WO2011150081A4 - Methods and systems using liquid desiccants for air-conditioning and other processes - Google Patents

Methods and systems using liquid desiccants for air-conditioning and other processes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011150081A4
WO2011150081A4 PCT/US2011/037936 US2011037936W WO2011150081A4 WO 2011150081 A4 WO2011150081 A4 WO 2011150081A4 US 2011037936 W US2011037936 W US 2011037936W WO 2011150081 A4 WO2011150081 A4 WO 2011150081A4
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
desiccant
conditioning system
liquid desiccant
air conditioning
conditioner
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/037936
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011150081A2 (en
WO2011150081A3 (en
Inventor
Peter F. Vandermeulen
Jack I. Hanoka
Mark Allen
Arthur Laflamme
Jay Wallace
Original Assignee
7Ac Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 7Ac Technologies, Inc. filed Critical 7Ac Technologies, Inc.
Priority to CN201180041233.0A priority Critical patent/CN103109138B/en
Priority to JP2013512210A priority patent/JP5911850B2/en
Priority to EP11787343.0A priority patent/EP2577178B1/en
Priority to KR1020197007070A priority patent/KR102107636B1/en
Priority to ES11787343T priority patent/ES2752069T3/en
Priority to KR1020127032854A priority patent/KR101958989B1/en
Priority to EP19187953.5A priority patent/EP3591303A1/en
Publication of WO2011150081A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011150081A2/en
Publication of WO2011150081A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011150081A3/en
Publication of WO2011150081A4 publication Critical patent/WO2011150081A4/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1411—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant
    • F24F3/1417—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant with liquid hygroscopic desiccants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/14—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by absorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/14—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by absorption
    • B01D53/1456—Removing acid components
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/14—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by absorption
    • B01D53/1456—Removing acid components
    • B01D53/1475—Removing carbon dioxide
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/26—Drying gases or vapours
    • B01D53/263—Drying gases or vapours by absorption
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
    • F28D21/0015—Heat and mass exchangers, e.g. with permeable walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F19/00—Preventing the formation of deposits or corrosion, e.g. by using filters or scrapers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
    • F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
    • F28F3/10—Arrangements for sealing the margins
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/052—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/052—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
    • H01L31/0521—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells using a gaseous or a liquid coolant, e.g. air flow ventilation, water circulation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
    • H02S10/30—Thermophotovoltaic systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/40—Thermal components
    • H02S40/44—Means to utilise heat energy, e.g. hybrid systems producing warm water and electricity at the same time
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2252/00—Absorbents, i.e. solvents and liquid materials for gas absorption
    • B01D2252/10—Inorganic absorbents
    • B01D2252/103—Water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/40—Nitrogen compounds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2258/00—Sources of waste gases
    • B01D2258/06—Polluted air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/45—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications
    • B01D2259/4508—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications for cleaning air in buildings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F2003/1435—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification comprising semi-permeable membrane
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F2003/144—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by dehumidification only
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F2003/1458—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification using regenerators
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/70—Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/60—Thermal-PV hybrids
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49815—Disassembling

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Claims

O 2011/150081 AMENDED CLAIMS PCT/US2011/037936 received by the International Bureau on 9 April 2012 (09.04.2012)
1. A desiccant air conditioning system for cooling an air stream entering a building space, comprising: a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which a liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifles the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure; a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving liquid desiccant from the desiccant collectors in the conditioner, the regenerator includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure, said regenerator further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for heating a heat transfer fluid used to heat the liquid desiccant in the regenerator; a heat exchanger connected between the conditioner and the regenerator for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner to the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator; and an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant between the conditioner and regenerator.
2. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a cold source for cooling the liquid desiccant to be used in the conditioner.
3. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the regenerator and conditioner includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and wherein the conditioner further comprises a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid in the conditioner.
4. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner and the regenerator.
5. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a PVT module for further heating the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator.
6. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a cold source for further cooling the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner.
7. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a heat pump for further heating the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator and for further cooling the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner.
8. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein substantially all of the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner is transferred to the regenerator through the heat exchanger.
9. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner is transferred to the regenerator through the heat exchanger, and wherein the remainder of the liquid desiccant is cooled by the cold source and returned to the conditioner.
10. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner and regenerator in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
11. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1 , further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the outer surface of each structure in the conditioner and the regenerator between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
118
12. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
13. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
14. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
15. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
16. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
17. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
18. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 17, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
19. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 11, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
20. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
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21. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 20, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
22. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
23. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream entering the structures.
24. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally horizontal direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally horizontal direction through the regenerator.
25. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally vertical direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally vertical direction through the regenerator.
26. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
27. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
28. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
29. A desiccant air conditioning system for heating an air stream entering a building space, comprising:
120 a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which a liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure, said conditioner further comprising a photovoltaic- thermal (PVT) module for heating a heat transfer fluid used to heat the liquid desiccant; a regenerator for receiving liquid desiccant from the conditioner, humidifying the liquid desiccant, and returning the liquid desiccant to the conditioner, said regenerator including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to absorb water, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure; a heat exchanger connected between the conditioner and the regenerator for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator to the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner; an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant between the conditioner and regenerator.
30. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, further comprising a PVT module for further heating the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner.
31. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, further comprising a heat pump for further heating the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner and for further cooling the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator.
32. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein substantially all of the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner is transferred to the regenerator through the heat exchanger.
121
33. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein a portion of the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner is transferred to the regenerator through the heat exchanger, and wherein the remainder of the liquid desiccant is heated by the PVT module and returned to the conditioner.
34. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the regenerator and conditioner includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow.
35. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 34, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner and the regenerator.
36. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner and regenerator in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
37. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the outer surface of each structure in the conditioner and the regenerator between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
38. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 37, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
39. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 37, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
40. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 37, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
41. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 37, wherein the sheet of
122 material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
42. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 37, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
43. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 37, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
44. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 43, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
45. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 37, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
46. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
47. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 46, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
48. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
49. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream entering the structures.
123
50. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
51. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally horizontal direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally horizontal direction through the regenerator.
52. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally vertical direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally vertical direction through the regenerator.
53. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
54. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 29, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
55. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising: a conditioner utilizing a liquid desiccant for dehumidifying the air stream and a heat transfer fluid for cooling the liquid desiccant; a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving the liquid desiccant from the conditioner, said regenerator heating the liquid desiccant using a heat transfer fluid and causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water; ; a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system, said PVT module configured to heat a heat transfer fluid utilized in the regenerator during the day and to cool a heat transfer fluid used in the conditioner by radiating heat from the heat transfer fluid at night;
124 one or more tanks for storing the heat transfer fluid heated by the PVT module and for storing the heat transfer fluid cooled by the PVT module; a heat exchanger connected between the conditioner and the regenerator for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner to the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator; wherein the regenerator is configured to use heat transfer fluid heated by the PVT module during the day and to use the heat transfer fluid stored in the first tank at night, and wherein the conditioner is configured to use heat transfer fluid cooled by the PVT module at night and to use the heat transfer fluid stored in the second tank during the day.
56. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 55, wherein the conditioner comprises a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant
dehumidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
57. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 55, further comprising a cold source for cooling the liquid desiccant to be used in the conditioner.
58. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 56, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
59. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 58, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner.
60. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 56, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
125
61. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 56, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
62. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 61, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
63. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 61, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
64. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 61, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
65. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 61, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
66. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 61, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
67. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 61, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
68. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 67, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
69. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 61, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely
126 flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
70. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 56, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
71. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 70, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
72. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 56, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
73. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 56, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the conditioner.
74. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 56, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
75. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 55, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
76. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 55, wherein the regenerator includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
77. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 76, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
78. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 76, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure in the regenerator between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
79. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 78, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
80. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 78, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
81. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 78, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
82. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 78, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
83. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 78, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
84. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 78, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material.
85. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 84, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
86. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 78, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
87. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 76, wherein said plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
88. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 87, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
89. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 76, wherein the plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
90. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 76 wherein the plurality of structures in the conditioner or the regenerator comprises a plurality of sets of structures, said sets of structures being vertically stacked to further treat the air stream or being horizontally stacked to increase capacity of the desiccant air conditioning system.
91. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 55, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
92. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 55, wherein the system is installable in a vehicle.
93. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising:
129 a conditioner utilizing a liquid desiccant for humidifying the air stream and a heat transfer fluid for heating the liquid desiccant; a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving the liquid desiccant from the conditioner, said regenerator humidifying the liquid desiccant and using a heat transfer fluid for cooling the liquid desiccant; a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system, said PVT module configured to heat a heat transfer fluid utilized in the conditioner during the day and to cool a heat transfer fluid used in the regenerator by radiating heat from the heat transfer fluid at night; one or more tanks for storing the heat transfer fluid heated by the PVT module and for storing the heat transfer fluid cooled by the PVT module; a heat exchanger connected between the conditioner and the regenerator for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator to the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner; wherein the conditioner is configured to use heat transfer fluid heated by the PVT module during the day and to use the heat transfer fluid stored in the first tank at night, and wherein the regenerator is configured to use heat transfer fluid cooled by the PVT module at night and to use the heat transfer fluid stored in the second tank during the day.
94. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 93, wherein the conditioner comprises a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
95. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 93, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant.
130
96. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 94, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid.
97. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 96, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner.
98. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 94, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
99. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 94, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
100. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 99, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
101. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 99, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
102. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 99, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
103. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 99, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
104. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 99, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
131
105. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 99, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
106. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 105, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
107. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 99, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
108. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 94, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
109. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 108, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
110. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 94, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
111. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 94, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the conditioner.
112. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 94, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
132
113. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 93, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
114. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 93, wherein the regenerator includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to absorb water, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
115. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 114, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
116. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 114, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure in the regenerator between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
117. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 116, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
118. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 116, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
119. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 116, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
120. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 116, wherein the sheet of
133 material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
121. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 116, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
122. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 116, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material.
123. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 122, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
124. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 116, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
125. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 114, wherein said plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
126. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 125, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
127. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 114, wherein the plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
128. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 114, wherein the plurality of
134 structures in the conditioner or the regenerator comprises a plurality of sets of structures, said sets of structures being vertically stacked to further treat the air stream or being horizontally stacked to increase capacity of the desiccant air conditioning system.
129. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 93, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
130. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 93, wherein the system is installable in a vehicle.
131. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising: a conditioner utilizing a liquid desiccant for dehumidifying the air stream in a warm weather operation mode and for humidifying the air stream in a cold weather operation mode; a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving the liquid desiccant from the conditioner, said regenerator causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water in the warm weather operation mode and to absorb water in the cold weather operation mode; an apparatus for moving the air stream through the conditioner; an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant through the conditioner and regenerator; and a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the regenerator in the warm weather operation mode and for heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the conditioner in the cold weather operation mode, the PVT module also including one or more photovoltaic cells for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
132. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a substantially horizontal direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a substantially horizontal direction through the regenerator.
135
133. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a substantially vertical direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a substantially vertical direction through the regenerator.
134. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, wherein the conditioner and the regenerator each include a filter media for holding and exposing liquid desiccant to an air stream, and wherein the conditioner and the regenerator each include one or more spray-heads for spraying the desiccant on the filter media.
135. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a heat pump or a cold source, and wherein in the warm weather operation mode, liquid desiccant from the conditioner is heated by the PVT module or the heat pump and transferred to the regenerator, and liquid desiccant from the regenerator is cooled by the cold source or the heat pump and transferred to the conditioner.
136. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a heat pump or a cold source, and wherein in the warm weather operation mode, liquid desiccant from the conditioner is cooled by the cold source or the heat pump and transferred to a spray-head in the conditioner, and wherein liquid desiccant from the regenerator is heated by the PVT module or the heat pump and transferred to the regenerator.
137. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a heat pump or a cold source, and wherein in the cold weather operation mode, liquid desiccant from the conditioner is cooled by the cold source or the heat pump and transferred to a spray-head in the regenerator, and wherein liquid desiccant from the regenerator is heated by the PVT module or the heat pump and transferred to a spray-head in the conditioner.
138. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a heat pump or a cold source, and wherein in the cold weather operation mode, liquid desiccant from the conditioner is heated by the PVT module or the heat pump and transferred to a spray-head in the regenerator, and liquid desiccant from the regenerator is cooled by the cold source or the heat pump and transferred to a spray-head in the conditioner.
136
139. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a humidifier for adding water vapor and another PVT module for adding heat to the air stream treated by the conditioner in the cold weather operation mode.
140. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a heat exchanger, wherein liquid desiccant is exchanged between the regenerator and the conditioner through the heat exchanger.
141. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising : an outer enclosure for protecting air conditioning system components from the environment; and a solar inverter coupled to the one or more photovoltaic cells for inverting direct current electricity generated by the one or more photovoltaic cells to alternating current electricity, said solar inverter being positioned within the outer enclosure of the air conditioning system.
142. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, wherein said PVT module comprises a water storage tank beneath the one or more photovoltaic cells for storing a heat transfer fluid heated by the PVT module and functioning as a ballast for the PVT module.
143. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, wherein the PVT module comprises a thermal unit for heating a heat transfer fluid and a storage tank to store heat transfer fluid, and wherein the thermal unit and the storage tank are detachably mounted on the storage tank, and wherein the storage tank is configured to store the one or more photovoltaic cells and the thermal unit when the PVT module is in a disassembled state.
144. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising removable supports for mounting the one or more photovoltaic cells and the thermal unit on the storage tank.
145. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a PVT module for preheating air entering the building space and generating electrical power
137 used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
146. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a humidifier for humidifying the air stream treated by the conditioner in the cold weather operation mode and a PVT module for preheating water provided to the humidifier and generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
147. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 131, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
148. A method for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising: conditioning the air stream by dehumidifying the air stream in a warm weather operation mode and humidifying the air stream in a cold weather operation mode utilizing a liquid desiccant; regenerating the liquid desiccant used in conditioning the air stream by causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water in the warm weather operation mode and causing the liquid desiccant to absorb water in the cold weather operation mode; and heating the liquid desiccant to be regenerated in the warm weather operation mode and heating the liquid desiccant to be used for conditioning the air stream in the cold weather operation mode utilizing a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module; and generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system utilizing the PVT module.
149. The method of claim 148, further comprising forcing the air stream while being conditioned to flow in a substantially horizontal direction, and utilizing a return air stream from the building space flowing in a substantially horizontal direction for regenerating the liquid desiccant.
150. The method of claim 148, further comprising forcing the air stream while
138 being conditioned to flow in a substantially vertical direction, and utilizing a return air stream from the building space flowing in a substantially vertical direction for regenerating the liquid desiccant.
151. The method of claim 148, further comprising cooling the liquid desiccant to be used in conditioning the air stream in the warm weather operation mode, and further comprising cooling the liquid desiccant to be regenerated in the cold weather operation mode.
152. The method of claim 148, further comprising transferring heat between the liquid desiccant to be used for conditioning the air stream and the liquid desiccant to be regenerated.
153. The method of claim 148, further comprising preheating air entering the building space using a PVT module.
154. The method of claim 148, further comprising humidifying the air stream treated by the conditioner in the cold weather operation mode using a PVT module for preheating water provided to the humidifier.
