With Removing Of Moisture Patents (Class 62/93)
-
Patent number: 7096684Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd.Inventors: Tomohiro Yabu, Yoshinori Narikawa, Satoshi Ishida
-
Patent number: 7086239Abstract: The present invention relates to a condenser for an air-based climate control system, having an inlet and an outlet for the air to be cooled, an inlet and an outlet for the cool air, a heat exchange unit for heat transfer between the air to be cooled and the cool air, a bypass that circumvents the cool-air side of the heat exchange unit at least within a certain area, and a hot-air inlet on the cool-air side by means of which hot air can be fed into the condenser. A particularly low humidity even in partial power operation with continued high flow-through capacity of the climate control system is achieved according to the invention in that the hot-air inlet is positioned in such a way that the hot air essentially flows in a partial area of the inlet on the cool-air side of the condenser and that the bypass inlet is positioned in the partial area downstream from the hot-air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbHInventors: Joachim Haas, Norbert Brutscher
-
Patent number: 7082781Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshimasa Kikuchi, Tomohiro Yabu, Akira Kamino
-
Patent number: 7055334Abstract: An indoor air-conditioning unit 10 which can effectively deactivate allergens includes an intake grill 11 for drawing in indoor air. Indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, and 15 exchange heat between air drawn in from the intake grill 11 and a refrigerant to thereby cool or heat the air. A diffuser 16 returns the air which has been heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, 15, back into the room. A cross-flow fan 17 blows air which has been drawn in from the inlet and heat exchanged from the diffuser 16 into the room. An allergen deactivation filter 18 is arranged in an internal space 5 through which the air flows and supports an allergen deactivation enzyme. An enzyme activation device maintains the internal space S in an atmosphere for activating the allergen deactivation enzyme.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Tanaka, Katsuhiro Hashitsume, Seiji Ando, Yuji Nakajima, Susumu Kojima, Kenichi Miyazawa, Hiroshi Kanbara, Takayuki Suzuki
-
Patent number: 7051540Abstract: Wick-Containing apparatus capable of separating fluids and methods of separating fluids using wicks are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Victoria S. Stenkamp
-
Patent number: 7043934Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water making device that collects the moisture contained in the atmosphere and condenses it into high purity water. In one embodiment, moist air entering the water making/water cooling system flows across an air filter, then a precooler heat exchanger (where the air stream is cooled to or close to its dew point) and then a water extraction heat exchanger, where the air stream is cooled further and water is extracted. The water that leaves water extraction heat exchanger is collected in a water collection device and passes from there through a primary water filter into a water storage tank. The air stream then passes across a reheat heat exchanger and exhausted to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: University of Maryland, College ParkInventors: Reinhard K. Radermacher, Hisham Fawzi
-
Patent number: 7043930Abstract: A method for removing humidity from air comprising the steps of providing an air conditioning system comprising a continuous circuit through which a refrigerant flows from a compressor, through a condenser, through a heat exchanger, through an evaporator, and returning to the compressor, providing a bypass valve through which a portion of the refrigerant flows around the heat exchanger, providing a bypass circuit through which a portion of the refrigerant flows from a point upstream of the condenser to mix with the refrigerant at a point downstream of the condenser, providing a discharge gas valve for controlling the portion of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass circuit, measuring an outdoor temperature and a relative humidity, determining a cooling stage and operating the bypass valve and the discharge gas valve to remove a portion of the humidity from the air based upon the outdoor temperature, the relative humidity, and the cooling stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Ruddy C. Bussjager
-
Patent number: 7000409Abstract: A process for recovering potable water from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. In this process the exhaust gases are cooled causing water to condense out, and the water formed is passed through particulate filters, activated carbon filters and ion exchange resin filters. In this process, the water is treated to reduce the levels of nitrates, sulfates, acidic and other organic components therein (for example, by passing it through a flow through capacitor) before the water is passed through the ion exchange resins. The apparatus for practicing this process is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: Marit Jagtoyen Mazzetti
-
Patent number: 7000410Abstract: An apparatus and method are extracting water from the ambient air comprising drawing air through an particle ionizer grid, evaporator plates of a refrigerant system the system and recirculating the ionized air and mixing said ionized air with ambient air and recycling said mixed air through said ionizer and evaporator plates to extract moisture from the air. The system utilizes sensors to constantly sense and predictively respond to multiple parameters, monitored at multiple points in the system to predictively and efficiently adjust the system operation to continually maximize the extraction of water regardless of ambient temperature and humidity.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Ecotek International, Inc.Inventor: John Hutchinson
