Method of manufacturing an adsorption heat exchanger component, adsorption heat exchanger component and system

Abstract

According to certain embodiments, an adsorptive heat exchanger (Ad HEX) component is provided. The Ad HEX component includes a linear guide element and a plurality of planar structures including fins. Each planar structure is mounted on the linear guide element via a joint element configured to cooperate with the linear guide element to form a sliding pair, coated with an adsorptive coating, and secured at a respective position on the linear guide element by a securing means that restricts linear sliding movement of each planar structure to form an arrangement of coated planar structures stacked along the linear guide element.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of adsorption heat exchanger components, methods of manufacturing the same, and systems equipped with such adsorption heat exchanger components. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an adsorption heat exchanger (AdHEX) component comprising a linear guide element and a planar structure with fins, wherein the planar structure is coated with an adsorption coating and mounted on the linear guide element. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the invention, an adsorption heat exchanger (AdHEX) component is provided. The AdHEX component includes a linear guide element and a plurality of planar structures including fins. Each planar structure is mounted on the linear guide element via a coupling element configured to cooperate with the linear guide element to form a sliding pair; is coated with an adsorption coating; and is fixed at a corresponding position on the linear guide element by a fixing device that restricts linear sliding movement of each planar structure to form an arrangement of coated planar structures stacked along the linear guide element.

[0003] The aforementioned AdHEX component design allows planar structures to be first coated with the adsorption coating and then brought closer together along the linear guide element (due to the sliding pair) to achieve a smaller gap than is typically allowed in the coating process. This, in turn, allows for a more compact arrangement of planar fins with improved heat transfer rates. Therefore, the AdHEX design and manufacturing method of the present invention allow for small gaps between planar structures, resulting in advantageous performance in terms of power and energy density. In particular, the proposed design allows for significantly improved performance in terms of the product of the adsorption cooling power (of the adsorption medium) and the energy per unit volume.

[0004] Preferably, the present invention provides an adsorption heat exchanger component wherein the average gap between each pair of consecutive fixed planar structures in the fixed planar structure is between 500 and 900 µm. This gap cannot be achieved using prior art methods such as those described in the background section. Preferably, the planar structure is substantially shaped as a disk. The average thickness of the coated planar structure will preferably be between 300 and 700 µm. In a preferred embodiment, the average thickness of the adsorption coating is between 60 µm and 180 µm. Note that the gap between the coated planar structures, the thickness of the coated planar structure, and the thickness of the adsorption coating are each measured along the average direction of the linear guide element or a local segment thereof.

[0005] Preferably, the present invention provides an adsorption heat exchanger component wherein the linear guide element has a cylindrical shape and an average outer diameter between 0.8 cm and 1.2 cm. More preferably, the linear guide element is a hollow tube having an average axial thickness between 350 and 450 µm. The diameter of the cylindrical shape is measured perpendicular to the average direction of the linear guide element. The axial thickness of the tube is measured radially in a plane perpendicular to the average direction.

[0006] Preferably, the present invention provides an adsorption heat exchanger component wherein the adsorption coating comprises microporous zeolite. In some embodiments, the adsorption coating comprises (SiO2). x (Al2O3) y (P2O5) z .

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, an AdHEX system is provided, wherein the system includes one or more AdHEX components as described above.

[0008] Preferably, the present invention provides an AdHEX system, wherein the system includes one or more temperature swing separation columns, each temperature swing separation column including one or more of the AdHEX components described above.

[0009] Preferably, the present invention provides an AdHEX system comprising two or more of the temperature-oscillating separation columns, wherein one of these columns is connected to another of the columns. In these embodiments, the system is configured to drive one column using waste heat from another column connected to said column. The system can be configured to separate carbon dioxide from one or more other gases.

[0010] Preferably, the present invention provides an AdHEX system, wherein the system further includes a power plant, and the columns of the system are configured to be driven by waste heat from said power plant.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing an AdHEX component is provided. The method includes: providing a linear guide element and a plurality of planar structures, each planar structure having fins; coating the fins with an adsorption coating; bringing the planar structures to a desired position by sliding them along the linear guide element, each planar structure being mounted on the linear guide element via a corresponding engaging element configured to cooperate with the linear guide element to form a corresponding sliding pair, thereby reducing the average gap between each pair of consecutive planar structures in the planar structures; and fixing the planar structures to the linear guide element to restrict linear sliding movement of the planar structures, thereby forming an arrangement of fixed, coated planar structures stacked along the linear guide element.

