Patent ID: 12247760

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In certain situations, it is desirable to reduce the humidity of air within a structure and to periodically ventilate the air within the structure to improve indoor air quality. Current dedicated outdoor air systems, however, have proven inadequate or inefficient in various respects. These systems can include multiple individual units that waste energy to remove heat and moisture from a conditioned airflow discharged by one of the units within the system. Alternatively, these systems may not be able to reduce the moisture of an incoming airflow being used to ventilate the air within a building.

To address the inefficiencies and other issues with current dedicated outdoor air systems, the disclosed embodiments provide an energy recovery ventilation unit comprising an energy recovery ventilation core and a dehumidification system. Operating the energy recovery ventilation unit with the dehumidification system provides an all-in-one solution for balanced ventilation in all weather conditions. For example, an outside environment may have a higher temperature and relative humidity than the air inside a building. Typical dedicated outdoor air systems would operate to passively ventilate the inside air with the outside air, thereby increasing the temperature and relative humidity of the newer inside air after ventilation. The disclosed embodiments may reduce the moisture and temperature of the incoming air from the outside environment with the combination of the energy recovery ventilation core and the dehumidification system. The disclosed embodiments may further eliminate the need for the following equipment for a building and provide equal or better performance: bath exhaust fans, a dehumidifier, and make-up air systems. This may further reduce the amount of ductwork, control systems, penetrations in the building, time required for installation, and space required for equipment.

Further, the dehumidification system includes a secondary evaporator and a secondary condenser, which causes part of the refrigerant within the multi-stage system to evaporate and condense twice in one refrigeration cycle. This increases the compressor capacity over typical systems without adding any additional power to the compressor. This, in turn, increases the overall efficiency of the system by providing more dehumidification per kilowatt of power used.

FIG.1illustrates an example energy recovery ventilation unit100for replacing stale air within a structure (for example, a building) with fresh air from an external environment, according to certain embodiments. The structure may include all or a portion of a building or other suitable enclosed space, such as an apartment building, a hotel, an office space, a commercial building, or a private dwelling (e.g., a house). Energy recovery ventilation unit100may comprise a housing102, an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) core104, and a dehumidification system106. The housing102may be operable to house and protect the internal components of the energy recovery ventilation unit100from an external environment. The housing102may comprise any suitable size, height, shape, and any combinations thereof. Further, the housing102may comprise any suitable materials, such as metals, nonmetals, polymers, composites, and any combinations thereof.

As illustrated, the housing102may comprise a plurality of side panels108, a first panel110, and a second panel112. The plurality of side panels108may be coupled together through any suitable means to form the housing102. As shown inFIG.1, the plurality of side panels108may form an open, rectangular shape and be configured to receive the first panel110and second panel112in order to seal and close the housing102. The first panel110and the second panel112may couple to opposite sides of the plurality of side panels108. In embodiments, the first panel110and the second panel112may be interchangeably attached to the plurality of side panels108. For example, either the first panel110or the second panel112may be disposed at one side of the plurality of side panels108and the remaining one of the first panel110or the second panel112may be disposed at an opposite side of the plurality of side panels108.

The housing102may further comprise a first panel inlet114and a first panel outlet116each disposed at one of the plurality of side panels108. The first panel inlet114is configured to introduce a first airflow into the housing102, and the first panel outlet116is configured to discharge a first output airflow from the housing102. The first airflow may be received from inside the structure of which the energy recovery ventilation unit100is coupled (for example, an airflow from inside a building). The first output airflow may be discharged to be introduced back to an interior of the structure.

The housing102may further comprise a second panel inlet118and a second panel outlet120each disposed at one of the plurality of side panels108opposite to the first panel inlet114and the first panel outlet116. Similar to the first panel inlet and outlets114,116, the second panel inlet is configured to introduce a second airflow into the housing102, and the second panel outlet120is configured to discharge a second output airflow from the housing102. The second airflow may be received from an external environment (i.e., outside). The second output airflow may be discharged back to the external environment.

As illustrated, both the ERV core104and the dehumidification system106may be disposed within the housing102. The ERV core104may comprise a plurality of sides operable to either receive airflows from the first panel inlet114and second panel inlet118or discharge airflows to the dehumidification system106. The ERV core104may facilitate heat transfer and mass transfer (for example, moisture) between the first and second airflows. In one or more embodiments, a suitable heat recovery core may be used in the energy recovery ventilation unit100, wherein the heat recovery core is operable to facilitate heat transfer without a transfer of moisture between airflows. The term “ERV core104” may herein refer to either a heat recovery core or an energy recovery ventilation core for the energy recovery ventilation unit100. In embodiments, a user may not want the air to be recirculated back into the structure (for example, the first output airflow) with a higher moisture content. Operation of the dehumidification system106may lower the level of moisture content present in the first output airflow before the first output airflow is discharged from the energy recovery ventilation unit100and introduced back into the structure. The dehumidification system106may be a split system wherein an evaporation unit is coupled to a remote condensing unit. The split configuration of dehumidification system106may allow heat from the cooling and dehumidification process to be rejected outdoors or to an unconditioned space (e.g., external to a space being dehumidified), such as to the external environment. Both ERV core104and dehumidification system106are described in more detail below inFIGS.4-5.

FIG.2illustrates an isolated view of the example energy recovery ventilation unit100ofFIG.1, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Energy recovery ventilation unit100may comprise a controller200and leads202. Controller200may receive signals from an external source and instruct internal components of the energy recovery ventilation unit100to operate. In embodiments, the controller200may be communicatively coupled to each internal component of the energy recovery ventilation unit100and transmit a signal instructing at least one of the internal components to operate based on a received signal from the external source and/or based on a received signal from within the energy recovery ventilation unit100. For example, there may be a sensor disposed within the energy recovery ventilation unit100operable to measure a temperature of an airflow. The controller200may receive a temperature measurement of the airflow and transmit an instruction to the dehumidification system106(referring toFIG.1) based on the received temperature measurement. As another example, there may be a pressure differential from inside the structure fluidly coupled to the energy recovery ventilation unit100(for example, a kitchen exhaust hood may be discharging air external to the structure). A signal may be sent to the leads202connected to the controller200, wherein the leads202operably couple the controller200to external sensors. The leads202are connected to the controller200via a terminal204disposed at one of the plurality of sides108. The controller200may then instruct a component of the energy recovery ventilation unit100, such as one or more fans, to operate to supply additional air into the structure in view of the pressure differential. Controller200is described in more detail below inFIG.3.

Although a particular implementation of energy recovery ventilation unit100is illustrated and primarily described, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable implementation of energy recovery ventilation unit100, according to particular needs. Moreover, although various components of energy recovery ventilation unit100have been depicted as being located at particular positions, the present disclosure contemplates those components being positioned at any suitable location, according to particular needs.