-
Patent number: 6978635Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd.Inventors: Tomohiro Yabu, Guannan Xi, Akira Kamino
-
Patent number: 6966197Abstract: When a dehumidifying and heating operation is set in an air conditioner, refrigerant is circulated from a compressor to the compressor through a first exterior heat exchanger, a decompression device, an interior heat exchanger, an another decompression device, an inner heat exchanger and a second exterior heat exchanger, in this order. Further, by controlling a throttle opening degree of the another decompression device, a refrigerant temperature in the interior heat exchanger can be set higher than that in the second exterior heat exchanger. Thus, even when the interior heat exchanger is controlled to a temperature to be not frosted, heat can be absorbed from outside air in the second exterior heat exchanger. Accordingly, when an outside air temperature is low, by setting the dehumidifying and heating operation, air to be blown into a compartment can be dehumidified while sufficiently increasing heating capacity.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Satoshi Itoh, Motohiro Yamaguchi
-
Patent number: 6957543Abstract: An air cycle water producing machine utilizes a combination of cooling turbine, heat exchanger and fresh air cycling to increase water output while minimizing the amount of energy required to operate the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Inventor: Igor Reznik
-
Patent number: 6945065Abstract: Cooling/heating system of air conditioner including a duct having a first passage for drawing external air, and a second passage for drawing room air, the second passage having a part crossed with the first passage, a regenerative heat exchanger having first and second flow passages in the crossed part of the first and second passages for indirect heat exchange between the external air and the room air, a case connected to the first and second passages of the duct having first and second outlets for drawing/discharging external and room air, first and second fans for drawing in the external air and the room air into the case through the first and second passages, and discharging the external air and the room air through the first and second outlets, and first and second heat exchangers for heat exchange with the external air and the room air discharge through the first and second outlets, thereby preventing contamination and dried room air and reducing heat loss to permit cooling/heating even with small amounType: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Won Hee Lee, Yoon Jei Hwang, Chan Ho Song
-
Patent number: 6941763Abstract: This heat pump and dehumidifying apparatus have small energy-consumed per moisture-removed ratios. Their components include a pressurizer for raising refrigerant pressure; a condenser for condensing refrigerant, thereby heating a high-temperature heat source fluid; an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant to cool a low-temperature heat source fluid; and a heat exchanger in a refrigerant path connecting the condenser and the evaporator for evaporating and condensing refrigerant under an intermediate pressure between the condensor pressure and the evaporator pressure. The low-temperature heat source fluid is successively cooled by the heat exchanger, cooled by the evaporator, and heated by the heat exchanger. This fluid can be precooled by the heat exchanger before cooling in the evaporator, and heat removed during precooling can be returned to the fluid after cooling by the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Kensaku Maeda, Hideo Inaba, Shunro Nishiwaki
-
Patent number: 6935131Abstract: An indoor facility provided with a liquid refrigerant dehumidifier coil connected with the main refrigeration coils in a secondary refrigerant loop and a compressor waste heat coil coupled with the primary refrigerant loop and heating a desiccant wheel for removing further humidity from the process air stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Tom Backman
-
Patent number: 6931881Abstract: A portable, monoblock air conditioner including an evaporator positioned over a condenser, the condenser including heat transfer fins, and a partition positioned between the evaporator and the condenser, the partition formed with openings arranged for condensate to flow from the evaporator over the heat transfer fins of the condenser, wherein there are more than one of the openings over each heat transfer fin. Adjacent rows of openings over the heat transfer fins may be staggered with respect to each other. The heat transfer fins may have a hydrophilic coating.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Amcor International Ltd.Inventor: Avner Movshovitz
-
Patent number: 6928831Abstract: The invention relates to a combined cooling plant/heat pump for use in motor vehicles for the cooling, heating and dehumidification of the vehicle interior. A refrigerant circuit is thermally coupled to the ventilation system over an internal heat exchanger having two functional units. The functional units are switchable as the condenser/gas cooler of the heat pump (in heating operation) and as the evaporator of the cooling plant (in cooling operation). In a combined dehumidification-reheating operation, one of these functional units is operable as an evaporator and the other as condenser/gas cooler.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Peter Heyl