155. The method of claim 148, further comprising depositing the liquid desiccant in a tank; allowing the liquid desiccant to settle such that the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank; and drawing liquid desiccant used in conditioning the air stream from the tank at a given selected height of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
156. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising: a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which a liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream in a warm weather operation mode and humidifies the
139 air stream in a cold weather operation mode, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure; a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving liquid desiccant from the desiccant collectors in the conditioner, said regenerator causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water in the warm weather operation mode and to absorb water in the cold weather operation mode; an apparatus for moving the air stream through the conditioner; and an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant through the conditioner and regenerator.
157. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, further comprising a cold source for cooling the liquid desiccant to be used in the conditioner in the warm weather operation mode and a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant in the cold weather operation mode.
158. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid in the warm weather operation mode and a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid in the cold weather operation mode.
159. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 158, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner.
160. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
161. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant
140 into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
162. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 161, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
163. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 161, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
164. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 161, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
165. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 161, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
166. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 161, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
167. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 161, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
168. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 167, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
169. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 161, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
141
170. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
171. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 170, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
172. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
173. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, further comprising a humidifier for humidifying the air stream treated by the conditioner in the cold weather operation mode, and further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for heating water used in the humidifier and generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
174. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for pre-heating the air stream supplied to the building space in the cold weather operation mode and generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
175. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the conditioner.
176. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
177. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the conditioner further comprises a post-treatment apparatus for heating the air stream treated by the structures in the cold weather operation mode or cooling the air stream treated by the structures in the warm weather operation mode.
142
178. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
179. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the regenerator includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water in the warm weather operation mode and causing the liquid desiccant to absorb water in the cold weather operation mode, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
180. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant in the warm weather operation mode.
181. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the regenerator includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid in the warm weather operation mode.
182. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 181, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the regenerator.
183. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
184. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure in the regenerator between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor
143 between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
185. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 184, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
186. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 184, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
187. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 184, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
188. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 184, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
189. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 184, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
190. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 184, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material.
191. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 190, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
192. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 184, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material for each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
193. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, wherein said plurality of
144 structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
194. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 193, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
195. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, wherein the plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
196. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, wherein the regenerator further comprises pre-treatment coils for cooling the air stream entering the structures in the cold weather operation mode or heating the air stream treated by the structures in the warm weather operation mode.
197. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, further comprising a heat pump to transfer heat between the heat transfer fluid exiting the structures in the conditioner and the heat transfer fluid exiting the structures in the regenerator.
198. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, further comprising a heat pump to transfer heat between the liquid desiccant exiting the structures in the conditioner and the liquid desiccant exiting the structures in the regenerator.
199. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 179, wherein the plurality of structures in the conditioner or the regenerator comprises a plurality of sets of structures, said sets of structures being vertically stacked to further treat the air stream or being horizontally stacked to increase capacity of the desiccant air conditioning system.
200. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module connected to the conditioner and the regenerator for heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the regenerator in the warm weather operation mode and for heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the conditioner in the cold weather operation mode, the photovoltaic thermal module also including one or more
145 photovoltaic cells for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
201. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally horizontal direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally horizontal direction through the regenerator.
202. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally vertical direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally vertical direction through the regenerator.
203. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
204. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 156, wherein the system is installable in a vehicle.
205. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising:
(a) a conditioner including:
(i) a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and defining flow paths between or through structures for passage of the air stream
therethrough, each structure having at least one outer surface across which either a liquid desiccant or water can flow such that the air stream is exposed to the liquid desiccant and dehumidified when in some of the flow paths and exposed to water and humidified when in other flow paths, each structure further including a collector at a lower end of the at least one surface of that structure for collecting the liquid desiccant or water that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure; and
(ii) one or more diverters for diverting a portion of the air stream that has been dehumidified to a flow path where it is exposed to water where it absorbs a portion of the water and is thereby cooled;
146 (b) a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving liquid desiccant from the desiccant collectors in the conditioner, said regenerator causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water, and returning the liquid desiccant to the conditioner;
(c) an apparatus for moving the air stream through the conditioner; and
(d) an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant through the conditioner and regenerator.
206. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
207. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the structures are configured such that the air stream is exposed to liquid desiccant and water in alternating flow paths.
208. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the air diverter can selectively control the amount of the air stream diverted.
209. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205 wherein the structures are substantially identical to each other, with each plate structure having an opposite orientation to an adjacent plate structure.
210. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
211. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the outer surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream or between the water and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream or between the water and the air stream.
147
212. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 211, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant or water and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant or water to a collector.
213. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 211, wherein for each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant or water.
214. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 211, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
215. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 211, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
216. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 211, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
217. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 211, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
218. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant or water to freely flow between the sheet of material and the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
219. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
220. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 219, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
148
221. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
222. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the conditioner..
223. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein each convoluted plate structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
224. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
225. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the regenerator includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
226. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant.
227. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the regenerator includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid.
228. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 227, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the regenerator.
149
229. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
230. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure in the regenerator between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
231. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 230, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
232. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 230, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
233. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 230, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
234. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 230, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
235. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 230, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
236. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 230, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material.
237. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 236, wherein each structure
150 includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
238. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 230, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
239. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, wherein said plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
240. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
241. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, wherein the plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
242. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 225, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of sets of structures, said sets of structures being vertically stacked to further treat the air stream or being horizontally stacked to increase capacity of the desiccant air conditioning system.
243. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module connected to the conditioner and the regenerator for heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the regenerator in the warm weather operation mode and for heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the generator in the cold weather operation mode, the photovoltaic thermal module also including one or more photovoltaic cells for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
244. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally horizontal direction through the conditioner
151 and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally horizontal direction through the regenerator.
245. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally vertical direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally vertical direction through the regenerator.
246. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
247. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 205, wherein the system is installable in a vehicle.
248. A heat exchanger for transferring heat between first and second fluids, comprising: a stack of substantially parallel plates defining channels between adjacent plates, wherein the first and second fluids flow separately through alternate channels of the stack, and wherein the plurality of substantially parallel plates comprise a thermally conductive plastic; a first fluid inlet port and a first fluid outlet port in fluid communication with the channels through which the first fluid flows; and a second fluid inlet port and a second fluid output port in fluid communication with the channels through which the second fluid flows.
249. The heat exchanger of claim 248, wherein the heat exchanger is a
counterflow heat exchanger with the first fluid and the second fluid flowing in generally opposite directions through the channels.
250. The heat exchanger of claim 248, wherein each of the channels include obstructions therein to define convoluted flow paths.
251. The heat exchanger of claim 248, further comprising a plurality of seals, each between a pair of adjacent plates to maintain separate channels for flow of the first
152 fluid and the second fluid and to direct flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in generally transverse directions.
252. The heat exchanger of claim 251 , wherein the plurality of seals comprise glue material bonded to the plates.
253. The heat exchanger claim 248, wherein each of the stacked plates includes ridges on a surface thereof for causing turbulence in the flow of the first fluid or the second fluid across the surface.
254. The heat exchanger of claim 253, wherein the ridges are integrally formed in the stacked plates.
255. The heat exchanger of claim 253, wherein the ridges comprise a pattern of glue material bonded to the surfaces of the stacked plates.
256. The heat exchanger of claim 248, wherein at least one of the first and second fluids is a liquid desiccant.
257. The heat exchanger of claim 248, wherein at least one of the first and second fluids is a heat transfer fluid.
258. A method of constructing a heat exchanger for transferring heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a plurality of plates, each comprising a thermally conductive plastic;
(b) bonding a pattern of glue material on each of the plates;
(c) stacking the plates such that channels are formed between adjacent plates through which the first fluid and the second fluid can separately flow, wherein the glue material forms seals between adjacent plates to maintain separate alternate channels for the flow of the first fluid and the second fluid and to direct flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in generally transverse directions.
