: In a humidity controller apparatus for removing moisture from or adding moisture to process subject air which is to be supplied to an indoor space alternately using a first adsorption element (81) and a second adsorption element (82) by switching distribution routes for the process subject air in the casing (10), a suction-side wall (12) of the casing (10) has first and second inlet openings (13, 15) which are provided side by side. The casing (10) has a filter room (44) which is in communication with the first and second inlet openings (13, 15). The filter room (44) contains an air filter (71) for filtering the process subject air. With this structure, maintenance tasks for the air filter (71) are simplified.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for condensing water from ambient air, the method comprising: providing at least one condensation surface for contact with the ambient air; heating a solution of a refrigerant and a fluid, to drive gaseous refrigerant from the solution; cooling the gaseous refrigerant to condense the gaseous refrigerant into liquid refrigerant, and collecting the liquid refrigerant; evaporating refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant such that heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the condensation surface which is thereby cooled to, or below, the dew point of the water in the ambient air; and contacting the cooled condensation surface with the ambient air to effect condensation of water from the ambient air onto the condensation surface.

Abstract: A refrigerated appliance is disclosed. The refrigerated appliance comprises an enclosure defining a cooled space and having an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall to define an air duct. The refrigerated appliance further includes an evaporator disposed at least partially in the air duct and configured to cool air in the air duct, and the evaporator fan is configured to move air from the air duct into the cooled space, and an air treatment system at least partially located in the air duct. A portion of the air passing through the air duct passes through the air treatment system. The air treatment system comprises a filter cartridge or module, a base with a receptacle configured to receive the filter cartridge, and a mounting or coupling mechanism configured to move the filter cartridge into and out of engagement with the base. The mechanism has a release handle such that both the release handle and the cartridge are accessible from the cooled compartment.

Abstract: To provide a highly efficient and compact absorption refrigerating machine with water heated from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius as the heat source. In an absorption refrigerating machine including a regenerator G, condenser C, an absorber A, an evaporator E, an auxiliary regenerator GX and an auxiliary absorber AX, the concentrated solution from G is heated and further concentrated in GX, while the diluted solution from A is cooled in AX, the refrigerant vapor from GX is absorbed. A low temperature heat exchanger XL is provided for heat exchange between the concentrated solution supplied from GX to A, and the diluted solution sent from AX to G, and a high temperature heat exchanger XH is provided for heating the diluted solution leaving from XL and sent to G with the concentrated solution supplied from G to GX.

Abstract: The invention is a water generator device from air utilizing solar thermal energy and adsorption principle. The system is based on an adsorption refrigeration unit with Ether as a refrigerant and activated carbon as adsorbed. The required heat is generated from evacuated tube solar system and the heat sink is the atmosphere. The adsorption unit is an air-cooled refrigeration unit that can operate at relatively low hot water temperature (60-70° C.) and relatively high atmospheric temperature (30-40° C.). The water condensed from air is than driven through a simple water purification unit to assure its quality as drinking water. The very small electricity needed to operate the hot water and cold water pumps along with the filtration unit and the controller of the adsorption unit is generated from a small Photo Voltaic (PV) unit for stand alone systems.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: A desiccant dehumification system uses an air heater incorporating air feedback from the exhaust and/or the return air fans. The air and gas are mixed in a single step, two step, or continuous modulation mixing valve. An outdoor cooking grill style burner allows a small unit to be made with tight air heating system. One system cools the return air making it cool and humid. A portion of this air is then dried by a desiccant dehumidification system which makes hot and dry output air. The remaining return air is then dried by desiccant dehumidification system output air to deliver processed air in a controlled comfort range. A second system mixes return air with fresh air making mixed return air which is dried in a desiccant dehumidification system and then cooled to a desired comfort range without condensation.

Abstract: A mass and heat exchanger includes at least one first substrate with a surface for supporting a continuous flow of a liquid thereon that either absorbs, desorbs, evaporates or condenses one or more gaseous species from or to a surrounding gas; and at least one second substrate operatively associated with the first substrate. The second substrate includes a surface for supporting the continuous flow of the liquid thereon and is adapted to carry a heat exchange fluid therethrough, wherein heat transfer occurs between the liquid and the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ventilation system for a building including a conditioning unit, a ventilation unit and a control unit. The conditioning unit is mounted in at least one of a door and a wall of the building for conditioning air as it moves through or into the building. The conditioning unit includes at least one air inlet and an air outlet, spaced from the air inlet. The at least one air inlet communicates with at least one of air within the building and atmosphere and the air outlet communicates with air within the building. The ventilation unit is spaced from and communicates with the conditioning unit for expelling air from the building to atmosphere. The ventilation unit includes an air inlet and an exhaust air outlet, spaced from the air inlet. The air inlet communicates with air within the building and the exhaust air outlet communicates with atmosphere.

Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed which includes a damper adapted to select a desired path of air humidified by a moisture release portion of a desiccant wheel in accordance with a humidification or dehumidification mode. In accordance with operation of the damper, humidified air is heat-exchanged in a heat exchanger in the dehumidification mode, so that the air is dehumidified. The dehumidified air is discharged into a room. In the humidification mode, the humidified air is directly discharged to the room. Thus, the air conditioner can be used as a humidifier or dehumidifier in accordance with a user selection.

Abstract: The system (SC) includes a first, vapour compression circuit (A), including a compressor (1) with its output connected to a condenser (2; 2?) followed by an expansion device (4) and an evaporator (5; 16) having its output connected to the in of the compressor (1); a second, absorption circuit (B) with a hygroscopic solution flowing through it in operation and including a regenerator (11) with semipermeable membranes operable to allow the said solution to give up moisture (water) to a first airflow flowing in the regenerator (11) in operation, a dehumidifier (13) with semipermeable membranes arranged downstream of the regenerator (11) and operable to allow a second airflow to give up moisture to the hygroscopic solution, and a circulation pump (14). The first and second circuits (A, B) are connected by at least one heat exchanger (5) in which the hygroscopic solution flowing through the second circuit (B) gives up heat to the cooling fluid flowing through the first circuit (A).

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle has a unit case, a heat exchanger for generating a heated air, a bypass passage through which a bypass air flows while bypassing the heat exchanger, and a baffle member having first passages and second passages. The unit case has openings for introducing a conditioned air into a passenger compartment. The openings are aligned in an alignment direction across a width of the unit case. The first passages and second passages are alternately arranged in the alignment direction. One of the bypass air and the heated air has an uneven distribution of a flow speed in the alignment direction at a position upstream of the baffle member, and flows in the first passages. Widths of the first passages are varied according to the distribution of the flow speed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a water collection device which condenses water vapour in atmospheric air to water. The device comprises means for drawing the atmospheric air into the device; means for condensing the moisture vapour in the atmospheric air into water, and means for collecting the water.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of conditioning humidity and temperature in the process airstream of a desiccant dehumidifier used to dry moisture-laden spaces and structures by replacing moisture-laden air with dehumidified air to increase the rate of water evaporation within the affected areas. A heat-modulating dehumidifier comprises a dehumidification assembly having a desiccant rotor assembly, a post-process pre-reactivation heat exchanger assembly, a reactivation air bypass damper, a reactivation heater, and a control system. The apparatus regulates the temperature level of the dehumidified air exiting the apparatus by extracting heat from the dehumidified air prior to its ejection into an affected area, using a bypass damper that controls the amount of heat transfer from the dehumidified air to a second airstream entering the apparatus.

Abstract: An adsorption heat exchanger may comprise a stack of alternating adsorption layers and heat transfer layers. Separator plates may separate the adsorption layers from the heat transfer layers. The adsorption layer may include a first corrugated sheet positioned between and brazed to the adsorption zone facing side of two separator sheets. The first corrugated sheet and the exposed portions of the adsorption zone facing side of the separator sheets may be coated with an adsorptive material. The heat transfer layer may include a second corrugated sheet positioned between and brazed to the heat transfer zone facing side of two separator sheets. The second corrugated sheet may be oriented about 90° to the first corrugated sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dehumidification equipment and more particularly, to a dehumidification system and method for use in hazardous locations. In particular, there is provided a desiccant wheel assembly for use in a dehumidification system. The desiccant wheel assembly includes a cabinet and a desiccant wheel rotatively mounted within the cabinet. The desiccant wheel has a core impregnated with a desiccant material and an electrically conductive outer shell surrounding the core. Means are provided for driving rotation of the desiccant wheel within the cabinet. The desiccant wheel assembly further includes a static control device connected to a ground and associated with the desiccant wheel for discouraging the build-up of electrostatic charges on the desiccant wheel during rotation thereof. A dehumidification system comprising such a desiccant wheel assembly is also described along with a method for dehumidifying air in an enclosed space using a desiccant wheel dehumidification system.