[0012] Therefore, the planar structures can slide along the linear guide element to reduce the average gap between each pair of consecutive planar structures in the planar structure. Finally, the planar structures are fixed to the linear guide element so as to prevent linear sliding movement of the planar structures regardless of the sliding pair. Ultimately, an arrangement is formed comprising fixed, coated planar structures stacked along the linear guide element.

[0013] Preferably, the present invention provides a method further comprising, prior to coating the fins of the planar structure: mounting the planar structure onto an elongated element via a corresponding bonding element; and positioning the planar structure at a first position along the elongated element to ensure a minimum gap between each pair of consecutive planar structures in the planar structure. Furthermore, the fins of the planar structure are coated by first placing the elongated element substantially parallel to a liquid comprising an adsorbent coating, such that a portion of each planar structure is immersed in the liquid, and by rotating the elongated element to impregnate the fins of the planar structure with the adsorbent coating. Once coated, the planar structure can be mounted on the linear guide element (when the linear guide element is different from the elongated element) and slid along the linear guide element to reduce the gap between the planar structures.

[0014] Preferably, the present invention provides a method in which the liquid is a liquid suspension comprising particles containing an adsorbent coating and a binder. In this case, the planar structure can be coated by allowing the particles to adhere to the fins due to the binder. The particles may comprise microporous zeolites as described herein.

[0015] Preferably, the present invention provides a method in which the liquid is a reactive liquid mixture that supports the synthesis of an adsorption layer on the fins. In that case, the planar structure is coated by reacting the reactive liquid mixture with the fins to form the adsorption coating.

[0016] Preferably, the present invention provides a method in which, after coating, the planar structure is brought to the desired location to reduce the average gap to, for example, a value between 500 µm and 900 µm, the gap being measured along the average direction of the linear guide element.

[0017] Preferably, the present invention provides a method in which the linear guide element is a hollow tube, and the planar structure is fixed to the tube by hydraulic expansion of the tube. In some embodiments, the planar structure is fixed to the linear guide element by mechanical forging. In other embodiments, the planar structure is fixed to the linear guide element by welding it to the linear guide element. For example, the provided linear guide element may be coated with solder, and the planar structure is fixed to the linear guide element by welding it to the linear guide element with solder.

[0018] Embodiments of an adsorption heat exchanger component, its manufacturing method, and a system including such an AdHEX component will now be described by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The above overview is not intended to describe every illustrated embodiment or implementation of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings (in which, throughout all individual views, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar elements, and are incorporated in and form part of this specification together with the following detailed description) are used to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain all the various principles and advantages according to this disclosure, wherein: Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional view of a planar structure (including fins) mounted on an elongated element before the fins of the planar structure are impregnated with an adsorption coating, according to certain embodiments of the method of manufacturing the component.

[0021] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The side view of the planar structure shown.

[0022] Figure 2 , 3 And 4 are illustrations according to the embodiment Figure 1A A side view showing how planar fins can be impregnated with an adsorption coating.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the planar structure according to an embodiment, showing the coated planar structure still mounted on the elongated element.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the planar structure according to an embodiment, showing how the planar structure can be mounted on a linear guide element (here assumed to be with...) once impregnated. Figure 5 (Different from the slender elements) and then slide the planar structure along the linear guide element to reach the desired position to form a compact arrangement of stacked, coated planar structures.

[0025] Figure 7 , 8 Figures 9 and 10 schematically show side views of an AdHEX component according to certain embodiments.

[0026] Figure 11 These are photographs of AdHEX components as typically obtained according to certain embodiments.

[0027] Figure 12 According to the embodiments Figure 11Another photograph of an AdHEX component, in which the background shows the relevant AdHEX component, allowing for a comparison of the corresponding densities of the fin structures.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram of a system comprising multiple temperature-oscillating separation columns according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the advanced steps of a method for manufacturing an AdHEX component according to an embodiment.