259. The method of claim 258, wherein the glue material forms ridges on surfaces of the plates for causing turbulence in the flow of the first fluid or the second fluid across
153 the surfaces.
260. The method of claim 259, wherein the ridges on a surface of one plate are supported by ridges on a surface of an adjacent plate.
261. The method of claim 258, wherein the glue material forms sealant lines to contain the first and second fluids in the heat exchanger.
262. The method of claim 258, wherein (b) comprises bonding a pattern of glue material on both sides of each plate.
263. The method of claim 258, wherein (b) comprises applying a pattern of glue material on each plate and allowing it to cure.
264. A solar air conditioning system, comprising, an air conditioning unit for treating an air stream entering a building space, the air conditioning unit including an outer enclosure for protecting air conditioning unit components from the environment; one or more photovoltaic modules for converting solar energy into direct current electricity; and a solar inverter coupled to the one or more photovoltaic modules for inverting the direct current electricity generated by the one or more photovoltaic modules to alternating current electricity for powering the air conditioning unit, said solar inverter being positioned within the outer enclosure of the air conditioning system.
265. The solar air conditioning system of claim 264, wherein the one or more photovoltaic modules are part of a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module.
266. The solar air conditioning system of claim 265, wherein said PVT module further comprises a water storage tank beneath the one or more photovoltaic modules for storing water heated by the PVT module and functioning as a ballast for the PVT module.
267. The solar air conditioning system of claim 264, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises a desiccant air conditioning system, and wherein the air conditioning
154 components include a desiccant conditioner and a desiccant regenerator.
268. The solar air conditioning system of claim 267, wherein the one or more photovoltaic modules are part of a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module, said PVT module heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the regenerator in a warm weather operation mode and for heating liquid desiccant to be introduced in the conditioner in a cold weather operation mode.
269. A method of operating a desiccant air conditioning system including a conditioner and a regenerator, said desiccant air conditioning system being driven by a heat transfer fluid heated or cooled by a solar thermal system, said solar thermal system including a plurality of tanks for storing the heat transfer fluid, the method, in a warm weather operation mode, comprising the steps of:
(a) during the day (i) transferring cold heat transfer fluid from one or more of the tanks containing a cold heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air
conditioning system to be used for cooling a liquid desiccant, (ii) heating heat transfer fluid using the solar thermal heating system and transferring the resulting heated heat transfer fluid to the regenerator of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for heating a liquid desiccant, and (iii) filling the tanks with the heated heat transfer fluid to be used in the regenerator during the night;
(b) during the night (i) transferring heated heat transfer fluid from one or more of the tanks containing heated heat transfer fluid to the regenerator of the desiccant air
conditioning system to be used for heating the liquid desiccant, (ii) radiating heat from the heat transfer fluid using the solar thermal heating system and transferring the resulting cooled heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for cooling the liquid desiccant, and (iii) filling the tanks with cooled heat transfer fluid to be used in the conditioner during the day; and
(c) periodically repeating steps (a) and (b).
270. The method of claim 269, wherein the solar thermal system is part of a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module, and the method further comprises generating electricity used for operating the desiccant air conditioning system using the PVT module.
155
271. The method of claim 269, further comprising, in a cold weather operation mode, the steps of:
(d) during the day (i) transferring heated heat transfer fluid from one or more of the tanks containing a heated heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for heating a liquid desiccant, (ii) heating heat transfer fluid using the solar thermal heating system and transferring the resulting heated heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for heating a liquid desiccant, and (iii) filling the tanks with the heated heat transfer fluid to be used in the conditioner during the night;
(e) during the night (i) transferring heated heat transfer fluid from one or more of the tanks containing heated heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air
conditioning system to be used for heating the liquid desiccant; and
(f) periodically repeating steps (d) and (e).
272. The method of claim 269, wherein the heat transfer fluid is heated to a temperature of about 150°F using the solar thermal heating system.
273. The method of claim 269, wherein the heat transfer fluid is cooled during the night to about the ambient air temperature.
274. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising: a conditioner utilizing a liquid desiccant for dehumidifying the air stream in a warm weather operation mode and for humidifying the air stream in a cold weather operation mode; a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving the liquid desiccant from the conditioner, said regenerator causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water in the warm weather operation mode and to absorb water in the cold weather operation mode; a solar thermal system for heating or cooling a heat transfer fluid; one or more tanks for storing the heat transfer fluid;
156 an apparatus for moving the air stream through the conditioner; an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant through the conditioner and regenerator; and an apparatus for circulating the heat transfer fiuid among the conditioner, the regenerator, the solar thermal system, and the one or more tanks; wherein the desiccant air conditioning system is configured to:
(a) during the day (i) transfer cold heat transfer fluid from one or more of the tanks containing a cold heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for cooling the liquid desiccant, (ii) heat the heat transfer fluid using the solar thermal heating system and transfer the resulting heated heat transfer fluid to the regenerator of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for heating a liquid desiccant, and (iii) fill the tanks with the heated heat transfer fluid to be used in the regenerator during the night;
(b) during the night (i) transfer heated heat transfer fluid from one or more of the tanks containing heated heat transfer fluid to the regenerator of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for heating the liquid desiccant, (ii) radiate heat from the heat transfer fluid using the solar thermal heating system and transferring the resulting cooled heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for cooling the liquid desiccant, and (iii) fill the tanks with cooled heat transfer fluid to be used in the conditioner during the day; and
(c) periodically repeat (a) and (b).
275. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 274, wherein the solar thermal system is part of one or more photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) modules, which generate electricity used for operating the desiccant air conditioning system.
276. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 274, wherein the system is further configured, in a cold weather operation mode, to:
(d) during the day (i) transfer heated heat transfer fluid from one or more of the
157 tanks containing a heated heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for heating a liquid desiccant, (ii) heat the heat transfer fluid using the solar thermal heating system and transfer the resulting heated heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air conditioning system to be used for heating a liquid desiccant, and (iii) fill the tanks with the heated heat transfer fluid to be used in the conditioner during the night;
(e) during the night (i) transfer heated heat transfer fluid from one or more of the tanks containing heated heat transfer fluid to the conditioner of the desiccant air
conditioning system to be used for heating the liquid desiccant; and
(f) periodically repeat (d) and (e).
277. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 274, wherein the heat transfer fluid is heated to a temperature of about 150°F using the solar thermal heating system.
278. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 274, wherein the heat transfer fluid is cooled during the night to about the ambient air temperature.
279. A photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module, comprising: a photovoltaic module including a layer of photovoltaic material, the layer of photovoltaic material having a front side exposed to incident radiation and an opposite back side; a thermal unit thermally coupled to the back side of the layer of photovoltaic material, said thermal unit including one or more channels through which a liquid flows, wherein a portion of the incident radiation is converted into electricity by the layer of photovoltaic material and a portion of the incident radiation is simultaneously converted to heat for increasing the temperature of the liquid; and a storage tank beneath the thermal unit for storing liquid heated by the thermal unit, wherein the storage tank functions as a ballast for stabilizing the PVT module in an installed location.
280. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 279, wherein the storage tank has
158 a substantially flat configuration.
281. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 279, further comprising a thermostatic valve assembly for controlling the flow of the liquid heated by the thermal unit out of the photovoltaic-thermal module or to the storage tank depending on the temperature of the liquid.
282. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 281 , wherein the thermostatic valve operation is programmable.
283. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 279, wherein the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit are detachably mounted on the storage tank, and wherein the storage tank is configured to store the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit when the photovoltaic-thermal module is in a disassembled state.
284. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 283, wherein the storage tank includes a lid that can be opened to insert or remove the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit.
285. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 283, further comprising removable supports for mounting the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit on the storage tank.
286. A photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module, comprising: a photovoltaic module including a layer of photovoltaic material, the layer of photovoltaic material having a front side exposed to incident radiation and an opposite back side; a thermal unit thermally coupled to the back side of the layer of photovoltaic material, said thermal unit including one or more channels through which a liquid flows, wherein a portion of the incident radiation is converted into electricity by the layer of photovoltaic material and a portion of the incident radiation is simultaneously converted to heat for increasing the temperature of the liquid; and a storage tank beneath the thermal unit for storing liquid heated by the thermal unit,
159 wherein the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit are detachably mounted on the storage tank, and wherein the storage tank is configured to store the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit when the photovoltaic-thermal module is in a disassembled state.
287. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 286, wherein the storage tank has a substantially flat configuration.
288. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 286, further comprising a thermostatic valve assembly for controlling the flow of the liquid heated by the thermal unit out of the photovoltaic-thermal module or to the storage tank depending on the temperature of the liquid.
289. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 288, wherein the thermostatic valve operation is programmable.
290. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 286, wherein the storage tank functions as a ballast for stabilizing the PVT module in an installed location
291. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 286, wherein the storage tank includes a lid that can be opened to insert or remove the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit.
292. The photovoltaic-thermal module of claim 286, further comprising removable supports for mounting the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit on the storage tank.
293. A method of disassembling and stowing a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module, said PVT module comprising a photovoltaic module including a layer of one or more solar cells, a thermal unit thermally coupled to a back side of the layer of one or more solar cells, and a storage tank beneath the thermal unit for storing liquid heated by the thermal unit, the method comprising: detaching the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit from the storage tank; and placing the photovoltaic module and the thermal unit inside the storage tank for storage.
160
294. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising: a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream in a warm weather operation mode, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure; an air treatment unit connected to the conditioner and configured to act as an evaporative chiller in the warm weather operation mode, the evaporative chiller receiving and cooling the heat transfer fluid, the evaporative chiller receiving at least a portion of the dehumidified air stream exiting the conditioner and the heat transfer fluid from the conditioner, and wherein the evaporative chiller is configured to cause the portion of the dehumidified air stream to absorb water from a water source and thereby cool the heat transfer fluid; a regenerator connected to the conditioner for receiving liquid desiccant from the desiccant collectors in the conditioner and absorbing water from the liquid desiccant in the warm weather operation mode; an apparatus for moving the air stream through the conditioner and the evaporative chiller in the warm weather operation mode; an apparatus for circulating the heat transfer fluid through the conditioner and evaporative chiller in the warm weather operation mode; and an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant through the conditioner and regenerator.
295. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein return air from the building space flows through the regenerator to absorb water from the liquid desiccant.
296. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the apparatus for moving the air stream further comprises a mechanism for controlling the amount of the
161 air stream diverted from the conditioner to the evaporative chiller to regulate the temperature of the air stream entering the building space.
297. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module connected to the conditioner for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system and for cooling the heat transfer fluid used in the conditioner by radiating heat from the heat transfer fluid at night, and further comprising a tank for storing the heat transfer fluid cooled by the PVT module.
298. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, further comprising a first photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module connected to the regenerator for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system and for heating a heat transfer fluid utilized in the regenerator during the day, and further comprising a tank for storing the heat transfer fluid heated by the first PVT module.
299. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
300. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the conditioner and the air treatment unit are configured to heat and humidify the air stream in a cold weather operation mode, and wherein the regenerator is configured to heat and add water to the liquid desiccant in the cold weather operation mode.
301. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 300, further comprising a heater for heating the heat transfer fluid in the conditioner in the cold weather operation mode.
302. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 300, further comprising one or more pre-heaters for heating air streams entering the conditioner or the air treatment unit in the cold weather operation mode.
303. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the air treatment unit includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical
162 orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant heats and humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
304. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
305. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 304, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner.
306. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
307. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
308. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 307, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
309. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 307, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
310. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 307, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
311. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 307, wherein the sheet of
163 material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
312. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 307, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
313. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 307, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
314. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 313, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
315. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 307, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
316. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
317. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 316, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
318. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
319. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, further comprising an
164 apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the conditioner.
320. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
321. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the regenerator includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
322. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 321, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
323. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 321, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure in the regenerator between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
324. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 323, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
325. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 323, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
326. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 323, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
327. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 323, wherein the sheet of
165 material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
328. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 323, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
329. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 323, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material.
330. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 329, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
331. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 323, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
332. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 321, wherein said plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
333. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 332, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
334. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 321, wherein the plurality of structures in the regenerator comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
335. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the air stream
166 entering the building space flows in a generally horizontal direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally horizontal direction through the regenerator.
336. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the air stream entering the building space flows in a generally vertical direction through the conditioner and a return air stream from the building space or outdoor air flows in a generally vertical direction through the regenerator.
337. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the evaporative chiller includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and configured to permit a flow of the dehumidified air stream through or between the structures, each structure having an internal passage through which the heat transfer fluid can flow, each structure also including an outer surface across which the water from the water source can flow such that the dehumidified air stream absorbs water and thereby cools the heat transfer fluid, each structure further includes a water collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting water that has flowed across the outer surface of the structure.
338. The desiccant air-conditioning system of claim 337, wherein the
dehumidified air stream is directed to flow in a substantially horizontal direction through or between the structures.
339. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
340. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, further comprising one or more liquid-to-air heat exchangers in the building space, said one or more liquid-to-air heat exchangers configured to receive chilled heat transfer fluid from the evaporative chiller to provide sensible space cooling.
341. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 294, wherein the liquid-to-air heat exchangers comprise ceiling panels or fan coils.
342. A method for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising the steps of:
167 providing a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure including an outer surface, each structure further including a desiccant collector at a lower end of the convoluted plate structure; flowing a liquid desiccant across the outer surface of each structure and collecting liquid desiccant in the desiccant collector; flowing the air stream between or through structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream in a warm weather operation mode; diverting a portion of the dehumidified air stream exiting the conditioner for use in an air treatment unit acting as an evaporative chiller in the warm weather operation mode for cooling the heat transfer fluid used in the conditioner; and receiving liquid desiccant from the desiccant collectors in the conditioner and absorbing water from the liquid desiccant.
343. The method of claim 342, wherein each structure includes an internal passage, and the method further comprising flowing a heat transfer fluid through an internal passage in each structure.
344. The method of claim 342, further comprising utilizing return air from the building space to absorb water from the liquid desiccant.
345. The method of claim 342, further comprising varying the amount of the dehumidified air stream diverted from the conditioner to regulate the temperature of the air stream entering the building space.
346. The method of claim 342, further comprising depositing the liquid desiccant in a tank; allowing the liquid desiccant to settle such that the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank; and drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at a given selected height of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
168
347. The method of claim 342, wherein in a cold weather operation mode, the method further comprises utilizing the liquid desiccant for humidifying the air stream and a heat transfer fluid for heating the liquid desiccant in the conditioner and in the air treatment unit.
348. The method of claim 347, further comprising heating the heat transfer fluid in the conditioner.
349. The method of claim 347, further comprising pre-heating the air streams entering the conditioner or the air treatment unit.
350. The method of claim 342, further comprising causing turbulence in the air stream entering the structures.
351. The method of claim 342, further comprising transferring chilled heat transfer fluid from the evaporative chiller one or more liquid-to-air heat exchangers in the building space to provide sensible space cooling.
