METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LATENT HEAT EXTRACTION

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for latent heat extraction of an air stream eliminates the need for recirculation pumps and uses the pressure in the chilled water supply to the primary chilled water cooling coil to motivate the water through the precooling and reheat coils of a run-around system. The energy transfer lowers the air temperature entering the primary coil so that the primary coil can provide a greater amount of latent heat extraction from the air stream. Both the precooling and the primary coils can share the primary cooling function for periods of peak cooling demand when precooling is not required thereby reducing the required primary cooling coil size. Enhancements combine the functions of a precooling coil, a primary cooling coil, and a reheat coil into precooling, cooling, and reheat coil portions in a single integrated housing comprising the coil portions sharing the housing.

Claims

1. A moisture control system (900, 1100) for use with an associated four-pipe air conditioning system (100, 200) including an associated chilled water source conduit (162) delivering a cold working fluid (950, 1150) from an associated chilled water source (160), an associated chilled water return conduit (166) returning the cold working fluid (950, 1150) to an associated chilled water return (164), an associated hot water source conduit (282) delivering the warm working fluid (952, 1152) from an associated hot water source (260) to the reheat coil (970, 1170), an associated hot water return conduit (286) returning the warm working fluid (952, 1152) from the reheat coil (970, 1170) to an associated hot water return (284), the moisture control apparatus (900, 1100) comprising: an integrated air treatment coil (940, 1140) comprising: a housing (910, 1110) configured to receive a return air flow (920, 1120) into the housing and to exhaust the return air flow from the housing as a cooled supply air flow (930, 1130); a plurality of fins disposed in the housing; a cooling coil portion (940′, 1140′) mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of fins in the housing, the cooling coil portion (940′, 1140′) being in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water source conduit (160), the cooling coil portion (940′, 1140′) receiving the working fluid (950, 1150) from the associated chilled water source (160) via the associated chilled water source conduit (162) and flowing the working fluid therethrough thereby absorbing thermal energy from the return air flow (920, 1120) as the cooled supply air flow (928, 1128); a precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″) in the return air flow (920, 1120) and mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of fins in the housing, the precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″) receiving a first portion (954, 1154) of the working fluid (950, 1150) and exchanging thermal energy between the return air flow (920, 1120) and the first portion (954, 1154) of the working fluid (950, 1150) flowing through the precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″), wherein an input of the precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″) is in fluid communication with an output port (166′) of the cooling coil portion (940′, 1140′); and a reheat coil portion (970, 1170) mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of fins in the housing where a warm working fluid (952, 1152) flowing through the reheat coil portion (970, 1170) adds thermal energy to the cooled supply air flow (928, 1128) as a reheated supply air flow (930, 1130), a wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit (166), the precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″), the associated reheat coil (970, 1170), and the hot water return conduit (286), the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) containedly directing the first portion (954, 1154) of the cold working fluid (950, 1150) through a series arrangement of an input (166′) of the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164), the precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″), and the associated reheat coil (970, 1170); and a regulator circuit (980, 1180) operatively coupled with the input (166′) of the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) and with the associated chilled water return conduit (166), the regulator circuit (980, 1180) metering the first portion (954, 1154) of the cold working fluid (950, 1150) from the associated chilled water return conduit (166) for communication of the first portion (954, 1154) of the cold working fluid (950, 1150) to the input (161′) of the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164).

2. The moisture control system (900, 1100) according to claim 1, wherein: the precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″) comprises an input (992, 1192) in operative fluid communication via the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) with the associated chilled water return conduit (166); the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) containedly directs all of the first portion (954, 1154) of the working fluid (950, 1150) from an output (944″, 1144″) of the precooling coil portion (940″, 1140″) to an input (972, 1172) of the associated reheat coil (970, 1170); and the wrap-around fluid conduit (966, 1166) comprises a bridge conduit portion (966′, 1166′) fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit (166) with the associated hot water source conduit (282).

3. The moisture control system (900, 1100) according to claim 1, wherein the regulator circuit (982, 1182) comprises: a balancing valve system (988, 1188) disposed at a fluid connection between: the input (166′) of the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164); a first connection (166″) to the associated chilled water return conduit (166); an output (974, 1174) of the reheat coil (970, 1170); and the associated hot water return conduit (286).

4. The moisture control system (900, 1100) according to claim 3, wherein the balancing valve system (982, 1182) of the regulator circuit (980, 1180) comprises: a first balancing valve (988, 1188) disposed in-line between the input (166′) of the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) and the first connection (166″) to the associated chilled water return conduit (166) and; a blending regulator (983, 1183) disposed in the return conduit 286 between the associated hot water return (284), and the second connection (166′″) to the associated chilled water return conduit (166).

5. The moisture control system (900, 1100) according to claim 4, wherein: the first balancing valve (988, 1188) is adjustable to control a flow volume of the cold working fluid (950, 1150) entering the input (166′) of the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) as the first portion (954, 1154) of the cold working fluid (950, 1150).

6. The moisture control system (900, 1100) according to claim 5, wherein: the blending regulator (983, 1183) comprises: a second balancing valve (934, 1134) disposed in the return conduit 286 between the associated hot water return (284) and a second connection (166′″) to the associated chilled water return conduit (166), the second balancing valve (934, 1134) being adjustable to control a flow volume of a blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated hot water return (284); and a third balancing valve (986, 1188) disposed between the input to the wrap around loop (166′) and second connections (166, 166″) to the associated chilled water return conduit (166), the third balancing valve (986, 1188) being adjustable to control a flow volume of the blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated cold water return (284).

7. The moisture control system (900, 1100) according to claim 6, wherein the output (974, 1174) of the reheat coil (970, 1170) is in fluid communication with the associated hot water return conduit (286) via the second balancing valve (934, 1134); and the output (974, 1174) of the reheat coil (970, 1170) is in fluid communication with the associated chilled water return (166) via the third balancing valve (986, 1188).

8. The moisture control system (900, 1100) according to claim 7, wherein the regulator circuit (980, 1180) comprises: an automatic throttling valve (998, 1198) disposed between the associated hot water source conduit (282) and the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164), the automatic throttling valve (998, 1198) being responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the warm working fluid (952, 1152) entering into the associated reheat coil (970, 1170) via the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164).

9. The moisture control system (1100) according to claim 8, wherein: the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) comprises: a waste conduit (1168) fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit (166) at a waste connection (166″″) with a portion of the wrap-around fluid conduit (1166) between the output (1144″) of the precooling coil portion (1140″) and the input (1172) of the associated reheat coil (1170); and the regulator circuit (1180) comprises: a second automatic throttling valve (1152) in operative fluid communication at the waste connection (166″″) with the wrap-around fluid conduit (1166) and with the waste conduit (1168), the second automatic throttling valve (1152) being operable responsive to a waste signal to divert a waste portion (1154′) of the first portion (1154) of the working fluid (1150) from the portion of the wrap-around fluid conduit (964, 1164) between the output (1144″) of the precooling coil (1140) and the input (1172) of the associated reheat coil (1170) to the chilled water return conduit (166) via the waste conduit (1168).

10. The moisture control system (1100) according to claim 9, wherein: the regulator circuit (1180) comprises: a third balancing valve (1174) disposed in series with the second automatic throttling valve (1146) between the waste connection (1168′) and the associated chilled water return conduit (166), the third balancing valve (1174) being adjustable to control a flow volume of the waste portion (1176) of the first portion (1154) of the working fluid (1150) diverted from the portion of the wrap-around fluid conduit (1164) between the output (1144″) of the precooling coil portion (1140″) and the input (1172) of the associated reheat coil (1170) to the chilled water return conduit (166) via the waste conduit (1068).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The embodiments herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a standard two-pipe air conditioning system as known in the art.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a standard four-pipe air conditioning system as known in the art.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system with reheat as known in the art and usable with the single chilled water supply of the standard two-pipe air conditioning system of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system operable with the single chilled water supply 160 and chilled water return 164 of the standard two-pipe air conditioning system 100 of FIG. 1 for latent heat extraction in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a standard four-pipe moisture control system operable with the chilled water supply 160 and return 164 of the chilled water system and the warm water supply 280 and return 284 of the hot water system 200 of FIG. 100 for latent heat extraction in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 4 with an added control valve in accordance with a third embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 5 with an added control valve in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system with combined precooling and primary cooling coils integrated into a single composite coil and operable with an associated two-pipe chilled water system for latent heat extraction in accordance with a fifth embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 8 with the heating coil integrated into a single composite coil with the composite cooling coil of FIG. 8.

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system with combined precooling and primary cooling coils integrated into a single composite coil and operable with an associated four-pipe chilled water system 100 and hot water system 200 for latent heat extraction in accordance with a sixth embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 9 with the heating coil integrated into a single composite coil with the composite cooling coil of FIG. 9.

[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 8 with an added control valve in accordance with a seventh embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 10 with the heating coil integrated into a single composite coil with the composite cooling coil of FIG. 10.

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 9 with an added control valve in accordance with a eight embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 11A illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 10 with the heating coil integrated into a single composite coil with the composite cooling coil of FIG. 11.

[0048] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate detailed views of a combined precooling coil and primary cooling coil integrated into a single composite coil.

[0049] FIGS. 12C and 12D illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively, with the heating coil integrated into a single composite coil with the composite cooling coil of FIGS. 12A and 12B.

[0050] FIG. 13 illustrates a psychometric chart that is used in the description of the benefit of using reheat for humidity control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Referring now to the drawings wherein showings are for the purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and for purposes of limiting same, the FIGURES show a moisture control apparatus 10 for conditioning the air in an occupied space.

[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system operable with a single chilled water supply 160 and a chilled water return 164 of a standard two-pipe air conditioning system 100 (FIG. 1) for latent heat extraction in accordance with a first embodiment. With reference first to FIG. 4, an air conditioning system 400 providing improved latent heat extraction of an air stream 420 in accordance with an example embodiment is illustrated. The system 400 comprises, in general, a coil set 410 and a conduit system 400 configured to deliver a chilled water supply (CHWS) to the coil set 410 from an associated chilled water source (not shown), selectively circulate the chilled water between various components of the coil set 410 as will be described in detail below, and to return the circulating water as a chilled water return (CHWR) to the associated chilled water source (not shown). Overall, the system 400 manages precise control over latent heat extracted from a return and/or outside air stream 420 of the air stream for delivery of a supply air flow 430 to an occupied space such as a building or the like.

[0053] In the example embodiment, the coil set 410 comprises three (3) coils arranged in series relative to the air stream 420. In particular, the coil set 410 comprises a precooling coil 490, a primary cooling coil 440, and a reheat coil 470. In the example embodiment of FIG. 4, each of the precooling coil 490, the primary cooling coil 440, and the reheat coil 470 are separately formed. The precooling coil 490, the primary cooling coil 440, and the reheat coil 470 collectively transform the return air stream 420 of the air stream 420 into the supply air flow 430 with improved latent heat properties by first converting the return air flow 420 into a precooled air flow 426 using the precooling coil 490, then converting the precooled air flow 426 to a cooled air flow 428 using the primary cooling coil 440, and lastly by converting the cooled air flow 428 to the air flow 430 for delivery to the occupied space.

[0054] The working fluid hereinafter called chilled water enters the piping of the system at CHWS and continues to the Primary Cooling Coil inlet 442 where the chilled water enters the tubes of the coil and exits the coil at the coil outlet 444. As the chilled water passes through the tubes of the Primary Cooling Coil 440 the water is warmed by the air which passes over the fins of the coil. The chilled water leaving the chilled water coil will either flow to the inlet 492 of the Precooling Coil 490 or be extracted from the system through the chilled water return conduit 166 in a proportion of the total chilled water flow by the action of the preset balancing valves, BV-1 and BV-2. The portion of chilled water that flows to precooling coil 490 inlet 494 is used for reheat. The chilled water enters the precooling coil 490 at inlet 492 and leaves the precooling coil at outlet 494. The chilled water passing through the coil is warmed by the heat transfer though the fins and tubes of the coils as the air flow 420 is cooled to condition at 426. Because the chilled water flow through the precooling coil 490 is a portion of the total chilled water flow 450 the water flow will increase in temperature at a greater rate than had the full chilled water flow 450 been transferred through the precooling coil. The greater temperature of the chilled water flow is beneficial for the reheat function of the reheat coil 470.