FIG.3illustrates an example controller200. In particular embodiments, one or more controllers200perform one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, one or more controllers200provide functionality described or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, software running on one or more controllers200performs one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein or provides functionality described or illustrated herein. Particular embodiments include one or more portions of one or more controllers200. Herein, reference to a controller may encompass a computing device, and vice versa, where appropriate. Moreover, reference to a controller may encompass one or more controllers, where appropriate.

This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of controllers200. This disclosure contemplates controller200taking any suitable physical form. As example and not by way of limitation, controller200may be an embedded computer system, a system-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (such as, for example, a computer-on-module (COM) or system-on-module (SOM)), a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, an interactive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer systems, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, a tablet computer system, an augmented/virtual reality device, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, controller200may include one or more controllers200; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; span multiple data centers; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. Where appropriate, one or more controllers200may perform without substantial spatial or temporal limitation one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. As an example and not by way of limitation, one or more controllers200may perform in real time or in batch mode one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. One or more controllers200may perform at different times or at different locations one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein, where appropriate.

In particular embodiments, controller200includes a processor300, memory302, storage304, an input/output (I/O) interface306, a communication interface308, and a bus310. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular computer system having a particular number of particular components in a particular arrangement, this disclosure contemplates any suitable computer system having any suitable number of any suitable components in any suitable arrangement.

In particular embodiments, processor300includes hardware for executing instructions, such as those making up a computer program. As an example and not by way of limitation, to execute instructions, processor300may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, memory302, or storage304; decode and execute them; and then write one or more results to an internal register, an internal cache, memory302, or storage304. In particular embodiments, processor300may include one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor300including any suitable number of any suitable internal caches, where appropriate. As an example and not by way of limitation, processor300may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions in memory302or storage304, and the instruction caches may speed up retrieval of those instructions by processor300. Data in the data caches may be copies of data in memory302or storage304for instructions executing at processor300to operate on; the results of previous instructions executed at processor300for access by subsequent instructions executing at processor300or for writing to memory302or storage304; or other suitable data. The data caches may speed up read or write operations by processor300. The TLBs may speed up virtual-address translation for processor300. In particular embodiments, processor300may include one or more internal registers for data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor300including any suitable number of any suitable internal registers, where appropriate. Where appropriate, processor300may include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs); be a multi-core processor; or include one or more processors300. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular processor, this disclosure contemplates any suitable processor.

In particular embodiments, memory302includes main memory for storing instructions for processor300to execute or data for processor300to operate on. As an example and not by way of limitation, controller200may load instructions from storage304or another source (such as, for example, another controller200) to memory302. Processor300may then load the instructions from, memory302to an internal register or internal cache. To execute the instructions, processor300may retrieve the instructions from the internal register or internal cache and decode them. During or after execution of the instructions, processor300may write one or more results (which may be intermediate or final results) to the internal register or internal cache. Processor300may then write one or more of those results to memory302. In particular embodiments, processor300executes only instructions in one or more internal registers or internal caches or in memory302(as opposed to storage304or elsewhere) and operates only on data in one or more internal registers or internal caches or in memory302(as opposed to storage304or elsewhere). One or more memory buses (which may each include an address bus and a data bus) may couple processor300to memory302. Bus310may include one or more memory buses, as described below. In particular embodiments, one or more memory management units (MMUs) reside between processor300and memory302and facilitate accesses to memory302requested by processor300. In particular embodiments, memory302includes random access memory (RAM). This RAM may be volatile memory, where appropriate. Where appropriate, this RAM may be dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM). Moreover, where appropriate, this RAM may be single-ported or multi-ported RAM. This disclosure contemplates any suitable RAM. Memory302may include one or more memories302, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular memory, this disclosure contemplates any suitable memory.

In particular embodiments, storage304includes mass storage for data or instructions. As an example and not by way of limitation, storage304may include a hard, disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more of these. Storage304may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media, where appropriate. Storage304may be internal or external to controller200, where appropriate. In particular embodiments, storage304is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In particular embodiments, storage304includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM may be mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory or a combination of two or more of these. This disclosure contemplates mass storage304taking any suitable physical form. Storage304may include one or more storage control units facilitating communication between processor300and storage304, where appropriate. Where appropriate, storage304may include one or more storages304. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular storage, this disclosure contemplates any suitable storage.

In particular embodiments, I/O interface306includes hardware, software, or both, providing one or more interfaces for communication between controller200and one or more I/O devices. Controller200may include one or more of these I/O devices, where appropriate. One or more of these I/O devices may enable communication between a person and controller200. As an example and not by way of limitation, an I/O device may include a keyboard, keypad, microphone, monitor, mouse, printer, scanner, speaker, still camera, stylus, tablet, touch screen, trackball, video camera, another suitable I/O device or a combination of two or more of these. An I/O device may include one or more sensors. This disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O devices and any suitable I/O interfaces306for them. Where appropriate, I/O interface306may include one or more device or software drivers enabling processor300to drive one or more of these I/O devices. I/O interface306may include one or more I/O interfaces306, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular I/O interface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O interface.

In particular embodiments, communication interface308includes hardware, software, or both providing one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between controller200and one or more other controllers200or one or more networks. As an example and not by way of limitation, communication interface308may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI network. This disclosure contemplates any suitable network and any suitable communication interface308for it. As an example and not by way of limitation, controller200may communicate with an ad hoc network, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or one or more portions of the Internet or a combination of two or more of these. One or more portions of one or more of these networks may be wired or wireless. As an example, controller200may communicate with a wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH WPAN), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), or other suitable wireless network or a combination of two or more of these. Controller200may include any suitable communication interface308for any of these networks, where appropriate. Communication interface308may include one or more communication interfaces308, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular communication interface; this disclosure contemplates any suitable communication interface.

In particular embodiments, bus310includes hardware, software, or both coupling components of controller200to each other. As an example and not by way of limitation, bus310may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBAND interconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCIe) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, or another suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these. Bus310may include one or more buses310, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular bus, this disclosure contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

FIG.4illustrates a cross-section of the example energy recovery ventilation unit100ofFIG.1, according to certain embodiments. During operations, a first airflow400may be introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100from the structure, and a second airflow402may be introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100from an external environment. Depending on a mode of operation, the first airflow400and/or the second airflow402may be split into separate portions. For example, the first airflow400may split into a first portion404directed towards the ERV core104and a second portion406directed towards a first lower section408of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. In other embodiments, the first airflow400may remain whole and flow to either the ERV core104or the first lower section408. Similar to the first airflow, the second airflow402may split into a first portion410directed towards the ERV core104and a second portion412directed towards a second lower section414of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. In other embodiments, the second airflow402may remain whole and flow to either the ERV core104or the second lower section414.

