초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for automatically regulating the environmental system of a motorized vehicle and other articles having storage compartments. As impinging air flow is directed through the cabin or compartment subject to environmental control it comes in contact with a desiccant filler contain

An apparatus and method for automatically regulating the environmental system of a motorized vehicle and other articles having storage compartments. As impinging air flow is directed through the cabin or compartment subject to environmental control it comes in contact with a desiccant filler contained within a desiccant wheel or canister. The desiccant material absorbs moisture out of the air stream. The resultant air stream, or the extracted moisture released into another air stream, may then be directed to the interior of the motorized vehicle or used in other parts of the system. The net effect is a decrease or increase in the relative humidity level of the air mass contained in the cabin or compartment of a motorized vehicle or refrigeration unit. As one portion or element of the desiccant filler becomes saturated, the other portion or element of the desiccant filler completes it's regeneration cycle. The air streams are altered so that the designated air stream remains in either the hydrous or anhydrous desiccant, thus producing a constant air flow containing either an increased relative humidity or an air stream with a reduced relative humidity to achieve the desired result. The apparatus includes, at least one moisture collection device having an inlet and an outlet, and a system of flow conduits or paths into and out of the compartment or cabin. The air streams may be directed to at least one heat exchanger, a pre-cooler, a compressor, or an evaporator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of altering the humidity level of a passenger cabin of a motorized vehicle, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a desiccant based moisture collection means for collecting moisture from air;(b) positioning the moisture collection means in the path of an air stre

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of altering the humidity level of a passenger cabin of a motorized vehicle, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a desiccant based moisture collection means for collecting moisture from air;(b) positioning the moisture collection means in the path of an air stream;(c) providing a heat source capable of emitting heat sufficient to evaporate moisture from the moisture collection means;(d) positioning the moisture collection means in communication with the heat source to evaporate the moisture collected by the moisture collection means into an air stream;(e) decreasing the humidity level of the passenger cabin of the motorized vehicle by directing a stream of air through the moisture collection means and into the passenger cabin, wherein a temperature of the stream of air is low enough that the moisture collection means collects moisture from the stream of air.