[0055] The chilled water flow warmed by the precooling function is transferred from the outlet 494 of the precooling coil 490 by a series of conduits referred to as the wrap-around system 464/466 that connects the chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166′ to the inlet 472 of the reheat coil 470. The warmed chilled water flows through the tubes of the reheat coil. The water cools as heat is transferred though the tubes and the fins of the coil 470 as the air flow is warmed as it flows from 428 to 430. The warmed chilled water flow that is re-cooled by the heat transfer action of the reheat process is transferred through conduit 468 to connection 166″ of the chilled water return conduit 166 where it is recombined with the chilled water flow from chilled water return conduit 166. The recombined total flow is transferred through a continuation of conduit 166 to the chilled water return CHWR 164 where it will return to the central chilled water plant, not shown.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system operable with the single chilled water supply 160 and chilled water return 164 of the standard two-pipe air conditioning system 100 of FIG. 1 for latent heat extraction in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0057] The embodiment of FIG. 4 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where it is desirable to provide a warm and dehumidified supply air flow 430.

[0058] The embodiment is beneficial because it uses recovered heat from the precooling process of the precooling coil 490 to provide heat for the reheat process in the reheat coil 470.

[0059] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including means of providing reheat.

[0060] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including using recovered heat for reheat and a reduction of the return working fluid 456′ temperature thereby reducing the return working fluid 164 temperature to reduce the cooling requirement of the central chilled water system.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows a moisture control system 400 in accordance with an example embodiment for use with an associated two-pipe chilled water air conditioning system 100 including an associated cooling coil 440 where a working fluid 450 flowing through the cooling coil 440 absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 420 as a cooled supply air flow 430, an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the working fluid 450 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil 440, and an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the working fluid 450 from the cooling coil 440 to an associated chilled water return 164. In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 400 includes a precooling coil 490 in the return air flow 420, a reheat coil 470 in the supply air flow 430, a wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466, and a regulator circuit 480. The precooling coil 490 receives a first portion 454 of the working fluid 450 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 420 and the first portion 454 of the working fluid 450 flowing through the precooling coil 490. The reheat coil 470 receives a second portion 456 of the working fluid 450 and exchanges thermal energy between the second portion 456 of the working fluid 450 flowing through the reheat coil 470 and the supply air flow 430. The wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466 is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil 490, and the reheat coil 470. The wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466 containedly directs the first and second portions 454, 456 of the working fluid 450 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466, the precooling coil 490, the reheat coil 470, and the associated wrap around loop return conduit 466′ to its connection to the return chilled water conduit 166 at the connection 166′. The regulator circuit 480 is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466 and with the associated wrap around loop return conduit. The regulator circuit 480 meters the first portion 454 of the working fluid 450 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 454 of the working fluid 450 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466.

[0062] It is to be appreciated that in the example embodiment, the precooling coil 490 of the example moisture control system 400 includes an input 492 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, and the reheat coil 470 similarly includes an output 474 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 466′. Preferably, the wrap-around fluid conduit 466 containedly directs all of the first portion 456 of the working fluid 450 from an output 494 of the precooling coil 490 to an input 472 of the reheat coil 470 as the second portion 456 of the working fluid 450. The wrap-around fluid conduit 468 further preferably containedly directs all of the second portion 456 of the working fluid 450 from the output 474 of the reheat coil 470 to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for return of the second portion 456 of the working fluid 450 to the associated chilled water return 164.

[0063] In an embodiment, the regulator circuit 482 of the moisture control system 400 includes a balancing valve system 488. Preferably the balancing valve system 488 is disposed at a fluid connection between a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 and the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466. In that way the balancing valve 488 can be set to establish the first flow 454 of the working fluid 450 using the pressure of the working fluid to effect the flow of the first portion into the wrap-around conduit 464 at the inlet 166′ to the wrap-around conduit 464.

[0064] In a particular example embodiment, the balancing valve system 486 of the regulator circuit 480 of the subject example moisture control system 400 includes first manual balancing valves 486. The first manual balancing valve 486 is disposed between a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 466′ and the associated reheat coil 470 outlet connection 474. In its preferred form, the first manual balancing valve 486 is adjustable to control a flow volume of the working fluid 450 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 464, 466 as the first portion of the working fluid 450. Also in its preferred form, the second manual balancing valve 488 is disposed in-line in the associated chilled water return conduit 166 between the connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 and the primary coil 440 outlet connection 444. The second manual balancing valve 488 is adjustable to control a flow volume of the working fluid 450 to enter the chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″.

[0065] Operationally, the regulator circuit 480 of the subject example moisture control system 400 meters the first portion 454 of the working fluid 450 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 454 of the working fluid 450 to the input 492 of the precooling coil 490. Also, operationally, the regulator of circuit 482 of the subject example system 400 meters the portion of the working fluid 450 that does not enter the wrap-around loop. It is important to note that the operation of balancing valve 488 of circuit 482 results in a pressure in the working fluid 450 at the inlet to the wrap-around loop 166′ sufficient to divert the first portion of working fluid into and through the wrap-around loop 464/466.

[0066] The moisture control system 400 according to a further example embodiment includes the components described above in combination with the cooling coil 440, the chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the working fluid 450 from the associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil 440, and the chilled water return conduit 166 returning the working fluid 450 from the cooling coil 440 to the associated chilled water return.

[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system operable with the chilled water supply 160 and return 164 and the warm water supply 280 and return 284 of the standard four-pipe air conditioning system comprised of the chilled water system 100 and the heating hot water system 200 of FIG. 2 for latent heat extraction in accordance with a second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5 a heat source is added to the piping system. The heat source is a hot water supply, HWS, from a central heating plant, not shown, or a local water heater, also not shown. The hot water supply is controlled by control valve CV-2. Hot water flow is introduced to the system in the pipe at the inlet to the reheat/heating coil at 572. The working fluid flow through the reheat coil 570 will be a mixture of the first working fluid flow 554 and the hot water flow 552. This will provide an increase of the working fluid flow 556 in proportion to the flow at 552. The increased temperature and the increased flow will provide an increase in heat transferred to the air stream 530 as previously described. This heat will supplement the heat provided in the precooling process when needed to satisfy the heat required in the reheat process. The heat source hot water return 284 (HWR) returns in proportion to the HWS to the hot water system, not shown through a pipe connected to the piping 566 at coil connection 572. The HWS can also be used for heating purposes when there is no demand for cooling or dehumidification in the conditioned room or process. The chilled water valve CV-1 is closed preventing water from transferring to the chilled water system during the heating mode of operation. The heating hot water valve CV-2 opens to allow hot water to enter heating coil at heating coil inlet 572 and leave at outlet 574 after transferring heat to the air flow (528 to 530) as previously described. The hot water return (HWR) from 574 returns to the heating hot water system 284, not shown.

[0068] The embodiment of FIG. 5 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where a variable temperature of the supply air flow is desired above which can be provided by the heat from the precooling process.

[0069] The embodiment is beneficial because heat available from a heat source 280 can be added to the heat from the precooling process to provide an increase in the temperature of the supply air flow.

[0070] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including a hot water source for a reheat process to raise the temperature and lower the relative humidity of the supply air flow 530.

[0071] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including the use of the heat transferred from the air in the precooling process which becomes the first heat for the reheat process in the reheat coil and which said heat transfer in the precooling process causes a reduction of heat in the chilled water working fluid thereby reducing the requirement of cooling in the chilled water central plant—not shown.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows a moisture control system 500 in accordance with an example embodiment for use with an associated four-pipe chilled water air conditioning system 100 and hot water heating system 200 including an associated cooling coil 540 where a cold working fluid 550 flowing through the associated cooling coil 540 absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 520 as a cooled supply air flow 530, an associated reheat coil 570 where a warm working fluid 552 flowing through the reheat coil 570 adds thermal energy to the cooled supply air flow 528 as a reheated supply air flow 530, an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the cold working fluid 550 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil 540 an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the cold working fluid 550 from the cooling coil 540 to an associated chilled water return 164, an associated hot water source conduit 282 delivering the warm working fluid 552 from an associated hot water source 280 to the reheat coil 570, an associated hot water return conduit 286 returning the warm working fluid 552 from the reheat coil 570 to an associated hot water return 284. In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 500 includes a precooling coil 590 in the return air flow 520, a wrap-around fluid conduit 564, and a regulator circuit 580. The precooling coil 590 receives a first portion 554 of the cold working fluid 550 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 520 and the first portion 554 of the cold working fluid 550 flowing through the precooling coil 590.

[0073] The wrap-around fluid conduit 564 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil 590, the associated reheat coil 570, and the hot water return conduit 286. The wrap-around fluid conduit 564 containedly directs the first portion 554 of the cold working fluid 550 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 564, the precooling coil 590, and the associated reheat coil 570.

[0074] The regulator circuit 580 of the example embodiment is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 564 and with the associated chilled water return conduit 566′. Functionally, the regulator circuit 580 meters the first portion 554 of the cold working fluid 550 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 554 of the cold working fluid 550 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 564.

[0075] In particular and as shown, in the subject example embodiment, the precooling coil 590 of the moisture control system 500 includes an input 592 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166 via the wrap-around fluid conduit 564. Further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 564 is configured to containedly direct all of the first portion 556 of the cold working fluid 550 from an output 594 of the precooling coil 590 to an input 572 of the associated reheat coil 570. Yet still further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 564 of the example embodiment includes a bridge conduit portion 566″ fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 with the associated hot water source conduit 282.

[0076] In its preferred form, the regulator circuit 582 of the moisture control system 500 according to the example embodiment illustrated includes a balancing valve system 588. Preferably, the balancing valve system 588 is disposed at a fluid connection between a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 and the input 166′ of the wrap around fluid conduit 564/566. In that way the balancing valve 588 can be set to establish the first flow 554 of the working fluid 550 using the pressure of the working fluid to effect the flow of the first portion into the wrap-around conduit 564 at the inlet 166′ to the wrap-around conduit 564.

[0077] In one form of the example embodiment, the balancing valve system 580 of the regulator circuit 580 of the moisture control system 500 includes a first balancing valve 586, and a blending regulator circuit 583. As shown, the second balancing valve 588 is disposed in-line between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 166 and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Further as shown, the blending regulator 583 is disposed at the connection between the associated hot water return conduit 286, the output 574 of the reheat coil 570, and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 566′.

[0078] It is preferred that the first balancing valve 586 of the moisture control system 500 according to the example embodiment is adjustable to control a flow volume of the cold working fluid 550 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 564 as the first portion 554 of the cold working fluid 550. In that way the balancing valve 586 can be set to establish the first flow 554 of the working fluid 550 using the pressure of the working fluid to effect the flow of the first portion into the wrap-around conduit 564 at the inlet 166′ to the wrap-around conduit 564/566.

[0079] Yet still further as shown, the blending regulator 583 of the moisture control system 500 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valves 534. The third balancing valve 534 of the blending regulator 583 is disposed in the associated hot water return conduit 286 between a second connection 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 566′ and the hot water return 284. The third balancing valve 534 is adjustable to control a flow volume of a blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated hot water return 284. Similarly, the first balancing valve 586 of the blending regulator 580 is disposed between the first and second connections 166″, 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 566′, the third balancing valve 586 being adjustable to control a flow volume of the blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0080] The various components of the example embodiment are preferably plumbed as shown. More particularly, the output 574 of the reheat coil 570 is in fluid communication with the associated hot water return conduit 286 via the third balancing valve 534. Somewhat similarly, the output 574 of the reheat coil 570 is in fluid communication with the associated chilled water return 164 via the first balancing valve 586.

[0081] An automatic throttling valve 598 is further provided in the hot water supply conduit 282 of the moisture control system 500 according to the embodiment illustrated. As shown, the automatic throttling valve 598 is disposed between the associated hot water source conduit 282 and the wrap-around fluid conduit 566. Functionally, the automatic throttling valve 598 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the warm working fluid 552 entering into the associated reheat coil 570 via the wrap-around fluid bridge conduit 566′.

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 4 with an added control valve in accordance with a third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, control valve CV-3, is added to the system illustrated in FIG. 4. This valve is used to regulate the amount of water that is allowed to transfer to the precooling coil 690 or allowed to continue directly to the chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. When the CV-3 is open the chilled water flow to precooling coil 690 and to reheat coil 670 will be in the proportions as manually set by the positions of the balancing valve BV-1 and BV-2. When CV-3 is closed 100% of the chilled water flow will transfer to precooling coil. When there is full chilled water flow 650 through the precooling coil, the water temperature increase by action of the precooling function will not increase enough to provide a useful reheat ability. Closing the valve CV-3 will provide increased cooling of the air flow by virtue of the increased chilled water flow 650 to the precooling coil 690. Therefore, using the regulation of the valve CV-3 will provide an increase or decrease in sensible cooling and an increase or decrease in latent cooling as illustrated in the sample calculations that follow.

[0083] The embodiment of FIG. 6 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where the flow 654/656 needs to be regulated.

[0084] The embodiment is beneficial because a variable temperature and or relative humidity of the supply air flow 630 may be desired to control a process or maintain room conditions.

[0085] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including it has a means of adding heat to the air flow 628 to raise the air temperature to that required at flow 630.

