Fluid purification device and method for operating a fluid purification device

Abstract

A fluid purification device is provided. The fluid purification device includes a heat transfer bed filled with a heat storage material. Furthermore, the fluid purification device includes a first chamber attached to a first opening of the heat transfer bed and a second chamber attached to a second opening of the heat transfer bed. The first opening and the second opening are arranged on opposite sides of the heat transfer bed. Furthermore, the fluid purification device includes a heat-resisting element arranged in the first chamber. The heat-resisting element is spaced apart from the heat transfer bed and from a housing of the first chamber. The heat-resisting element extends beyond the first opening and is configured to limit heat radiation from the heat storage material into the first chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are configured to alternately supply fluid to the heat transfer bed, such that the fluid heats up and reacts as it flows through the heat storage material. During a period in which one of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to supply fluid to the heat transfer bed, the other of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to discharge the reacted fluid from the heat transfer bed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the purification of fluids. Specifically, examples of the present disclosure relate to a fluid purification device and a method for operating a fluid purification device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a regenerative fluid purification device and a method for operating such a device. Background Art

[0002] Conventional systems using ceramic-filled heat transfer beds for exhaust gas purification suffer from various heat losses, such as heat loss at the bed's sidewalls or at the bed's exhaust gas inlet and outlet. Furthermore, these conventional systems experience spatially varying pressure drops at the bed's exhaust gas inlet. This results in uneven exhaust gas flow distribution across the bed and uneven temperature distribution within the bed. This can lead to insufficient heating of the exhaust gas as it passes through the bed, adversely affecting exhaust gas purification.

[0003] Improvements in the purification of fluids such as exhaust gases may be desired. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This need may be met by the subject matter of the appended claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a fluid purification device. The fluid purification device includes a heat transfer bed filled with a heat storage material. Furthermore, the fluid purification device includes a first chamber attached to a first opening of the heat transfer bed and a first chamber attached to a second opening of the heat transfer bed. The first opening and the second opening are arranged on opposite sides of the heat transfer bed. In addition, the fluid purification device includes a heat-resisting element arranged in the first chamber. The heat-resisting element is spaced apart from the heat transfer bed and from the housing of the first chamber. The heat-resisting element extends beyond the first opening and is configured to limit heat radiation from the heat storage material into the first chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are configured to alternately supply fluid to the heat transfer bed, so that the fluid heats up and reacts as it flows through the heat storage material. During a period when one of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to supply fluid to the heat transfer bed, the other of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to discharge the reacted fluid from the heat transfer bed.

[0006] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for operating the aforementioned fluid purification device. The method includes alternately supplying a fluid to a heat transfer bed through a first chamber and a second chamber, causing the fluid to heat up and react as it flows through a heat storage material. Furthermore, the method includes discharging the reacted fluid from the heat transfer bed through the other of the first and second chambers during a period in which the fluid is supplied to the heat transfer bed from one of the first and second chambers.

[0007] The heat-resistance element in the first chamber can reduce heat loss at the first opening of the heat transfer bed. Furthermore, the heat-resistance element in the first chamber can improve the flow distribution of the fluid over the heat transfer bed, thereby achieving a more uniform temperature distribution within the heat transfer bed. Consequently, fluid purification can be improved compared to conventional methods.

[0008] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the fluid purification device further includes another heat-resisting element arranged in the second chamber. The other heat-resisting element is spaced apart from the heat transfer bed and from the housing of the first chamber. The other heat-resisting element extends beyond the second opening and is configured to limit heat radiation from the heat storage material to the second chamber. The other heat-resisting element in the second chamber can allow heat loss at the second opening of the heat transfer bed to be reduced. Furthermore, the other heat-resisting element in the second chamber can allow the flow distribution of the fluid on the heat transfer bed to be further improved, so that a more uniform temperature distribution in the heat transfer bed can be achieved. Therefore, compared with conventional methods, the purification of the fluid can be further improved.

[0009] In some examples of the present disclosure, a gap formed between the boundary of the first opening and the surface of the thermally resistive element facing the first opening acts as a nozzle for the fluid as it flows from the first chamber to the heat transfer bed. This exemplary configuration can support the generation of an improved flow distribution of the fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0010] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the surface of the thermally resistive element extends substantially parallel to the first opening. This exemplary configuration may allow the width of the gap to be defined, and thus allow the nozzle effect of the gap to be adjusted.

[0011] In some examples of the present disclosure, the heat transfer bed includes one or more protrusions formed at the boundary of the first opening, the one or more protrusions being used to define a gap between the surface of the thermally resistive element and the boundary of the first opening. The one or more protrusions can define the width of the gap and, therefore, adjust the nozzle effect of the gap.

[0012] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the heat-resisting element includes at least one movable element for adjusting the gap between the boundary of the first opening and at least a portion of the surface of the heat-resisting element. In these examples, the fluid purification device further includes at least one actuator, which is configured to adjust the corresponding positioning and / or orientation of the at least one movable element relative to the boundary of the first opening based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure difference in the first chamber and / or based on time and / or based on events. Changing the positioning and / or orientation of the at least one movable element relative to the boundary of the first opening can allow the change of the static pressure at the first opening to be adjusted (controlled) so as to support the generation of an improved flow distribution of the fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0013] In an alternative example of the present disclosure, the thermally resistive element is bendable to adjust the gap between the boundary of the first opening and at least a portion of the surface of the thermally resistive element. In these examples, the fluid purification device further includes at least one actuator configured to exert a force on the thermally resistive element based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the first chamber and / or based on time and / or based on an event to bend the thermally resistive element. Adjusting the gap by bending the thermally resistive element allows for adjusting (controlling) the change in the static pressure at the first opening to support the generation of an improved flow distribution of the fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0014] In a further alternative example of the present disclosure, the thermally resistive element includes a bimetallic structure configured to bend the thermally resistive element based on the temperature in the first chamber to adjust the gap between the boundary of the first opening and at least a portion of the surface of the thermally resistive element. Adjusting the gap using the bimetallic structure can adjust (control) the change in static pressure at the first opening to support the generation of an improved flow distribution of the fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0015] According to some examples of the present invention, the surface of the heat-resistance element facing the first opening is inclined relative to the first opening. In these examples, the first chamber extends longitudinally along the first spatial direction, so that the fluid travels through the first chamber along the first spatial direction during the time period when the first chamber is configured to supply the fluid to the heat transfer bed. The distance between the surface of the heat-resistance element and the first opening increases along the first spatial direction. The distance between the other opposite surface of the heat-resistance element and the wall of the housing of the first chamber decreases along the first spatial direction. The first opening and the wall of the housing of the first chamber are arranged on opposite sides of the heat-resistance element. In addition, this exemplary configuration can allow the generation of an improved flow distribution of the supporting fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0016] In some examples of the present disclosure, the thermally resistive element is generally plate-shaped. The plate shape may allow for simple implementation of the thermally resistive element.

[0017] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the heat-resistant element includes another opposite surface of the wall of the housing facing the first chamber. In these examples, the first opening and the wall of the housing of the first chamber are arranged on opposite sides of the heat-resistant element. The first chamber extends longitudinally along the first spatial direction, so that the fluid travels through the first chamber along the first spatial direction during the time period when the first chamber is configured to supply the fluid to the heat transfer bed. The distance between the surface and the other surface of the heat-resistant element increases along the first spatial direction. The distance between the other surface of the heat-resistant element and the wall of the housing of the first chamber decreases along the first spatial direction. In addition, this exemplary configuration can allow the generation of an improved flow distribution of the supporting fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0018] In some examples of the present disclosure, the fluid purification device further includes at least one actuator coupled to the heat-resistance element. In these examples, the at least one actuator is configured to adjust the position and / or orientation of the surface of the heat-resistance element relative to the first opening based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the first chamber and / or based on time and / or based on events. Changing the position and / or orientation of the surface of the heat-resistance element can also adjust (control) the change in the static pressure at the first opening to support the generation of an improved flow distribution of the fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0019] According to some examples of the present disclosure, a plurality of recesses for fluid passage are formed in the heat-resistance element. The plurality of recesses extend from a surface of the heat-resistance element facing the first opening to another opposing surface of the heat-resistance element. The plurality of recesses can support the generation of improved flow distribution of the fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0020] In some examples of the present disclosure, the first chamber extends longitudinally along a first spatial direction, such that fluid travels through the first chamber along the first spatial direction during the period when the first chamber is configured to supply fluid to the heat transfer bed. In these examples, the respective sizes of the plurality of recesses per unit area for fluid passage and / or the number of recesses for fluid passage increase along the first spatial direction. This exemplary configuration can reduce the effective resistance of the heat-resistance element to the fluid as it enters the heat transfer bed, thereby promoting improved flow distribution of the fluid within the heat transfer bed.