The ERV core104may facilitate passive heat and mass transfer between at least the first portion404of the first airflow400and the first portion410of the second airflow402. In certain embodiments, the ERV core104may facilitate passive heat and mass transfer between the entire first airflow400and second airflow402, depending on the mode of operation of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. As illustrated, the ERV core104may comprise a first side416comprising a first inlet418operable to receive at least a portion of the first airflow400(for example, first portion404) and a second side420comprising a second inlet422operable to receive at least a portion of the second airflow402(for example, first portion410). The ERV core104may further comprise a third side424comprising a first outlet426operable to discharge the second airflow402after heat and mass transfers between the second airflow402and the first airflow400within the ERV core104and a fourth side428comprising a second outlet430operable to discharge the first airflow400after heat and mass transfers between the second airflow402and the first airflow400within the ERV core104.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the ERV core104may discharge the second402airflow into the first lower section408and the first airflow400into the second lower section414. The first lower section408and the second lower section414may be disposed adjacent to each other and divided by a partition432. The dehumidification system106may be disposed throughout the first and second lower sections408,414. The dehumidification system106may receive an airflow from within the structure fluidly coupled to the energy recovery ventilation unit100(such as the first airflow400), reduce the moisture in the received airflow, and supply dehumidified air back to the structure.

In general, dehumidification system106is a split system comprising an evaporation unit434coupled to a remote condensing unit436. Remote condensing unit436may facilitate the functions of evaporation unit434by processing a flow of refrigerant as part of a refrigeration cycle. The flow of refrigerant may include any suitable cooling material, such as R410arefrigerant. In certain embodiments, condensing unit436may receive the flow of refrigerant vapor from evaporation unit434via a refrigerant line. Condensing unit436may pressurize the flow of refrigerant, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant. Condensing unit436may then cool the pressurized refrigerant by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the ambient air (such as the discharged first airflow400from the ERV core104). In certain embodiments, condensing unit436may utilize a heat exchanger, such as a microchannel heat exchanger to remove heat from the flow of refrigerant. Remote condensing unit436may include a fan that draws the ambient air for use in cooling the flow of refrigerant. In certain embodiments, the speed of this fan is modulated to effectuate desired operating characteristics. An illustrative embodiment of an example condensing unit is shown, for example, inFIG.5(described in further detail below).

After being cooled and condensed to liquid by condensing unit436, the flow of refrigerant may travel by a refrigerant line to evaporation unit434. In certain embodiments, the flow of refrigerant may be received by an expansion device (described in further detail below) that reduces the pressure of the flow of refrigerant, thereby reducing the temperature of the flow of refrigerant. Evaporation unit434may receive the flow of refrigerant from the expansion device and use the flow of refrigerant to dehumidify and cool an incoming airflow (such as the discharged second airflow402from the ERV core104). The flow of refrigerant may then flow back to remote condensing unit436and repeat this cycle.

In certain embodiments, evaporation unit434may be installed in series with an air mover. An air mover may include a fan that blows air from one location to another. An air mover may facilitate distribution of outgoing air from evaporation unit434to various parts of structure. An air mover and evaporation unit434may have separate return inlets from which air is drawn. In certain embodiments, outgoing air from evaporation unit434may be mixed with air produced by another component (e.g., an air conditioner) and blown through air ducts by the air mover. In other embodiments, evaporation unit434may perform both cooling and dehumidifying and thus may be used without a conventional air conditioner. As illustrated, a first output airflow438may be discharged from the evaporation unit434, and a second output airflow440may be discharged from the condensing unit436. First output airflow438may be at a temperature approximately the same as the first airflow400introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100.

FIG.5illustrates a block diagram of the example energy recovery ventilation unit100ofFIG.1in a ventilation and dehumidification mode, according to certain embodiments. In the ventilation and dehumidification mode, the energy recovery ventilation unit100may utilize the split airflows of the first airflow400and second airflow402to remove a portion of air within the structure fluidly coupled to the energy recovery ventilation unit100and replace that portion of air with air supplied from an external environment. In these embodiments, the level of moisture content in the air within the structure may be regulated to be maintained at a constant value through operation of the dehumidification system106(referring toFIG.1).

During the ventilation and dehumidification mode, the first airflow400and second airflow402may be introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100. Each of the first and second airflows400,402may flow through a first filter500and a second filter502, respectively, for the removal of particulates or pollutants present in each of the first and second airflows400,402. The first portion404of the first airflow400and the first portion410of the second airflow402may then be introduced into the ERV core104. Concurrently, the second portion406of the first airflow400and the second portion412of the second airflow402may be introduced into the first lower section408(referring toFIG.4) and the second lower section414(referring toFIG.4), respectively. While flowing through the ERV core104, heat and mass transfer may occur between the first portion404of the first airflow400and the first portion410of the second airflow402. The first portion404of the first airflow400may then be discharged into the second lower section414and combine with the second portion412of the second airflow402prior to interacting with condensing unit436of the dehumidification system106. The first portion410of the second airflow402may then be discharged into the first lower section408and combine with the second portion406of the first airflow400prior to interacting with evaporation unit434of the dehumidification system106.

In general, evaporation unit434receives an inlet airflow (the combined first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400), removes water from that inlet airflow, and discharges dehumidified air into a conditioned space (into the structure). Water is removed from the inlet air using a refrigeration cycle of a flow of refrigerant504. The split configuration of dehumidification system106, which includes evaporation unit434and condensing unit436, allows heat from the cooling and dehumidification process to be rejected outdoors or to an unconditioned space (e.g., external to a space being dehumidified). This allows dehumidification system106to have a similar footprint to that of typical central air conditioning systems or heat pumps. Accordingly, dehumidification system106may perform functions of both a dehumidifier (dehumidifying air) and a central air conditioner (cooling air).

As illustrated inFIG.5, evaporation unit434includes a primary evaporator506, a secondary evaporator508, a secondary condenser510, a primary metering device512, a secondary metering device514, an optional sub-cooling coil516, and a first fan518, while condensing unit436includes an optional desuperheater520, a compressor522, a primary condenser524, and a second fan526. In an embodiment, the compressor522may be disposed within the evaporation unit434rather than disposed within the condensing unit436.

With reference toFIG.5, a flow of refrigerant504is circulated through dehumidification system106as illustrated. By including secondary evaporator508and secondary condenser510, dehumidification system106causes at least part of the flow of refrigerant504to evaporate and condense twice in a single refrigeration cycle. This increases refrigerating capacity over typical systems without requiring any additional power to the compressor, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the system.

In general, dehumidification system106attempts to match the saturating temperature of secondary evaporator508to the saturating temperature of secondary condenser510. As the saturating temperature of secondary evaporator508is lower than the combined first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400introduced through the evaporation unit434, evaporation happens in secondary evaporator508. As the saturating temperature of secondary condenser510is higher than the first output airflow438after flowing through the primary evaporator506, condensation happens in secondary condenser510. The amount of refrigerant504evaporating in secondary evaporator508is substantially equal to that condensing in secondary condenser510.