[0086] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including the heat for raising the temperature of the air flow 628 is recovered heat from the precooling process.

[0087] FIG. 6 shows a moisture control system 600 in accordance with an example embodiment for use with an associated two-pipe chilled water air conditioning system 100 including an associated cooling coil 640 where a working fluid 650 flowing through the cooling coil 640 absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 620 as a cooled supply air flow 630, an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the working fluid 650 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil 640, and an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the working fluid 650 from the cooling coil 640 to an associated chilled water return 164. In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 600 includes a precooling coil 690 in the return air flow 620, a reheat coil 670 in the supply air flow 630, a wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666, and a regulator circuit 680. The precooling coil 690 receives a first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 620 and the first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 flowing through the precooling coil 690. The reheat coil 670 receives a second portion 656 of the working fluid 650 and exchanges thermal energy between the second portion 656 of the working fluid 650 flowing through the reheat coil 670 and the supply air flow 630. The wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666 is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil 690, and the reheat coil 670. The wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666 containedly directs the first and second portions 654, 656 of the working fluid 650 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666, the precooling coil 690, the reheat coil 670, and the associated chilled water return conduit 666′. The regulator circuit 680 is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666 and with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. The regulator circuit 680 meters the first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 at the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666.

[0088] It is to be appreciated that in the example embodiment, the precooling coil 690 of the example moisture control system 600 includes an input 692 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, and the reheat coil 670 similarly includes an output 674 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Preferably, the wrap-around fluid conduit 665, 666 containedly directs all of the first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 from an output 694 of the precooling coil 690 to an input 672 of the reheat coil 670 as the second portion 656 of the working fluid 650. The wrap-around fluid conduit 666′ further preferably containedly directs all of the second portion 656 of the working fluid 650 from the output 674 of the reheat coil 670 to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for return of the second portion 656 of the working fluid 650 to the associated chilled water return 164.

[0089] In an embodiment, the regulator circuit 680 of the moisture control system 600 includes a balancing valve system 686. Preferably the balancing valve system 686 is disposed at a fluid connection between the associated chilled water return conduit 166 and the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666. In that way, the maximum working fluid flow 650 to the return 164 can be balanced to the desired value by closing the automatic control valve 696 then adjusting the balancing valve 686 to the desired value 650.

[0090] In a particular example embodiment, the balancing valve system 686 of the regulator circuit 680 of the subject example moisture control system 600 includes first manual balancing valves 686. The first manual balancing valve 686 is disposed between a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 and the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666. In its preferred form, the first manual balancing valve 686 is adjustable to control a flow volume of the working fluid 650 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 664, 666 as the first portion of the working fluid 650. Also in its preferred form, the second manual balancing valve 688 is disposed in-line in the associated chilled water return conduit 166 between the first connection 166′ to the wrap around loop conduit 664 and the connection 166″ to the chilled water return conduit 166 and the associated chilled water return 164. The second manual balancing valve 688 is adjustable to control a pressure of the working fluid 650 at the first connection 166′.

[0091] Operationally, the regulator circuit 680 of the subject example moisture control system 600 meters the first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 to the input 692 of the precooling coil 690.

[0092] The moisture control system 600 according to a further example embodiment includes the components described above in combination with the cooling coil 640, the chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the working fluid 650 from the associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil 640, and the chilled water return conduit 166 returning the working fluid 650 from the cooling coil 640 to the associated chilled water return 164.

[0093] Yet still further, in accordance with the example embodiment, the regulator circuit 682 of the moisture control system 600 includes an automatic throttling valve 696 disposed in series with the second manual balancing valve 688 between the first connection 166′ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 and the associated chilled water return 164. The automatic throttling valve 696 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to selectively throttle a flow of the working fluid 684 passing from the output 644 of the associated cooling coil 640 and not being directed to the precooling coil 690 as the first portion 654 of the working fluid 650 flowing through the precooling coil 690.

[0094] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 5 with an added control valve in accordance with a fourth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7 a heat source is added to the piping system of FIG. 6. The benefit and operation of the system is as described for the system illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0095] The embodiment of FIG. 7 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where a variable temperature of the supply air flow is desired above which can be provided by the heat from the precooling process.

[0096] The embodiment is beneficial because heat available from a heat source 280 can be added to the heat from the precooling process to provide an increase in the temperature of the supply air flow.

[0097] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including a hot water source for a reheat process to raise the temperature and lower the relative humidity of the supply air flow 730.

[0098] FIG. 7 shows a moisture control system 700 in accordance with a further example embodiment for use with an associated four-pipe air conditioning system 700 consisting of chilled water system 100 and a heating hot water system 200 including an associated cooling coil 740 where a cold working fluid 750 flowing through the associated cooling coil 740 absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 720 as a cooled supply air flow 730, an associated reheat coil 770 where a warm working fluid 752 flowing through the reheat coil 770 adds thermal energy to the cooled supply air flow 730 as a reheated supply air flow 730 an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the cold working fluid 750 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil 740 an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the cold working fluid 750 from the cooling coil 740 to an associated chilled water return 164, an associated hot water source conduit 282 delivering the warm working fluid 752 from an associated hot water source 280 to the reheat coil 770, an associated hot water return conduit 286 returning the warm working fluid 752 from the reheat coil 770 to an associated hot water return 284.

[0099] In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 700 includes a precooling coil 790 in the return air flow 720, a wrap-around fluid conduit 764, 766, and a regulator circuit 780. The precooling coil 790 receives a first portion 754 of the cold working fluid 750 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 720 and the first portion 754 of the cold working fluid 750 flowing through the precooling coil 790.

[0100] The wrap-around fluid conduit 764, 766 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil 790, the associated reheat coil 770, and the hot water return conduit 286. The wrap-around fluid conduit 764 containedly directs the first portion 754 of the cold working fluid 750 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 764, the precooling coil 790, and the associated reheat coil 770.

[0101] The regulator circuit 780 containing a first balancing valve 786 of the example embodiment is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 764 and with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Functionally, the regulator circuit 780 meters the first portion 754 of the cold working fluid 750 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 754 of the cold working fluid 750 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 764.

[0102] In particular and as shown, in the subject example embodiment, the precooling coil 790 of the moisture control system 700 includes an input 792 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166 via the wrap-around fluid conduit 764, 766. Further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 764 is configured to containedly direct all of the first portion 756 of the cold working fluid 750 from an output 794 of the precooling coil 790 to an input 772 of the associated reheat coil 770. Yet still further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 764 of the example embodiment includes a bridge conduit portion 766″ fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 with the associated hot water source conduit 282.

[0103] In its preferred form, the regulator circuit 782 of the moisture control system 700 according to the example embodiment illustrated includes a second balancing valve system 788. Preferably, the balancing valve system 782 is disposed at a fluid connection between: the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 764 and a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166.

[0104] In one form of the example embodiment, the regulating circuit 780 includes the first balancing valve system 786 which is disposed in-line between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 764 and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Further as shown, the blending regulator 783 is disposed at the connection in the associated hot water return conduit 286 between the connection 166″ to the return conduit 766″ and the reheat return 284.

[0105] It is preferred that the first balancing valve 786 of the moisture control system 700 according to the example embodiment is adjustable to control a flow volume of the cold working fluid 750 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 764 as the first portion 754 of the cold working fluid 750. In that way, the minimum first portion of the working fluid 750 is directed to the wrap-around conduit, precooling coil 740 and reheat coil 770.

[0106] Yet still further as shown, the blending regulator 783 of the moisture control system 700 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valve 734. The third balancing valve 734 of the blending regulator 783 is disposed in the associated hot water return conduit 286 and between a second connection 166′″ in the associated chilled water return conduit 766″ and the hot water return 284. The third balancing valve 734 is adjustable to control a flow volume of a blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated hot water return 284. Similarly, the first balancing valve 786 of the blending regulator 780 is disposed between the first and second connections 166″, 166′″ in the associated chilled water return conduit 766′, the first balancing valve 786 being adjustable to control a flow volume of the blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0107] The various components of the example embodiment are preferably plumbed as shown. More particularly, the output 774 of the reheat coil 770 is in fluid communication with the associated hot water return conduit 286 via the second balancing valve 734. Somewhat similarly, the output 774 of the reheat coil 770 is in fluid communication with the associated chilled water return 164 via the third balancing valve 786.

[0108] An automatic throttling valve 798 is further provided in the hot water supply conduit 282 of the moisture control system 700 according to the embodiment illustrated. As shown, the automatic throttling valve 798 is disposed between the associated hot water source 280 and the wrap-around fluid conduit 766. Functionally, the automatic throttling valve 798 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the warm working fluid 752 entering into the associated reheat coil 770 via the wrap-around fluid bridge conduit 766′.

[0109] In particular and with continued reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the regulator circuit 782 of the moisture control system 700 further includes a second automatic throttling valve 796 disposed in series with the second balancing valve 788. The second automatic throttling valve 796 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the cold working fluid (750) being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0110] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system with combined precooling and primary cooling coils integrated into a single composite coil and operable with an associated two-pipe chilled water system for latent heat extraction in accordance with a fifth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8 the precooling and primary cooling coil of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 are combined into a single coil. FIG. 8 illustrates the system piping 600 of FIG. 6. The system piping 600 now referred to as piping system 800 can be either as shown in FIG. 4 or as shown in FIG. 6. The operation of the system shall be as described above for FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. Using a combined coil will save space in the coil compartment of the air handling unit and thereby save space in equipment rooms as applicable. The combining of the two coils will also save in manufacturing costs since the fabrication will be of only one coil, although larger, would be less than the fabrication of two individual smaller coils.

[0111] The embodiment of FIG. 8 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where the flow 854/856 needs to be regulated.

[0112] The embodiment is beneficial because a variable temperature and or relative humidity of the supply air flow 830 may be desired to control a process or maintain room conditions.

[0113] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including it has a means of adding heat to the air flow 828 to raise the air temperature to that required at flow 830.

[0114] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including the heat for raising the temperature of the air flow 828 is recovered heat from the precooling process.

[0115] The moisture control system 800 of the example embodiment of FIG. 8 is provided for use with an associated two-pipe chilled water air conditioning system 100 delivering a working fluid 850 flowing from an associated chilled water source 160 via an associated chilled water source conduit 162 and returning the working fluid 850 to an associated chilled water return 164 via an associated chilled water return conduit 166. The moisture control apparatus 800 of the embodiment includes an air treatment coil 840, a reheat coil 870 in the supply air flow 830, a wrap-around fluid conduit 866, and a regulator circuit 880 operatively coupled with an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 864 of the precooling coil portion 840″ of the combined coil 840 and return conduit 166. In the example embodiment, the air treatment coil 840 includes a housing 810 configured to receive a return air flow 820 into the housing 810 and to exhaust the return air flow from the housing as a cooled supply air flow 830, a plurality of heat exchange fins disposed in the housing, a cooling coil portion 840′ mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins, and a precooling coil portion 840″ in the return air flow 820 and mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins. The cooling coil portion 840′ is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water source conduit 162, and as such receives the working fluid 850 from the associated chilled water source 160 via the associated chilled water source conduit 162 and flows the working fluid therethrough thereby absorbing thermal energy from the return air flow 820 as the cooled supply air flow 830.

[0116] The precooling coil portion 840″ receives a first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 820 and the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the precooling coil portion 840″, wherein an input of the precooling coil portion 840″ is in fluid communication with an output port 166′ of the cooling coil portion 840′. The output port 166′ may be multiple ports depending on the number of circuits there are in the construction of the precooling coil portion 840″ and the primary coil portion 840′ of the combined coil 840.

[0117] The reheat coil 870 of the example embodiment receives a second portion 856 of the working fluid 850, and exchanges thermal energy between the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the reheat coil 870 and the supply air flow 830.

[0118] The wrap-around fluid conduit 866 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 840″, and the reheat coil 870. The wrap-around fluid conduit 866 containedly directs the first and second portions 854, 856 of the working fluid 850 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 864, the precooling coil portion 840″, the reheat coil 870, and the associated chilled water return conduit 866′.

[0119] The regulator circuit 880 of the example embodiment is operative to meter the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 to the input 844′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 866. If there is one single circuit for fluid flow in the precooling coil portion 840″ of combined coil 840 then the fluid flow through single circuit will be equal to the first portion 856 entering the wrap-around loop at 166′. If the precooling coil portion 840″ is divided into two circuits then the fluid flow in each circuit will be ½ of the fluid flow 856 and there will be two connection 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and if there are 3 circuits the fluid flow in each circuit will be ⅓ of the fluid flow 856 and there will be 3 connections 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and so forth for additional circuits of the precooling coil portion 840″. This will be further described in the coil diagrams FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12d.