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate a simplified representation of the device or parts thereof involved in the embodiments. Technical features depicted in the drawings are not to scale. Instead, some dimensions and aspect ratios have been intentionally enlarged for educational purposes. Similar or functionally similar elements in the drawings have been assigned the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified. Note that all reference numerals “Sij” refer to… Figure 14 The flowchart describes the manufacturing method steps, while the reference numerals refer to the physical parts or components of the device and system. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Some methods used in manufacturing AdHEX components may require a minimum spacing (pitch) between consecutive planar fins. Using such manufacturing methods, attempting to reach this small gap between the planar fins often results in the coating suspension forming capillary bridges between adjacent fins, causing the gaps between the planar fins to eventually become clogged by the adsorbent coating after drying. This clogged gap significantly reduces the mass transfer rate, leading to performance degradation in the AdHEX. The small gap also prevents the coating suspension from penetrating the gaps between the fins during coating, in which case an effective adsorbent layer cannot be formed on the AdHEX at all.

[0032] refer to Figures 1A to 12 First, aspects relating to certain embodiments of an adsorption heat exchanger component are described. As previously mentioned, "adsorption heat exchanger" is abbreviated as "AdHEX" in this disclosure.

[0033] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, this part 105 includes a linear guide element 140 (see...). Figure 6 The device comprises a plurality of planar structures 110. In some embodiments, each planar structure is substantially shaped as a disk. Moreover, each planar structure includes (or forms) fins 120. Thus, such a planar structure may itself be referred to as a planar fin.

[0034] Fins are surfaces or surface elements designed, shaped, and sizing to increase the rate of heat transfer to / from the environment of a planar structure. Fins may extend from, for example, a planar structure, or be patterned in or on a planar structure in a certain way, as is known per se. Such fins are intended to increase the effectiveness of the planar structure 110. Fins may be formed as stamped fins or corrugated fins. They can be notably configured as, for example, rectangular fins, corrugated fins, offset strip fins, or louvered fins, or designed as straight, herringbone, or serrated and perforated fins, as in known designs of plate-fin heat exchangers. These structures / fins are preferably made of aluminum, but other materials (e.g., metals), as is known per se, are contemplated.

[0035] In some embodiments, each planar structure 110 is coated with an adsorption coating 250 (see...). Figure 4 For better performance, the adsorption coating may contain microporous zeolites, such as (SiO2). x (Al2O3) y (P2O5) z For example, in the so-called SAPO-34 compound.

[0036] See now Figure 1B The planar structure 110 includes structures designed to be compatible with... Figure 1A The elongated elements cooperate to form a sliding joint (i.e., a hole in this case), thereby allowing the planar structure to be mounted on the elongated elements to ensure minimal clearance between the planar structures, see Figure 1A and Figures 2 to 5 Each planar structure 110 is connected by a coupling element 150 (see...). Figure 1B ) Installed on linear guide element 140 (see Figure 6 The coupling element 150 is designed to engage with the linear guide element 140 (or, as shown in the image) on the surface. Figure 1A Any elongated element 130 of similar shape shown may be used to form a sliding pair (i.e., including a linear guide element 140 and an engagement element 150). The purpose of the linear guide element 140 is to cooperate with the corresponding engagement element 150 of the planar structure 110 to form a linear slider.

[0037] For example, the engaging element 150 can simply be a plain bearing (i.e., a hole) disposed in the planar structure 110 (e.g., typically shaped as a disc), such as Figure 1B As shown. The sliding pair (i.e., including the linear guide element 140 and the engagement element 150) may also be referred to as a sliding pair. The linear guide element 140 may be a shaft, i.e., a shaft, a tube, or any other elongated member (possibly structured) that a priori allows the planar structure 110 to slide along the axis of the linear guide element 140.

[0038] However, in the current case, each planar structure 110 is fixed at a corresponding position on the linear guide element 140 at the end of the manufacturing process. Each planar structure 110 is secured by fixing devices 160a, 160b (see... Figure 8 While fixed in place, the fixing devices 160a, 160b precisely prevent linear sliding movement of each planar structure 110, despite the presence of a sliding pair (i.e., the combination of linear guide element 140 and engagement element 150). Several types of fixing devices (e.g., by hydraulic expansion of the linear guide element, by mechanical forging, or by welding the planar structure to the guide element) can be considered, as discussed in detail later.