Primary evaporator506receives flow of refrigerant504from secondary metering device514and outputs flow of refrigerant504to compressor522. Primary evaporator506may be any type of coil (e.g., fin tube, micro channel, etc.). Primary evaporator506receives the first output airflow438generated from secondary evaporator508and outputs first output airflow438to secondary condenser510at a lower temperature. To cool incoming first output airflow438, primary evaporator506transfers heat from first output airflow438to flow of refrigerant504, thereby causing flow of refrigerant504to evaporate at least partially from liquid to gas. This transfer of heat from first output airflow438to flow of refrigerant504also removes water from first output airflow438.

Secondary condenser510receives flow of refrigerant504from secondary evaporator508and outputs flow of refrigerant504to secondary metering device514. Secondary condenser510may be any type of coil (e.g., fin tube, micro channel, etc.). Secondary condenser510receives first output airflow438from primary evaporator506and outputs first output airflow438that is warmer and drier (i.e., the dew point will be the same but relative humidity will be lower) than the received first output airflow438. Secondary condenser510generates a warmer and drier first output airflow438by transferring heat from flow of refrigerant504to the received first output airflow438, thereby causing flow of refrigerant504to condense at least partially from gas to liquid. In embodiments, first output airflow438may be output into the conditioned space. In other embodiments, first output airflow438may first pass through and/or over sub-cooling coil516before being output into the conditioned space at a further decreased relative humidity.

As shown inFIG.5, refrigerant504then flows to compressor522of condensing unit436. Alternatively, the refrigerant504may continue to flow to the compressor522within the evaporation unit434prior to condensing unit436. Compressor522pressurizes flow of refrigerant504, thereby increasing the temperature of refrigerant504. For example, if flow of refrigerant504entering compressor522is 128 psig/52° F./100% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 340 psig/150° F./100% vapor as it leaves compressor522. Compressor522receives flow of refrigerant504from primary evaporator506and supplies the pressurized flow of refrigerant504to primary condenser524.

Primary condenser524receives flow of refrigerant504from compressor522and outputs flow of refrigerant504back to evaporation unit434. Primary condenser524may be any type of coil (e.g., fin tube, micro channel, etc.). Primary condenser524receives the combined first portion404of first airflow400and second portion412of second airflow402and outputs second output airflow440. Second output airflow440may be, in general, warmer (i.e., has a lower relative humidity) than first output airflow438. Primary condenser524transfers heat from flow of refrigerant504, thereby causing flow of refrigerant504to condense at least partially from gas to liquid. In some embodiments, primary condenser524completely condenses flow of refrigerant504to a liquid (i.e., 100% liquid). In other embodiments, primary condenser524partially condenses flow of refrigerant504to a liquid (i.e., less than 100% liquid). In embodiments, the primary condenser524may receive the flow of refrigerant from optional desuperheater520disposed between the primary condenser524and the compressor522.

Sub-cooling coil516, which is an optional component of dehumidification106600, sub-cools the liquid refrigerant504as it leaves primary condenser524. This, in turn, supplies primary metering device512with a liquid refrigerant that is 30 degrees (or more) cooler than before it enters sub-cooling coil516. For example, if flow of refrigerant504entering sub-cooling coil516is 340 psig/105° F./60% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 340 psig/80° F./0% vapor as it leaves sub-cooling coil516. The sub-cooled refrigerant504has a greater heat enthalpy factor as well as a greater density, which improves energy transfer between airflow and evaporator resulting in the removal of further latent heat from refrigerant504. This further results in greater efficiency and less energy use of dehumidification system106. Embodiments of dehumidification system106may or may not include a sub-cooling coil516. In certain embodiments, sub-cooling coil516and primary evaporator506are combined into a single coil. Such a single coil includes appropriate circuiting for flow of air and refrigerant504.

Secondary evaporator508receives flow of refrigerant504from primary metering device512and outputs flow of refrigerant504to secondary condenser510. Secondary evaporator508may be any type of coil (e.g., fin tube, micro channel, etc.). Secondary evaporator508receives the combined first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400to generate the first output airflow438and outputs first output airflow438to primary evaporator506. First output airflow438, in general, is at a cooler temperature than the received combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400. To cool the incoming combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400, secondary evaporator508transfers heat from the combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400to flow of refrigerant504, thereby causing flow of refrigerant504to evaporate at least partially from liquid to gas.

In certain embodiments, the secondary evaporator508, primary evaporator506, and secondary condenser510are combined in a single coil pack. The single coil pack may include portions (e.g., separate refrigerant circuits) to accommodate the respective functions of secondary evaporator508, primary evaporator506, and secondary condenser506, described above. In embodiments, the primary evaporator506is located between the secondary evaporator508and secondary condenser506of the single coil pack. In general, single coil pack can include the same or a different coil type compared to that of primary evaporator506. For example, single coil pack may include a microchannel coil type, while primary evaporator506may include a fin tube coil type. This may provide further flexibility for optimizing a dehumidification system in which single coil pack and primary evaporator506are used.

In certain embodiments, one or both of the secondary evaporator508and primary evaporator506are subdivided into two or more circuits. In such embodiments, each circuit of the subdivided evaporator(s) is fed refrigerant by a corresponding metering device. The metering devices may include passive metering devices, active metering devices, or combinations thereof. For example, metering device512may be an active thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) and secondary metering device514may be a passive fixed orifice device (or vice versa). The metering devices may be configured to feed refrigerant to each circuit within the evaporators at a desired mass flow rate. Metering devices for feeding refrigerant to each circuit of the subdivided evaporator(s) may be used in combination with metering devices512,514or may replace one or both of metering devices512,514.

Fan518may include any suitable components operable to draw the combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400into evaporation unit434and through secondary evaporator508, primary evaporator506, and secondary condenser510. Fan518may be any type of air mover (e.g., axial fan, forward inclined impeller, and backward inclined impeller, etc.). For example, fan518may be a backward inclined impeller positioned adjacent to secondary condenser510.

While fan518is depicted as being located adjacent to condenser510, it should be understood that fan518may be located anywhere along the airflow path of evaporation unit434. Similarly, while fan526of condensing unit436is depicted in as being located in proximity to primary condenser524, it should be understood that fan526may be located anywhere (e.g., above, below, beside) with respect to condenser524, so long as fan526is appropriately positioned and configured to facilitate flow of the combination of first portion404of first airflow400and second portion412of second airflow402towards primary condenser524.

The rate of airflow generated by fan518may be different than that generated by fan526. For example, the flow rate of an airflow generated by fan526may be higher than the flow rate of an airflow generated by fan518. This difference in flow rates may provide several advantages for the dehumidification systems described herein. For example, a large airflow generated by fan526may provide for improved heat transfer at the primary condenser524of the condensing unit436.

