Self contained humidity control system for forced air duct system

Abstract

A fully self contained, in-line humidity control system for a forced air HVAC system. The system is designed to be integrated into the duct system of an existing or new installation forced air HVAC system such that the environment throughout a structure may be dehumidified by a central system. Optional electric heating elements may be included, in addition to the evaporator and condenser, to provide additional dehumidification. The system may be freestanding for structures not having a forced air HVAC system. A freestanding system may optionally be ducted, space permitting to provide the benefits of the in-line system in a structure not having a central, forced air HVAC system.

1 . An in-line humidity control system for a forced air HVAC system comprising: 
 system components comprising: 
 air movement means for moving air through said humidity control system,  
 compressor means for chilling refrigerant circulating within said humidity control system,  
 evaporator means for removing suspended moisture from air passing through said humidity control system,  
 condenser means for condensing a refrigerant for flow through said evaporator, and  
 collection means for collecting moisture condensed by said evaporator,  
 draining means for draining said collected condensate from said humidity control system, and  
 control means for determining the amount of suspended moisture in the air being moved and controlling the operation of said humidity control system, and  
   housing means for enclosing at least some of said components of said humidity control system and for forming a segment of a duct system.    
   
   
       2 . An in-line humidity control system for a forced air HVAC system, as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said air movement means comprises one from the group consisting of the fan of said forced air system to which the humidity control system is connected and a fan located within said housing means of said humidity control system.  
   
   
       3 . An in-line humidity control system for a forced air HVAC system, as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said collection means comprises a drain line extending from said humidity control system to a drain exiting the building in which said system is installed in combination with one from the group consisting of a collection pan within said housing means and a collection pan exterior of said housing means.  
   
   
       4 . An in-line humidity control system for a forced air HVAC system, as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said draining means comprises one from the group consisting of a gravity feed drain line and a discharge pump.  
   
   
       5 . An in-line humidity control system for a forced air HVAC system, as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said control means comprises a humidistat.  
   
   
       6 . An in-line humidity control system for a forced air HVAC system, as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising electrical heating elements, said electrical heating elements providing additional evaporation of moisture from air having already passed through said evaporator and condenser.  
   
   
       7 . A humidity control system comprising: 
 system components comprising: 
 air movement means for moving air through said humidity control system,  
 compressor means for chilling refrigerant circulating within said humidity control system,  
 evaporator means for removing suspended moisture from the air passing through said humidity control system,  
 condenser means for condensing a refrigerant for flow through said evaporator, and  
 collection means for collecting moisture condensed by said condenser,  
 draining means for draining said collected condensate from said humidity control system, and  
 control means for determining the amount of suspended moisture in the air being moved and controlling the operation of said humidity control system, and  
   housing means for enclosing at least some of said components of said humidity control system.    
   
   
       8 . A humidity control system, as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said air movement means comprises a fan.  
   
   
       9 . A humidity control system, as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said collection means comprises a drain line extending from said humidity control system to a drain exiting the building in which said system is installed in combination with one from the group consisting of a collection pan within said housing means and a collection pan exterior of said housing means.  
   
   
       10 . A humidity control system, as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said draining means comprises one from the group consisting of a gravity feed drain line and a discharge pump.  
   
   
       11 . A humidity control system, as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said control means comprises a humidistat.  
   
   
       12 . A humidity control system, as defined in  claim 7 , further comprising electrical heating elements, said electrical heating elements providing at least one function from the group comprising: additional evaporation of moisture from air having already passed through said evaporator and condenser, and heated air to the environment being dehumidified.  
   
   
       13 . A humidity control system, as defined in  claim 7 , further comprising ducts extending from said housing means such that dehumidified air may be collected from and distributed beyond the immediate environs of said system.