352. An apparatus for use in a desiccant air conditioning system, comprising: a tank for storing liquid desiccant used in the air conditioning system, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank; and a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant at different selected heights from the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
353. The apparatus of claim 352, wherein the mechanism comprises a vertically adjustable drain.
354. A method of obtaining liquid desiccant for use in a desiccant air conditioning system, comprising the steps of: depositing the liquid desiccant in a tank; allowing the liquid desiccant to settle such that the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank; and drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at a given selected height of the tank in order
169 to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
355. A water recovery system, comprising : a generally sealed enclosure; a first air treatment unit in the enclosure, said first air treatment unit configured to draw water vapor from a liquid desiccant and to transfer the water vapor to an air stream flowing through the air treatment unit, said first air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure, said first air treatment unit further including a liquid desiccant source for supplying the liquid desiccant to the structures; and a second air treatment unit in the enclosure receiving the air stream exiting the first air treatment unit, said second air treatment unit causing condensation of the water vapor in the air stream to produce liquid water that can be transported outside the enclosure; and a mechanism for circulating air between the first and second air treatment units.
356. The system of claim 355, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant.
357. The system of claim 355, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid.
358. The system of claim 357, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the first air treatment unit.
359. The system of claim 355, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the first air treatment unit in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-
170 induced stress on the structures.
360. The system of claim 355, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
361. The system of claim 360, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
362. The system of claim 360, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
363. The system of claim 360, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
364. The system of claim 360, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
365. The system of claim 360, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
366. The system of claim 360, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
367. The system of claim 366, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
368. The system of claim 360, further comprising one or more vent holes in the
171 sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
369. The system of claim 355, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
370. The system of claim 369, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
371. The system of claim 355, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
372. The system of claim 355, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the first air treatment unit.
373. The system of claim 355, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
374. The system of claim 355, further comprising a tank connected to the first air treatment unit for storing the liquid desiccant used in the first air treatment unit, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
375. The system of claim 355, wherein the second air treatment unit includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation configured to enable a flow of the air stream between or through the structures, each structure including a surface on which the water vapor in the air stream condenses.
376. The system of claim 375, further comprising a cold source for cooling the structures.
172
377. The system of claim 375, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the second air treatment unit includes a passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
378. The system of claim 375, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the second air treatment unit in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal- induced stress on the structures.
379. The system of claim 355, wherein the mechanism for circulating air comprises one or more blowers.
380. The system of claim 355, further comprising a vacuum pump connected to the enclosure for reducing air pressure within the enclosure.
381. The system of claim 355, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the air stream entering the second air treatment unit to the air stream entering the first air treatment unit.
382. A method for producing liquid water, comprising: providing liquid desiccant from a liquid desiccant source; humidifying an air stream in a first air treatment unit in a generally sealed enclosure, said first air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, the method further comprising flowing the air stream between or through the structures to humidify the air stream with water vapor drawn from the liquid desiccant; transferring the air stream from the first treatment unit to a second treatment unit also in the generally sealed enclosure; and causing condensation of the water vapor in the air stream in the second air treatment unit to produce liquid water that can be transported outside the enclosure.
383. The method of claim 382, further comprising heating the liquid desiccant.
173
384. The method of claim 382, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, the method further comprising flowing a heat transfer fluid through the passages and heating the heat transfer fluid.
385. The method of claim 384, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid or cause to flow in generally opposite directions.
386. The method of claim 382, wherein the second air treatment unit includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical, each structure including a surface, and wherein the method further comprises flowing the air stream between or through the structures such that the water vapor in the air stream condenses on the surfaces.
387. The method of claim 386, further comprising cooling the structures.
388. The method of claim 386, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the second air treatment unit includes a passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, and wherein the method further comprises cooling the heat transfer fluid.
389. The method of claim 386, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the second air treatment unit in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal- induced stress on the structures.
390. The method of claim 382, further comprising transferring heat from the air stream entering the second air treatment unit to the air stream entering the first air treatment unit.
391. The method of claim 382, further comprising causing turbulence in the air stream entering the structures.
392. A desiccant air conditioning and water recovery system, comprising: a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which a liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at
174 a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure; a water recovery system, comprising:
(a) a generally sealed enclosure;
(b) a first air treatment unit in the enclosure, said first air treatment unit receiving the liquid desiccant collected in the desiccant collectors of the conditioner, drawing water vapor from the liquid desiccant, and transferring the water vapor to an air stream flowing through the first air treatment unit, said first air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure, said first air treatment unit further including a liquid desiccant source for supplying the liquid desiccant to the structures;
(c) a second air treatment unit in the enclosure receiving the air stream exiting the first air treatment unit, the second air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation configured to enable a flow of the air stream between or through the structures, each structure including a surface on which the water vapor in the air stream condenses; and
(d) a mechanism for circulating air between the first and second air treatment units; and an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant between the conditioner and the first air treatment unit.
393. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 392, further comprising a cold source for cooling the liquid desiccant to be used in the conditioner.
394. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 392, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the conditioner includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid
175 can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
395. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 394, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner.
396. The system of claim 392, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant in the first air treatment unit.
397. The system of claim 392, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the first air treatment unit includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid.
398. The system of claim 397, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the first air treatment unit.
399. The system of claim 392, further comprising a cold source for cooling the structures in the second air treatment unit.
400. The system of claim 392, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the second air treatment unit includes a passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
401. The system of claim 392, further comprising an apparatus for circulating heat transfer fluid between the conditioner and the second air treatment unit.
402. The system of claim 392, wherein the mechanism for circulating air comprises one or more blowers.
403. The system of claim 392, further comprising a vacuum pump connected to the enclosure for reducing air pressure within the enclosure.
404. The system of claim 392, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the air stream entering the second air treatment unit to the air stream entering the first air treatment unit.
405. The system of claim 392, wherein the first air treatment unit and the conditioner further comprise a sheet of material positioned proximate to the surface of each
176 structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor from the liquid desiccant to the air stream.
406. The system of claim 405, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
407. The system of claim 405, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
408. The system of claim 405, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
409. The system of claim 405, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
410. The system of claim 405, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
411. The system of claim 405, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
412. The system of claim 411, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
413. The system of claim 405, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
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414. The system of claim 392, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
415. The system of claim 414, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
416. The system of claim 392, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
417. The system of claim 392, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
418. The system of claim 392, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream entering the structures.
419. The system of claim 392, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the first air treatment unit to the conditioner to the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the first air treatment unit.
420. The system of claim 392, wherein the heating system in the first air treatment unit includes a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the system and heating the heat transfer fluid.
421. The system of claim 392, further comprising a separator, said separator including a tank for storing liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and the separator is configured to transfer liquid desiccant having a low desiccant concentration to the regenerator and to transfer liquid desiccant having a higher desiccant concentration to the conditioner, and wherein liquid desiccant treated in the regenerator is transferred to the tank.
422. The system of claim 392, wherein the water recovery system further
178 comprises one or more filters for absorbing combustion contaminants, and wherein the system further comprises a heating system for heating the heat transfer fluid used in the first air treatment unit, the heating system comprising a gas burner for heating the heat transfer fluid, said gas burner producing water vapor and combustion contaminants that are carried by the air stream flowing through the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant in the conditioner absorbs the water vapor and combustion contaminants and transfers the combustion contaminants to the first air treatment unit where they can be captured by the one or more filters.