Primary metering device512and secondary metering device514are any appropriate type of metering/expansion device. In some embodiments, primary metering device512is an electronic expansion valve (EEV) or thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) and secondary metering device514is a fixed orifice device (or vice versa). In certain embodiments, metering devices512and514remove pressure from flow of refrigerant504to allow expansion or change of state from a liquid to a vapor in evaporators506and508. The high-pressure liquid (or mostly liquid) refrigerant entering metering devices512and514is at a higher temperature than the liquid refrigerant504leaving metering devices512and514. For example, if flow of refrigerant504entering primary metering device512is 340 psig/80° F./0% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 196 psig/68° F./5% vapor as it leaves primary metering device512. As another example, if flow of refrigerant504entering secondary metering device514is 196 psig/68° F./4% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 128 psig/44° F./14% vapor as it leaves secondary metering device514.

In certain embodiments, secondary metering device514is operated in a substantially open state (referred to herein as a “fully open” state) such that the pressure of refrigerant504entering metering device514is substantially the same as the pressure of refrigerant504exiting metering device504. For example, the pressure of refrigerant504may be 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or up to 100% of the pressure of refrigerant504entering metering device514. With the secondary metering device514operated in a “fully open” state, primary metering device512is the primary source of pressure drop in dehumidification system106. In this configuration, first output airflow438is not substantially heated when it passes through secondary condenser510, and the secondary evaporator508, primary evaporator506, and secondary condenser510effectively act as a single evaporator. Although, less water may be removed from the initially received air when the secondary metering device514is operated in a “fully open” state, first output airflow438will be output to the conditioned space at a lower temperature than when secondary metering device514is not in a “fully open” state. This configuration corresponds to a relatively high sensible heat ratio (SHR) operating mode such that dehumidification system106may produce a cooler first output airflow438with properties similar to those of an airflow produced by a central air conditioner. If the rate of the incoming combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400is increased to a threshold value (e.g., by increasing the speed of fan518or one or more other fans of dehumidification system600), dehumidification system106may perform sensible cooling without removing water from that airflow.

Refrigerant504may be any suitable refrigerant such as R410a. In general, dehumidification system106utilizes a closed refrigeration loop of refrigerant504that passes from compressor522(optionally) through desuperheater520, through primary condenser524, (optionally) sub-cooling coil516, primary metering device512, secondary evaporator508, secondary condenser510, secondary metering device514, and primary evaporator506. Compressor522pressurizes flow of refrigerant504, thereby increasing the temperature of refrigerant504. Primary and secondary condensers524and510, which may include any suitable heat exchangers, cool the pressurized flow of refrigerant504by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant504to the respective airflows passing through them (i.e., the combination of first portion404of first airflow400and second portion412of second airflow402and first output airflow438). The cooled flow of refrigerant504leaving primary and secondary condensers524and510may enter a respective expansion device (i.e., primary metering device512and secondary metering device514) that is operable to reduce the pressure of flow of refrigerant504, thereby reducing the temperature of flow of refrigerant504. Primary and secondary evaporators506and508, which may include any suitable heat exchanger, receive flow of refrigerant504from secondary metering device514and primary metering device512, respectively. Primary and secondary evaporators506and508facilitate the transfer of heat from the respective airflows passing through them (i.e., first output airflow438and the combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400) to flow of refrigerant504. Flow of refrigerant504, after leaving primary evaporator506, passes back to compressor522, and the cycle is repeated.

In certain embodiments, the above-described refrigeration loop may be configured such that evaporators506and508operate in a flooded state. In other words, flow of refrigerant504may enter evaporators506and508in a liquid state, and a portion of flow of refrigerant504may still be in a liquid state as it exits evaporators506and508. Accordingly, the phase change of flow of refrigerant504(liquid to vapor as heat is transferred to flow of refrigerant504) occurs across evaporators506and508, resulting in nearly constant pressure and temperature across the entire evaporators506and508(and, as a result, increased cooling capacity).

In operation of example embodiments of dehumidification system106, the incoming combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400may be drawn into evaporation unit434by fan518. The incoming combination of airflows passes though secondary evaporator508in which heat is transferred from the air to the cool flow of refrigerant504passing through secondary evaporator508. As a result, the combination of first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400may be cooled. As an example, if the air is 80° F./60% humidity, secondary evaporator508may output first output airflow438at 70° F./84% humidity. This may cause flow of refrigerant504to partially vaporize within secondary evaporator508. For example, if flow of refrigerant504entering secondary evaporator508is 196 psig/68° F./5% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 196 psig/68° F./38% vapor as it leaves secondary evaporator508.

The cooled air leaves secondary evaporator508as first output airflow438and enters primary evaporator506. Like secondary evaporator508, primary evaporator506transfers heat from first output airflow438to the cool flow of refrigerant504passing through primary evaporator506. As a result, first output airflow438may be cooled to or below its dew point temperature, causing moisture in first output airflow438to condense (thereby reducing the absolute humidity of first output airflow438). As an example, if first output airflow438is 70° F./84% humidity, primary evaporator506may output first output airflow438at 54° F./98% humidity. This may cause flow of refrigerant504to partially or completely vaporize within primary evaporator506. For example, if flow of refrigerant504entering primary evaporator506is 128 psig/44° F./14% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 128 psig/52° F./100% vapor as it leaves primary evaporator506. In certain embodiments, the liquid condensate from first output airflow438may be collected in a drain pan connected to a condensate reservoir. Additionally, the condensate reservoir may include a condensate pump that moves collected condensate, either continually or at periodic intervals, out of dehumidification system106(e.g., via a drain hose) to a suitable drainage or storage location.

The first output airflow438leaves primary evaporator506at a lower temperature and enters secondary condenser510. Secondary condenser510facilitates heat transfer from the hot flow of refrigerant504passing through the secondary condenser510to first output airflow438. This reheats first output airflow438, thereby decreasing the relative humidity of first output airflow438. As an example, if first output airflow438is 54° F./98% humidity, secondary condenser510may output first output airflow438at 65° F./68% humidity. This may cause flow of refrigerant504to partially or completely condense within secondary condenser510. For example, if flow of refrigerant504entering secondary condenser510is 196 psig/68° F./38% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 196 psig/68° F./4% vapor as it leaves secondary condenser510. In some embodiments, first output airflow438leaves secondary condenser510and is output to a conditioned space.

Primary condenser524facilitates heat transfer from the hot flow of refrigerant504passing through the primary condenser524to the combination of first portion404of first airflow400and second portion412of second airflow402. This heats the surrounding air, which is output to an unconditioned space (e.g., outdoors) as second output airflow440. As an example, if the combination of first portion404of first airflow400and second portion412of second airflow402is 65° F./68% humidity, primary condenser524may output second output airflow440at 102° F./19% humidity. This may cause flow of refrigerant504to partially or completely condense within primary condenser524. For example, if flow of refrigerant504entering primary condenser524is 340 psig/150° F./100% vapor, flow of refrigerant504may be 340 psig/105° F./60% vapor as it leaves primary condenser524.

