Air conditioning system and control method

Abstract

A cooling and dehumidification system including at least one passive heat transfer device with desiccant coated on some extent of the exposed surface, another passive heat transfer device without desiccant coating, a compressor through which refrigerant flows, an expansion device, a refrigerant control valve, and valves to direct airflow in relation to the passive heat transfer devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An air-handling system comprising:
 a heat pump configured to move heat energy between a plurality of passive heat transfer devices;   the plurality of passive heat transfer devices, defining a first surface of at least one of the plurality of passive heat transfer devices that is thermally in contact with the heat pump and a second surface of at least one of the plurality of passive heat transfer devices that is exposed to allow the transfer of heat to or from the heat pump;   a desiccant in thermal contact with the exposed surface of at least one passive heat transfer device and configured to exchange moisture with air;   a plurality of air directing valves configured to direct process and regeneration air to and from the plurality of passive heat transfer devices with desiccant;   a heat pump reversing device configured to change the direction of heat flow in the heat pump between two modes of operation;   a control system with communication lines to control air directing valves, reversing device, and heat pump operation; and   a control operation process operating a control mode in which desiccant regeneration time is modulated.   
     
     
         2 .- 14 . (canceled)