[0039] Therefore, the AdHEX components are arranged in a coated structure 110 stacked and fixed to the linear guide element 140. That is, although there are sliding pairs 140, 150, the fixing devices ultimately prevent the planar structure 110 from moving along the linear guide element 140. That is, each engaging element 150 is configured to mate with the linear guide element to initially form sliding pairs 140, 150, but the planar structure 110 is ultimately fixed (after coating) to the linear guide element and thus blocked in its respective position. In other words, if each planar structure 110 is not fixed to the linear guide element due to the fixing devices 160a, 160b, each planar structure is allowed to slide along the linear guide element.

[0040] The design and manufacturing method of this embodiment allows for the production of compact AdHEX parts 105, 105a (see...). Figure 8 ), 105b (see Figure 9 )(See Figure 12 (The related AdHEX component is also shown in the background art). The fin structure 300 of the AdHEX component has a much lower density. The planar structure 110 can be initially mounted on the elongated element 130 and spaced apart with a relatively large gap. Figures 1A to 5 ( ), so that it can be easily coated with adsorption coating 250, see Figure 3-4 Then, the coated planar structures 110, 250 can be mounted on the linear guide element 140 and closer to each other, i.e., closer than allowed by the coating process if they have already been fixedly attached to the first location. See [reference needed]. Figure 6 Finally, the coating structures 110 and 250 can be fixed along the axis of the linear guide element 140, as shown below. Figure 8 , 9As shown in Figure 11. This is possible because the planar structures 110 are initially movably mounted along the linear guide element 140 and then fixed in place. That is, the proposed design allows the planar structures 110 to be first coated with the adsorption coating 250 and then brought close together to achieve a smaller gap than is typically allowed by the coating process.

[0041] Thus, the gaps that can ultimately be achieved between the planar structures 110 can be narrower than those allowed by existing manufacturing methods, which typically require a minimum spacing of at least 1.2 mm to satisfactorily apply the adsorbent coating 250 to the fins. Related methods make it difficult to achieve smaller gaps. For example, as mentioned above, attempting to achieve smaller gaps can lead to the formation of capillary bridges between adjacent planar structures 110, causing the gaps to eventually become clogged by the adsorbent after drying. Clogged gaps significantly reduce the mass transfer rate, thus degrading the performance of the AdHEX component. Even more so, smaller gaps can prevent liquid from seeping into the gaps between the fins, in which case an effective adsorbent layer cannot be obtained at all.

[0042] Conversely, this embodiment allows for a safe reduction in the gaps between planar structures, resulting in more compact AdHEX components with advantageous performance in terms of power and energy density. In particular, the proposed method enables improved transmission rates, better power density, and therefore lower volume and cost requirements for a given power target.

[0043] All these features are described in detail herein with reference to specific embodiments. First, referring now... Figure 10 Discussing the preferred dimensions of AdHEX components, Figure 10 The AdHEX component 105 is shown schematically.

[0044] The average gap between each pair of consecutive coated planar structures 110, 250 is preferably between 500 and 900 µm. For example, this average gap can be between 650 and 820 µm. It is preferably about 740 µm, such as... Figure 10 As assumed in the figures. As previously stated, the depiction in the figures is not drawn to scale. The gap is measured along the (local) average direction of the linear guide element 140. Taking into account the thickness of the adsorption coating 250, each gap between the two continuous structures 110, 250 is measured. The average direction can generally correspond to the average axis of the linear guide element 140, which is assumed to be parallel to... Figures 7 to 10 The axis z in the linear guide element. Nevertheless, the linear guide element can be shaped (and therefore not straight), in which case the average direction is locally measured along the cross-section of the linear guide element.

[0045] In the embodiments, the average thickness of the coated planar structures 110, 250 is between 300 and 700 µm (taking into account the thickness of the adsorption coating 250). For example, the average thickness of the coated planar structures 110, 250 can be between 400 and 600 µm, such as 500 µm. Figure 10 As assumed in the figure. This thickness is measured along the average direction of the linear guide element 140 (i.e., axis z in the figure).

[0046] The average thickness of the unique adsorption coating 250 is preferably between 60 and 180 µm, for example between 100 and 140 µm, such as 120 µm. Figure 10 As assumed in the text. The thickness is measured along the average direction (i.e., axis z) of the linear guide element 140.