423. The system of claim 422, wherein the air stream treated in the conditioner is received from a greenhouse.
424. A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space, comprising:
(a) a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which a liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure;
(b) an evaporative chiller connected to the conditioner for receiving and cooling the heat transfer fluid, the evaporative chiller receiving at least a portion of the dehumidified air stream exiting the conditioner, and wherein the evaporative chiller is configured to cause the portion of the dehumidified air stream to absorb water from a water source and thereby cool the heat transfer fluid;
(c) a water recovery system, comprising:
(i) a generally sealed enclosure;
(ii) a first air treatment unit in the enclosure, said first air treatment unit receiving the liquid desiccant collected in the desiccant collectors of the conditioner, drawing water vapor from the liquid desiccant, and transferring the water vapor to an air stream flowing
179 through the first air treatment unit, said first air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure, said first air treatment unit further including a liquid desiccant source for supplying the liquid desiccant to the structures;
(iii) a second air treatment unit in the enclosure receiving the air stream exiting the first air treatment unit, the second air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation configured to enable a flow of the air stream between or through the structures, each structure including a surface on which the water vapor in the air stream condenses into liquid water, said liquid water comprising at least a portion of the water source for the evaporative chiller; and
(iv) a mechanism for circulating air between the first and second air treatment units; a regenerator connected to the conditioner and the water recovery unit for receiving liquid desiccant from the desiccant collectors in the first air treatment unit and heated heat transfer fluid from the second air treatment unit, the regenerator including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures causing the liquid desiccant to desorb water, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure, said regenerator configured to transfer the liquid desiccant to the conditioner; an apparatus for moving the air stream through the conditioner and the evaporative chiller; and an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant between the conditioner, the regenerator, and the first air treatment unit.
425. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising a
180 cold source for cooling the liquid desiccant to be used in the conditioner.
426. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the conditioner includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
427. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 425, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner.
428. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 425, further comprising an apparatus for circulating the heat transfer fluid through the conditioner and evaporative chiller.
429. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant in the first air treatment unit.
430. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the first air treatment unit includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid.
431. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 39, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the first air treatment unit.
432. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising a cold source for cooling the structures in the second air treatment unit.
433. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the second air treatment unit includes a passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
434. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising an apparatus for circulating cooled heat transfer fluid from the conditioner to the second air treatment unit.
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435. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant to be used in the regenerator.
436. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the regenerator includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid.
437. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 436, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the regenerator.
438. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 436, further comprising an apparatus for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the second air treatment unit and the regenerator.
439. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein the mechanism for circulating air comprises one or more blowers.
440. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising a vacuum pump connected to the enclosure for reducing air pressure within the enclosure.
441. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the air stream entering the second air treatment unit to the air stream entering the first air treatment unit.
442. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein the plurality of structures in the first air treatment unit, the regenerator, and the conditioner are secured in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
443. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein the first air treatment unit, the regenerator, and the conditioner further comprise a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
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444. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 443, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
445. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 443, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
446. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 443, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
447. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 443, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
448. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 443, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
449. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 443, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
450. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 449, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
451. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 443, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
452. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate
183 assemblies.
453. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 452, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
454. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
455. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures.
456. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
457. The system of claim 424, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
458. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner to the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the first air treatment unit.
459. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 424, wherein the heating system in the first air treatment unit includes a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the system and heating the heat transfer fluid.
460. A liquid desiccant air conditioning system for dehumidifying an air stream, comprising: a desiccant conditioner for dehumidifying the air stream using a liquid desiccant;
184 a desiccant regenerator for regenerating the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, said desiccant regenerator including a heating system for heating liquid desiccant received from the conditioner, a first filter material through which air flows, and a mechanism for dispensing liquid desiccant heated by the heating system on the first filter material such that air flowing through the first filter material draws water vapor from the heated liquid desiccant, said liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the mechanism for dispensing the liquid desiccant in the desiccant conditioner, wherein the heating system comprises a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for heating a heat transfer fluid and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid to the liquid desiccant, the PVT module also including one or more photovoltaic cells for generating electrical power used in operating the desiccant air conditioning system, wherein the desiccant regenerator further comprises an apparatus for condensing the water vapor from the air and collecting liquid water in a collection bath; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner to the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator.
461. The system of claim 460, wherein the apparatus for condensing the water vapor comprises a second filter material in the desiccant regenerator through which air received from the first filter material flows, and a mechanism for dispensing water on the second filter material, said water being cooled by a heat exchanger transferring heat from the water to an air stream exiting the desiccant conditioner.
462. The system of claim 460, further comprising a PVT module for heating liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator.
463. The system of claim 460, wherein the heating system further comprises a heater for heating the heat transfer fluid.
464. The system of claim 460, wherein the air stream to be dehumidified is received from a greenhouse.
465. The system of claim 460, wherein the mechanism for dispensing the liquid desiccant in the conditioner comprises one or more spray heads.
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466. The system of claim 460, wherein the filter media comprises a cellulosic cooling tower fill material.
467. The system of claim 460, further comprising an additional desiccant conditioner for dehumidifying the air stream using the liquid desiccant, and wherein water is removed from the liquid desiccant by the regenerator.
468. The system of claim 460, wherein the conditioner includes filter media through which the air stream flows and a mechanism for dispensing the liquid desiccant on the filter media, wherein as said air stream flows through the filter media, it is exposed to the liquid desiccant which absorbs water vapor from the air stream.
469. The system of claim 460, wherein the conditioner comprises a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure.
470. The system of claim 469, further comprising a cold source for cooling the liquid desiccant to be used in the conditioner.
471. The system of claim 469, wherein each of the plurality of structures includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
472. The system of claim 471, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the conditioner.
473. The system of claim 469, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the conditioner in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
474. The system of claim 469, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the
186 air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
475. The system of claim 474, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
476. The system of claim 474, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
477. The system of claim 474, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
478. The system of claim 474, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
479. The system of claim 474, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
480. The system of claim 474, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
481. The system of claim 480, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
482. The system of claim 474, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
483. The system of claim 469, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a
187 plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
484. The system of claim 483, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
485. The system of claim 469, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
486. The system of claim 469, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the conditioner.
487. The system of claim 469, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
488. The system of claim 460, further comprising a tank connected to the conditioner for storing the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and further comprising a mechanism for drawing liquid desiccant from the tank at different selected heights of the tank in order to obtain liquid desiccant having a given concentration.
489. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 460, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
490. A desiccant air conditioning system for heating an air stream, comprising:
(a) a conditioner including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure including a passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, each structure having at least one surface across which a liquid desiccant can flow, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure;
(b) a water recovery system, comprising:
188 (i) a generally sealed enclosure;
(ii) a first air treatment unit in the enclosure, said first air treatment unit receiving liquid desiccant collected in the desiccant collectors of the conditioner, drawing water vapor from the liquid desiccant, and transferring the water vapor to an air stream flowing through the first air treatment unit, said first air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure;
(iii) a second air treatment unit in the enclosure receiving the air stream exiting the first air treatment unit, the second air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation configured to enable a flow of the air stream between or through the structures, each structure including a surface on which the water vapor in the air stream condenses to form liquid water;
(iv) one or more filters for absorbing combustion contaminants; and
(v) a mechanism for circulating air between the first and second air treatment units;
(c) a heating system for heating the heat transfer fluid used in the conditioner, the heating system comprising a gas burner for heating the heat transfer fluid, said gas burner producing combustion contaminants that are carried by the air stream flowing through the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant in the conditioner absorbs combustion
contaminants and transfers the combustion contaminants to the first air treatment unit where they can be captured by the one or more filters;
(d) a regenerator including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation to permit a substantially vertical flow of an air stream between or through the structures, each structure having an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, each structure also including an outer surface across which a liquid desiccant can flow such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the structure for collecting liquid
189 desiccant that has flowed across the outer surface of the structure, said regenerator configured to receive heat transfer fluid utilized in the second air treatment unit;
(e) an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant between the conditioner and the first air treatment unit and between the conditioner and the regenerator; and
(f) an apparatus for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the regenerator and the second air treatment unit.
491. The system of claim 490, further comprising a humidifier receiving liquid water produced in the second air treatment unit and humidifying the air stream exiting the conditioner.