[0120] The precooling coil portion 840″ of the moisture control system 800 of the example embodiment includes one or more inputs 166′ in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. The reheat coil 870 comprises an output 874 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 866′. Further and as shown, the wrap-around fluid conduit 866 containedly directs all of the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 from an input 166′ of the precooling coil portion 840″ to an input 872 of the reheat coil 870 as the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850. The wrap-around fluid conduit 856 further containedly directs all of the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 from the output 874 of the reheat coil 870 to the associated chilled water return conduit 866′ for return of the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″.

[0121] Preferably and as shown, the regulator circuit 880 of the moisture control system 800 according to the example embodiment includes a first balancing valve system 886 disposed in conduit 866′ between the precooling coil portion input 166′ and the associated chilled water return 164. The first balancing valve 886 is manually adjustable to control a flow volume of the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the precooling coil portion 840″ and a flow volume of the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the reheat coil 870. Similarly, the second balancing valve 888 is a manual balancing valve disposed in the primary chilled water return conduit 166 in series arrangement between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 864 and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The second manual balancing valve 888 is adjustable to control a flow volume 884 which is a portion of the working fluid 850 for pressure of the working fluid 850 at the wrap-around fluid conduit 864 input connection 166′.

[0122] As shown, the regulator circuit 882 of the moisture control system 800 of the example embodiment includes an automatic throttling valve 896 disposed in conduit 166 and in series with the second manual balancing valve 888 between the wrap-around fluid conduit 854 at connection 166′ and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The automatic throttling valve 896 of the example embodiment is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the working fluid 850 passing from the output 166′ of the cooling coil portion 840′ of the air treatment coil 840 and not being directed to the precooling coil portion 840″ of the air treatment coil 840 as the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the precooling coil portion 840″.

[0123] FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system with combined precooling and primary cooling coils integrated into a single composite coil as indicates in FIG. 8 with the additional integration of the heating coil combined into a single composite coil and operable with an associated two-pipe chilled water system for latent heat extraction in accordance with a sixth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8A the precooling, primary cooling coil and reheat coil of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 are combined into a single coil. FIG. 8A illustrates the system piping 600 of FIG. 6. The system piping 600 now referred to as piping system 800 can be either as shown in FIG. 4 or as shown in FIG. 6. The operation of the system shall be as described above for FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. Using a combined coil will save space in the coil compartment of the air handling unit and thereby save space in equipment rooms as applicable. The combining of the three coils will also save in manufacturing costs since the fabrication will be of only one coil, although larger, would be less than the fabrication of three individual smaller coils.

[0124] The embodiment of FIG. 8A is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where the flow 854/856 needs to be regulated.

[0125] The embodiment is beneficial because a variable temperature and or relative humidity of the supply air flow 830 may be desired to control a process or maintain room conditions.

[0126] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including it has a means of adding heat to the air flow 830 to raise the air temperature to that required at flow 830.

[0127] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including the heat for raising the temperature of the air flow 828 is recovered heat from the precooling process.

[0128] The moisture control system 800 of the example embodiment of FIG. 8A is provided for use with an associated two-pipe chilled water air conditioning system 100 delivering a working fluid 850 flowing from an associated chilled water source 160 via an associated chilled water source conduit 162 and returning the working fluid 850 to an associated chilled water return 164 via an associated chilled water return conduit 166. The moisture control apparatus 800 of the embodiment includes an air treatment coil 840 in the supply air flow 830, a wrap-around fluid conduit 864/866, and a regulator circuit 880 operatively coupled with an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 864 of the precooling coil portion 840″ of the combined coil 840 and return conduit 166. In the example embodiment, the air treatment coil 840 includes a housing 810 configured to receive a return air flow 820 into the housing 810 and to exhaust the return air flow from the housing as a cooled supply air flow 830, a plurality of heat exchange fins disposed in the housing, a cooling coil portion 840′ mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins, the cooling coil portion 840′ is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water source conduit 162, and as such receives the working fluid 850 from the associated chilled water source 160 via the associated chilled water source conduit 162 and flows the working fluid therethrough thereby absorbing thermal energy from the return air flow 820 as the cooled supply air flow 828. A precooling coil portion 840″ in the return air flow 820 and mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins.

[0129] The precooling coil portion 840″ receives a first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 820 and the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the precooling coil portion 840″, wherein an input of the precooling coil portion 840″ is in fluid communication with an output port 166′ of the cooling coil portion 840′. The output port 166′ may be multiple ports depending on the number of circuits there are in the construction of the precooling coil portion 840″ and the primary coil portion 840′ of the combined coil 840.

[0130] The reheat portion 840′″ of coil 840 of the example embodiment receives a second portion 856 of the working fluid 850, and exchanges thermal energy between the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the reheat portion 840′″ and the supply air flow 830.

[0131] The wrap-around fluid conduit 866 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 840″, and the reheat coil portion 840′″. The wrap-around fluid conduit 866 containedly directs the first and second portions 854, 856 of the working fluid 850 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 864, the precooling coil portion 840″, the reheat coil portion 840′″, and the associated chilled water return conduit 866′.

[0132] The regulator circuit 880 of the example embodiment is operative to meter the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 864. If there is one single circuit for fluid flow in the precooling coil portion 840″ of combined coil 840 then the fluid flow through single circuit will be equal to the first portion 856 entering the wrap-around loop at 166′. If the precooling coil portion 840″ is divided into two circuits then the fluid flow in each circuit will be ½ of the fluid flow 856 and there will be two connection 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and if there are 3 circuits the fluid flow in each circuit will be ⅓ of the fluid flow 856 and there will be 3 connections 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and so forth for additional circuits of the precooling coil portion 840″. This will be further described in the coil diagrams FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12d.

[0133] The precooling coil portion 840″ of the moisture control system 800 of the example embodiment includes an input 166′ or when the coil has multiple circuits there will be multiple inputs 166′ in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. The reheat coil portion 840′″ comprises an output 874 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 866′. Further and as shown, the wrap-around fluid conduit 866 containedly directs all of the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 from an input 166′ of the precooling coil portion 840″ to an input 872 of the reheat coil portion 840′″ as the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850. The wrap-around fluid conduit 866 further containedly directs all of the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 from the output 874 of the reheat coil portion 840′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 866′ for return of the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″.

[0134] Preferably and as shown, the regulator circuit 880 of the moisture control system 800 according to the example embodiment includes a first balancing valve system 886 disposed in conduit 866′ between the precooling coil portion input 166′ and the associated chilled water return 166 at connection 166″. The first balancing valve 886 is manually adjustable to control a flow volume of the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the precooling coil portion 840″ and a flow volume of the second portion 856 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the reheat coil portion 840′″. Similarly, the second balancing valve 888 is a manual balancing valve disposed in the primary chilled water return conduit 166 in series arrangement between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 864 and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The second manual balancing valve 888 is adjustable to control a flow volume 884 which is a portion of the working fluid 850 for pressure of the working fluid 850 at the wrap-around fluid conduit 864 input connection 166′.

[0135] As shown, the regulator circuit 882 of the moisture control system 800 of the example embodiment includes an automatic throttling valve 896 disposed in conduit 166 and in series with the second manual balancing valve 888 between the wrap-around fluid conduit 854 at connection 166′ and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The automatic throttling valve 896 of the example embodiment is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the working fluid 850 passing from the output 166′ of the cooling coil portion 840′ of the air treatment coil 840 and not being directed to the precooling coil portion 840″ of the air treatment coil 840 as the first portion 854 of the working fluid 850 flowing through the precooling coil portion 840″.

[0136] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system with combined precooling and primary cooling coils integrated into a single composite coil and operable with an associated four-pipe chilled water system and heating hot water system for latent heat extraction in accordance with a seventh embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9 a heat source is added to the piping system of FIG. 8. The benefit and operation of the moisture control system is as described for the system illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0137] In general, the primary cooling coil portion 940′ is comprised of the leaving air rows of the combined cooling coil 940. Chilled water 950 flows from the chilled water supply 160 to the coil inlet header 942 of the primary coil portion 940′. There may be multiple circuits in the cooling coil. The number of circuits in the primary cooling coil portion 940′ are established by manufacturing practice to optimize the performance of primary cooling coil portion 940′ of the combined cooling coil 940.

[0138] The coil circuits of the primary coil portion 940′ flow a portion of the chilled water to the return water outlet header 944 and also flow a first portion of working fluid 950 to the inlet 166′ of the precooling coil portion 940″. Just as with the primary coil section 940′ there may be multiple circuits in the precooling coil section.

[0139] The number of individual circuits in the precooling cooling coil portion are established by manufacturing practice to optimize the performance of precooling coil portion 940″ of the combined cooling coil 940. The number of circuits of the precooling portion 940′ do not necessary need to match the quantity of precooling portion circuits 940″.

[0140] A balancing Valve 980 sets the minimum first portion flow through the 166′ inlet to the wrap around loop conduit 964/966.

[0141] The first portion of chilled water flow 954, flows from individual inlets 166′ to the individual precooling coil circuits of the precooling coil section 940″ of the combined cooling coil 940. The combined flow of each of the individual circuits will be equal to the first portion flow to working fluid 950.

[0142] The embodiment of FIG. 9 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where a variable supply air temperature at 930 supply air flow is required.

[0143] FIG. 9 shows a moisture control system 900 in accordance with a further example embodiment for use with an associated four-pipe air conditioning system 900 consisting of chilled water system 100 and a heating hot water system 200 including an associated cooling coil portion 940′ where a cold working fluid 950 flowing through the associated cooling coil portion 940′ absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 920 as a cooled supply air flow 928, an associated reheat coil 970 where a warm working fluid 956 flowing through the reheat coil 970 adds thermal energy to the cooled supply air flow 928 as a reheated supply air flow 930 an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the cold working fluid 950 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil portion 940′ an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the cold working fluid 950 from the cooling coil portion 940′ to an associated chilled water return 164, an associated hot water source conduit 282 delivering the warm working fluid 952 from an associated hot water source 280 to the reheat coil 970 when required for supplemental heating, an associated hot water return conduit 286 returning the warm working fluid 952 from the reheat coil 970 to an associated hot water return 284.

[0144] In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 900 includes a precooling coil portion 940″ in the return air flow 920, a wrap-around fluid conduit 964/966, and a regulator circuit 980. The precooling coil portion 940″ receives a first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 920 and the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 flowing through the precooling coil portion 940″.

[0145] The wrap-around fluid conduit 964/966 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 940″, the associated reheat coil 970, and the hot water return conduit 286. The wrap-around fluid conduit 964/966 containedly directs the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964/966, the precooling coil portion 940″, and the associated reheat coil 970.

[0146] The regulator circuit 980 containing a first balancing valve 986 of the example embodiment is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 and with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Functionally, the regulator circuit 980 meters the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964.

[0147] In particular and as shown, in the subject example embodiment, the precooling coil portion 940″ of the moisture control system 900 includes an input 992 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166 via the wrap-around fluid conduit 964/966. Further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 964/966 is configured to containedly direct all of the first portion 956 of the cold working fluid 950 from an output 994 of the precooling coil portion 940″ to an input 972 of the associated reheat coil 970. Yet still further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 964/966 of the example embodiment includes a bridge conduit portion 966′ fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 with the associated hot water source conduit 282.

[0148] In its preferred form, the regulator circuit 982 of the moisture control system 900 according to the example embodiment illustrated includes a second balancing valve system 988. Preferably, the balancing valve system 982 is disposed at a fluid connection between: the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 and a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166.

[0149] In one form of the example embodiment, the regulating circuit 980 includes the first balancing valve system 986 which is disposed in-line between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Further as shown, the blending regulator 983 is disposed in the associated hot water return conduit 286 between the second connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 966′ and the hot water return 284.

[0150] It is preferred that the first balancing valve 986 of the moisture control system 900 according to the example embodiment is adjustable to control a flow volume of the cold working fluid 950 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 as the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950. In that way, the minimum first portion of the working fluid 950 is directed to the wrap-around conduit, precooling coil portion 940″ and reheat coil 970.

[0151] Yet still further as shown, the blending regulator 983 of the moisture control system 900 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valves 934. The third balancing valve 934 of the blending regulator 983 is disposed in the associated hot water return conduit 286 between a second connection 166′″ and the associated hot water return 284. The third balancing valve 934 is adjustable to control a flow volume of a blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated hot water return 284. Similarly, the first balancing valve 986 of the blending regulator 980 is disposed between the first and second connections 166″, 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 966′, the first balancing valve 986 being adjustable to control a flow volume of the blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0152] The various components of the example embodiment are preferably plumbed as shown. More particularly, the output 974 of the reheat coil 970 is in fluid communication with the associated hot water return conduit 286 via the second balancing valve 934. Somewhat similarly, the output 974 of the reheat coil 970 is in fluid communication with the associated chilled water return 164 via the third balancing valve 986.