-
Patent number: 6912859Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing make-up water for a chilled water system. A first water tower for cooling water is provided. Condensate water from a condensate water source is extracted. Make-up water for the first water tower is provided using the condensate water. The apparatus comprises a first water tower for generating cooling water; an air compressor to produce compressed air; a condensate water source to extract condensate water from the compressed air; and a water flow control system for providing water from the condensate water source to the first water tower.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Air Liquide Process and Construction, Inc.Inventor: Eric Klein
-
Patent number: 6910339Abstract: A system for extracting including a cooled condenser apparatus in contact with the volume of pressurized air being dehumidified, the condensed water being transferred into collection areas by means of capillary attraction; an evaporation chamber in thermal contact with the condenser apparatus having an inlet connected to the collection areas by means of a first valve device and an outlet connected by means of a second valve device to a space wherein the pressure is lower than that of the volume of pressurized air; and a control device for controlling the valve devices in order to carry out a control cycle with a first phase for placing the evaporation chamber under negative pressure in relation to the volume of pressurized air, and a second phase for suctioning the condensed water in the collection areas towards the decompression chamber, until the pressure in the decompression chamber reaches a predefined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Agence Spatiale EuropeenneInventors: Robert Laine, Primo Tamburini
-
Patent number: 6883602Abstract: An evaporator unit for use in the air conditioning system of a mass transit vehicle that includes a housing mounted inside the air conditioned section of the vehicle having a return air inlet connected to a supply air outlet by a flow passage. The evaporator coil of the air conditioner is mounted in the flow passage to cool the air moving through the passage. A heater coil is mounted behind the evaporator coil to selectively heat the air moving through the passage. A dehumidifying coil is mounted in front of the evaporator coil that utilizes ambient air to dehumidify the indoor air when the ambient air temperature is at a temperature below that at which the air conditioner cannot reliably operate.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Alan S. Drucker
-
Production of potable water and freshwater needs for human, animal and plants from hot and humid air
Patent number: 6868690Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for extracting freshwater from atmospheric humidity in extremely hot and humid climates and supplying freshwater to a small group of people, a building, a farm, or forestation area. The freshwater is treated to provide drinking water by disinfecting to eliminate microorganisms and filtration to remove suspended particulates from air, erosion or corrosion products, and disinfected waste. Compact units provide drinking water for individuals, passengers in cars, vans, trucks, or recreational boats, or crewmembers on a seagoing cargo ship whether from atmospheric humidity or from moisture-laden gases. Furthermore, systems are disclosed for the ample supply of freshwater with minimal treatment for small- to large-sized buildings in a manner that alleviates the heat load on buildings. Collection of freshwater from hot humid ambient air is also provided for other uses, such as irrigation and farm animal drinking.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Fakieh Research & DevelopmentInventor: Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Kader M. Faqih -
Publication number: 20040255598Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a chamber, having a replaceable part which has a moisture adsorption characteristic and which is in communication with the chamber, and having a humidity monitoring section which is responsive to the humidity within the chamber. A method of controlling humidity within a chamber in a housing includes: providing a replaceable part which has a moisture adsorption characteristic and which is in communication with the chamber, and monitoring the humidity within the chamber using a humidity monitoring section which is responsive to the humidity within the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: James L. Haws, Ronald J. Richardson
-
Publication number: 20040244398Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water making device that collects the moisture contained in the atmosphere and condenses it into high purity water. In one embodiment, moist air entering the water making/water cooling system flows across an air filter, then a precooler heat exchanger (where the air stream is cooled to or close to its dew point) and then a water extraction heat exchanger, where the air stream is cooled further and water is extracted. The water that leaves water extraction heat exchanger is collected in a water collection device and passes from there through a primary water filter into a water storage tank. The air stream then passes across a reheat heat exchanger and exhausted to the outside.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Reinhard K. Radermacher, Hisham Fawzi
-