492. The system of claim 490, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module connected to the second air treatment unit for heating the liquid water and for generating electrical power used in operating the system.
493. The system of claim 490, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the regenerator to the liquid desiccant flowing from the regenerator to the conditioner.
494. The system of claim 490, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the air stream entering the second air treatment unit to the air stream entering the first air treatment unit.
495. The system of claim 490, wherein the first air treatment unit, the second air treatment unit, the conditioner, and the regenerator further comprise a sheet of material positioned proximate to the outer surface of each convoluted plate structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor from the liquid desiccant to the air stream.
496. The system of claim 495, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
190
497. The system of claim 495, wherein in each wavy plate assembly, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the convoluted plate structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
498. The system of claim 495, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
499. The system of claim 495, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
500. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 495, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
501. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 495, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
502. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 501, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
503. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 494, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
504. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 490, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
505. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 504, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
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506. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 490, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
507. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 490, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the conditioner.
508. The desiccant air conditioning system of claim 490, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
509. The system of claim 490, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the first air treatment unit to the conditioner to the liquid desiccant flowing from the conditioner to the first air treatment unit.
510. The system of claim 490, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the system and heating the heat transfer fluid used in the conditioner.
511. The system of claim 490, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the system and heating the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner.
512. The system of claim 490, further comprising a separator, said separator including a tank for storing liquid desiccant used in the conditioner, wherein the liquid desiccant varies in concentration along the height of the tank, and the separator is configured to transfer liquid desiccant having a high desiccant concentration to the regenerator and to transfer liquid desiccant having a lower desiccant concentration to the conditioner, and wherein liquid desiccant treated in the regenerator is transferred to the tank.
513. The system of claim 490, wherein the regenerator and the conditioner are physically separated to form a split air conditioning system.
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514. A desalination system, comprising:
(a) an apparatus for diluting a liquid desiccant comprising a plurality of channels, each separated from an adjacent channel by a porous element, said apparatus configured to receive seawater in one or more channels and a liquid desiccant in one or more other channels such that as the seawater and liquid desiccant flow through the channels, the liquid desiccant draws water through one or more porous elements into the liquid desiccant, thereby diluting the liquid desiccant;
(b) a water recovery system, comprising:
(i) a generally sealed enclosure;
(ii) a first air treatment unit in the enclosure, said first air treatment unit receiving the diluted liquid desiccant from the apparatus, drawing water vapor from the liquid desiccant, and transferring the water vapor to an air stream flowing through the first air treatment unit, said first air treatment unit including a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows through or between the structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the structure; and
(iii) a second air treatment unit in the enclosure receiving the air stream exiting the first air treatment unit, said second air treatment unit causing condensation of the water vapor in the air stream to produce liquid water that can be transported outside the enclosure; and
(iv) a mechanism for circulating air between the first and second air treatment units;
(c) an apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant between the apparatus and the first air treatment unit.
515. The system of claim 514, wherein the one or more porous elements comprise one or more micro-porous elements.
193
516. The system of claim 514, wherein the one or more porous elements comprise one or more membranes.
517. The system of claim 514, wherein the mechanism for circulating air comprises one or more blowers.
518. The system of claim 514, further comprising a vacuum pump connected to the enclosure for reducing air pressure within the enclosure.
519. The system of claim 514, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the air stream entering the second air treatment unit to the air stream entering the first air treatment unit.
520. The system of claim 514, further comprising a heat source for heating the liquid desiccant in the first air treatment unit.
521. The system of claim 514, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the first air treatment unit includes a passage through which heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a heat source for heating the heat transfer fluid.
522. The system of claim 521, wherein the liquid desiccant and the heat transfer fluid flow in generally opposite directions in the first air treatment unit.
523. The system of claim 514, wherein the plurality of structures in the first air treatment unit are secured within the first air treatment unit in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal-induced stress on the structures.
524. The system of claim 514, further comprising a sheet of material positioned proximate to the at least one surface of each structure between the liquid desiccant and the air stream, said sheet of material guiding the liquid desiccant into a desiccant collector and permitting transfer of water vapor between the liquid desiccant and the air stream.
525. The system of claim 524, wherein the surface tension of the liquid desiccant and properties of the sheet of material facilitate transfer of the liquid desiccant to a desiccant collector.
194
526. The system of claim 524, wherein in each structure, a lower edge of the sheet of material is not fixedly connected to a lower portion of the structure to reduce pressure buildup of liquid desiccant.
527. The system of claim 524, wherein the sheet of material comprises a membrane or a hydrophilic material.
528. The system of claim 524, wherein the sheet of material comprises a hydrophobic micro-porous membrane.
529. The system of claim 524, wherein the sheet of material comprises a layer of hydrophobic material and a layer of hydrophilic material between the hydrophobic material and the at least one surface of the structure.
530. The system of claim 524, wherein each structure includes two opposite surfaces across which the liquid desiccant can flow, and wherein a sheet of material covers the liquid desiccant on each opposite surface, each sheet of material comprising an outer layer of a hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material, said inner layer facing one of the surfaces of the structure.
531. The system of claim 530, wherein each structure includes an internal passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow for transfer of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the liquid desiccant or the air stream.
532. The system of claim 524, further comprising one or more vent holes in the sheet of material of each structure to enable liquid desiccant to freely flow between the sheet of material and the at least one surface of the structure and inhibit vacuum lock.
533. The system of claim 514, wherein said plurality of structures comprises a plurality of plate assemblies arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart to permit flow of the air stream between adjacent plate assemblies.
534. The system of claim 533, wherein each plate assembly includes a convoluted plate.
535. The system of claim 514, wherein the plurality of structures comprises a
195 plurality of tubular members arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, at least some of which include an annular passage through which the liquid desiccant can flow and a central passage surrounded by the annular passage through which the air stream can flow.
536. The system of claim 514, further comprising an apparatus for causing turbulence in the air stream flowing through or between the structures in the first air treatment unit.
537. The system of claim 514, wherein each structure comprises a thermally conductive plastic material.
538. The system of claim 514, wherein the second air treatment unit includes a plurality of structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation configured to enable a flow of the air stream between or through the structures, each structure including a surface on which the water vapor in the air stream condenses.
539. The system of claim 538, further comprising a cold source for cooling the structures.
540. The system of claim 538, wherein each of the plurality of structures in the second air treatment unit includes a passage through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, and further comprising a cold source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.
541. The system of claim 538, wherein the plurality of structures are secured within the second air treatment unit in a way that permits the structures to freely expand or contract in a direction that is generally parallel to the thermal gradient to alleviate thermal- induced stress on the structures.
542. The system of claim 514, wherein the mechanism for circulating air comprises one or more blowers.
543. The system of claim 514, further comprising a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid desiccant flowing from the first air treatment unit to the apparatus to the liquid desiccant flowing from the apparatus to the first air treatment unit.
544. The system of claim 514, wherein the heating system in the first air treatment
196 unit includes a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the system and heating the heat transfer fluid.
545. The system of claim 514, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the system and heating the liquid desiccant flowing to the first air treatment unit.
546. The system of claim 514, further comprising a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module for generating electrical power used in operating the system and heating the liquid desiccant flowing to the apparatus.
197
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EP11787343.0A EP2577178B1 (en) 2010-05-25 2011-05-25 Methods and systems using liquid desiccants for air-conditioning and other processes
KR1020197007070A KR102107636B1 (en) 2010-05-25 2011-05-25 Methods and systems using liquid desiccants for air-conditioning and other processes
ES11787343T ES2752069T3 (en) 2010-05-25 2011-05-25 Methods and systems using liquid desiccants for air conditioning and other processes
KR1020127032854A KR101958989B1 (en) 2010-05-25 2011-05-25 Methods and systems using liquid desiccants for air-conditioning and other processes
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