[0021] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the thermally resistive element includes one or more surface structures for locally controlling the flow direction and / or flow characteristics of the fluid. The one or more surface structures can allow for the generation of an improved flow distribution of the fluid in the heat transfer bed.

[0022] In some examples of the present disclosure, another heat-resisting element arranged in the second chamber may include one or more of the other features, or a selection of the features disclosed for the heat-resisting element arranged in the first chamber in the previous section. In some preferred embodiments, in alternating operating states / stages, in the heat transfer bed of the fluid purification device, the heat-resisting element and the other heat-resisting element are very similar, analogous, consistent and / or symmetrical in their structures and features (especially the features disclosed for the heat-resisting element in the previous section) to allow cyclic operation of the fluid purification device, through which one of the first chamber and the second chamber serves as an inlet for the fluid to be treated, and the other serves as an outlet for the fluid to be treated.

[0023] In some examples of the present disclosure, the fluid purification device further includes an electric heater configured to heat the heat storage material to a predetermined temperature. The electric heater may allow the ceramic material to be initially heated to the predetermined temperature.

[0024] According to some examples of the present disclosure, a catalyst material for reducing the reaction temperature of the fluid is arranged in the heat transfer bed. Due to the catalyst material, the temperature required for the reaction of the fluid can be reduced, so that the fluid purification device can operate at a lower temperature.

[0025] In some examples of the present disclosure, the heat transfer bed includes an insulating wall surrounding the heat storage material and extending between the first chamber and the second chamber. In these examples, the first opening and the second opening are formed in the insulating wall. The insulating wall can minimize heat loss above the heat transfer bed.

[0026] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the housing of the first chamber is at least partially formed of and / or at least partially covered by an insulating material. The insulating material can minimize heat loss over the housing of the first chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Some examples of the apparatus and / or method will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first example of a fluid purification device is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 shows an exemplary heat distribution in a first example of a fluid purification device;

[0030] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows an exemplary heat distribution in a fluid purification device without a heat-resisting element in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows an exemplary fluid flow in a fluid purification device without a heat-resistance element in the prior art;

[0032] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a second example of a fluid purification device;

[0033] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a third example of a fluid purification device;

[0034] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth example of a fluid purification device;

[0035] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth example of a fluid purification device;

[0036] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth example of a fluid purification device;

[0037] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a seventh example of a fluid purification device;

[0038] Figure 12 a cross-sectional view showing an eighth example of a fluid purification device; and

[0039] Figure 13 A flow chart illustrating an example of a method for operating a fluid purification device as described herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features described in detail in these embodiments. Other examples may include modified features and equivalent features and alternative features. In addition, the terms used in this article to describe certain examples should not limit other possible examples.

[0041] Throughout the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements and / or features, which may be implemented identically or in modified form while providing the same or similar functions. For clarity, the thickness of lines, layers, and / or regions in the drawings may also be exaggerated.

[0042] When "or" is used to combine two elements A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in individual cases, this should be understood to disclose all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B. As an alternative wording for the same combination, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" can be used. The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0043] If singular forms such as "a," "an," and "the" are used, and the use of only a single element is not explicitly or implicitly defined as mandatory, other examples may also use several elements to achieve the same function. If a function is described below as being achieved using multiple elements, other examples may use a single element or a single processing entity to achieve the same function. It should also be understood that the terms "include," "including," "comprise," and / or "comprising," when used to describe the presence of specific features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2A cross-sectional view of a fluid purification device 100 for purifying a fluid 101 is schematically shown. The fluid 101 may be or contain one or more gaseous components or substances, one or more vapor components or substances, one or more liquid components or substances and / or mixtures thereof. According to an example of the present disclosure, the fluid 101 may only include gaseous components or substances. For example, the fluid 101 may be an exhaust gas or an exhaust gas, wherein the exhaust gas contains a higher proportion of oxygen than the exhaust gas. The fluid purification device 100 removes one or more impurities and / or one or more pollutants from the fluid 101 for purifying the fluid 101. In this context, impurities may be understood as substances included in the desired (target) components of the fluid 101 in the fluid 101. In this context, pollutants may be understood as substances that endanger systems, animals, humans and / or the environment when they appear in a specific amount or concentration (for example, defined as the mass of pollutants per unit volume of the fluid 101 or the number of pollutant particles per unit volume of the fluid 101). The one or more impurities or pollutants contained in the fluid 101 may be flammable. For example, organic and / or inorganic impurities or contaminants may be removed from the fluid 101 by the fluid purification device 100. The organic and / or inorganic impurities or contaminants may be, for example, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sols, nitrogen oxides (NO x ), methane (CH4), sulfur oxides (SO x ), hydrogen fluoride (HF), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen chloride (HCl), dioxin, furan or a basic structure of C x H y O z pollutants (C represents carbon; H represents hydrogen; O represents oxygen; x, y and z are natural numbers).

[0045] The fluid purification device 100 includes a (e.g., single, i.e., exactly / only one) heat transfer bed 110 filled with a heat storage material (heat transfer material) 115. The heat storage material 115 is a material that can store and release heat. The heat storage material exhibits a certain (predetermined) specific heat capacity and preferably a certain (predetermined) heat transfer coefficient and / or heat transmission coefficient. For example, the heat storage material 115 may include or be a ceramic material such as alumina porcelain, mullite, refractory clay (fire clay), cordierite, zircon, or a mixture thereof. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other types of ceramic materials may also be used. In some examples, the heat storage material 115 may alternatively or additionally include or be concrete, stone, rock, metal material, or a mixture thereof. The heat storage material 115 may be structured or randomly filled in the heat transfer bed 110 to form a regular or irregular pattern (e.g., ceramic honeycomb, ceramic saddle, etc. may be used).

[0046] The heat transfer bed 110 includes an insulating wall 118 surrounding a heat storage material 115. A first opening 111 and a second opening 112 are formed in the insulating wall 118. A first chamber 120 is attached to the first opening 111 of the heat transfer bed 110, and a second chamber 130 is attached to the second opening 112 of the heat transfer bed 110. The first opening 111 and the second opening 112 are arranged on opposite sides of the heat transfer bed 110 such that the insulating wall 118 extends between the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130.

[0047] The first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 are configured to alternately supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110, causing the fluid 101 to heat up and react while flowing through the heat storage material 110. For example, the fluid 101 may be heated and undergo oxidation or reduction while flowing through the heat storage material 115. The heat storage material 115 is configured to store heat released by the fluid 101 during and / or after the reaction. During the period when one of the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110, the other of the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101′ (i.e., the fluid after the reaction) from the heat transfer bed 110. Therefore, the flow direction of the fluid 101 through the heat storage material 115 periodically reverses (e.g., every 90 to 120 seconds).

[0048] Figure 1 The fluid purification device 100 is shown during a period in which the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110. Consequently, the fluid 101 flows from the top of the heat transfer bed 110 to the bottom of the heat transfer bed 110 through the heat storage material 115. The thermal energy previously stored in the top portion of the heat storage material 115 is used to increase the temperature of the fluid 101 and cause it to react. The heat storage material 115 at the bottom portion recovers excess thermal energy from the reacted fluid 101. For example, as the fluid 101 flows from the top portion of the heat storage material 115 to the bottom portion of the heat storage material 115, VOCs in the fluid 101 may become sufficiently hot to undergo thermal oxidation and be converted into water vapor and carbon dioxide.