Abstract: An electricity generating and air conditioning system with a dehumidifier. The system includes an engine, a generator connected to an output shaft of the engine to generate electricity, a dehumidifying agent body to dehumidify indoor air, a regeneration heater to regenerate the dehumidifying agent body, and a waste heat recovering means to supply waste heat of the engine to the regeneration heater, and thus, to allow the regeneration heater to use the supplied waste heat as a heat source for the regeneration of the dehumidifying agent body, so that the system exhibits a maximal efficiency.

Abstract: Dessicants employed in dehumidifying moisturized air present within a water-damaged building are themselves dehumidified to liberate collected moisture through the use of ambient air drawn over and about a heat exchanger fired by diesel fuel and powered by a pair of separately fused electrical circuits, one of which powers a first blower drawing ambient air from outside the building over the heat exchanger and through a dessicant in a first direction, and the other of which powers a second blower drawing moisturized air from within the building through the dessicant in a second direction.

Abstract: Dessicants employed in dehumidifying moisturized air present within a water-damaged building are themselves dehumidified to liberate collected moisture through the use of ambient air drawn over and about a heat exchanger fired by diesel fuel, with the dessicants, the dehumidifying apparatus and the diesel fuel all being carried on a trailer, with the diesel fuel inside under a skid and with its own portable electric panels with ground fault interrupters aboard in bringing its own electric power to the scene of the water-damaged building.

Abstract: Dessicants employed in dehumidifying moisturized air present within a water-damaged building are themselves dehumidified to liberate collected moisture through the use of ambient air drawn over and about a heat exchanger fired by diesel fuel, with a portion of the dehumidified air being diverted to join with the ambient air in increasing the liberation of the moisture within the dessicant.

Abstract: Rotating wheel dessicants employed in dehumidifying moisturized air present within a water-damaged building are themselves dehumidified to liberate collected moisture through the use of ambient air drawn over and about a heat exchanger fired by diesel fuel, with the rotating wheel dessicant being turned by a grip notch belt stretched onto the wheel.

Abstract: Dessicants employed in dehumidifying moisturized air present within a water-damaged building are themselves dehumidified to liberate collected moisture through the use of ambient air drawn over and about a heat exchanger fired by diesel fuel, with portions of the air drawn through the dessicant in both directional air flow paths being used to heat the water-damaged building.

Abstract: A mass and heat exchanger includes at least one first substrate with a surface for supporting a continuous flow of a liquid thereon that either absorbs, desorbs, evaporates or condenses one or more gaseous species from or to a surrounding gas; and at least one second substrate operatively associated with the first substrate. The second substrate includes a surface for supporting the continuous flow of the liquid thereon and is adapted to carry a heat exchange fluid therethrough, wherein heat transfer occurs between the liquid and the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: A desiccant-assisted air conditioning system utilizes a compressor (10), a condenser coil (11), an evaporator coil (13), supplemental desiccant coils (19, 20) connected therewith, and damper (18A, 19B) and valve arrangements that direct air and refrigerant through the system coils in several different thermodynamic operating paths. The system combines, transfers and reverses thermodynamic energies between the desiccant, the refrigerant and the crossing air, and simultaneously maximizes the refrigerant vapor compression closed cycle and desiccant vapor compression open cycle. The desiccant coils (19, 20) not only provide an effective gas phase change in their crossing air streams, but also simultaneously provide endothermic and exothermic energy exchanges between the air streams and the passing refrigerant that maximize the operating efficiency of the compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil, conserves energy, and produces quality conditioned air output.

Abstract: A water production unit is provided that uses a desiccant wheel for extracting water from an air loop. A portion of the air loop is heated using exhaust from, for example, a vehicle to regenerate the desiccant wheel.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: An electricity generating and air conditioning system with a dehumidifier. The system includes an engine, a generator connected to an output shaft of the engine to generate electricity, a heat pump type air conditioner, through which a refrigerant is circulated, the heat pump type air conditioner comprising a compressor, a directional valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor dehumidifying agent body to dehumidify indoor air, an indoor regeneration heater to regenerate the indoor dehumidifying agent body, and a waste heat recovering means to supply waste heat of the engine to the indoor regeneration heater, and thus, to allow the indoor regeneration heater to use the supplied waste heat as a heat source for the regeneration of the indoor dehumidifying agent body, or to supply the waste heat of the engine to the refrigerant of the heat pump type air conditioner, so that the system exhibits maximal efficiency.