As described above, some embodiments of dehumidification system106may include a desuperheater520in the airflow between an outlet of the condensing unit436and primary condenser524. Desuperheater520facilitates heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant504passing through to ambient airflows. This may cause flow of refrigerant504to partially or completely condense within desuperheater520.

Although a particular implementation of the dehumidification system106is illustrated and primarily described, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable implementation of the dehumidification system106, according to particular needs. Moreover, although various components of the dehumidification system106have been depicted as being located at particular positions, the present disclosure contemplates those components being positioned at any suitable location, according to particular needs.

FIG.6illustrates a cross-section of the example energy recovery ventilation unit100ofFIG.1, according to certain embodiments. As illustrated, the energy recovery ventilation unit100may comprise a first set of dampers600and a second set of dampers602. The first and second sets of dampers600,602may direct airflows to the ERV core104, bypass the ERV core104and flow towards either the first lower section408or second lower section414, or a combination thereof. The first set of dampers600may be disposed between the ERV core104and the first panel inlet114, and the second set of dampers602may be disposed between the ERV core104and the second panel inlet118.

Each of the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602may comprise a core damper604and a bypass damper606. The core damper604of each of the first and second sets of dampers600,602may be operable to introduce an airflow into the ERV core104or to inhibit an airflow from being introduced into the ERV core104, depending on a mode of operation of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. The bypass damper606of the first set of dampers600may introduce or inhibit a portion of the first airflow400(referring toFIG.4) from flowing into the first lower section408of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. The bypass damper606of the second set of dampers602may introduce or inhibit a portion of the second airflow402(referring toFIG.4) from flowing into the second lower section414of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. As illustrated, each core damper604may be operably coupled to a core motor608, and each bypass damper606may be operably coupled to a bypass motor610. Each core motor608may operate to actuate its respective core damper604, and each bypass motor610may operate to actuate its respective bypass damper606. In embodiments, any suitable motor may be used as the core and bypass motors608,610. Further, each core motor608and bypass motor610may be communicatively coupled to the controller200(referring toFIG.3), wherein the controller200may transmit instructions to each core motor608and bypass motor610to actuate a respective core damper604and bypass damper606for a mode of operation.

In embodiments, both the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602may be continuously adjusted during different modes of operation to maintain a set airflow across the ERV core104and provide additional airflow across the dehumidification system106(referring toFIG.1) via a bypass. The fans518,526(referring toFIG.5) may be turned on to set speeds, wherein airflow proportioning for first airflow400(referring toFIG.4) and second airflow402(referring toFIG.4) may be adjusted to maintain the proper amount of airflow across the ERV core104with the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602. The airflow (for example, first airflow400and second airflow402) across the ERV core104may be set by a user as the ventilation rate. The airflow may be determined by the pressure differential across the ERV core104utilizing pressure differential sensors. The first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602may be actuated to constantly adjust to react to changes in operational pressure.

The energy recovery ventilation unit100may further comprise a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to the controller200, wherein a mode of operation may be determined and initiated based on one or more measurements provided by a sensor. As illustrated, the energy recovery ventilation unit100may comprise a first pressure differential sensor612, a second pressure differential sensor614, a first airflow sensor616, a first lower section sensor618, a core temperature sensor620, and an evaporator temperature sensor622. The first pressure differential sensor612may be disposed within the second lower section414, and the second pressure differential sensor614may be disposed within the first lower section408. Each of the first and second pressure differential sensors612,614may comprise a first probe624and a second probe626. The first probe624of the first pressure differential sensor612may be disposed between the core damper604of the second set of dampers602and the ERV core104, and the second probe626of the first pressure differential sensor612may be disposed downstream of the ERV core104within the second lower section414. The first probe624of the second pressure differential sensor614may be disposed between the core damper604of the first set of dampers600and the ERV core104, and the second probe626of the second pressure differential sensor614may be disposed downstream of the ERV core104within the first lower section408. Each first and second probes624,626may be communicatively coupled to their respective first and second pressure differential sensors612,614. In embodiments, the first and second pressure differential sensors612,614may measure a pressure across the ERV core104by taking a pressure measurement upstream and downstream of the ERV core104, via the first and second probes624,626, to determine an airflow rate.

The first airflow sensor616and the first lower section sensor618may both be sensors operable to determine a temperature measurement and a relative humidity measurement of an airflow at a location. The first airflow sensor616may be disposed between the first panel inlet114and the first set of dampers600, and the first lower section sensor618may be disposed downstream of the ERV core104within the first lower section408. During operations, the first airflow sensor616may determine a temperature measurement and/or a relative humidity measurement of the first airflow400(referring toFIG.4) as the first airflow is introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100. Similarly, the first lower section sensor618may determine a temperature measurement and/or a relative humidity measurement of the air introduced into the first lower section408prior to the air flowing into the evaporation unit414. The temperature measurement and/or a relative humidity measurements may be used to determine when the dehumidification system106(referring toFIG.1) should be activated based on a user setpoint, wherein the user setpoint may be associated with the relative humidity inside the structure, the dew point of the ventilated air being introduced into the structure, or both.

The core temperature sensor620and the evaporator temperature sensor622may both be sensors operable to determine a temperature measurement at a location. The core temperature sensor620may be disposed between the core damper604of the second set of dampers602and the ERV core104, and the evaporator temperature sensor622may be disposed within the evaporation unit434proximate to the secondary evaporator508(referring toFIG.5) or primary evaporator506(referring toFIG.5). The core temperature sensor620may determine a temperature measurement of the ERV core104, and the evaporator temperature sensor622may determine a temperature measurement of the secondary evaporator508or primary evaporator506. During operations, the core temperature sensor620and the evaporator temperature sensor622may initiate a defrost mode to defrost the ERV core104and/or the evaporation unit434.

FIGS.7A-7Fillustrate example operations of the energy recovery ventilation unit100ofFIG.1, according to certain embodiments. In embodiments, the controller200(referring toFIG.3) may transmit instructions to transition between different modes of operation.FIG.7Aillustrates the energy recovery ventilation unit100in a first mode of operation. During the first mode of operation, both the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602may be in a first position configured to inhibit the flow of an airflow. For example, the first set of dampers600may inhibit the first airflow400(referring toFIG.4) from being introduced into the ERV core104(referring toFIG.1), and the second set of dampers602may inhibit the second airflow402(referring toFIG.4from being introduced into the ERV core104. With reference to the present disclosure, this may be the default mode of operation for the energy recovery ventilation unit100and may be termed as a “standby” mode.FIGS.7B-7Fillustrate the energy recovery ventilation unit100in various second modes of operation. During any one of the various second modes of operation, at least one of the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602is actuated to a second position wherein at least one of the first airflow400and the second airflow402flows to any one of the ERV core104, the evaporation unit434, and the condensing unit436.