[0049] Figure 2 The fluid purification device 100 is shown during a period in which the second chamber 130 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 and the first chamber 120 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101′ from the heat transfer bed 110. Thus, the fluid 101 flows from the bottom of the heat transfer bed 110 to the top of the heat transfer bed 110 through the heat storage material 115. The thermal energy previously stored in the bottom portion of the heat storage material 115 is used to heat the fluid 101 and cause it to react. The heat storage material 115 at the top portion recovers thermal energy from the reacted fluid 101′.

[0050] The periodic reversal of the flow direction of the fluid 101 through the heat storage material 115 can allow a high heat exchange efficiency of the heat storage material 115 to be maintained (for example, greater than 95%). Therefore, the fluid purification device 110 can recover substantially all of the heat required to maintain the desired reaction temperature in the heat transfer bed 110 (for example, the oxidation temperature or the reduction temperature). For example, regardless of the flow direction of the fluid 101 through the heat storage material 115, the temperature of the reacted fluid 101' can be less than 100°C higher than the temperature of the fluid 101 supplied to the heat transfer bed 110 (for example, the temperature can be only 20°C to 50°C higher). In addition, the periodic reversal of the flow direction of the fluid 101 can allow the heat transfer bed 110 to be reversibly reversible along the extension portion between the first chamber 110 and the second chamber 120 (that is, along the Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heat transfer bed 110 is provided with a vertical extension thereof (in the example of FIG. 1 ) to maintain a predetermined temperature distribution of the heat transfer bed 110. In particular, the periodic reversal of the flow direction of the fluid 101 can allow the hottest area to be maintained near the center plane of the heat transfer bed 110 along the extension of the heat transfer bed 110 between the first chamber 110 and the second chamber 120.

[0051] During operation of the fluid purification device 100, the heat storage material 115 may exhibit a predetermined temperature suitable for the thermal reaction of the fluid 101. For example, the predetermined temperature may be greater than about 600°C, 800°C, or 1000°C. According to some examples of the present disclosure, the fluid purification device 100 may include an electric heater ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 (not shown) the electric heater is configured to heat the heat storage material to a predetermined temperature. It should be noted that the electric heater is not required. The electric heater may, for example, be a grid of electric coils arranged within the heat storage material 115. The electric heater may, for example, be used to initially heat the heat storage material 115 to a predetermined temperature.

[0052] According to some examples of the present disclosure, a catalyst material for reducing the reaction temperature of the fluid 101 can be arranged in the heat transfer bed 110. Therefore, the temperature required for the reaction (e.g., oxidation or reduction) of the fluid 101 can be lower, so that the fluid purification device 100 can operate at a lower temperature. For example, one or more layers of catalyst material can be provided separately from the heat storage material. One or more layers of catalyst material can be attached to one or both ends of the heat transfer bed 110, for example, along the (possible) flow direction of the fluid (e.g., near the first opening 111 and the second opening 112). Alternatively or additionally, the heat storage material 115 (e.g., cordierite) in the heat transfer bed 110 can be at least partially coated with and / or include (contain) a catalyst material or a catalytically active component. Further alternatively or additionally, the catalyst material can be mixed into the heat storage material 115 in the heat transfer bed 110. Still further alternatively or additionally, a first portion of the heat storage material 115 in the heat transfer bed 110 may be coated with and / or include (contain) a catalyst material or catalytically active components, while a second portion of the heat storage material 115 in the heat transfer bed 110 does not include a catalyst material or catalytically active components. The first and second portions of the heat storage material 115 may be mixed or arranged as separate layers in the heat transfer bed 110. For example, one or more oxidation catalysts and / or one or more reduction catalysts may be used. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other types of catalysts may also be used.

[0053] The fluid purification device 100 can purify the fluid 101, for example, by regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO). In other examples of the present disclosure, the fluid purification device 100 can purify the fluid 101 by regenerative catalytic oxidation (RCO). For example, the fluid purification device 100 can be configured to purify the fluid 101 by flameless RTO or flameless RCO. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other reactions of the fluid 101, such as a reduction reaction of the fluid, can also be used.

[0054] Each of the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 includes a respective housing 121, 131 attached to the heat transfer bed 110, such that the respective volumes enclosed by the respective housings 121, 131 form respective chamber spaces for alternately transporting the fluid 101 toward the heat transfer bed 110 and transporting the reacted fluid 101' away from the heat transfer bed 110. The first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 can be coupled by a coupling system ( Figure 1101 ) is alternately coupled to a corresponding one of a source providing / emitting the fluid 101 (e.g., such as a machine or production facility that emits the fluid 101) and a receiver of the reacted fluid 101' (e.g., a chimney for releasing the reacted fluid 101' into the environment or another device or system for further processing the reacted fluid 101'). The coupling system can be part of the fluid purification device 100 or external to the fluid purification device 100. According to an example of the present disclosure, the housing 121 of the first chamber 120 may be at least partially formed of a thermally insulating material and / or at least partially covered by a thermally insulating material to minimize heat loss on the housing 121 of the first chamber 120. Similarly, according to an example of the present disclosure, the housing 131 of the second chamber 130 may be at least partially formed of a thermally insulating material and / or at least partially covered by a thermally insulating material to minimize heat loss on the housing 131 of the second chamber 130.

[0055] In addition, the fluid purification device 100 includes a (first) heat-resistant element (structure, material, device, tool) 140 arranged in (in) the first chamber 120. The heat-resistant element 140 is spaced apart from the heat transfer bed 110 and from the housing 121 of the first chamber 120. The heat-resistant element 140 extends beyond the first opening 111. A gap 160 is formed between the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and the surface 141 of the heat-resistant element 140 facing the first opening 111. In other words, the entire first opening 111 and a portion of the insulating wall 118 surrounding the first opening 111 are covered by the heat-resistant element 140. Therefore, the first opening 111 to the surface 141 of the heat-resistant element 140 facing the first opening 111 ( Figure 1 The orthographic projection on the bottom surface of the heat resisting element 140 in the example of does not completely cover the surface 141 of the heat resisting element 140. The heat resisting element 140 is configured to limit the heat radiation from the heat storage material 115 to the first chamber 120. For example, the heat resisting element 140 may be at least partially formed of a material that stores and / or reflects at least part of the heat released from the heat transfer bed 110 via the first opening 111. The heat resisting element 140 may be formed of any material that can withstand temperatures of up to 200°C, 250°C, or 300°C and / or pressures of up to two bars. Alternatively, the heat resisting element 140 may be formed of a material that can withstand acidic and / or corrosive media. For example, the heat resisting element 140 may be at least partially formed of plastic, carbon, fiberglass, metal (e.g., spring steel), or mixtures, composites, and / or laminates thereof.

[0056] Due to the presence of the heat resistance element 140 , heat released from the heat transfer bed 110 via the first opening 111 is at least partially reflected back to the heat transfer bed 110 and / or at least stored near the first opening 111 , so that it can be used to heat the fluid 101 entering the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0057] In addition, the presence of the heat-resisting element 140 positively affects the flow distribution of the fluid 101. Figure 1 As shown, during the period when the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110, the fluid 101 is substantially moved along the first spatial direction. Traveling through the first chamber 101. First spatial direction substantially perpendicular to the second spatial direction and the third space direction Second spatial direction and the third space direction represents the main flow direction of the fluid through the heat storage material 115 (i.e., the direction from the first opening 111 to the second opening 112 and vice versa). Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the fluid 101 travels substantially from left to right. The static pressure of the fluid 101 in the first chamber 120 varies with the velocity of the fluid 101. Specifically, if the velocity of the fluid 101 decreases, the static pressure of the fluid 101 in the first chamber 120 increases (on the other hand, if the velocity of the fluid 101 decreases, the dynamic pressure of the fluid 101 decreases). Figure 1 As indicated by the decreasing size of the reference numeral “V” depicted in the first chamber 120 from left to right, the velocity of the fluid 101 is in the first spatial direction Decrease.