Abstract: A refrigeration-based compressed-gas dryer comprises a group of heat exchangers (10), this group of heat-exchangers including a gas-to-gas heat exchanger (20), an evaporator (30), a condensate separator (50) and at least a refrigerating circuit (40), wherein in said gas-to-gas heat exchanger (20) there is provided a pre-cooling section (22), where heat is exchanged between a mixture of compressed gases to be dried entering said group of heat exchangers (10), and a heating section (24) for a mixture of dried gases exiting a condensate separator (50), wherein in said evaporator (30) there is provided a cooling section (32), where heat is exchanged between said mixture of compressed gases to be dried exiting the gas-to-gas heat exchanger (20), and an evaporating section (34) for a refrigerant medium, where said mixture of compressed gases is cooled down to a desired dew point.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioning apparatus with two adsorption elements (81, 82). The air conditioning apparatus repeatedly alternately performs a first operation in which air is dehumidified by the first adsorption element (81) simultaneously with regeneration of the second adsorption element (82) and a second operation in which air is dehumidified by the second adsorption element (82) simultaneously with regeneration of the first adsorption element (81). At the time of switching between these operations, only the flow path of air is changed, with the adsorption elements (81, 82) remaining stationary. The air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit performs a refrigeration cycle in which a regenerative heat exchanger (92) operates as a condenser and either one of first and second cooling heat exchangers (93, 94) operates as an evaporator.

Abstract: There is provided a system for pumping thermal energy. The system includes (a) a heater for heating a liquid, (b) a gas-liquid contactor for adding vapor from the liquid to a process gas to produce a vapor-containing gas, and (c) a membrane permeator for removing the vapor from the vapor-containing gas and for providing a resultant vapor. The system transfers a quantity of thermal energy from the heater to the resultant vapor.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: A desiccant container (2) which comprises a generally cylindrically cross-sectioned cup, two dual-density fiberglass discs (6, 8), desiccant material (4), and a cap (16). The cup includes an outer annular portion, an inner tubular portion, and a bottom which connect together to define a space within. The cap (16) has a planar portion with an aperture for receiving the inner wall portion of the cup and is designed for receipt in the chamber to cover the opening. The cap further includes an outer annular rim portion extending transversely from the planar portion. The peripheral flange portion having tabs with an edge portion which permit the cap to cooperate with the outer wall portion having tabs with an edge portion which permit the cap to cooperate with the outer wall portion so that the cap can be retained within the chamber in one of a number of axially spaced positions to prevent shifting of, and escape of the desiccant.

Abstract: A housing assembly includes first and second sides and first and second panels spaced apart from each other by an interior of the housing and traversing the first and second sides. A first porous desiccant retention plate and a second porous desiccant retention plate are spaced from each other are secured within the housing so as to define a desiccant chamber therebetween for maintaining the desiccant medium. An opening is formed within one of said panels in a location corresponding to the location of the desiccant chamber, facilitating replacement of the desiccant medium within the desiccant chamber.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus is provided with an adsorption element having a humidity adjusting side passageway configured to adsorb and desorb moisture by passage of adsorption air or regeneration air and a cooling side passageway through which cooling air passes so that the adsorption air is cooled by absorption of heat of adsorption generated during the adsorption in the humidity adjusting side passageway. In the air conditioning apparatus, air is humidified or dehumidified in the humidity adjusting side passageway of the adsorption element and is supplied to an indoor space. In order to achieve improvements in the cooling efficiency when cooling adsorption air by the use of cooling air in the cooling side passageway, room air, conditioned air, or mixed air which is a combination of room air and outdoor air is used as cooling air which is forced to flow through the adsorption element.

Abstract: A space has air humidity and temperature to be regulated. An air handler has a temperature regulation element, a fan and a housing. An inflow manifold has an intake end and an outflow end and a plurality of stubs and a plurality of dampers. An outflow manifold has an intake end and an outflow end and a plurality of stubs and a plurality of dampers. A desiccant unit has a plurality of chambers and a desiccant wheel and a plurality of blowers and a heat source and a mixing chamber and a combustible gas supply with a gas burner and an adjustable gas valve to regulate the flow of combustible gas. A plurality of ducts couple the air handler and the manifolds and the desiccant unit.