Patent number: 6828499Abstract: A condensation panel to be used for harvesting water from atmospheric moisture during those times of the diurnal cycle when relative humidity is at or near 100% utilizes very localized cooling to optimize condensation on a surface whose materials promote the condensation and collection of the water. The panel is passive in the sense that it can be deployed and left in an unmaintained condition for considerable periods of time. At least one time each day, almost certainly in the morning, water harvested by the process of assisted condensation can be collected for use.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael David Max
-
Publication number: 20040231344Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner enabling to supply a room with oxygen as well as control temperature and humidity of air therein. The present invention includes an outdoor module 10, an indoor module 20, a refrigerant tube 30, and an oxygen generating module. The outdoor module 10 includes a condenser 11, an outdoor fan 12, and a compressor 13 so as to compress and condense a refrigerant. The indoor module 20 includes an evaporator 21, an indoor fan 22, an inlet 23, and an outlet 24 so as to cool the air in the room. The refrigerant tube 30 connects the evaporator 21 of the indoor module 20 to the condenser 11 of the outdoor module 10 so as to circulate the refrigerant.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Ho Geun Jang, Dong Jin Kwak, Min Chul Cho
-
Publication number: 20040231345Abstract: A process for recovering potable water from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. In this process the exhaust gases are cooled causing water to condense out, and the water formed is passed through particulate filters, activated carbon filters and ion exchange resin filters. In this process, the water is treated to reduce the levels of nitrates, sulfates, acidic and other organic components therein (for example, by passing it through a flow through capacitor) before the water is passed through the ion exchange resins. The apparatus for practicing this process is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Marit Jagtoyen Mazzetti
-
Patent number: 6813894Abstract: There are provided a heat pump having a high COP and a dehumidifying apparatus arranged in a compact size. The heat pump has a pressurizer 260 for raising a pressure of a refrigerant 260, an evaporator 210 for cooling a low-temperature heat source fluid A with heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to be pressurized, a condenser 220 for heating a high-temperature heat source fluid B with heat of condensation of the pressurized refrigerant, and a first heat exchanger 300a for exchanging heat between the low-temperature heat source fluid A upstream of the evaporator 210 and a cooling fluid. The first heat exchanger 300a has a first compartment 310 through which the low-temperature heat source fluid A flows, a second compartment 320 through which the cooling fluid flows, and refrigerant passages 251A1-A9, 252A1-A9 extending through the first compartment and the second compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventor: Kensaku Maeda
-
Publication number: 20040211207Abstract: A dehumidification method comprising: providing a liquid desiccant (20) at a first location (18); removing moisture from the liquid desiccant at the first location to a first source of air (22, 24); providing liquid desiccant (20′) at a second location (18′), said liquid desiccant at said second location (18′) being in fluid communication with the liquid desiccant at the first location (18); absorbing moisture by the liquid desiccant at the second location from a second source of air (22′, 24′); and transferring moisture from the first location (18) to the second location (18′) substantially only by diffusion and gravity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Mordechai Forkosh, Dan Forkosh, Tomy Forkosh
-
Publication number: 20040206094Abstract: A dehumidifying air-conditioning apparatus comprises a pressurizer (4) for raising a pressure of a refrigerant, a condenser (5) for condensing the refrigerant to heat a high-temperature heat source fluid, and an evaporator (1) for evaporating the refrigerant to cool process air to a temperature lower than its dew point. A first heat exchanging portion (21) is disposed in a refrigerant path between the condenser (5) and the evaporator (1) for evaporating the refrigerant under an intermediate pressure between the condensing pressure of the condenser (5) and the evaporating pressure of the evaporator (1) to cool the process air by evaporation of the refrigerant under the intermediate pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventor: Kensaku Maeda
-
Publication number: 20040206095Abstract: The invention concerns a low-temperature dryer, especially a compressed air low-temperature dryer, for drying of a gaseous working fluid with cooling of the gaseous working fluid by use of a refrigerant. It comprises a pre-heat exchanger section (11) and a main heat exchanger section (12), in which the pre-heat exchanger section (11) and/or the main heat exchanger section (12) comprises at least one, preferably elongated heat exchanger element. Cooling of the working fluid introduced to the low-temperature dryer occurs here in the pre-heat exchanger section (11) from the dried and cooled working fluid. Additional cooling of the precooled working fluid passed through the low-temperature dryer occurs in the main heat exchanger section (12) from the refrigerant, so that moisture is condensed from the working fluid. All flow channels (21, 22) of the pre-heat exchanger section (11) and/or the main heat exchanger section (12) are formed essentially by hollow chamber profiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: Kaeser Kompressoren GmbHInventor: Michael Feisthauer