[0047] The linear guide element 140 preferably has a cylindrical shape to facilitate assembly with the planar structure 110. In that case, the engaging element 150 could simply be a circular hole, but more complex engagements are conceivable. The cylindrical shape could, for example, have an average outer diameter between 0.8 cm and 1.2 cm. This diameter could be, for example, approximately 1 cm, such as... Figure 10 As assumed in the figure. The diameter of the cylindrical shape is measured perpendicular to the average direction of the linear guide element 140, i.e., in the plane (x, y) in the figure. The average diameter of the planar structure is preferably between 1.4 cm and 5 cm, and more preferably less than 2.5 cm (e.g., 1.7 cm) to maintain a satisfactory heat transfer rate, although it can be larger in principle.

[0048] In some embodiments, the linear guide element 140 is a hollow tube having an average axial thickness between 350 and 450 µm. This thickness can be, for example, about 400 µm. A metal (e.g., aluminum) tube is preferred to facilitate heat transfer. The axial thickness of the tube is measured perpendicular to the average direction of the linear guide element 140 (i.e., radially in the plane (x, y) in the figures).

[0049] As previously mentioned, the adsorption coating 250 preferably comprises microporous zeolite, which produces satisfactory performance in terms of heat transfer. However, in some embodiments, the adsorption coating 250 comprises (SiO2). x (Al2O3) y (P2O5) z It can, for example, comprise SAPO-34, microporous zeolite, or be composed of SAPO-34 and microporous zeolite. This compound possesses absorption properties highly suitable for the purposes of this invention (e.g., for vacuum oscillation or temperature oscillation adsorption processes), and is therefore advantageously used as an adsorption medium. In variants, other zeolites, carbon molecular sieves, metal-organic frameworks, microporous polymers, and amine-modified adsorbents can be used.

[0050] See Figure 13 and 14 Next, another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention relating to an AdHEX system 1 will be described. This system includes at least one AdHEX component 105 as described above. However, in practice, the system may typically include several AdHEX components 105.

[0051] In an embodiment, system 1 includes one or more temperature swing separation columns 10, wherein each column 10 includes one or more AdHEX components as described above, such as... Figure 13 The diagram is schematically depicted. In particular, the heat exchanger component 105 of the present invention can be used in a temperature swing adsorption (TSA) system 1, which is designed to reduce cycle time by optimizing mass and heat transport through a graded path and to reduce column pressure drop through a preferred flow path.

[0052] In an embodiment, system 1 includes two or more of the aforementioned temperature-oscillating separation columns 10, wherein these columns are connected, particularly thermally connected. For example, a column may be connected to an adjacent column to make the columns connected in pairs. System 1 can notably be configured to drive the connected columns using waste heat from the columns connected to it. That is, due to the small thermal gradient allowed as in this embodiment, waste heat from the preceding adsorption column can be used to drive the column.

[0053] Specifically, system 1 can be configured to separate carbon dioxide from one or more other gases (e.g., nitrogen or other gases such as methane or carbon monoxide).

[0054] In one embodiment, system 1 includes a power station 20. Here, as... Figure 13 The system, schematically depicted, has column 10 configured to be driven by waste heat from a power plant. System 1 can even be driven solely by power plant 20. For example, the system can be configured as a rapid temperature swing adsorption (RTSA) system, where the RTSA carbon dioxide separator is driven by waste heat. Because the separation process can be entirely thermally driven by power plant 20, energy output is not reduced. This method can be applied to gas adsorption separation processes requiring pressure or temperature-driven regeneration.

[0055] Due to the improved thermal contact between the driving heat and the adsorption medium, system 1 can be specifically designed to improve mass flow rate and reduce cycle time by approximately 10 times compared to a standard TSA. Advantageously, a structured adsorbent is involved, wherein the main flow channel reduces column pressure drop. Then, due to the small thermal gradient, heat utilization can be optimized by driving the desorption column with waste heat from the previous adsorption column. That is, on the one hand, the concepts of thermally driven pressure swing and temperature swing can be combined, and on the other hand, water and gas heating can be combined to further increase the velocity and capacity of column 10.

[0056] Reference Figures 1A to 6 and Figure 14 Now, another aspect of this embodiment will be described in detail, which relates to a method of manufacturing an AdHEX component 105. In operation S10, the method includes providing a linear guide element 140 and a plurality of planar structures 110, each planar structure having fins 120, as previously described.