[0058] Due to the heat resistance element 140, the velocity of the fluid 101 entering the heat transfer bed 110 is along the first spatial direction. At the edge of the heat transfer bed 110 (i.e., at Figure 1 In addition, the velocity of the fluid 101 entering the heat transfer bed 110 is the highest along the first spatial direction. The velocity of the fluid 101 becomes lower towards the middle (center) of the heat transfer bed 110. A lower velocity of the fluid 101 means a lower dynamic pressure of the fluid 101, and therefore a higher static pressure of the fluid 101. Therefore, the static pressure of the fluid 101 entering the heat transfer bed 110 is along the first spatial direction The static pressure of the fluid 101 entering the heat transfer bed 110 increases from the edge of the heat transfer bed 110 toward the middle of the heat transfer bed 110. Figure 1 The increase in size from the edge to the middle of the first opening 111 is indicated by the reference symbol "P" depicted at the first opening 111. The increase in static pressure toward the middle of the first opening 111 causes the fluid 101 to flow slightly at an angle through the heat storage material 115 of the heat transfer bed 110 to the side of the heat transfer bed 110. In other words, some of the fluid 101 and also the excess heat generated during the reaction of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110 are directed in the first spatial direction. is transported to the side portion of the heat transfer bed 110. Figure 1The dotted arrow pointing from the first opening 111 to the second opening 112 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 It can be seen that the dashed arrows slightly point toward the lateral edge of the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0059] Therefore, the increased static pressure of the fluid 101 in the volume of the first chamber 120 above the thermally resistive element 140 does not negatively impact the distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0060] Optionally, the fluid purification device 100 may further include another (second) heat-resistant element 150 arranged in (inside) the second chamber 130. The heat-resistant element 150 is spaced apart from the heat transfer bed 110 and from the housing 131 of the second chamber 130. The heat-resistant element 150 extends beyond the second opening 112. Another gap 170 is formed between the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and the surface 151 of the heat-resistant element 150 facing the second opening 112. In other words, the entire second opening 112 and a portion of the heat-insulating wall 118 surrounding the second opening 112 are covered by the heat-resistant element 150. Therefore, the second opening 112 is covered on the surface 151 ( Figure 1 The orthographic projection on the thermally resistive element 150 (in the example of FIG. 1 ) does not completely cover the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150. The thermally resistive element 150 is configured to limit heat radiation from the heat storage material 115 into the second chamber 130. Similar to the thermally resistive element 140, the thermally resistive element 150 may be at least partially formed of a material that stores and / or reflects at least a portion of heat released from the heat transfer bed 110 via the second opening 112.

[0061] Due to the presence of the heat resisting element 150 , heat released from the heat transfer bed 110 via the second opening 112 is at least partially reflected back to the heat transfer bed 110 and / or at least stored near the second opening 112 , so that it can be used to heat the fluid 101 entering the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0062] like Figure 2 As indicated by the dashed arrows showing the flow distribution of the fluid 101 and pointing from the second opening 112 to the first opening 111, the thermal resistance element 150 further positively influences the flow distribution of the fluid 101 during the period when the second chamber 130 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 - similar to what was described above for the thermal resistance element 140.

[0063] In addition, the heat resisting element 150 can cause a corresponding distribution of the static pressure of the reacted fluid 101 ′ leaving the heat transfer bed 110, such as Figure 1 The size of the second opening 112 is indicated by the reference numeral "P". Figure 1It can be seen that due to the presence of the heat-resisting element 150, the static pressure of the reacted fluid 101' is along the first spatial direction. The second opening 112 increases from the edge to the middle of the second opening 112. This further supports the fluid 101 and the reacted fluid 101' to move in the first spatial direction. The heat is transported to the side portion of the heat transfer bed 110. Figure 2 As shown, during the period when the second chamber 130 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 , the thermal resistance element 140 has the same effect on the reacted fluid 101 ′ exiting the heat transfer bed 110 via the second opening 112 .

[0064] It should be noted that the second thermally resistive element 150 is optional. When only the thermally resistive element 140 is used, improved heat loss and improved flow distribution of the fluid 101 may have been achieved compared to conventional approaches.

[0065] Figure 3 An exemplary heat (temperature) distribution 300 within the heat storage material 115 of the heat transfer bed 110 of an exemplary fluid purification device 100 having heat-resisting elements 140 and 150 is shown. The hottest area is the center 310 of the heat transfer bed 110. Due to heat losses at the insulating walls 118, less heat is stored at the lateral sides of the heat transfer bed 110. However, due to the improved flow distribution of the fluid 101 caused by at least the heat-resisting elements 140 and optionally the heat-resisting elements 150, some of the fluid 101, as well as excess heat generated during the reaction of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110, is transported to the lateral side portions 320 and 330 of the heat transfer bed 110, thereby at least partially compensating for wall losses. In other words, due to the improved flow distribution of the fluid 101, excess heat is transferred from the center 310 of the heat transfer bed 110 to the lateral side portions 320 and 330 of the heat transfer bed 110.

[0066] Therefore, a relatively uniform heat and temperature distribution can be achieved in the heat transfer bed 110, so that the fluid 101 is sufficiently heated by the heat transfer bed 110, regardless of whether the fluid 101 flows through the center 310 or the lateral side portions 320 and 330 of the heat transfer bed 110. Therefore, there is no need for a dedicated heating structure for heating the side portions of the heat transfer bed 110. This can reduce the overall energy loss of the fluid purification device 100.

[0067] For reference, Figure 4 A fluid purification device 400 in the prior art without using a heat-resistance element is shown. Figure 4 FIG4 further illustrates an exemplary heat distribution 410 in the heat storage material of the heat transfer bed 110 of the fluid purification device 400. Figure 4As can be seen in the figure, heat distribution 410 is non-uniform within the heat transfer bed 110, resulting in an uneven temperature distribution. The hottest region 420 is offset toward the left side of the heat transfer bed 110. Due to losses at the insulating wall 118, less heat is stored at the lateral edge portions of the heat transfer bed 110. Specifically, significantly less heat is stored in the right portion of the heat transfer bed 110. This can result in insufficient heating of the fluid 101 as it passes through the heat transfer bed 110, thereby negatively impacting the purification of the fluid 101.

[0068] Figure 4 The heat distribution 410 shown in FIG is caused by a significantly different flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the fluid purification device 400. Figure 5 It is shown as an example in FIG. Figure 5 The flow of the fluid 101 through the fluid purification device 400 is shown during a period of time when the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0069] Similar to Figure 1 In the case shown in FIG. 1 , the fluid 101 is substantially along the first spatial direction Traveling through the first chamber 101. As in Figure 5 As indicated by the decreasing size of the reference symbol “V” depicted in the first chamber 120 from left to right, the velocity of the fluid 101 is in the first spatial direction Therefore, the static pressure of the fluid 101 in the first chamber 120 decreases along the first spatial direction. The fluid 101 entering the heat transfer bed 110 is directed along the first spatial direction. The increase in static pressure Figure 5 The reference numeral “P” depicted at the first opening 111 is in the first spatial direction. Increasing size (ie, from left to right) is indicated.

[0070] Along the first spatial direction The increased static pressure causes the fluid 101 to flow through the heat storage material of the heat transfer bed 110 toward the area with lower static pressure. This causes the reacted fluid 101' leaving the heat transfer bed 110 to flow in the first spatial direction The increase in static pressure Figure 5 The reference numeral “P” depicted at the second opening 112 is in the first spatial direction. Increased size indicates. Figure 5 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the flow of the fluid 101 through the heat storage material of the heat transfer bed 110 is directed toward the left side of the heat transfer bed 110, so that less heat is effectively stored in the heat storage material at the right side of the heat transfer bed 110. Therefore, insufficient compensation of heat loss through the insulating wall 118 occurs, which results in the following example: Figure 4The heat distribution 410 in the heat storage material of the heat transfer bed 110 of the fluid purification device 400 is shown. This may result in insufficient heating of the fluid 101 passing through the heat transfer bed 110 at the right side and thus negatively impact the purification of the fluid 101.