-
Publication number: 20040194478Abstract: This heat pump and dehumidifying apparatus have small energy-consumed per moisture-removed ratios. Their components include a pressurizer for raising refrigerant pressure; a condenser for condensing refrigerant, thereby heating a high-temperature heat source fluid; an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant to cool a low-temperature heat source fluid; and a heat exchanger in a refrigerant path connecting the condenser and the evaporator for evaporating and condensing refrigerant under an intermediate pressure between the condensor pressure and the evaporator pressure. The low-temperature heat source fluid is successively cooled by the heat exchanger, cooled by the evaporator, and heated by the heat exchanger. This fluid can be precooled by the heat exchanger before cooling in the evaporator, and heat removed during precooling can be returned to the fluid after cooling by the evaporator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Kensaku Maeda, Hideo Inaba, Shunro Nishiwaki
-
Patent number: 6799430Abstract: A method for reclamation of atmospheric water uses a water reclamation chamber (1) with water reclamation cells (2) and variable high-performance blowers (3). In this occurs by means of cooling collectors (6) during the nighttime the cooling of a coolant stored in a cooling resorvoir (7), and during the daytime operation by means of solar collectors (8) occurs the heating of a further fluid stored in a heat reservoir, so that the coolant that is cooled during the night for the purpose of water reclamation cools by day and/or night the cooling registers through which air flows. At these cooling registers, the air is dehumidified so that the heat-accumulating fluid by day and/or by night is used for the generation of energy for the operation of the equipment and/or for the extraction of water.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Inventor: Walter Georg Steiner
-
Publication number: 20040172953Abstract: A variable evaporator control system and method in a gas dryer for maximizing the cooling which can be accomplished for a given length heat exchanger by adjusting the evaporator refrigerant approach temperature responsive to changes in the gas load on the system. Pressure and/or temperature sensors positioned at particular locations in the system provide feedback for controlling adjustments in the approach temperature depending on the gas load.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: Brian W. Pritchard, Mark F. Honath, Timothy J. Fox
-
Patent number: 6775992Abstract: A fluid transport system including a fluid transfer assembly, an air dryer and a tube. The fluid transfer assembly includes a pipe for transporting a cold fluid and a vapor barrier surrounding the pipe. The air dryer removes moisture in the air. The tube is connected to the air dryer and the fluid transfer assembly. The tube transfers air from the air dryer to the fluid transfer assembly at a plurality of points along a length of the fluid transfer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Cooper Research, LLCInventor: Thomas L. Cooper
-
Patent number: 6772534Abstract: An apparatus for removing moisture from air which includes a moist air inlet area, a dry air outlet area, a regeneration air inlet area, a regeneration air outlet area and a desiccant medium. A drying fan is provided for drawing the moist air through the moist air inlet area, through the desiccant, as to exit the unit through the dry air outlet area. A regeneration fan is provided for drawing regeneration air through the regeneration air inlet area, through the desiccant medium, so as to exit the unit through the regeneration air outlet area.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Bel-Art Products, Inc.Inventors: Francis Gomes, Paul Thom, David Landsberger
-
Publication number: 20040134217Abstract: When a dehumidifying and heating operation is set in an air conditioner, refrigerant is circulated from a compressor to the compressor through a first exterior heat exchanger, a decompression device, an interior heat exchanger, an another decompression device, an inner heat exchanger and a second exterior heat exchanger, in this order. Further, by controlling a throttle opening degree of the another decompression device, a refrigerant temperature in the interior heat exchanger can be set higher than that in the second exterior heat exchanger. Thus, even when the interior heat exchanger is controlled to a temperature to be not frosted, heat can be absorbed from outside air in the second exterior heat exchanger. Accordingly, when an outside air temperature is low, by setting the dehumidifying and heating operation, air to be blown into a compartment can be dehumidified while sufficiently increasing heating capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2004Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Satoshi Itoh, Motohiro Yamaguchi
-
Publication number: 20040123607Abstract: A system for extracting including a cooled condenser apparatus in contact with the volume of pressurized air being dehumidified, the condensed water being transferred into collection areas by means of capillary attraction; an evaporation chamber in thermal contact with the condenser apparatus having an inlet connected to the collection areas by means of a first valve device and an outlet connected by means of a second valve device to a space wherein the pressure is lower than that of the volume of pressurized air; and a control device for controlling the valve devices in order to carry out a control cycle with a first phase for placing the evaporation chamber under negative pressure in relation to the volume of pressurized air, and a second phase for suctioning the condensed water in the collection areas towards the decompression chamber, until the pressure in the decompression chamber reaches a predefined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Robert Laine, Primo Tamburini