[0057] According to this method, in operation S20, the fins 120 of the planar structure 110 are first coated with an adsorption coating 250. Figure 2-5 And then, before bringing the planar structure 110 to the desired position in operation S40 by sliding the coated planar structure 110, 250 along the linear guide element 140, it is dried in operation S30 in order to reduce the average gap between each pair of consecutive planar structures of the planar structure 110, see Figure 6 As explained earlier, this is made possible by sliding pairs 140, 150. That is, each planar structure 110 is mounted on the linear guide element 140 via a corresponding engaging element 150, wherein the engaging element 150 is designed to cooperate with the linear guide element 140 to form the corresponding sliding pair 140, 150.

[0058] Once in the proper position, in operation S50, the planar structure 110 is fixed to the linear guide element 140 so as to prevent linear sliding movement of the planar structure 110 despite the presence of sliding pairs 140, 150. Finally, a fixed, coated arrangement of planar structures 110, 250 is obtained, wherein the coated planar structures 110, 250 are stacked along the linear guide element 140. The resulting AdHEX components 105, 105a, 105b can then be used in the heat exchanger system as discussed above in S60.

[0059] In some embodiments, during operation S20, the elongated element 130 coats the fins 120 of the planar structure 110 by rotating the planar structure in a liquid. That is, as Figure 1A and Figure 2As shown, planar structures 110 are mounted on elongated elements 130 via corresponding coupling elements 150, and then positioned along the elongated elements 130 at a first corresponding location to ensure a minimum gap (e.g., greater than 3 mm or 5 mm) between each pair of consecutive planar structures 110. Next, the elongated elements 130 are positioned substantially parallel to the liquid 200 (i.e., a solution, typically a slurry) comprising an adsorbent coating, such that a portion of each planar structure 110 is immersed in the liquid, as... Figure 3 As shown. The elongated element 130 then rotates (see...) Figure 3 To apply the adsorption coating 250 to the fins 120 of the planar structure 110, such as Figure 4 As depicted in the text.

[0060] Notice, Figures 1A to 4 Assume the elongated element is different from the linear guide element 140. This elongated element 130 can be, for example, a rotary spindle, such that the sliding joint mechanism can be similar to the sliding joint mechanism described previously with reference to element 140. The spindle (or elongated element 130) is positioned to rest on the edge of the container containing the slurry (or liquid 200) to allow its rotation, see [reference]. Figure 3 However, in several variations, this elongated element may actually be the linear guide element 140 described earlier.

[0061] As mentioned above, liquid 200 preferably contains microporous zeolite, such as (SiO2). x (Al2O3) y (P2O5) z Specifically, liquid 200 can be a liquid suspension containing a binder in addition to the particles adsorbed by the coating. In this case, during operation S30, the fins 120 of the planar structure 110 are coated so that the particles are bonded to the fins 120 due to the binder.

[0062] In a variant, the liquid is a reactive liquid mixture that supports the synthesis of the adsorbent layer on the fin 120. In that case, the fin 120 of the planar structure 110 is coated by reacting the reactive liquid mixture with the fin 120 to form the desired adsorbent coating 250.

[0063] After the fins 120 of structure 110 have been fully coated by operation S30, the coated structures 110 and 250 are dried (or allowed to dry) due to the previously described sliding pair mechanism, and then mounted on element 140, see, for example Figure 5 .like Figure 6 As further described, the planar structure 110 is then brought to the desired position on the element 140 in order to reduce the average gap between structures 110 and 250, for example, to a value between 500 and 900 µm, as previously indicated.

[0064] As discussed earlier, the linear guide element 140 is preferably a hollow tube. In this case, during operation S50, the planar structure 110 can be easily fixed to the tube by actuating the hydraulic expansion of the tube, as in... Figure 9 The diagram schematically depicts a portion 160b of a tube whose diameter expands to permanently secure structure 110. Several hydraulic expansion mechanisms are known in themselves and can be adequately used for this purpose.

[0065] In a variant, the planar structure 110 may be fixed to the linear guide element 140 by cold or hot working processes using mechanical forging. The dimensions of the tube (or linear guide element) 140 are locally altered, resulting in a local increase in the diameter of the portion (or fixing device 160a) that clamps the structure 110 in the middle, in order to lock the structure in place, similar to... Figure 8 As shown in the image.