[0153] An automatic throttling valve 998 is further provided in the regulator circuit 983 of the moisture control system 900 according to the embodiment illustrated. As shown, the automatic throttling valve 998 is disposed in the associated hot water source conduit 282 between the wrap-around fluid conduit 966 and the hot water source 280. Functionally, the automatic throttling valve 998 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the warm working fluid 952 entering into the associated reheat coil 970 via the wrap-around fluid bridge conduit 966′.

[0154] In particular and with continued reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the regulator circuit 982 of the moisture control system 900 further includes a second automatic throttling valve 996 disposed in series with the second balancing valve 988. The second automatic throttling valve 996 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the cold working fluid (950) being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0155] FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system with combined precooling, primary cooling, and reheat/heating coils integrated into a single composite coil and operable with an associated four-pipe chilled water system 100 and heating hot water system 200 for latent heat extraction in accordance with an eight embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9A a heat source is added to the piping system of FIG. 8A. The benefit and operation of the moisture control system is as described for the system illustrated in FIG. 8A.

[0156] In general, the reheat coil portion 940′″ is the leaving air end of the combined coil 940. Chilled water 950 flows from the coil inlet header 942 of the primary coil portion 940′. There may be multiple circuits in the cooling coil. The number of circuits in the primary cooling coil portion 940′ are established by manufacturing practice to optimize the performance of primary cooling coil portion 940′ of the combined cooling coil 940.

[0157] The coil circuits of the primary coil portion 940′ flow a portion of the chilled water to the return water outlet 944 and also flow a first portion of working fluid 950 to the inlet 166′ of the precooling coil portion 940″ which continues through the wrap-around loop conduit 964/966 and the bridging conduit 966′ to the reheat coil portion 940′″. Just as with the primary coil portion 940′ there may be multiple circuits in the precooling coil portion 940″ and the reheat coil portion 940′″.

[0158] The number of individual circuits in the precooling cooling coil portion and the reheat coil portion are established by manufacturing practice to optimize the performance of precooling coil portion 940″ of the combined cooling coil 940. The number of circuits of the precooling portion 940″ and the reheat coil portion do not necessarily need to match the quantity of primary cooling portion circuits 940′.

[0159] Balancing Valve 980 sets the minimum first portion flow through the 166′ inlet to the wrap around loop conduit 964/966.

[0160] The first portion of chilled water flow 954, flows from individual inlets 166′ to the individual precooling coil circuits of the precooling coil section 940″ of the combined coil 940. The combined flow of each of the individual circuits will be equal to the first portion flow to working fluid 950

[0161] The embodiment of FIG. 9A is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where a variable supply air temperature at 930 supply air flow is required.

[0162] FIG. 9A shows a moisture control system 900 in accordance with a further example embodiment for use with an associated four-pipe air conditioning system 900 consisting of chilled water system 100 and a heating hot water system 200 including an associated cooling coil portion 940′ where a cold working fluid 950 flowing through the associated cooling coil portion 940′ absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 920 as a cooled supply air flow 928, an associated reheat coil 970 where a warm working fluid consisting of a blend of the second portion of chilled water flow 956 and the warm water 952 flowing through the bridge conduit 966′ to the reheat coil 970 adds thermal energy to the cooled supply air flow 928 as a reheated supply air flow 930, an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the cold working fluid 950 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil portion 940′ an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the cold working fluid 950 from the cooling coil portion 940′ to an associated chilled water return 164, an associated hot water source conduit 282 delivering the warm working fluid 952 from an associated hot water source 280 to the bridge conduit 966′ then to the reheat coil 970, an associated hot water return conduit 286 returning the blended warm working fluid 956′ from the reheat coil portion 940′″ to an associated hot water return 284.

[0163] In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 900 includes a precooling coil portion 940″ in the return air flow 920, a wrap-around fluid conduit 964, and a regulator circuit 980. The precooling coil portion 940″ receives a first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 920 and the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 flowing through the precooling coil portion 940″.

[0164] The wrap-around fluid conduit 964 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 940″, the associated reheat coil portion 940′″, and the hot water return conduit 286. The wrap-around fluid conduit 964 containedly directs the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964, the precooling coil portion 940″, and the associated reheat coil reheat coil portion 940′″.

[0165] The regulator circuit 980 containing a first balancing valve 986 of the example embodiment is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 and with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Functionally, the regulator circuit 980 meters the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964.

[0166] In particular and as shown, in the subject example embodiment, the precooling coil portion 940″ of the moisture control system 900 includes an input 992 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166 via the wrap-around fluid conduit 964. Further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 is configured to containedly direct all of the first portion 956 of the cold working fluid 950 from an output 994 of the precooling coil portion 940″ to an input 972 of the associated reheat coil portion 940′″. Yet still further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 of the example embodiment includes a bridge conduit portion 956′ fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 with the associated hot water source conduit 282.

[0167] In its preferred form, the regulator circuit 982 of the moisture control system 900 according to the example embodiment illustrated includes a second balancing valve system 988. Preferably, the balancing valve system 982 is disposed at a fluid connection between: the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 and a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166.

[0168] In one form of the example embodiment, the regulating circuit 980 includes the first balancing valve system 986 which is disposed in-line between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Further as shown, the blending regulator 983 is disposed in the return conduit 286 between the associated hot water return 284 and the second connection 166″ to the return conduit 966′.

[0169] It is preferred that the first balancing valve 986 of the moisture control system 900 according to the example embodiment is adjustable to control a flow volume of the cold working fluid 950 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 964 as the first portion 954 of the cold working fluid 950. In that way, the minimum first portion of the working fluid 950 is directed to the wrap-around conduit, precooling coil portion 940″ and reheat coil 940′″.

[0170] Yet still further as shown, the blending regulator 983 of the moisture control system 900 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valve 934. The third balancing valve 934 of the blending regulator 983 is disposed in the associated hot water return conduit 286 between a second connection 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 966′. The third balancing valve 934 is adjustable to control a flow volume of a blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated hot water return 284. Similarly, the first balancing valve 986 of the blending regulator 980 is disposed between the first and second connections 166″, 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 966′, the first balancing valve 986 being adjustable to control a flow volume of the blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0171] The various components of the example embodiment are preferably plumbed as shown. More particularly, the output 974 of the reheat coil portion 940′″ is in fluid communication with the associated hot water return conduit 286 via the second balancing valve 934. Somewhat similarly, the output 974 of the reheat coil portion 940′″ is in fluid communication with the associated chilled water return 164 via the third balancing valve 986.

[0172] An automatic throttling valve 998 is further provided in the regulator circuit 983 of the moisture control system 900 according to the embodiment illustrated. As shown, the automatic throttling valve 998 is disposed between the associated hot water source conduit 282 and the wrap-around fluid conduit 966. Functionally, the automatic throttling valve 998 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the warm working fluid 952 entering into the associated reheat coil portion 940′″ via the wrap-around fluid bridge conduit 966′.

[0173] In particular and with continued reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the regulator circuit 982 of the moisture control system 900 further includes a second automatic throttling valve 996 disposed in series with the second balancing valve 988. The second automatic throttling valve 996 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the cold working fluid (950) being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0174] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 8 with an added control valve in accordance with a ninth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10 a throttling valve CV-4 is added to the piping system of air conditioning system 1000. The purpose of this valve is to by-pass the warm water around the reheat coil 1070 when there is no demand for reheat from the air conditioning system 1000. When there is a demand for reheat the valve CV-4 is positioned for flow volume 1056 to enter the reheat coil 1070 at connection 1072. The flow is manually balanced by presetting the balancing valve BV-1. When there is no demand for reheat the valve, CV-4, is positioned for flow to flow to BV-3 which is balanced for the desired flow from the precooling coil portion 1040″ at coil outlet 1094 which may be greater to provide an increase in cooling than when the valve is positioned for flow through the reheat coil. This operation is useful for changing the air conditioning system sensible heat factor (SHF) which is further explained in the included example.

[0175] The embodiment of FIG. 10 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where the flow 1054/1056 needs to be regulated and it is desired to automatically control the supply air temperature and relative humidity to a prescribed value.

[0176] The embodiment is beneficial because a variable temperature and or relative humidity of the supply air flow 1030 may be desired to control a process or maintain room conditions.

[0177] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including it has a means of adding heat to the air flow 1028 to raise the air temperature to that required at flow 1030.

[0178] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including the heat for raising the temperature of the air flow 1028 is recovered heat from the precooling process.

[0179] The moisture control system 1000 of the example embodiment of FIG. 10 is provided for use with an associated two-pipe chilled water air conditioning system 100 delivering a working fluid 1050 flowing from an associated chilled water source 160 via an associated chilled water source conduit 162 and returning the working fluid 1050 to an associated chilled water return 164 via an associated chilled water return conduit 166. The moisture control apparatus 1000 of the embodiment includes an air treatment coil 1040, a reheat coil 1070 in the supply air flow 1030, a wrap-around fluid conduit 1064, 1066, 1066′ and a regulator circuit 1080 operatively coupled with an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064, 1066, 1066′ of the precooling coil portion 1040″ of the combined coil 1040 and return conduit 166. In the example embodiment, the air treatment coil 1040 includes a housing 1010 configured to receive a return air flow 1020 into the housing 1010 and to exhaust the return air flow from the housing as a cooled supply air flow 1030, a plurality of heat exchange fins disposed in the housing, a cooling coil portion 1040′ mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins, and a precooling coil portion 1040″ in the return air flow 1020 and mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins. The cooling coil portion 1040′ is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water source conduit 162, and as such receives the working fluid 1050 from the associated chilled water source 160 via the associated chilled water source conduit 162 and flows the working fluid therethrough thereby absorbing thermal energy from the return air flow 1020 as the cooled supply air flow 1028.

[0180] The precooling coil portion 1040″ receives a first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 1020 and the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1040″, wherein an input of the precooling coil portion 1040″ is in fluid communication with an output port 166′ of the cooling coil portion 1040′. The output port 166′ may be multiple ports depending on the number of circuits there are in the construction of the precooling coil portion 1040″ and the primary coil portion 1040′ of the combined coil 1040.

[0181] The reheat coil 1070 of the example embodiment receives a second portion 1066 and 1066′ of the working fluid 1050, and exchanges thermal energy between the second portion 1066′ of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the reheat coil 1070 and the supply air flow 1030.

[0182] The wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 1040″, and the reheat coil 1070. The wrap-around fluid conduit 1054, 1066, 1066′ containedly directs the first and second portions 1054, 1056 of the working fluid 1050 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064, the precooling coil portion 1040″, the reheat coil 1070, and the associated chilled water return conduit 1066′.

[0183] The regulator circuit 1080 of the example embodiment is operative to meter the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 to the input 1044″ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066. If there is one single circuit for fluid flow in the precooling coil portion 1040″ of combined coil 1040 then the fluid flow through single circuit will be equal to the first portion 1056 entering the wrap-around loop at 166′. If the precooling coil portion 1040″ is divided into two circuits then the fluid flow in each circuit will be ½ of the fluid flow 1056 and there will be two connection 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and if there are 3 circuits the fluid flow in each circuit will be ⅓ of the fluid flow 1056 and there will be 3 connections 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and so forth for additional circuits of the precooling coil portion 1040″. This will be further described in the coil diagrams FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12d.

[0184] The precooling coil portion 1040″ of the moisture control system 1000 of the example embodiment includes one or more inputs 166′ in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. The reheat coil 1070 comprises an output 1074 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 1066. Further and as shown, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ containedly directs all of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 from an input 166′ of the precooling coil portion 1040″ to an input 1072 of the reheat coil 1070 as the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050. The wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ further containedly directs all of the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050 from the output 1074 of the reheat coil 1070 to the associated chilled water return conduit 1066′ for return of the second portion 1056′ of the working fluid 1050 to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″.

[0185] Preferably and as shown, the regulator circuit 1080 of the moisture control system 1000 according to the example embodiment includes a first balancing valve system 1086 disposed in conduit 1066′ between the precooling coil portion input 166′ and the associated chilled water return 164. The first balancing valve 1086 is manually adjustable to control a flow volume of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1040″ and a flow volume of the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the reheat coil 1070. Similarly, the second balancing valve 1088 is a manual balancing valve disposed in the primary chilled water return conduit 166 in series arrangement between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064 and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The second manual balancing valve 1088 is adjustable to control a flow volume 1084 which is a portion of the working fluid 1050 for pressure of the working fluid 1050 at the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064 input connection 166′.

[0186] As shown, the regulator circuit 1082 of the moisture control system 1000 of the example embodiment includes an automatic throttling valve 1096 disposed in conduit 166 and in series with the second manual balancing valve 1088 between the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064 at connection 166′ and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The automatic throttling valve 1096 of the example embodiment is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the working fluid 1050 passing from the output 166′ of the cooling coil portion 1040′ of the air treatment coil 1040 and not being directed to the precooling coil portion 1040″ of the air treatment coil 1040 as the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1040″.