-
Publication number: 20040118133Abstract: A dehumidifying air-conditioning apparatus comprises a pressurizer (4) for raising a pressure of a refrigerant, a condenser (5) for condensing the refrigerant to heat a high-temperature heat source fluid, and an evaporator (1) for evaporating the refrigerant to cool process air to a temperature lower than its dew point. The dehumidifying air-conditioning apparatus further comprises a refrigerant path branched into a plurality of branched refrigerant paths (42, 43, 44) between the condenser (5) and the evaporator (1). A first heat exchanging portion (21) is disposed in the branched refrigerant path for evaporating the refrigerant under an intermediate pressure between the condensing pressure of the condenser (5) and the evaporating pressure of the evaporator (1) to cool the process air by evaporation of the refrigerant under the intermediate pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Kensaku Maeda, Hideo Inaba, Shunro Nishikawa
-
Patent number: 6751967Abstract: An air conditioning device includes a compressor coupled between a condenser and an evaporator, a capillary tube device and a valve device are coupled in parallel to each other and coupled between the condenser and the evaporator. Another valve device is coupled between the condenser and the evaporator and in parallel to the parallel capillary tube and the valve device. A further valve and a further capillary tube device are coupled in parallel to the evaporator, and coupled in parallel to each other. The valve devices may be selectively operated and selectively switched off for either air conditioning, or dehumidifying, or drying, or defrosting purposes.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Chun Hung Chen
-
Patent number: 6739142Abstract: There is provided a system for pumping thermal energy. The system includes (a) a membrane permeator for removing vapor from a process gas and for providing a vapor-depleted process gas, and (b) a gas-liquid contactor for adding vapor from a liquid to a vapor-depleted gas to produce a vapor-added process gas. The system transfers a quantity of thermal energy from the liquid to the vapor-added process gas, and is also capable of upgrading the thermal energy to a higher temperature. The system may be used for various heat pump applications including chilling and waste heat or low level heat recovery.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventor: Amos Korin
-
Publication number: 20040089002Abstract: A humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits. A hot gas re-heat circuit having a hot gas re-heat coil is connected to one of the refrigerant circuits and is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of that refrigerant circuit to provide additional dehumidification to the air. Humidity control is only performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas re-heat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity. During a second stage cooling operation using two or more refrigerant circuits and having a high cooling demand, the request for humidity control is suspended and is initiated only upon the completion of the second stage cooling demand.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: York International CorporationInventor: Ronald Richard Rayburn
-
Publication number: 20040083748Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning apparatus includes a dehumidification means, which has a compressor and dehumidifies inside of the vehicle, a humidity calculation means, which calculates humidity in the vicinity of an inside surface of the windshield, and a determination means, which determines whether the windshield is fogged on the basis of comparison between the humidity and a predetermined value. A defogging operation for heightening dehumidifying performance of the dehumidification means is performed, when the determination means determines that the windshield is fogged in a state where the compressor is turned on. The dehumidifying performance of the dehumidification means is lowered or condition in which the defogging operation is started is made to be difficult in the next defogging operation, when the windshield is determined to be fogged and the defogging operation is not manually performed in a state where the compressor is turned off.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Toshinobu Homan, Hiroshi Kishita
-
Publication number: 20040079096Abstract: An automobile air conditioning system controls the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle in a wide range of airflows from a low airflow region during an intermediate period to a high airflow region. When a dehumidifying mode is selected, the target high pressure at which the cycle efficiency calculated from a gas cooler outlet refrigerant temperature is maximized is defined as a target value to a valve such as a heating variable throttle valve to control the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle to the target value. This permits control such that the cycle efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is maximized in a wide range of airflow from a low airflow region during an intermediate period to a high airflow region at a relatively low, about 10° C., outside air temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Satoshi Itoh, Toshinobu Homan, Keiichi Kitamura