Abstract: A humidity control device includes a first adsorption element (81) and a second adsorption element (82). A first filter (301) is provided under the first adsorption element (81), while a second filter (302) is provided under the second adsorption element (82). The humidity control device performs first operation and second operation alternately. Directions of air flowing through the respective filters (301, 302) are reversed between the first operation and the second operation. Reversal of the direction of the air flowing through each filter (301, 302) removes dust and the like from each filter (301, 302).

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioning apparatus which is provided with two adsorption elements (81, 82). The air conditioning apparatus repeats in alternation an operation in which the second adsorption element (82) is regenerated and, at the same time, air is dehumidified by the first adsorption element (81), and an operation in which the first adsorption element (81) is regenerated and, at same time, air is dehumidified by the second adsorption element (82). Additionally, the air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit performs a refrigeration cycle in which a regenerative heat exchanger (92) operates as a condenser and a first cooling heat exchanger (93) or a second cooling heat exchanger (94) operates as an evaporator. For example, air, which has robbed heat of adsorption in the first adsorption element (81), is further heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (92) and is introduced into the second adsorption element (82).

Abstract: A method for conditioning air for an enclosure in which a supply air stream is cooled with a refrigerant system containing a variable compressor by passing the air over a cooling coil to reduce the temperature thereof; the thus cooled supply air stream is then passed through a segment of a rotating desiccant wheel under conditions which increase its temperature and reduce its moisture content, and then delivered to the enclosure. The desiccant wheel is regenerated by heating a regeneration air stream with the condensing coil of the refrigerant system, and then passing the heated regeneration air stream through another segment of the rotating desiccant wheel. At least one condition of the supply air stream, the regeneration air stream, and/or the refrigerant system is sensed or monitored and the output of the compressor is controlled in response to the sensed condition.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined ventilating and air conditioning system, comprising: a first air duct for guiding outdoor air to the indoor spaces, the first air duct being capable of opening and closing; a second air duct for guiding indoor air to outdoors, wherein the second air duct is capable of opening and closing and installed in such a manner that part of the second air duct intersects with the first air duct; a third air duct for guiding the indoor air to the outdoors, the third air duct being capable of opening and closing; a regenerative heat exchanger, being provided in an intersection between the first and second air ducts, for exchanging heat between the indoor air and the outdoor air passing through the intersection; and blowing fans for controlling airflows, being provided in the first air duct, in the second air duct, and in the third air duct, respectively. The compressor mounted on the air conditioner is provided in the third air duct.

Abstract: A dryer system for frost prevention in an ultra low temperature freezer includes a passive port coupled to an air dryer apparatus.

Abstract: An adsorption element (81, 82) is formed by an alternating lamination of flat plate members (83) and corrugated plate members (84). Each flat plate member (83) is a given rectangle of L1/L2=2. In the adsorption element (81, 82), humidity adjusting side passageways (85) are opened on side surfaces of the adsorption element (81, 82) which are located on the longer-side side of the flat plate members (83). Additionally, cooling side passageways (86) are opened on side surfaces of the adsorption element (81, 82) which are located on the shorter-side side of the flat plate members (83).

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning air comprising: a quantity of liquid desiccant (28); a dehumidifier section (12) in which air to be conditioned is brought into contact with a first portion of the liquid desiccant; a regenerator section (32) in which outside air is brought into contact with a second portion of the liquid desiccant; and a refrigeration system (45) having a first heat exchanger (46) associated with the first portion of liquid desiccant and a second heat exchanger (36) associated with the second portion of liquid desiccant and a third heat exchanger (136) that does not contact the liquid desiccant.

Abstract: A humidity control apparatus is provided with two adsorbing elements. The humidity control apparatus alternately repeats a first operation for dehumidifying air in the first adsorbing element while regenerating the second adsorbing element and a second operation for dehumidifying air in the second adsorbing element while regenerating the first adsorbing element. The second air taken into the humidity control apparatus is formed of a mixture of room air and outside air. In the humidity control apparatus, a mixture ratio between the room air and the outside air in the second air is variable.

Abstract: There is provided a heat pump system including two (4,6), at least similar units in fluid communication with each other, each unit having a housing (8,8?), a first air/brine heat exchanger (12,12?), a second brine/refrigerant heat exchanger (24,24?), a brine inlet (10,10?) for applying brine onto at least one of the heat exchangers, a brine reservoir (14,14?) and a pump (28) for circulating the brine from the reservoir to the inlet. The first and second heat exchangers are in closed loop fluid communication with each other and have a compressor (44) for circulating a refrigerant therethrough in selected directions.