[0071] Furthermore, heat released from the heat transfer bed 110 via the first openings 111 may be distributed throughout the first chamber and result in additional heat loss.

[0072] The same is true vice versa during the time period when the second chamber 130 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0073] As described above, the use of the thermally resistive element 140 and optionally the further use of the thermally resistive element 150 may improve heat loss and flow distribution of the fluid 101 compared to the fluid purification device 400 .

[0074] return Figure 1 As can be seen, surface 141 of thermally resistive element 140 extends substantially parallel to first opening 111. The distance between thermally resistive element 140 and boundary 113 / heat transfer bed 110 is selected such that gap 160 acts as a nozzle for fluid 101 as it flows from first chamber 120 to heat transfer bed 110. Gap 160, acting as a nozzle for fluid 101, allows for the aforementioned flow profile of fluid 101 in heat transfer bed 110.

[0075] To define a gap 160 between the surface 141 of the thermally resistive element 140 and the boundary 113 of the first opening 111, the heat transfer bed 110 may include one or more protrusions 114 (e.g., flanges) formed at the boundary 113 of the first opening 111. However, it should be noted that the one or more protrusions 114 are optional and are generally not necessary to define the gap 160 between the surface 141 of the thermally resistive element 140 and the boundary 113 of the first opening 111.

[0076] Similarly, if Figure 2 As shown, surface 151 of thermally resistive element 150 extends substantially parallel to second opening 112. The distance between thermally resistive element 150 and boundary 115 / heat transfer bed 110 is selected such that gap 170 acts as a nozzle for fluid 101 as it flows from second chamber 130 to heat transfer bed 110. Gap 170, acting as a nozzle for fluid 101, can similarly allow for the aforementioned flow profile of fluid 101 in heat transfer bed 110.

[0077] To define a gap 170 between the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150 and the boundary 113 of the second opening 112, the heat transfer bed 110 may include one or more other protrusions 116 (e.g., flanges) formed at the boundary 115 of the second opening 112. However, it should be noted that the one or more protrusions 116 are optional and are generally not necessary to define the gap 170 between the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150 and the boundary 115 of the second opening 112.

[0078] like Figure 1 As indicated by the arrows representing the fluid 101 passing through the heat-resisting element 140, a plurality of recesses for the fluid 101 to pass through may be optionally formed in the heat-resisting element 140. The plurality of recesses extend from a surface 141 of the heat-resisting element facing the first opening 111 to another opposite surface 142 of the shell 121 of the heat-resisting element 140 facing the first chamber 120. The plurality of recesses in the heat-resisting element 140 may support the generation of the above-mentioned flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110. According to an example of the present disclosure, the corresponding sizes of the plurality of recesses for the fluid 101 to pass through per unit area and / or the number of recesses for passing through may be arranged along the first spatial direction. Increase. Along the first spatial direction Increasing the corresponding size of the plurality of recesses per unit area for the fluid 101 to pass through and / or the number of recesses for passing through can allow reducing the effective resistance of the heat resistance element 140 to the fluid 101 when the fluid 101 enters the heat transfer bed 110, and thereby supporting the generation of the above-mentioned flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110.

[0079] The thermally resistive element 140 may optionally include one or more surface structures for locally controlling the flow direction and / or flow characteristics of the fluid 101. In other words, one or more of the surfaces 141 and 142 may be configured to locally control the flow direction and / or flow characteristics of the fluid 101 to support the generation of the aforementioned flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110. For example, one or more guide baffles and / or one or more holes may be used as the surface structures.

[0080] like Figure 2As indicated by the arrows representing the fluid 101 passing through the heat-resisting element 150, other multiple recesses for the fluid 101 to pass through may be optionally formed in the heat-resisting element 150. The multiple recesses extend from a surface 151 of the heat-resisting element facing the second opening 112 to another opposite surface 152 of the shell 131 of the heat-resisting element 150 facing the second chamber 130. Similar to the above, the multiple recesses in the heat-resisting element 150 can support the generation of the above-mentioned flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110. Similarly, in the heat-resisting element 150, the corresponding sizes of the multiple recesses for the fluid 101 to pass through per unit area and / or the number of recesses for passing through can be along the first spatial direction. Increase.

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of recesses in the heat-resisting element 150 further allow the reacted fluid 101' to more easily leave the heat transfer bed 110. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the plurality of recesses in the heat resisting element 140 further allow the reacted fluid 101 ′ to leave the heat transfer bed 110 more easily.

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG, the heat resistance element 140 extends substantially parallel to the first opening 111, and the heat resistance element 150 extends substantially parallel to the second opening 112. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 6 Another fluid purification device 600 is shown having an inclined thermally resistive element. Figure 6 The fluid purification device 600 is shown during a period in which the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 and the second chamber 140 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101 ′ from the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0083] exist Figure 6 In the example, the surface 141 of the heat-resisting element 140 facing the first opening 111 is inclined relative to the first opening 111. Therefore, the distance between the surface 141 of the heat-resisting element 140 and the first opening 111 is along the first spatial direction. Similarly, the distance between the opposite surface 142 of the heat-resistant element 140 and the wall 122 of the housing 121 of the first chamber is in the first spatial direction The first opening 111 and the wall 122 of the housing 121 of the first chamber are arranged on opposite sides of the heat resistance element 140 .

[0084] Similarly, the surface 151 of the heat-resistance element 150 facing the second opening 112 may be inclined relative to the second opening 112. Therefore, the distance between the surface 151 of the heat-resistance element 150 and the second opening 112 is 1 / 400mm in the first spatial direction. Similarly, the distance between the opposite surface 152 of the heat-resistant element 150 and the wall 132 of the housing 131 of the second chamber is in the first spatial direction The second opening 112 and the wall 132 of the housing 131 of the second chamber are arranged on opposite sides of the thermal resistance element 150 .

[0085] As described above for parallel thermally resistive elements 140 and 150, Figure 6 The inclined thermally resistive elements 140 and 150 in the example of FIG. 1 may also allow for improved heat loss and flow distribution of the fluid 101. Figure 6 As shown, the inclination angles of the heat resistance elements 140 and 150 relative to the first opening 111 and the second opening 112 may be the same as each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other examples, different inclination angles may be used for the heat resistance elements 140 and 150.

[0086] In the above examples, the heat-resisting elements 140 and 150 do not include any moving parts. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 An example is described in which the heat resistance element 140 includes at least one respective movable element for adjusting a gap to a boundary of the respective opening 111 . Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 Each shows the corresponding fluid purification device during a time period when the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 and the second chamber 140 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101 ′ from the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0087] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated fluid purification device 700, the thermal resistance element 140 includes two movable elements 144 and 145, which are used to adjust the gap 160 between the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and at least a portion of the surface 141 of the thermal resistance element 140. The two movable elements 144 and 145 are edge portions of the thermal resistance element 140 coupled to the central portion 143 of the thermal resistance element 140. The two movable elements 144 and 145 are movable relative to the central portion 143 of the thermal resistance element 140.

[0088] Similarly, the thermally resistive element 150 includes two movable elements 154 and 155 for adjusting a gap 170 between the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and at least a portion of the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150. The two movable elements 154 and 155 are edge portions of the thermally resistive element 150 coupled to the central portion 153 of the thermally resistive element 150. The two movable elements 154 and 155 are movable relative to the central portion 153 of the thermally resistive element 150.

[0089] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated fluid purification device 800, the thermal resistance element 140 includes a movable element 146 for adjusting a gap 160 between the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and a portion of the surface 141 of the thermal resistance element 140. The movable element 146 is coupled to a stationary element 147 of the thermal resistance element 140. The movable element 146 is movable relative to the stationary element 147 of the thermal resistance element 140.

[0090] Similarly, the thermally resistive element 150 includes a movable element 156 for adjusting a gap 170 between the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and a portion of the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150. The movable element 156 is coupled to a stationary element 157 of the thermally resistive element 150. The movable element 156 is movable relative to the stationary element 157 of the thermally resistive element 150.