-
Patent number: 6711906Abstract: A variable evaporator control system and method in a gas dryer for maximizing the cooling which can be accomplished for a given length heat exchanger by adjusting the evaporator refrigerant approach temperature responsive to changes in the gas load on the system. Pressure and/or temperature sensors positioned at particular locations in the system provide feedback for controlling adjustments in the approach temperature depending on the gas load.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Hankison InternationalInventors: Brian W. Pritchard, Mark F. Honath, Timothy J. Fox
-
Patent number: 6705104Abstract: In a fresh water generating apparatus for condensing water content contained in air, there are provided a first heat exchanger having a refrigerant gas flow passage to which a compressed refrigerant gas is introduced, and on an outer side of which air is blown to condense the refrigerant gas, a second heat exchanger having a refrigerant liquid flow passage to which a refrigerant liquid discharged from the first heat exchanger is introduced after a pressure thereof is reduced, and on an outer side of which air is blown to cool the air and condense the water content to produce fresh water, and a power source for compressing the refrigerant gas and blowing the air.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd., trustee, for the benefit of Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Tani, Shinichiro Yamada
-
Patent number: 6705092Abstract: The vapor membrane dehumidification device and method for air cycle environment control systems uses a semipermeable vapor membrane for water vapor, air separation. The vapor membrane has a high water to air permselectivity. When air containing water vapor is passed over or through the semipermeable fibers of the membrane countercurrently or crosscurrently to a purge air stream the water vapor may permeate through the fibers. Using a purge air stream of lower water vapor partial pressure relative to the feed moist air stream, the water vapor is moved to the purge air stream due to the partial pressure differential of water vapor and then expelled overboard with the purge air stream. The purge air stream can be replaced with any source of air internal or external to the aircraft such as air from the aircraft cabin.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Shaojun Zhou, Tim Birbeck, Michel A. Jonqueres
-
Publication number: 20040035569Abstract: An air-supply machine cleans outside air. The cleaned outside air is dehumidified by cooling by performing heat exchange between the cleaned outside air and an exhaust air from a lithography apparatus by a first heat-pipe. The dehumidified outside air is heated by performing heat treatment between the dehumidified outside air and an exhaust air from a vertical heat treatment apparatus by a second heat-pipe. The heated outside air is supplied to inside the housing of the vertical heat treatment apparatus. Thereby, the consumption of air in the clean room is reduced and the running cost of the clean room is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Osamu Suenaga, Sadao Kobayashi
-
Patent number: 6694768Abstract: The present invention related to a refrigeration dehydration apparatus for efficient and cost-effective dehydration of a variety of gases, in particular natural gas to very low dewpoint without solid ice/gas-hydrate deposition. The present invention provides a low-cost dehydration apparatus universally applicable to both terrestrial and off-shore NG exploitation.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Yingzhong Lu
-
Patent number: 6684648Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for extraction of freshwater from ambient air in regions of extremely hot and humid climates, for supply of drinking water and freshwater for small to large groups of people in remote and isolated areas or wherever freshwater resources are not conveniently accessible. Compact mobile units are disclosed to provide freshwater and drinking water for resort areas, to passengers on land and sea vehicles, in situations of emergency, and to areas of water shortage. The art of adaptation of commercial dehumidification units is taught in design and construction of apparatus for production of freshwater and drinking water. Preparation of drinking water included ultraviolet disinfection, ozone treatment, and/or chlorine addition; activated carbon and ion exchange filters; and adding of fluorine, air/oxygen to refresh the water storage units, and minerals for taste and health provisions.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Fakieh Research & Development CenterInventor: Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Kader M. Faqih
-
Patent number: 6684649Abstract: An enthalpy pump (10) for altering the humidity level of an air stream (12, 14). The enthalpy pump comprises a container having a transfer portion (38) disposed in a first air stream (12), with a liquid desiccant contained in the transfer portion (38). The transer portion (38) is permeable to water vapor and impermeable to the liquid desiccant to thereby retain the liquid desiccant within the container while permitting exposure of the liquid desiccant to the first air steam. The transfer portion (38) is also adapted to move the liquid desiccant into and out of the first air stream whereby the latent and/or sensible energy of the first air stream can be altered.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventor: David A. Thompson