[0187] In the example embodiment in-particular and as shown, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ of the moisture control system 1000 includes a waste conduit 1068 fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at a waste connection 166″″ with a portion of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ between the output 1094 of the precooling coil portion 1040″ and the input 1072 of the associated reheat coil 1070.

[0188] Further in particular and as shown, the regulator circuit 1074 includes a third manual balancing valve 1076 and a fourth automatic throttling valve 1052 in operative fluid communication at the waste connection 166″″ with the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ and with the waste conduit 1068. The automatic throttling valve 1052 is operably responsive to a waste signal to divert a waste portion of the wrap around flow 1058 of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 from the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ between the output 1094 of the precooling coil 1040″ and the input 1072 of the associated reheat coil 1070 to the chilled water return conduit 166 via the waste conduit 1068. In that way, the first portion of the working fluid 1050 may be automatically diverted from the reheat coil 1070 beneficially for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the supply air flow 1030.

[0189] Further in the example embodiment in-particular and as shown, the regulator circuit 1074 of the moisture control system 1000 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valve 1076 disposed in series with the fourth automatic throttling valve 1052 between the waste connection 166″″ to the chilled water return conduit 166 and the waste valve 1052. In the form illustrated, the third balancing valve 1076 is a manual balancing valve and is adjustable to control a flow volume of the waste portion 1058 of the first portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050 diverted from the portion of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066 between the output 1044″ of the precooling coil 1040″ and the input 1072 of the associated reheat coil 1070 to the chilled water return conduit 166 via the waste conduit 1068. In that way, the waste flow 1058 may beneficially be adjusted to the desired maximum waste volume 1958.

[0190] FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic view of a moisture control system with combined precooling, primary cooling, and reheat/heating coils integrated into a single composite coil and operable with an associated two-pipe chilled water system for latent heat extraction in accordance with a tenth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10A a valve CV-4 is added to the piping system 1000. The purpose of this valve is to by-pass the warm water around the reheat coil when there is no demand for reheat from the air conditioning system. When there is a demand for reheat the valve is positioned for flow to the inlet of the reheat portion of the combined coil 1040 at point 1072. The flow is manually balanced by presetting the balancing valve BV-1. When there is no demand for reheat the valve, CV-4, is positioned for flow to BV-3 which is balanced for the desired flow from the precooling coil portion 1040″ at point 1044″ which may be greater to provide an increase in cooling than when the valve is positioned for flow through the reheat coil. This operation is useful for changing the air conditioning system sensible heat factor (SHF) which is further explained in the included example.

[0191] The moisture control system 1000 of the example embodiment of FIG. 10A is provided for use with an associated two-pipe chilled water air conditioning system 100 delivering a working fluid 1050 flowing from an associated chilled water source 160 via an associated chilled water source conduit 162 and returning the working fluid 1050 to an associated chilled water return 164 via an associated chilled water return conduit 166. The moisture control apparatus 1000 of the embodiment includes an air treatment coil 1040, a reheat coil portion 1040′″ in the supply air flow 1030, a wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, and a regulator circuit 1080 operatively coupled with an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064 of the precooling coil portion 1040″ of the combined coil 1040 and return conduit 166. In the example embodiment, the air treatment coil 1040 includes a housing 1010 configured to receive a return air flow 1020 into the housing 1010 and to exhaust the return air flow from the housing as a cooled supply air flow 1030, a plurality of heat exchange fins disposed in the housing, a cooling coil portion 1040′ mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins, and a precooling coil portion 1040″ in the return air flow 1020 and mechanically and thermally coupled with the plurality of heat exchange fins. The cooling coil portion 1040′ is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water source conduit 166, and as such receives the working fluid 1050 from the associated chilled water source 160 via the associated chilled water source conduit 162 and flows the working fluid therethrough thereby absorbing thermal energy from the return air flow 1020 as the cooled supply air flow 1030.

[0192] The precooling coil portion 1040″ receives a first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 1020 and the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1040″, wherein an input of the precooling coil portion 1040″ is in fluid communication with an output port 166′ of the cooling coil portion 1040′. The output port 166′ may be multiple ports depending on the number of circuits there are in the construction of the precooling coil portion 1040″ and the primary coil portion 1040′ of the combined coil 1040.

[0193] The reheat coil portion 1040′″ of the example embodiment receives a second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050, and exchanges thermal energy between the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the reheat coil portion 940′″ and the supply air flow 1030.

[0194] The wrap-around fluid conduit 1066 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 1040″, and the reheat coil reheat coil portion 1040′″. The wrap-around fluid conduit 1066 containedly directs the first and second portions 1054, 1056 of the working fluid 1050 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064, the precooling coil portion 1040″, the reheat coil portion 1040′″, and the associated chilled water return conduit 1066′.

[0195] The regulator circuit 1080 of the example embodiment is operative to meter the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 to the input 1044″ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066. If there is one single circuit for fluid flow in the precooling coil portion 1040″ of combined coil 1040 then the fluid flow through single circuit will be equal to the first portion 1056 entering the wrap-around loop at 166′. If the precooling coil portion 1040″ is divided into two circuits then the fluid flow in each circuit will be ½ of the fluid flow 1056 and there will be two connection 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and if there are 3 circuits the fluid flow in each circuit will be ⅓ of the fluid flow 1056 and there will be 3 connections 166′ to the chilled water return 166 and so forth for additional circuits of the precooling coil portion 1040″. This will be further described in the coil diagrams FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12d.

[0196] The precooling coil portion 1040″ of the moisture control system 1000 of the example embodiment includes one or more inputs 166′ in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. The reheat coil portion 1040′″ comprises an output 1074 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 1066″. Further and as shown, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ containedly directs all of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 from an input 166′ of the precooling coil portion 1040″ to an input 1072 of the reheat coil portion 1040′″ as the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050. The wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ further containedly directs all of the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050 from the output 1074 of the reheat coil portion 1040′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 1066′ for return of the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050 to the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″.

[0197] Preferably and as shown, the regulator circuit 1080 of the moisture control system 1000 according to the example embodiment includes a first balancing valve system 1086 disposed in conduit 1066″ between the precooling coil portion input 166′ and the associated chilled water return 164. The first balancing valve 1086 is manually adjustable to control a flow volume of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1040″ and a flow volume of the second portion 1056 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the reheat coil portion 1040′″. Similarly, the second balancing valve 1088 is a manual balancing valve disposed in the primary chilled water return conduit 166 in series arrangement between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064 and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The second manual balancing valve 1088 is adjustable to control a flow volume 1084 which is a portion of the working fluid 1050 for pressure of the working fluid 1050 at the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064 input connection 166′.

[0198] As shown, the regulator circuit 1082 of the moisture control system 1000 of the example embodiment includes an automatic throttling valve 1096 disposed in conduit 166 and in series with the second manual balancing valve 1088 between the wrap-around fluid conduit 1064 at connection 166′ and the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at connection 166″. The automatic throttling valve 1096 of the example embodiment is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the working fluid 1050 passing from the output 166′ of the cooling coil portion 1040′ of the air treatment coil 1040 and not being directed to the precooling coil portion 1040″ of the air treatment coil 1040 as the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1040″.

[0199] In the example embodiment in-particular and as shown, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066 of the moisture control system 1000 includes a waste conduit 1068 fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 at a waste connection 166″″ with a portion of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066 between the output 1094 of the precooling coil portion 1040″ and the input 1072 of the associated reheat coil portion 1040′″.

[0200] Further in particular and as shown, the regulator circuit 1074 includes a third manual balancing valve 1076 and a fourth automatic throttling valve CV-4 in operative fluid communication at the waste connection 166″″ with the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066 and with the waste conduit 1068. The automatic throttling valve 1052 is operably responsive to a waste signal to divert a waste portion of the wrap around flow 1056, 1058 of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 from the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ between the output 1094 of the precooling coil 1040″ and the input 1072 of the associated reheat coil portion 1040′″ to the chilled water return conduit 166 via the waste conduit 1068. In that way, the first portion of the working fluid 1050 may be automatically diverted from the reheat coil portion 1040′″ beneficially for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the supply air flow 1030.

[0201] Further in the example embodiment in-particular and as shown, the regulator circuit 1074 of the moisture control system 1000 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valve 1076 disposed in series with the fourth automatic throttling valve 1052 between the waste connection 166″″ to the chilled water return conduit 166 and the waste valve 1052. In the form illustrated, the third balancing valve 1076 is a manual balancing valve and is adjustable to control a flow volume of the waste portion 1058 of the first portion 1054 of the working fluid 1050 diverted from the portion of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1066, 1066′ between the output 1044″ of the precooling coil 1040″ and the input 1072 of the associated reheat coil portion 1040′″ to the chilled water return conduit 166 via the waste conduit 1068. In that way, the waste flow 1058 may beneficially be adjusted to the desired maximum waste volume 1058.

[0202] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 9 with an added control valve in accordance with an eleventh embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11 a heat source is added to the piping system of FIG. 10. The benefit and operation of the moisture control system is as described for the system illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0203] The embodiment of FIG. 11 is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where it is desired to introduce heat to the air flow 1128 to maintain a temperature in air flow 1130 via heat transfer from the water flow in the reheat coil 1170 this to either supplement the heat available from the precooling coil section 1140′ of the combined cooling coil 1140 or to provide heat for maintaining the temperature of the supply air 1130 such as for winter space heating purposes.

[0204] The embodiment is beneficial because the temperature of the supply air flow 1130 can be maintained automatically for all reasonably expected temperature conditions of the return or outside air flow 1120.

[0205] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including a precise means of transferring heat from the return or outside air 1120 and/or a heating source 280 for the beneficial application of heating the air flow 1128 via the reheat coil 1170 to the desired temperature in the air flow 1130.

[0206] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including because the first source of heat transfer for maintaining the temperature of air flow 1130 is recovered heat from the precooling process of 1140″ precooling coil section thereby conserving heat by reducing the flow from the heat source 280 and conserving cooling by reducing the working fluid temperature at 164.

[0207] FIG. 11 shows a moisture control system 1100 in accordance with a further example embodiment for use with an associated four-pipe air conditioning system 1100 consisting of chilled water system 100 and a heating hot water system 200 including an associated cooling coil portion 1140′ where a cold working fluid 1150 flowing through the associated cooling coil portion 1140′ absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 1120 as a cooled supply air flow 1128, an associated reheat coil 1170 where a warm working fluid 1152 flowing through the reheat coil 1170 adds thermal energy to the cooled supply air flow 1130 as a reheated supply air flow 1130 an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the cold working fluid 1150 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil portion 1140′ an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the cold working fluid 1150 from the cooling coil portion 1140′ to an associated chilled water return 164, an associated hot water source conduit 282 delivering the warm working fluid 1152 from an associated hot water source 280 to the reheat coil 1170, an associated hot water return conduit 286 returning the warm working fluid 1152 from the reheat coil 1170 to an associated hot water return 284.

[0208] In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 1100 includes a precooling coil portion 1140″ in the return air flow 1120, a wrap-around fluid conduit 1164, and a regulator circuit 1180. The precooling coil portion 1140″ receives a first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 1120 and the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1140″.

[0209] The wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 1140″, the associated reheat coil 1170, and the hot water return conduit 286. The wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 containedly directs the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164, the precooling coil portion 1140″, and the associated reheat coil 1170.

[0210] The regulator circuit 1180 containing a first balancing valve 1186 of the example embodiment is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 and with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Functionally, the regulator circuit 1180 meters the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164.

[0211] In particular and as shown, in the subject example embodiment, the precooling coil portion 1140″ of the moisture control system 1100 includes an input 1192 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166 via the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164. Further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 is configured to containedly direct all of the first portion 1156 of the cold working fluid 1150 from an output 1194 of the precooling coil portion 1140″ to an input 1172 of the associated reheat coil 1170. Yet still further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 of the example embodiment includes a bridge conduit portion 1166′ fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 with the associated hot water source conduit 282.

[0212] In its preferred form, the regulator circuit 1182 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the example embodiment illustrated includes a second balancing valve system 1188. Preferably, the balancing valve system 1182 is disposed at a fluid connection between: the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 and a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166.

[0213] In one form of the example embodiment, the regulating circuit 1180 includes the first balancing valve system 1186 which is disposed in-line between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Further as shown, the blending regulator 1183 is disposed at the connection between the associated hot water return conduit 286, the output 1174 of the reheat coil 1170, and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 1166′.

[0214] It is preferred that the first balancing valve 1186 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the example embodiment is adjustable to control a flow volume of the cold working fluid 1150 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 as the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150. In that way, the minimum first portion of the working fluid 1150 is directed to the wrap-around conduit, precooling coil portion 1140″ and reheat coil 1170.