[0091] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated fluid purification device 900, the thermal resistance element 140 includes two movable elements 148 and 149, which are used to adjust the gap 160 between the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and the surface 141 of the thermal resistance element 140. The two movable elements 148 and 149 are coupled to each other and are movable relative to each other.

[0092] Similarly, the thermally resistive element 150 includes two movable elements 158 and 159 for adjusting a gap 170 between the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150. The two movable elements 158 and 159 are coupled to each other and are movable relative to each other.

[0093] Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9The thermally resistive element 140 in each of the illustrated fluid purification devices 700, 800, and 900 includes at least one movable element for adjusting a gap 160 between a boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and at least a portion of a surface 141 of the thermally resistive element 140. Similarly, the thermally resistive element 150 in each of the illustrated fluid purification devices 700, 800, and 900 includes at least one movable element for adjusting a gap 170 between a boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and at least a portion of a surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150.

[0094] In order to move the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140, each of the fluid purification devices 700, 800, and 900 may further include at least one actuator (not shown) coupled to the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140. The at least one actuator is configured to adjust the corresponding position and / or orientation of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111.

[0095] In order to move the at least one movable element of the thermally resistant element 150, each of the fluid purification devices 700, 800, and 900 may further include at least one additional actuator (not shown) coupled to the at least one movable element of the thermally resistant element 150. The at least one actuator is configured to adjust the corresponding position and / or orientation of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistant element 150 relative to the boundary 115 of the second opening 112.

[0096] By changing the distance of at least one movable element of the heat resistance element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111, the heat resistance element 140 can be moved in the first spatial direction. The static pressure change at the first opening 111 is adjusted (controlled) to support the generation of the above-mentioned flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110. Similarly, by changing the distance of at least one movable element of the heat resistance element 150 relative to the boundary 115 of the second opening 112, the flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the first spatial direction can be controlled. The change in the static pressure at the second opening 112 is regulated (controlled).

[0097] The at least one actuator for changing the distance of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 may, for example, include a hydraulic system and / or a combination of an electric motor and a drive system for moving the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140. The thermally resistive element 150 may be implemented similarly.

[0098] The at least one actuator for changing the distance of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 can, for example, be configured to adjust the distance of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the first chamber 120 (because these quantities affect changes in the static pressure at the first opening 111). Alternatively or additionally, the at least one actuator for changing the distance of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 can, for example, be configured to adjust the distance of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 based on time and / or based on events. For example, the distance can be changed during a period of time immediately before or after a change in the overall fluid direction within the first and second chambers 120, 130, or in the event of an abnormal event, such as a concentration spike or drop in the fluid (e.g., airflow) entering the fluid purification device. Similarly, the at least one actuator for changing the distance of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 150 relative to the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 can, for example, be configured to adjust the distance of the at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 150 relative to the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure difference in the second chamber 130 (since these quantities affect changes in the static pressure at the second opening 112) and / or based on time and / or based on events.

[0099] For example, at least one actuator for changing the distance of at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and at least one actuator for changing the distance of at least one movable element of the thermally resistive element 150 relative to the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 may include or be coupled to one or more control circuits, the one or more control circuits being configured to control the operation of the corresponding at least one actuator based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the corresponding chamber and / or based on time and / or based on events. According to an example, the corresponding fluid purification device may include one or more sensors, the one or more sensors being coupled to the one or more control circuits and being configured to measure the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the corresponding chamber.

[0100] For example, the one or more control circuits may be a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple separate processors (some or all of which may be shared), a digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The one or more control circuits may optionally be coupled to, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory for storing software (e.g., storing a program for controlling the corresponding at least one actuator).

[0101] Figure 10 Another exemplary fluid purification device 1000 using a flexible heat-resistant element is shown. Figure 10 , the fluid purification device 1000 is shown during a period in which the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 and the second chamber 140 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101 ′ from the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0102] The thermal resistor 140 is bendable. Specifically, the thermal resistor 140 includes one or more bimetallic structures configured to bend the thermal resistor based on the temperature in the first chamber 120, thereby adjusting the gap 160 between the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and at least a portion of the surface 141 of the thermal resistor 140. For example, the entire thermal resistor 140 may be formed as a bimetallic structure to achieve thermally sensitive bending. In other examples, one or more bimetallic structures may be formed in or on the thermal resistor 140 to achieve thermally sensitive bending.

[0103] By changing the distance of at least one movable element of the heat resistance element 140 relative to the boundary 113 of the first opening 111, the static pressure at the first opening 111 can be varied along the first spatial direction. Adjust (control) to support the generation of the above-mentioned flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110.

[0104] Figure 10 , an alternative curved configuration of the thermally resistive element 150 is shown in FIG. The thermally resistive element 150 is bendable to adjust a gap 170 between the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and at least a portion of the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150. For example, the thermally resistive element 150 can be at least partially formed of a bendable / flexible material (e.g., the thermally resistive element 150 can be at least partially formed of plastic, carbon, fiberglass, metal (e.g., spring steel), or mixtures, composites, or laminates thereof—similar to the thermally resistive element 140 described above).

[0105] In order to bend the heat-resistant element 150, the fluid purification device further includes at least one actuator 180, which is configured to exert a force on the heat-resistant element 150 to bend the heat-resistant element 150. Figure 10In the example of FIG, one end of the heat-resisting element 150 is fixed, and at least one actuator 180 applies a force on the other end of the heat-resisting element 150 to bend the heat-resisting element 150. In other words, at least one actuator 180 applies a lateral force on the heat-resisting element 150. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one actuator 180 may apply a force on the heat-resisting element 150 along a spatial direction, and when the heat-resisting element 150 is not bent (for example, along the third spatial direction), the heat-resisting element 150 may be bent. ), the spatial direction is substantially perpendicular to the surface 151 of the heat-resisting element 150. In this example, both ends of the heat-resisting element 150 may be fixed.

[0106] At least one actuator 180 may be, for example, a stamp. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Generally, any tool driven by, for example, a hydraulic system or a (eg, electric) motor to apply force to the thermally resistive element 150 may be used.

[0107] It should be noted that, in an alternative example, the thermally resistive element 150 may also be based on a bimetallic structure. In other words, similar to the thermally resistive element 140 described above, the thermally resistive element 150 may include one or more bimetallic structures configured to bend the thermally resistive element 150 based on the temperature in the second chamber 130 to adjust the gap 170 between the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and at least a portion of the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150.

[0108] Similarly, it should be noted that, in alternative examples, the thermally resistive element 140 can also be bent by at least one actuator. In other words, similar to the thermally resistive element 150 described above, the thermally resistive element 140 can be bendable to adjust the gap 160 between the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and at least a portion of the surface 141 of the thermally resistive element 140. Therefore, the fluid purification device can further include at least one actuator configured to exert a force on the thermally resistive element 140 to bend the thermally resistive element 140.

[0109] Regarding the above Figure 9Similarly as described above, the respective at least one actuator for applying a respective force to the respective one of the thermally resistive elements 140 and 150 can be configured to apply the respective force based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the respective one of the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 (because these quantities affect the change in the static pressure at the respective one of the first opening 111 and the second opening 112). Alternatively or additionally, the respective at least one actuator for applying a respective force to the respective one of the thermally resistive elements 140 and 150 can be configured to apply the respective force based on time and / or based on an event. For example, the respective at least one actuator can change the force applied to the respective one of the thermally resistive elements 140 and 150 during a period immediately before or after a change in the overall fluid direction within the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130, or in the event of an abnormal event (such as a concentration spike or drop in the fluid (e.g., airflow) entering the fluid purification device). The respective at least one actuator may comprise or be coupled to one or more control circuits for controlling the operation of the respective at least one actuator based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the respective chamber and / or based on time and / or based on events - similar to the above description of the respective at least one actuator. Figure 9 described.

