Hybrid air conditioning system

Abstract

A hybrid air system is provided for conditioning the air in a building and includes first and second independent air conditioning systems, one system having a larger capacity than the other and an independent dehumidifier each work independently and together to control the air on the inside of the building. The hybrid system improves air comfort while increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs and use of energy.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for conditioning air in a building comprising:
 a first air conditioning system of predetermined capacity;   an intake air duct operatively connected to said first air conditioning system to direct return air thereinto;   an outlet air duct operatively connected to said first air conditioning system to direct conditioned air from said first air conditioning system to the inside of the building;   a first air conditioner duct valve for blocking the air flow through said first air conditioner when said first air conditioner is not operative;   a second air conditioning system having a smaller capacity than said first air conditioning system and having an auxiliary intake air duct connected from said intake air duct into said second air conditioning system and an auxiliary outlet air duct connected from said second air conditioning system into said outlet air duct;   a dehumidifier having an auxiliary intake duct connected from said intake air duct to said dehumidifier and an auxiliary outlet duct connected from said dehumidifier to said outlet air duct;   a building sensor for sensing temperature and humidity within the building; and   a process controller for controlling the operation of said first and second air conditioning systems and said dehumidifier, said process controller being operatively connected to said building sensor;   whereby a hybrid air conditioning system controls the air temperature and humidity in a structure with increased efficiency.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus for conditioning air in a building in accordance with  claim 1  in which said second air conditioner has a duct valve for blocking the air flow through said second air conditioner when said second air conditioner is not operative. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus for conditioning air in a building in accordance with  claim 2  in which said dehumidifier has a duct valve for blocking the air flow through said dehumidifier when said dehumidifier is not operative. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus for conditioning air in a building in accordance with  claim 3  in which said first air conditioner duct valve is positioned in said first air conditioner outlet air duct for blocking the air flow through the first air conditioner when the first air conditioner is not operative. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus for conditioning air in a building in accordance with  claim 4  in which said second air conditioner duct valve is positioned in said second air conditioner intake air duct for blocking the air flow through said second air conditioner when the second air conditioner is not operative. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus for conditioning air in a building in accordance with  claim 5  in which said dehumidifier duct valve is positioned in said dehumidifier intake air duct for blocking the air flow through the dehumidifier when the dehumidifier is not operative. 
     
     
         7 . A process for treating the inside air of a building comprising the steps of:
 selecting an air treatment system for a building having a first air conditioning system of predetermined capacity having inlet and outlet air ducts and having a second air conditioning system having a smaller capacity than said first air conditioning system and having an auxiliary intake air duct connected to said first air conditioning intake duct and an auxiliary outlet air duct connected to said first air conditioning system outlet duct and having a dehumidifier having an auxiliary intake duct connected to said first air conditioner intake air duct and an auxiliary outlet duct connected to said first air conditioner outlet air duct, said selected air treatment system having said first air conditioning system and said second air conditioning system and said dehumidifier each having an air flow valve located in their respective ducts;   sensing the temperature and humidity within the building;   activating said selected air treatment system first and second air conditioning units and said dehumidifier selectively responsive to the sensed temperature and humidity within the building whereby said first and second air conditioning systems and said dehumidifier may be operated separately or in any combination with each other;   whereby the air inside the building may be controlled with increased efficiency over a conventional dedicated air conditioning system.