[0215] Yet still further as shown, the blending regulator 1183 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valves 1134. The third balancing valve 1134 of the blending regulator 1183 is disposed in the associated hot water return conduit 286 between a second connection 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 1168 and the hot water return 284. The third balancing valve 1134 is adjustable to control a flow volume of a blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated hot water return 284. Similarly, the first balancing valve 1186 of the blending regulator 1180 is disposed between the first and second connections 166″, 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 1168, the first balancing valve 1186 being adjustable to control a flow volume of the blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0216] The various components of the example embodiment are preferably plumbed as shown. More particularly, the output 1174 of the reheat coil 1170 is in fluid communication with the associated hot water return conduit 286 via the second balancing valve 1134. Somewhat similarly, the output 1174 of the reheat coil 1170 is in fluid communication with the associated chilled water return 164 via the third balancing valve 1186.

[0217] An automatic throttling valve 1198 is further provided in the regulator circuit 1183 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the embodiment illustrated. As shown, the automatic throttling valve 1198 is disposed between the associated hot water source conduit 282 and the wrap-around fluid conduit 1166, 1166′. Functionally, the automatic throttling valve 1198 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the warm working fluid 1152 entering into the associated reheat coil 1170 via the wrap-around fluid bridge conduit 1166″.

[0218] In particular and with continued reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, the regulator circuit 1182 of the moisture control system 1100 further includes a second automatic throttling valve 1196 disposed in series with the second balancing valve 1188. The second automatic throttling valve 1196 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the cold working fluid (1150) being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0219] FIG. 11A illustrates a schematic view of the moisture control system of FIG. 9A with an added control valve in accordance with a twelfth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11A a heat source is added to the piping system of FIG. 10A. The benefit and operation of the moisture control system is as described for the system illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9.

[0220] The embodiment of FIG. 11A is particularly well-suited and finds particular use in applications where it is desired to introduce heat to the air flow 1128 to maintain a temperature in air flow 1130 via heat transfer from the water flow in the reheat coil portion 1140′″ of combined coil 1140 to either supplement the heat available from the precooling coil portion 1140″ of the combined cooling coil 1140 or to provide heat for maintaining the temperature of the supply air 1130 such as for winter space heating purposes.

[0221] The embodiment is beneficial because the temperature of the supply air flow 1130 can be maintained automatically for all reasonably expected temperature conditions of the return or outside air flow 1120.

[0222] It has advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 including a precise means of transferring heat from the return or outside air 1120 and/or a heating source 280 for the beneficial application of heating the air flow 1128 via the reheat coil portion 1140′″ to the desired temperature in the air flow 1130.

[0223] It has further advantages over the earlier systems such as those shown in FIG. 2 including because the first source of heat transfer for maintaining the temperature of air flow 1130 is recovered heat from the precooling process of 1140″ precooling coil section thereby conserving heat by reducing the flow from the heat source 280 and conserving cooling by reducing the working fluid temperature at 164.

[0224] FIG. 11A shows a moisture control system 1100 in accordance with a further example embodiment for use with an associated four-pipe air conditioning system 1100 consisting of chilled water system 100 and a heating hot water system 200 including an associated cooling coil portion 1140′ where a cold working fluid 1150 flowing through the associated cooling coil portion 1140′ absorbs thermal energy from a return air flow 1120 as a cooled air flow 1128, an associated reheat coil portion 1140′″ where a warm working fluid 1152 blended with a warm transfer loop fluid 1156′ flowing through the reheat coil portion 1140′″ adds thermal energy to the cooled air flow 1128 as a reheated supply air flow 1130, an associated chilled water source conduit 162 delivering the cold working fluid 1150 from an associated chilled water source 160 to the cooling coil portion 1140′ an associated chilled water return conduit 166 returning the cold working fluid 1150 from the cooling coil portion 1140′ to an associated chilled water return 164, an associated hot water source conduit 282 delivering the warm working fluid 1152 from an associated hot water source 280 to the reheat coil portion 1140′″, an associated hot water return conduit 286 returning the warm working fluid 1152 from the reheat coil portion 1140′″ to an associated hot water return 284.

[0225] In the illustration of the example embodiment shown, the moisture control apparatus 1100 includes a precooling coil portion 1140″ in the return air flow 1120, a wrap-around fluid conduit 1164, and a regulator circuit 1180. The precooling coil portion 1140″ receives a first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow 1120 and the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 flowing through the precooling coil portion 1140″.

[0226] The wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 of the example embodiment is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166, the precooling coil portion 1140″, the associated reheat coil portion 1140′″, and the hot water return conduit 286. The wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 containedly directs the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 through a series arrangement of an input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164, the precooling coil portion 1140″, and the associated reheat coil portion 1140′″.

[0227] The regulator circuit 1180 containing a first balancing valve 1186 of the example embodiment is operatively coupled with the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 and with the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Functionally, the regulator circuit 1180 meters the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 from the associated chilled water return conduit 166 for communication of the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150 to the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164.

[0228] In particular and as shown, in the subject example embodiment, the precooling coil portion 1140″ of the moisture control system 1100 includes an input 1192 in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water return conduit 166 via the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164. Further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 is configured to containedly direct all of the first portion 1156 of the cold working fluid 1150 from an output 1194 of the precooling coil portion 1140″ to an input 1172 of the associated reheat coil portion 1140′″. Yet still further, the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 of the example embodiment includes a bridge conduit portion 1166″ fluidically coupling the associated chilled water return conduit 166 with the associated hot water source conduit 282.

[0229] In its preferred form, the regulator circuit 1182 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the example embodiment illustrated includes a second balancing valve system 1188. Preferably, the balancing valve system 1182 is disposed at a fluid connection between: the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 and a first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166.

[0230] In one form of the example embodiment, the regulating circuit 1180 includes the first balancing valve system 1186 which is disposed in-line in the return conduit 166 between the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 and the first connection 166″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 166. Further as shown, the blending regulator 1183 is disposed in the hot water return conduit 286 between the associated hot water return conduit connection 166′″ and the hot water return 284.

[0231] It is preferred that the first balancing valve 1186 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the example embodiment is adjustable to control a flow volume of the cold working fluid 1150 entering the input 166′ of the wrap-around fluid conduit 1164 as the first portion 1154 of the cold working fluid 1150. In that way, the minimum first portion of the working fluid 1150 is directed to the wrap-around conduit, precooling coil portion 1140″ and reheat coil portion 1140′″.

[0232] Yet still further as shown, the blending regulator 1183 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the example embodiment includes a third balancing valves 1134.

[0233] The third balancing valve 1134 of the blending regulator 1183 is disposed in the associated hot water return conduit 286 between a second connection 166′″ to the chilled water return and the hot water return 284. The third balancing valve 1134 is adjustable to control a flow volume of a blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated hot water return 284. Similarly, the first balancing valve 1186 of the blending regulator 1180 is disposed between the first and second connections 166″, 166′″ to the associated chilled water return conduit 1168, the first balancing valve 1186 being adjustable to control a flow volume of the blend of the warm and cold working fluids being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0234] The various components of the example embodiment are preferably plumbed as shown. More particularly, the output 1174 of the reheat coil portion 1140′″ is in fluid communication with the associated hot water return conduit 286 via the second balancing valve 1134. Somewhat similarly, the output 1174 of the reheat coil portion 1140′″ is in fluid communication with the associated chilled water return 164 via the third balancing valve 1186.

[0235] An automatic throttling valve 1198 is further provided in the regulator circuit 1183 of the moisture control system 1100 according to the embodiment illustrated. As shown, the automatic throttling valve 1198 is disposed between the associated hot water source 280 and the wrap-around fluid conduit 1166, 1166′. Functionally, the automatic throttling valve 1198 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the warm working fluid 1152 entering into the associated reheat coil portion 1140′″ via the wrap-around fluid bridge conduit 1166″.

[0236] In particular and with continued reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, the regulator circuit 1182 of the moisture control system 1100 further includes a second automatic throttling valve 1196 disposed in series with the second balancing valve 1188. The second automatic throttling valve 1196 is responsive to a control signal from an associated control device to throttle a flow of the cold working fluid (1150) being returned to the associated cold water return 164.

[0237] FIG. 12A illustrates a detailed view of a combined precooling coil and primary cooling coil integrated into a single composite coil. With particular reference now to FIG. 12A, the precooling and primary cooling functions of the two coils are combined into a single Combined Coil 40 which includes the rows of tubes 42″″ for the precooling section 40″ and the rows of tubes 40′″ for the primary Cooling section 40′. The fins for the single coil are continuous through the entire coil and are thermally connected to the tubes of the primary cooling section 40′ and the precooling section 40″ of the coil 40.

[0238] The combined coil 40 is further described in detail. The tubes of each row of the coil are stacked and are further illustrated in FIG. 12B. A header conduit 42 is positioned perpendicular to the last row of the coil 40 which is in this example row six. The header conduit has feed tubes 42′ attached to enable the working fluid 50 to be transferred to specific tubes 40′″ of the last row. The number of feed tubes and the positioning of the feed tubes is determined by the coil manufacture to optimize the heat transfer from air flow 20 to the working fluid 50. The working fluid 50 divides proportionately between the number of feed tubes 42′. Each feed tube is connected to a tube 40′″ in the stack of tubes in the last row. There are specially formed tubes called return bends 46, 46′ at the end of the tubes to facilitate the working fluid 50 to flow to adjacent tubes in the same row or in the next row of tubes. The tubes and return bends are connected to provide continuous paths called circuits for the proportionately divided flow of working fluid 50 to travel unimpeded through the tubes 40′″ and 40″″ of the coil 40. At the intermediate row, in this example the third row, an outlet of each circuit is provided with a feed tube 54 that connects the precooling coil portion 40″ circuits to the intermediate outlet header 44′ feed tubes 44′″. The feed tubes 44′″ are provided with connections 166′ that are continuation of the coil circuits to the precooling section 40″. Feed tubes 64 bridge the connection 166′ of the feed tubes 44′″ to the connection 92 of the coil 40 portion 40″ tubes 40″″ of the precooling coil portion 40″. A first portion 54 of the working fluid 50 proportionately enters the feed tubes 64 of the precooling section. The remaining portion of the working fluid 84 that does not enter the precooling section 40″ of the combined coil exists the primary portion 40′ of the combined coil 40 through the feed tubes 44′″ connected to the intermediate header 44′. The first portion 54 of the working fluid 50 travels through the tubes 40″″ via feed tubes 64, connection points 92 and return bends 46 and 46′ of the precooling section 40″. At the first row of the coil the first portion 54 of the working fluid 50 leaves the coil through the feed tubes 44″″ which are connected to the outlet header conduit 44″.

[0239] Extracting the first portion 54 of the working fluid 50 at the intermediate row will allow only a reduced amount of working fluid (first portion) to continue on through the remaining rows of tubes. The reduced flow will result in a greater temperature rise of the continuing first portion flow then what would be achieved had the entire working fluid flow continued through the remaining rows. The warmer water is more useful for reheat as there will be a greater temperature differential between the first portion of the working fluid and the air stream 30 leaving the reheat coil than could be achieved with the full flow of the working fluid.

[0240] FIG. 12B illustrates a side view of the coil section. The tubes 40′″ and 40″″ of the coil 40 are arranged in an array of rows of tubes by the number of tubes in each row. The tubes 40′″ and 40″″ of the coil are perpendicular to the coil header pipes, 42, 44′ and 44″ which are shown in FIG. 12A. The inlet header conduit 42, not shown, is connected to the feed tubes 42′. In this example there are three circuits of tubes therefor there are three feed tubes 42′. The feed tubes fluidically connect to the tubes 40′″ of the primary cooling coil portion of the cooling coil 40 shown on FIG. 12A. Return bends 46′ on the far side of the coil and return bends 46 on the near side of the coil connect subsequent rows of tubes.

[0241] The intermediate outlet header conduit 44, not shown, is connected to the multiple feed tubes 44′″ of the intermediate row. A first portion 54 of the working fluid 50 leaves the coil through feed tube connections 166′ and continues through conduits 64 to a connection 40″″ to the coil tubes of the precooling coil portion 40″.

[0242] FIG. 12C illustrates a detailed view of a combined precooling coil and primary cooling coil integrated into a single composite cooling coil and further integrated with the heating coil. The heating coil can be made integral to the combined precooling coil and precooling coil. this would make the coil a combined precooling, primary cooling and reheat/heating coil. The benefit of this is the space saving in the air handling unit and the reduction of first cost of the coil. The saving of space is because there is no need for a space between the cooling coil and the heating coil because the coil fins are continuous through the entire coil leaving no space for debris to collect. The cleaning activity would be the same as any multi-row coil. The reduction in cost would be because there would only be one coil to manufacture resulting in only one coil to handle and ship. Also, the space in the air handling unit for the coil installation would be reduced making the unit smaller and thereby less expensive. Since the air handling unit is smaller the equipment room could be made smaller reducing the cost of the building.