[0110] In the above examples, the heat-resistance elements 140 and 150 are plate-shaped. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Generally, the heat-resistance elements 140 and 150 may have any suitable shape. Figure 11 Another exemplary fluid purification device 1100 using wedge-shaped thermally resistive elements 140 and 150 is shown. Figure 11 1 shows the fluid purification device 1100 during a period in which the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 and the second chamber 140 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101 ′ from the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0111] The surface 141 of the thermal resistance element 140 extends substantially parallel to the first opening 111 , so that a gap 160 formed between the boundary 113 of the first opening 111 and the surface 141 of the thermal resistance element 140 acts as a nozzle for the fluid 101 when the fluid 101 flows from the first chamber 120 to the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0112] The opposite surface 142 of the heat-resisting element 140 faces the wall 122 of the housing 121 of the first chamber. Due to the wedge shape of the heat-resisting element 140, the distance between the surface 141 and the other surface 142 of the heat-resisting element is along the first spatial direction. increases, and the distance between the surface 142 of the heat-resistant element 140 and the wall 122 of the housing 121 of the first chamber is along the first spatial direction Decrease.

[0113] As the distance between the surface 142 of the heat resistance element 140 and the wall 122 of the housing 121 of the first chamber increases along the first spatial direction decreases, the volume of the first chamber 120 for the fluid 120 increases along the first spatial direction Decrease. Along the first spatial direction The reduction in volume allows the compensating fluid 101 to move in the first spatial direction The volume of the first chamber 120 for the fluid 120 is reduced along the first spatial direction. Decrease, can be along the first spatial direction The change in static pressure at the first opening 111 is adjusted to support the generation of the above-mentioned flow distribution of the fluid 101 in the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0114] Another heat-resisting element 150 may be Figure 11 112. That is, the surface 151 of the heat-resistance element 150 extends substantially parallel to the second opening 112, so that the gap 170 formed between the boundary 115 of the second opening 112 and the surface 151 of the heat-resistance element 150 acts as a nozzle for the fluid 101. The opposite surface 152 of the heat-resistance element 150 faces the wall 132 of the housing 131 of the second chamber. Due to the wedge shape of the heat-resistance element 150, the distance between the surface 151 and the other surface 152 of the heat-resistance element 150 is equal to 110 mm in the first spatial direction. increases, and the distance between the surface 152 of the heat-resistant element 150 and the wall 122 of the second chamber 131 is along the first spatial direction Decrease.

[0115] exist Figure 11 In the example, the heat-resisting elements 140 and 150 are wedge-shaped. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Typically, the distance between the surface 141 and the other surface 142 of the heat-resisting element 140 is caused to be along the first spatial direction. Increase, and make the distance between the surface 142 of the heat resistance element 140 and the wall 122 of the shell 121 of the first chamber along the first spatial direction Any shape can be used for the heat-resisting element 140. The same applies in a similar manner to the heat-resisting element 150. For example, instead of Figure 11 While a linear increase in the distance between the surface 141 of the thermally resistive element 140 and the further surface 142 is shown, a non-linear increase in the distance between the surface 141 of the thermally resistive element 140 and the further surface 142 may be used.

[0116] In the above example, the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 are arranged along the first spatial direction The longitudinal direction of the fluid 101 is extended so that the fluid 101 extends along the first spatial direction The first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 are configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an example of the present disclosure, the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 may extend longitudinally along different spatial directions. Specifically, the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 may extend longitudinally along antiparallel spatial directions. Figure 12 It is shown as an example in FIG. Figure 12 Another exemplary fluid purification apparatus 1200 is shown during a time period in which the first chamber 120 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 and the second chamber 140 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101 ′ from the heat transfer bed 110 .

[0117] Figure 12 The example is based on the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example described, in contrast to the above example, the second chamber 130 is arranged along the fourth spatial direction Extension, the fourth spatial direction With the first spatial direction Therefore, unlike the above example, the reacted fluid 101' does not flow along the fourth spatial direction during the period when the second chamber 130 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101' from the heat transfer bed 110. The reacted fluid 101' travels along the first spatial direction. Similarly, during the period when the second chamber 130 is configured to supply the fluid 101 to the heat transfer bed 110 and the first chamber 120 is configured to discharge the reacted fluid 101' from the heat transfer bed 110, the fluid 101 does not move in the first spatial direction. But along the antiparallel fourth spatial direction Traveling through the second chamber 120 .

[0118] It should be noted that, according to an example of the present disclosure, the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 may also extend longitudinally along different spatial directions in the above examples. Figure 12 Similar to the example of , in the above example, the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 may also extend longitudinally along antiparallel spatial directions. The positioning and / or orientation of the heat-resisting element 150 in the second chamber 130 may be adjusted / changed accordingly (for example, the positioning and / or orientation of the heat-resisting element 150 may be adjusted / changed relative to the fourth spatial direction). Instead of the first spatial direction as mentioned above Adjust / Change).

[0119] Furthermore, it should be noted that, although not explicitly described, Figures 6 to 12 In the example of FIG. 1 , the heat-resisting element 140 may also optionally include a plurality of recesses for passage of the fluid 101 and / or one or more surface structures for locally controlling the flow direction and / or flow characteristics of the fluid 101 - similar to the example of FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same applies to the heat-resistant element 150.

[0120] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The described examples may each include at least one actuator coupled to the heat-resistant element, the at least one actuator being used to move one or more movable objects or to apply a bending force on the corresponding heat-resistant element 140 or 150. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Generally, in any of the above examples, the corresponding fluid purification device may include at least one actuator coupled to the heat-resistant element 140 and configured to adjust the positioning and / or orientation of the surface 141 of the heat-resistant element 140 relative to the first opening 111. For example, the distance of the surface 141 of the heat-resistant element 140 relative to the first opening 111 can be adjusted to adjust the nozzle effect of the gap 160. Alternatively or additionally, the inclination angle of the surface 141 of the heat-resistant element 140 relative to the first opening 111 can be adjusted. For example, the inclination angle of the surface 141 of the heat-resistant element 140 relative to the first opening 111 can be changed so that Figure 1 The orientation of the surface 141 of the heat-resistant element 140 shown in FIG. 1 is changed to Figure 6 The orientation of the surface 141 of the thermally resistive element 140 is shown in FIG.

[0121] The same applies in a similar manner to the thermally resistive element 150. That is, in any of the above examples, the corresponding fluid purification device may include at least one actuator coupled to the thermally resistive element 150 and configured to adjust the position and / or orientation of the surface 151 of the thermally resistive element 150 relative to the second opening 112.

[0122] Similar to the above Figure 9As described, the respective at least one actuator for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the respective one of the thermally resistive element 140 and the thermally resistive element 150 can be configured to adjust the respective position and / or orientation based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the respective one of the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130 (because these quantities affect the change in the static pressure at the respective one of the first opening 111 and the second opening 112). Alternatively or additionally, the respective at least one actuator for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the respective one of the thermally resistive element 140 and the thermally resistive element 150 can be configured to adjust the respective position and / or orientation based on time and / or based on events. For example, the respective at least one actuator can change the respective position and / or orientation of the thermally resistive element 140 and the thermally resistive element 150 in the immediate period before or after the change in the total fluid direction within the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 130, or in the event of an abnormal event (such as a concentration peak or drop in the fluid (e.g., airflow) entering the fluid purification device). The respective at least one actuator may comprise or be coupled to one or more control circuits for controlling the operation of the respective at least one actuator based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure differential in the respective chamber and / or based on time and / or based on events - similar to the above description of the respective at least one actuator. Figure 9 described.

[0123] To further illustrate the proposed architecture for fluid purification, Figure 13 A flow chart shows a method 1300 for operating a fluid purification device according to the present invention. Method 1300 includes alternately supplying 1302 a fluid to a heat transfer bed through a first chamber and a second chamber, causing the fluid to heat up and react as it flows through the heat storage material. Furthermore, method 1300 includes discharging 1304 the reacted fluid from the heat transfer bed through the other of the first and second chambers during a period in which the fluid is supplied to the heat transfer bed through one of the first and second chambers.

[0124] Similar to the above, method 1300 can achieve improved fluid purification compared to conventional methods. Specifically, the thermally resistive element in the first chamber can reduce heat loss at the first opening of the heat transfer bed. Furthermore, the thermally resistive element in the first chamber can improve the flow distribution of the fluid over the heat transfer bed, thereby achieving a more uniform temperature distribution in the heat transfer bed.