[0066] In other embodiments, the planar structure 110 can be fixed to the linear guide element 140 by soldering the planar structure 110 to the linear guide element 140. The coated structure 110 can be fixed, for example, by applying solder paste afterwards. However, it is more practical to a priori coat the linear guide element. That is, the linear guide element 140 can be coated with solder so that the planar structure 110 can be fixed to the linear guide element 140 by soldering the planar structure 110 to the linear guide element 140 with solder.

[0067] In a further embodiment, a simple washer (or fixing device 160a) can be used to fix the relative positions of the coated structures 110, 250, such as Figure 8 As shown. If necessary, the outermost structure can then be secured using any suitable mechanism.

[0068] The above embodiments have been briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and can accommodate multiple variations. Several combinations of the above features can be considered. Examples are given below.

[0069] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the AdHEX component includes at least one tubular section or linear guide element 140, with disc-shaped fins or planar structures 110 arranged along the tubing. A layer of adsorbent material (e.g., SAPO-34) (adsorption coating 250) is coated onto the fins or planar structures 110 by immersing the AdHEX assembly in a liquid suspension containing adsorbent particles and a binder. The suspension adheres to the AdHEX and leaves an adsorption coating upon drying. In a variant, the AdHEX assembly of both tubing and fins is immersed in a reactive liquid mixture that supports the direct synthesis of the adsorption layer on the AdHEX, as described above.

[0070] This allows for small fin gaps, resulting in favorable performance in terms of power and energy density. An adsorbent suspension with a high adsorbent fraction can be used during this coating step, thereby achieving the desired coating thickness (e.g., between 400 µm and 600 µm) in a single coating step. In contrast, prior art methods typically rely on lower viscosity suspensions to allow the suspension to penetrate the gaps between the fins, resulting in lower coating yields per immersion step and thus requiring multiple immersion steps to achieve the desired coating thickness, which is disadvantageous in terms of processing time and cost. As another advantage over prior art methods, this method achieves improved control of the adsorbent coating thickness by varying the rotation of the fins during the coating process. Figure 3 .

[0071] Geometry can be optimized to enhance performance. By calculating the transmission impedance in the adsorption coating, aluminum fins, and fin-to-tube interface, the inventors have determined the optimal range for each component of the AdHEX component 105. That is: The adsorbent thickness is between 60 µm and 180 µm; The diameter of the planar fins 110 and 120 is between 1.4 cm and 2.5 cm; The fin thickness is between 300µm and 700µm; The gap between the planar fins is between 500µm and 900µm, which is something that existing technologies cannot achieve. The outer diameter of the tube is between 0.8 cm and 1.2 cm; The thickness of the tube is between 350µm and 450µm.

[0072] This size demonstrates particular suitability for adsorption cooling applications with desorption temperatures of approximately 75°C, condenser temperatures of approximately 30°C, and evaporator pressures of approximately 12.4 mbar, such as those used in practical heat exchanger systems.

[0073] The performance of the adsorption cooling conditions listed above was calculated using a thermodynamic model. Therefore, in principle, a 12-fold increase in adsorption cooling power density can be achieved.

[0074] Various embodiments of this disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, and such descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. Specifically, features (apparatus-like or method-like) described in a given embodiment, variation, or illustrated in the drawings may be combined with or substituted for another feature in another embodiment, variation, or drawing without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, various combinations of features described with respect to any of the foregoing embodiments or variations are contemplated, these combinations remaining within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, many minor modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The terminology used herein has been chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical application, or technical improvements to technologies found in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an adsorption heat exchanger component (105), wherein, The method includes: A linear guiding element (140) and a plurality of planar structures (110) are provided, each of the planar structures having fins; The fins are coated with an adsorption coating (250); The planar structure is brought to a desired position by sliding it along the linear guide element. Each of the planar structures is mounted on the linear guide element via a corresponding engaging element configured to cooperate with the linear guide element to form a corresponding sliding pair, thereby reducing the average gap between each pair of consecutive planar structures in the planar structure; and These planar structures are fixed to the linear guide element to restrict the linear sliding movement of the planar structures, thereby forming an arrangement of fixed, coated planar structures stacked along the linear guide element; The planar structure (110) is brought to the desired position to reduce the average gap to a value between 500 and 900 µm, the average gap being measured along the axial direction of the linear guide element; The linear guide element (140) is a hollow tube, and the planar structure is fixed to the tube by the hydraulic expansion of the tube.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes, prior to coating the fins: The planar structure (110) is mounted onto the elongated element via a corresponding coupling element; as well as The planar structure is positioned at a first location along the elongated element to ensure a minimum gap between each pair of consecutive planar structures within the planar structure, and Coating the fins further includes: The elongated element is placed substantially parallel to the liquid including the adsorption coating, such that a portion of each planar structure is immersed in the liquid; as well as The elongated element is rotated to impregnate the fins with the adsorption coating.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The liquid is a liquid suspension containing particles of the adsorbent coating and a binder, and Coating the fins further includes bonding the particles to the fins with the adhesive.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The particles include microporous zeolite.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein The liquid is a reactive liquid mixture that supports the synthesis of the adsorption layer on the fins, and Coating the fins further includes reacting the reactive liquid mixture with the fins to form the adsorption coating.