FIG.7Billustrates the energy recovery ventilation unit100in an example second mode of operation. The present second mode of operation may be termed as a “filter” mode. During this second mode of operation, controller200may instruct the bypass damper606of the first set of dampers600to rotate to a second position. In this second position, the first airflow400may be introduced through the first panel inlet114to flow into the first lower section408. The first airflow400may then pass through the evaporation unit434and exit through the first panel outlet116. In the filter mode, the evaporation unit434is not operating, and the first airflow400is not conditioned as it flows through the energy ventilation unit100. The first airflow400does flow through the first filter500(referring toFIG.1), and particulates may be removed from the first airflow400as the first airflow400flows through the energy recovery ventilation unit100. The first airflow400may be returned to inside the structure comprising fewer particulates after passing through the first filter500.

FIG.7Cillustrates the energy recovery ventilation unit100in an example second mode of operation. The present second mode of operation may be termed as a “dehumidification” mode. During this second mode of operation, controller200may instruct the bypass damper606of both the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602to rotate to a second position. The controller200may initiate the dehumidification mode based on receiving a measurement from the first airflow sensor616(referring toFIG.6). In this second position, the first airflow400may be introduced through the first panel inlet114to flow into the first lower section408, and the second airflow402may be introduced through the second panel inlet118to flow into the second lower section414. The controller200may further instruct the dehumidification system106(referring toFIG.1) to operate in order to reduce the relative humidity of the first airflow400. As illustrated, the first airflow400may then pass through the evaporation unit434. In the dehumidification mode, the evaporation unit434is operating, and the first output airflow438is generated as the first airflow400flows through the evaporation unit434. The first output airflow438then is discharged from the first panel outlet116. Concurrently, the second airflow402may then pass through the condensing unit436. In the dehumidification mode, the condensing unit436is operating, and the second output airflow440is generated as the second airflow402flows through the condensing unit436. The second output airflow440then is discharged from the second panel outlet120to an unconditioned space.

FIG.7Dillustrates the energy recovery ventilation unit100in an example second mode of operation. The present second mode of operation may be termed as a “ventilation” mode or “pollution” mode depending on a fan speed of fans518,526(referring toFIG.5). The controller200may initiate the ventilation mode based on a schedule set by a user. The fan speed of each of the fans518,526may be controlled by the first and second pressure differential sensors612,614(referring toFIG.6) (for example, by measuring a pressure drop across the ERV core104, which equates to a determined airflow). The fans518,526may be operable to match the first and second airflows400,402to an airflow set by the user. During ventilation mode, controller200may instruct the core damper604of both the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602to rotate to a second position. In this second position, the first airflow400may be introduced through the first panel inlet114to flow into the ERV core104, and the second airflow402may be introduced through the second panel inlet118to flow into the ERV core104. While within the ERV core104, heat and mass transfer may occur between the first airflow400and second airflow402. The ERV core104may discharge the second airflow402to flow towards the evaporation unit434and may discharge the first airflow400to flow towards the condensing unit436. In the ventilation mode, both the evaporation unit434and the condensing unit436are not operating. As the evaporation unit434and the condensing unit436are not operating, the discharged second airflow402may flow through the evaporation unit434and out first panel outlet116to be directed back towards the structure. Further, the discharged first airflow400may flow through the condensing unit436and out second panel outlet120to be discharged to an unconditioned space. In embodiments, the ventilation mode may provide for replacing old, stale air present within a structure with fresh air from an external environment.

The energy ventilation unit100may operate in the pollution mode to discharge an airflow from within a structure that comprises pollutants. In embodiments, the energy ventilation unit100may increase the fan speed of fans518,526compared to ventilation mode, wherein the fans518,526may operate for a designated time period. Within this designated time period, the energy ventilation unit100may not transfer to another mode of operation. By operating in the pollution mode, the pollutants may be discharged from the structure and may not be reintroduced through the bypass dampers606(referring toFIG.6).

In further embodiments, the energy recovery ventilation unit100may operate in a second mode of operation that is a combination of the ventilation and dehumidification modes (as best illustrated inFIG.5). For the combination ventilation and dehumidification modes, controller200may instruct both the core damper604and bypass damper606of both the first set of dampers600and the second set of dampers602to rotate to a second position. At this second position, the first and second airflows400,402may be apportioned into the first and second portions404,406and410,412, respectively. The controller200may further instruct the dehumidification system106(referring toFIG.1) to operate in order to reduce the relative humidity of the air (for example, the combination of the first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400) present in first lower section408(referring toFIG.4). The first output airflow438may be generated as the combination of the first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400flows through the evaporation unit434. The first output airflow438then is discharged from the first panel outlet116to flow towards the structure. Concurrently, a combination of first portion404of first airflow400and second portion412of second airflow402may pass through the condensing unit436. In the current mode of operation, the condensing unit436is operating, and the second output airflow440is generated. The second output airflow440then is discharged from the second panel outlet120to an unconditioned space.

FIG.7Eillustrates the energy recovery ventilation unit100in an example second mode of operation. The present second mode of operation may be termed as an “exhaust” mode. During this second mode of operation, controller200may instruct the core damper604of the first set of dampers600to rotate to a second position based on a temperature measurement from core temperature sensor620(referring toFIG.6). In this second position, the first airflow400may be introduced through the first panel inlet114to flow into the ERV core104. The first airflow400may then pass through the condensing unit436and exit through the second panel outlet120. In the exhaust mode, the condensing unit436is not operating, and the first airflow400is not conditioned as it flows through the energy ventilation unit100. The exhaust mode may further be utilized to mitigate or reduce frost build-up present in the ERV core104by flowing the first airflow400through the ERV core104. The energy ventilation unit100may further operate in a high exhaust mode, which may be a combination of the exhaust mode and the pollution mode, to discharge an airflow from within a structure that comprises pollutants. In certain embodiments, the controller200may initiate the high exhaust mode based on receiving a measurement from the core temperature sensor620and when a pollution switch connected to the terminal204(referring toFIG.2) is activated. During the high exhaust mode, the core damper604of the first set of dampers600may be rotated to the second position, and the fan speed of fans518,526may be increased to the pollution mode fan speed.

FIG.7Fillustrates the energy recovery ventilation unit100in an example second mode of operation. The present second mode of operation may be termed as an “make-up air” mode. During this second mode of operation, controller200may instruct the core damper604of the second set of dampers602to rotate to a second position. In this second position, the second airflow402may be introduced through the second panel inlet118to flow into the ERV core104. The second airflow402may then pass through the evaporation unit434and exit through the first panel outlet116. In the make-up mode, the evaporation unit434is not operating, and the second airflow402is not conditioned as it flows through the energy ventilation unit100. The energy ventilation unit100may operate in the make-up air mode to provide additional air when the interior of a structure is de-pressurizing. In certain embodiments, the controller200may initiate the make-up air mode based on receiving an external measurement via the leads202(referring toFIG.2) and terminal204(referring toFIG.2). For example, a kitchen hood may be operating to remove air from inside the building. The make-up air mode may supply new air back into the building.