[0243] With particular reference now to FIG. 12C, the precooling, primary cooling and heating functions of the three coils are combined into a single Combined Coil 40 which includes the rows of tubes 40″″ for the precooling portion 40″, the rows of tubes 40′″ for the primary Cooling section 40′ and the rows of tubes 72″ for the heating coil portion 70. The fins for the single coil are continuous through the entire coil and are thermally connected to the tubes of the primary cooling portion 40′ the precooling portion 40″ and the heating coil portion 70 of the combined coil 40.

[0244] The combined coil 40 is further described in detail. The tubes of each row of the coil are stacked and are further illustrated in FIG. 12D. A header conduit 72 is positioned perpendicular to the last row of the coil 40 which is in this example row eight. The header conduit has feed tubes 72′ attached to enable the heating fluid 56 to be transferred in the rows of the heating portion 70 of combined coil 40. The number of feed tubes and the positioning of the feed tubes is determined by the coil manufacture to optimize the heat transfer air flow 20 to the working fluid 56. The working fluid 56 divides proportionately between the number of feed tubes 72′. Each feed tube is connected to a tube in the stack of tubes in the last row. There are specially formed tubes called return bends 46, 46′ at the end of the tubes to facilitate the working fluid 56 to flow to adjacent tubes in the same row or in the next row of tubes. The tubes and return bends are connected to provide continuous paths called circuits for the proportionately divided flow of working fluid 56 to travel unimpeded through the tubes 72″ of the coil 40. At the next row, the seventh row, the coil 40 the heating fluid 56 leaves the coil through the feed tubes 74′ which are connected to the outlet header conduit 74.

[0245] The next 6 rows which are the primary coil portion 40′ and the precooling coil portion 40″ are the same at illustrated in FIG. 12A AND 12B and as described above for FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B.

[0246] FIG. 12D illustrates a side view of the combined coil 40 of FIG. 12C. The tubes of the coil 40 are arranged in an array of rows of tubes by the number of tubes in each row. The tubes of the coil are perpendicular to the coil header pipes, 72, 74, 42, 44′ and 44″ which are shown in FIG. 12C. The inlet header conduit 72, not shown, is connected to the feed tubes 72′. In this example there are three circuits of tubes therefor there are three feed tubes 72′. The feed tubes fluidically connect to the tubes 72″ of the heating coil portion of the cooling coil 40 shown on FIG. 12C. Return bends 46′ on the far side of the coil and return bends 46 on the near side of the coil connect subsequent rows of tubes.

[0247] The heating hot water outlet header 74, not shown, is connected to the multiple feed tubes 74′ of the seventh row which is the first row of the heating coil portion 70. The heating working fluid 56 leaves the heating coil portion through header connection tube feed 74′ which is connected to tubes 72″ of the heating coil portion 40′″.

[0248] The next 6 rows which are the primary coil portion 40′ and the precooling coil portion 40″ are the same at illustrated in FIG. 12A AND 12B and as described above for FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B.

[0249] FIG. 13 illustrates a psychometric chart that is used in the description of the benefit of using reheat for humidity control. With reference now to that FIGURE, some sample calculations are presented below.

[0250] Given that a space to be air conditioned to maintain a room temperature of 75° F. and 50% RH has a peak Room Sensible Heat Gain (RSHG1) of 230,700 btu/hr and peak Room Latent Heat Gain (RLHG1) of 35,700 btu/hr. A representative part load RSHG2 for the room is 92,300 btu/hr and part load RLHG2 is 35,700 but/hr. Note that the peak RLHG1 is equal to the part load RLHG2 for this example. Since latent heat gain in a room is primarily from the occupants of the room it is typical for the latent heat gain to be constant over a broad range of room sensible cooling requirements. For this example a mixed return air/outside air condition of 80° F. and 0.0112 lbs water/lb dry air Humidity Ratio (HR). For this example the heat gain from supply air and return air fans is ignored for simplification.

[0251] The air conditioning method selected for this example incorporates a Variable Air Volume (VAV) temperature control system for room air temperature control is selected to provide the air conditioning for an indoor room. A VAV system is one in which the supply air volume delivered to the room is modulated (varied) in response to changes in the room sensible cooling load using the room dry bulb temperature as the indication of changes in the room sensible cooling load. As the room dry bulb temperature increases (indicating an increase in the room sensible cooling load) the air volume is increased by action of a temperature control system and conversely as the room dry bulb temperature drops the control system reduces the air flow delivered to the room. An unintended consequence of reducing the supply air volume to satisfy reduction in the room sensible cooling load is that the potential for satisfying the room latent cooling load is also reduced in proportion to the amount of sensible cooling reduction. Since room latent cooling loads are relatively constant over a broad range of room sensible cooling loads there would be an increase in the room relative humidity when the air volume is decreased unless the supply air conditions are changed to compensate for the part load cooling load. The change required for the part load supply air temperature are indicated by plotting the room sensible heat factor for the full and part load condition on a psychrometric chart.

[0252] For this example the room temperature is to be maintained at 75° F. dry bulb (DB) and the room humidity is to be maintained at 50% relative humidity (RH). The humidity ratio for 75° F. DB at 50% RH is 0.00927 lb. moisture/lb of dry air. The peak room sensible cooling load is 230,700 btu/hr and a representative part load room sensible cooling load is 92,300 btu/hr. The room latent cooling load is a constant 35,700 btu/hr. The room sensible heat factor (RSHF) for peak and part load conditions is calculated as follows:

RSHF=RSHG/(RSHG+RLHG)

Peak Load: RSHF.sub.1=230,300/(230,300+35,700)=0.87

Part Load: RSHF.sub.2=92,300/(92,300+35,700)=0.72

[0253] Plotting RSHF.sub.1 and RSHF.sub.2 on a psychrometric chart, as shown on FIG. 13 indicates the range of possible supply air temperatures that can be used to calculate the required supply air volume to satisfy the room cooling load both at peak cooling conditions and the representative part load condition.

[0254] The supply air temperature for peak room cooling is selected to be 54 degrees (SAT.sub.1). The peak supply air volume (CFM.sub.1) can then be calculated as follows.

CFM.sub.1=230,300/(1.1×(75−54))=10,000

[0255] Selecting 7000 cfm as the minimum supply air volume (CFM.sub.2) the supply air temperature for the minimum space cooling load can be calculated as follows.

SAT.sub.2=75−(92,700/(1.1×7000))=63° F. DB

[0256] The room latent cooling that will be provided by the supply air for both peak load room latent heat gain (RLHG1) and part load room latent heat gain (RLHG2) conditions can be verified by calculation. The humidity ratio for the room condition (HR.sub.room=0.00927 lb. moisture/lb. dry air) and the supply air condition for peak load (HR.sub.room=0.00854) and part load (HR.sub.2=0.00823) can be obtained by inspection of the psychrometric chart. The latent cooling available can be calculated as follows.

RLHG=4840×CFM×(HR.sub.room−HR.sub.1or2

[0257] Peak Load:

[00001]$\begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{RLHG}}_1=4840\times 10,000\mathrm{cfm}\times \left(0.00927-0.00854\right)\\ =35,300\mathrm{btu}/\mathrm{hr}\end{array}$

[0258] Part Load:

[00002]$\begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{RLHG}}_2=4840\times 10,000\mathrm{cfm}\times \left(0.00927-0.00823\right)\\ =35,300\mathrm{btu}/\mathrm{hr}\end{array}$

[0259] Reheat is not required for the Peak cooling load because the selection of 54° F. DB supply air temperature and 0.00854 supply air humidity ratio ensures the room conditions will be maintained when 10,000 cfm is delivered to the room at this condition. Heat generated by the supply air fan provides some reheat (SAT1) which is indicated on the psychrometric chart, FIG. 13. Reheat is required for the part load condition because the part load sensible heat factor line, RSHF.sub.2, does not intersect with the saturation line, refer to FIG. 13. For part load cooling Air leaves the cooling coil at LCT2 and is reheated by the reheat coil and is further reheated to SAT2 by heat generated by the supply air fan. The reheat coil will be selected to provide the reheat for part load operation which is calculated as follows:

Reheat=7,000 cfm×1.1×(61−52)=69,300 btu/hr

[0260] The water temperature and flow rate entering the reheat coil needs to be sufficient to provide the desired supply air temperature leaving the reheat heat coil. The water temperature and flow rate also needs to be consistent with what will be an available condition leaving the precooling section of the cooling coil. For this example 68.4 degrees F. and 13.5 gpm was selected as the entering reheat coil condition. The temperature drop in the water flow for this example can be calculated as follows.

[00003]$\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{Leaving}\mathrm{Reheat}\mathrm{Coil}\mathrm{Water}\mathrm{Tempurature}=\mathrm{Entering}\mathrm{Coil}\mathrm{Tempurature}-\\ \mathrm{Coil}\mathrm{Heat}\mathrm{Transfer}/\mathrm{conversion}\mathrm{factor}/\\ \mathrm{coil}\mathrm{flow}\mathrm{rate}\\ =68.4-69,300\mathrm{btu}/\mathrm{hr}/500/13.5\\ =58.1\mathrm{degrees}F\end{array}$

[0261] The cooling coil is then selected to provide both peak cooling and part load cooling. In addition, the cooling coil is selected so as to provide the heat source for the reheat requirement. This requires that the leaving precooling section of the cooling coil needs to be a minimum of 13.5 gpm at a minimum of 68.4 degrees F. as indicated for the reheat coil selection. The peak cooling required by the cooling coil is the sum of the sensible cooling and the latent cooling as needed to cool the air from the entering cooling coil conditions to the leaving cooling coil conditions at 10,000 cfm supply air volume. The entering cooling coil air condition is 80° F. DB Temperature at Humidity Ratio 0.0112 lb water/lb dry air which is a typical condition used to illustrate mixed return air and outside air conditions. The peak cooling required of the cooling coil is calculated as follows.

[00004]$\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{Peak}\mathrm{Cooling}={\mathrm{RSHG}}_1+{\mathrm{RSHG}}_1\\ =10,000{\mathrm{CFM}}_1\times \left(1.1\times \left(80-53\right)+4840\times \left(0.0112-0.00854\right)\right)\\ =10,000{\mathrm{CFM}}_1\times \left(29.7+12.9\right)\\ =426,000\mathrm{btu}/\mathrm{hr}\end{array}$

[0262] The temperature of the chilled water entering the combined coil is 45 degrees. The coil is selected for a 16 degree chilled water temperature rise. A seven row coil is selected and the required chilled water flow rate is calculated as follows:

GPM.sub.1=426,000/(500×16)=53.3 GPM

[0263] The selected part load cooling to be provided by the cooling coil can be calculated as follows.

[00005]$\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{Part}\mathrm{Load}\mathrm{Cooling}=\mathrm{RSH}{G}_2+RLH{G}_2\\ =7,000\times {\mathrm{CFM}}_2\times \left(1.1\times \left(80-52\right)+4840\times \left(0.0112-0.00823\right)\right)\\ =7,000\times {\mathrm{CFM}}_2\times \left(30.8+14.4\right)\\ =316,400\mathrm{btu}/\mathrm{hr}\end{array}$

[0264] The cooling coil selected for peak cooling is then evaluated for the part load cooling duty to determine where the coil is to be divided for the precooling and primary cooling sections. The evaluation using coil selection procedures yields the following performance; 1) the precooling section will consist of the first 3 rows from the air entering end of the coil and will provide 93,500 btu/hr of cooling as it cools the air from the entering coil condition of 80/0.0112 to an intermediate condition of 67.9 DB/0.0112 using 13.5 gpm of water at an entering water temperature of 54.6 degrees and a leaving water temperature of 68.4 degrees, and 2) the primary section will consist of the final 4 rows of the coil and will provide 222,900 btu/hr of cooling as it cools the air from the intermediate condition to the leaving coil condition using 46 gpm of chilled water at an entering temperature of 45 degrees and a leaving water temperature of 54.6 degrees.

[0265] The chilled water extracted from the coil at the intermediate position joins the water leaving the reheat coil. The mixed extracted water and return water are mixed and the mixed water is returned to the chiller plant. The mixed water temperature is calculated using a mixing formula:

[00006]$\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{Mixed}\mathrm{Tempurature}=\left(T1\times \mathrm{Flow}1+T2\times \mathrm{Flow}2\right)/\left(\mathrm{Flow}1+\mathrm{Flow}2\right)\\ =\left(54.6\times 32.5+58.2\times 13.5\right)/\left(32.5+13.5\right)\\ =55.7\mathrm{degrees}F.\end{array}$