6. An adsorption heat exchanger component (105), manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said adsorption heat exchanger component (105) comprising: Linear guide element (140); as well as It includes multiple planar structures (110) of fins. Each of the planar structures is: The linear guide element is mounted via a coupling element (150), the coupling element being configured to cooperate with the linear guide element to form a sliding pair. Coated with an adsorption coating (250), and The linear guide element is fixed at a corresponding position by a fixing device (160a), which restricts the linear sliding movement of each of the planar structures to form an arrangement of coated planar structures stacked along the linear guide element; The average gap between each pair of consecutive fixed planar structures in the fixed planar structure (110) is between 500 and 900 µm, and the average gap is measured along the axial direction of the linear guide element.

7. The adsorption heat exchanger component (105) according to claim 6, wherein, The average thickness of the coated planar structure (110) is between 300 and 700 µm, and the thickness is measured along the axial direction of the linear guide element.

8. The adsorption heat exchanger component (105) according to claim 6, wherein, The average thickness of the adsorption coating is between 60 µm and 180 µm, and the thickness is measured along the axial direction of the linear guide element.

9. The adsorption heat exchanger component (105) according to claim 6, wherein, The linear guide element has a cylindrical shape with an average outer diameter between 0.8 cm and 1.2 cm, the average outer diameter being measured perpendicular to the axial direction of the linear guide element.

10. The adsorption heat exchanger component (105) according to claim 9. The linear guide element is a hollow tube with an average axial thickness between 350 and 450 µm. The axial thickness is measured radially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the linear guide element.

11. The adsorption heat exchanger component (105) according to claim 6, wherein, The adsorption coating comprises microporous zeolite.

12. The adsorption heat exchanger component (105) according to claim 11, wherein, The adsorption coating contains (SiO2). x (Al2O3) y (P2O5) z .

13. The adsorption heat exchanger component (105) according to claim 6, wherein, The planar structure is shaped like a disc.

14. An adsorption heat exchanger system comprising an adsorption heat exchanger component manufactured according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each of the adsorption heat exchanger components includes: Linear guiding element (140); and The fin includes multiple planar structures (110), wherein each of the planar structures is: The linear guide element is mounted via a coupling element (150), the coupling element being configured to cooperate with the linear guide element to form a sliding pair. Coated with an adsorption coating (250), and The linear guide elements are fixed at corresponding positions by a fixing device (160a), which restricts the linear sliding movement of each planar structure to form an arrangement of coated planar structures stacked along the linear guide elements. The average gap between each pair of consecutive fixed planar structures in the fixed planar structure (110) is between 500 and 900 µm, and the average gap is measured along the axial direction of the linear guide element.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The system further includes one or more temperature swing separation columns (10), each of the temperature swing separation columns including one or more of the adsorption heat exchanger components.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The system includes two or more of the temperature swing separation columns (10), wherein one of the temperature swing separation columns is connected to the other of the temperature swing separation columns, and It is configured to drive the other of the temperature swing separation columns during operation using waste heat from one of the temperature swing separation columns.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The system is configured to separate carbon dioxide from one or more other gases.

18. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The system further includes a power plant (20), and the temperature swing separation column (10) of the system is configured to be driven by waste heat from the power plant.

Images