FIG.8illustrates a flow diagram of an example operation of the energy recovery ventilation unit100ofFIG.1for determining second modes of operation, according to certain embodiments. In embodiments, the energy recovery ventilation unit100may be operating in a first mode of operation (for example, the standby mode). An operation800may be implemented using the controller200ofFIG.3to determine which second mode of operation to initiate. Operation800may begin at step802where the controller200may receive an external signal from an external component coupled to the leads202(referring toFIG.2) connected to the terminal204(referring toFIG.2) of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. If there is a determination that controller200has received a signal from an external component, the operation800may proceed to step804. Otherwise, the operation800proceeds to step806.

At step804, the controller200may determine which second mode of operation to which the received external signal is associated. For example, if an external signal is received from a sensor operably coupled to a kitchen hood, the controller200may determine that the kitchen hood is discharging air from inside the building and that the make-up air mode may be implemented to re-supply the building with air. In another example, if an external signal is received from a sensor that detects a concentration of pollutants present in the air, the controller200may implement the pollution mode to discharge the air present within the building and reduce the amount of pollutants in the building. In another example, the filter mode may be selected for implementation by a user in order to cycle the existing air through a filter, and the controller200may implement the filter mode upon receiving the signal indicating the user has selected the filter mode. Once the correct second mode of operation is determined, the controller200may instruct the energy recovery ventilation unit100to transition to that mode of operation.

At step806, controller200may determine whether there is a scheduled call for the energy recovery ventilation unit100to ventilate. In embodiments, the ventilation mode may be set to occur at predetermined intervals in order to maintain optimal indoor air quality. For example, the ventilation mode may be determined to be implemented every fifteen minutes for an amount of time. If there is not a determination that there is a scheduled call for the ventilation mode, the operation800may proceed to step808. Otherwise, the operation800proceeds to step810.

At step808, the controller200may determine whether the relative humidity inside the building is greater than a setpoint. For example, a user may determine the setpoint for the air inside to have a relative humidity of 60%. If there is a determination that the relative humidity inside the building is greater than a setpoint (i.e., greater than 60%), the operation800may proceed to step812. Otherwise, the operation800proceeds to end.

At step812, the controller200may instruct the energy recovery ventilation unit100to transition to the dehumidification mode in order to reduce the relative humidity of the air inside the building. The controller200may initiate the dehumidification mode based on receiving a measurement from the first airflow sensor616(referring toFIG.6) or from the first lower section sensor618(referring toFIG.6). During operations, the first and second airflows400,402(referring toFIG.4) may be introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100. The controller200may instruct the dehumidification system106(referring toFIG.1) to operate in order to reduce the relative humidity of the first airflow400. The first output airflow438may be generated, wherein the first output airflow438is discharged back into the building at a lower relative humidity.

Referring back to step810, the controller200may determine whether the temperature of the ERV core104(referring toFIG.1) is less than a setpoint. For example, the setpoint for the temperature of the ERV core104may be predetermined to be 20° F. If there is a determination that the temperature of the ERV core104is less than the setpoint (i.e., less than 20° F.), the operation800may proceed to step814. Otherwise, the operation800proceeds to step816.

At step814, the controller200may instruct the energy recovery ventilation unit100to transition to the exhaust mode in order to mitigate or reduce frost build-up present in the ERV core104by flowing the first airflow400through the ERV core104. The controller200may initiate the exhaust mode based on receiving a measurement from the core temperature sensor620(referring toFIG.6).

At step816, the controller200may determine whether the relative humidity of the air outside the building or of the air inside the building is greater than a setpoint. Similar to step808, a user may determine the setpoint for the air inside to have a relative humidity of 60%. The controller200may further be able to monitor dew point of the outside air to be introduced into the building (for example, the second airflow402). If there is a determination that the relative humidity inside the building or of the outside air being introduced into the building is greater than a setpoint (i.e., greater than 60%), the operation800may proceed to step818. Otherwise, the operation800proceeds to step820. After either step818or step820, the operation800proceeds to end.

At step818, the controller200may instruct the energy recovery ventilation unit100to transition to the dehumidification and ventilation mode in order to reduce the relative humidity of the air inside the building and to ventilate the air within the building. During operations, the first and second airflows400,402may be introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100and may be apportioned into the first and second portions404,406(referring toFIG.4) and410,412(referring toFIG.4), respectively. The controller200may instruct the dehumidification system106to operate in order to reduce the relative humidity of the air (for example, the combination of the first portion410of second airflow402and second portion406of first airflow400) present in first lower section408(referring toFIG.4) of the energy recovery ventilation unit100. The first output airflow438may be generated, wherein the first output airflow438is discharged back into the building at a lower relative humidity. In this mode of operation, the first output airflow438may include portions of the first airflow400and second airflow402. In the sole dehumidification mode, the first output airflow438may only include the first airflow400. This difference provides new, fresh air (from second airflow402) to be introduced into the building at a desired relative humidity. After step818, the operation proceeds to end.

At step820, the controller200may instruct the energy recovery ventilation unit100to transition to the ventilation mode in order to ventilate the air within the building. In embodiments, the ventilation mode may provide for replacing old, stale air present within a structure with fresh air from an external environment. The controller200may initiate the ventilation mode based on receiving a measurement from at least one of the first and second pressure differential sensors612,614(referring toFIG.6). During operations, the first and second airflows400,402may be introduced into the energy recovery ventilation unit100and flow through the ERV core104. While within the ERV core104, heat and mass transfer may occur between the first airflow400and second airflow402. The discharged second airflow402from ERV core104may be directed back into the building, and the discharged first airflow400may be discharged to an unconditioned space. After step818, the operation proceeds to end.

Particular embodiments may repeat one or more steps of operation800ofFIG.8, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular steps of the operation ofFIG.8as occurring in a particular order, this disclosure contemplates any suitable steps of the operation ofFIG.8occurring in any suitable order. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular components, devices, or systems carrying out particular steps of the operation ofFIG.8, this disclosure contemplates any suitable combination of any suitable components, devices, or systems carrying out any suitable steps of the operation ofFIG.8.

Herein, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium or media may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such, as for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disc drives (ODDs), magneto-optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM-drives, SECURE DIGITAL cards or drives, any other suitable computer-readable non-transitory storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these, where appropriate. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate.

Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B” means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates respective embodiments herein as including particular components, elements, feature, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Additionally, although this disclosure describes or illustrates particular embodiments as providing particular advantages, particular embodiments may provide none, some, or all of these advantages.