[0125] Further details and aspects of method 1300 may be combined with the proposed technology or one or more of the examples above (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 6 to 12 The method 1300 may include one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed technology or one or more examples described above.

[0126] Aspects and features described with respect to a particular example in the previous examples may also be combined with one or more of the other examples, replacing the same or similar features of another example or otherwise introducing features into another example.

[0127] It should be further understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be interpreted as implying that these operations necessarily depend on the order described, unless explicitly stated in individual cases or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the previous description does not limit the performance of several steps or functions to a specific order. In addition, in other examples, a single step, function, process or operation may include and / or be decomposed into several sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes or sub-operations.

[0128] If aspects have been described with respect to an apparatus or system, these aspects should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding methods. For example, aspects of a block, device, or function of an apparatus or system may correspond to features, such as method steps, of a corresponding method. Thus, aspects described with respect to a method should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding blocks, elements, attributes, or functional features of the corresponding apparatus or system.

[0129] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim may stand alone as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims, a dependent claim refers to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples may include combinations of a dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent claim or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby expressly set forth unless a specific combination is not intended in an individual case. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included in any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly qualified as dependent upon the other independent claim.

Claims

1. A fluid purification device comprising: a heat transfer bed (110), wherein the heat transfer bed (110) is filled with a heat storage material (115); a first chamber (120) attached to a first opening (111) of the heat transfer bed (110); a second chamber (130) attached to a second opening (112) of the heat transfer bed (110), wherein the first opening (111) and the second opening (112) are arranged on opposite sides of the heat transfer bed (110); and a heat-resistance element (140) disposed in the first chamber (120), wherein the heat-resistance element (140) is spaced apart from the heat transfer bed (110) and from the housing (121) of the first chamber (120), wherein the heat-resistance element (140) extends beyond the first opening (111) and is configured to limit heat radiation from the heat storage material (115) into the first chamber (120), wherein the first chamber (120) and the second chamber (130) are configured to alternately supply the fluid (101) to the heat transfer bed (110), so that the fluid (101) heats up and reacts when flowing through the heat storage material (115); and wherein, during a period in which one of the first chamber (120) and the second chamber (130) is configured to supply the fluid (101) to the heat transfer bed (110), the other of the first chamber (120) and the second chamber (130) is configured to discharge the reacted fluid from the heat transfer bed (110), A gap (160) is formed between a boundary (113) of the first opening (111) and a surface (141) of the heat resistance element (140) facing the first opening (111), and when the fluid (101) flows from the first chamber (120) to the heat transfer bed (110), the gap (160) acts as a nozzle for the fluid (101).

2. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, further comprising another heat-resisting element (150) arranged in the second chamber (130), wherein The further thermally resistive element (150) is spaced apart from the heat transfer bed (110) and from the housing (131) of the second chamber (130), and wherein the further thermally resistive element (150) extends beyond the second opening (112) and is configured to limit heat radiation from the heat storage material (115) into the second chamber (130).

3. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, wherein: The surface (141) of the heat resistance element (140) extends substantially parallel to the first opening (111).

4. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat transfer bed (110) includes one or more protrusions, which are formed at the boundary (113) of the first opening (111) to define the gap (160) between the surface (141) of the heat resistance element (140) and the boundary (113) of the first opening (111).

5. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal resistance element (140) comprises at least one movable element (144, 145, 146, 148, 149), the at least one movable element (144, 145, 146, 148, 149) being used to adjust the gap (160) between the boundary (113) of the first opening (111) and at least a portion of the surface (141) of the thermal resistance element (140), and wherein the fluid purification device further comprises at least one actuator, the at least one actuator being configured to adjust the respective positioning and / or orientation of the at least one movable element (144, 145, 146, 148, 149) relative to the boundary (113) of the first opening (111) based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure difference in the first chamber (120) and / or based on time and / or based on an event.

6. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal resistance element (140) is bendable for adjusting the gap (160) between the boundary (113) of the first opening (111) and at least a portion of the surface (141) of the thermal resistance element (140), and wherein the fluid purification device further comprises at least one actuator (180), the at least one actuator (180) being configured to exert a force on the thermal resistance element (140) based on the temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure difference in the first chamber (120) and / or based on time and / or based on an event, for bending the thermal resistance element (140).

7. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal resistance element (140) includes a bimetallic structure configured to bend the thermal resistance element (140) based on the temperature in the first chamber (120) to adjust the gap (160) between the boundary (113) of the first opening (111) and at least a portion of the surface (141) of the thermal resistance element (140).

8. The fluid purification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A surface (141) of the heat resistance element (140) facing the first opening (111) is inclined relative to the first opening (111), wherein the first chamber (120) extends longitudinally along a first spatial direction, so that during a time period when the first chamber (120) is configured to supply the fluid (101) to the heat transfer bed (110), the fluid (101) travels through the first chamber (120) along the first spatial direction, wherein a distance between a surface (141) of the heat resistance element (140) and the first opening (111) increases along the first spatial direction, wherein a distance between another opposite surface (142) of the heat resistance element (140) and a wall (122) of the housing (121) of the first chamber decreases along the first spatial direction, and wherein the first opening (111) and the wall (122) of the housing (121) of the first chamber are arranged on opposite sides of the heat resistance element (140).

9. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat-resistance element (140) is generally plate-shaped.

10. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal resistance element (140) comprises another opposite surface (142) facing the wall (122) of the housing (121) of the first chamber, wherein the first opening (111) and the wall (122) of the housing (121) of the first chamber are arranged on opposite sides of the thermal resistance element (140), wherein the first chamber (120) extends longitudinally along a first spatial direction, so that during a time period when the first chamber (120) is configured to supply the fluid (101) to the heat transfer bed (110), the fluid (101) travels through the first chamber (120) along the first spatial direction, wherein a distance between the surface (141) of the thermal resistance element (140) and the other surface (142) of the thermal resistance element (140) increases along the first spatial direction, and wherein a distance between the other surface (142) of the thermal resistance element (140) and the wall (122) of the housing (121) of the first chamber decreases along the first spatial direction.

11. The fluid purification device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one actuator, wherein the at least one actuator is coupled to the heat-resistance element (140), wherein: The at least one actuator is configured to adjust the position and / or orientation of the surface (141) of the thermally resistive element relative to the first opening (111) based on temperature and / or pressure and / or pressure difference in the first chamber (120) and / or based on time and / or based on events.

12. The fluid purification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A plurality of recesses for passage of the fluid (101) are formed in the heat resistance element (140), wherein the plurality of recesses extend from a surface (141) of the heat resistance element (140) facing the first opening (111) to another opposite surface (142) of the heat resistance element (140).

13. The fluid purification device according to claim 12, wherein: The first chamber (120) extends longitudinally in a first spatial direction, so that during a time period in which the first chamber (120) is configured to supply the fluid (101) to the heat transfer bed (110), the fluid (101) travels through the first chamber (120) in the first spatial direction, and wherein the respective sizes of the plurality of recesses for passage of the fluid (101) and / or the number of recesses for passage per unit area increase in the first spatial direction.

14. The fluid purification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat-resistance element (140) comprises one or more surface structures, and the one or more surface structures are used to locally control the flow direction and / or flow characteristics of the fluid (101).

15. The fluid purification device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an electric heater, wherein the electric heater is configured to heat the heat storage material (115) to a predetermined temperature.

16. The fluid purification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Catalyst material for reducing the reaction temperature of the fluid (101) is arranged in the heat transfer bed (110).

17. The fluid purification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat transfer bed (110) includes an insulating wall (118) surrounding the heat storage material (115) and extending between the first chamber (120) and the second chamber (130), and wherein the first opening (111) and the second opening (112) are formed in the insulating wall.

18. The fluid purification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing (121) of the first chamber (120) is at least partially formed of a heat-insulating material and / or is at least partially covered by a heat-insulating material.

19. A method (1300) for operating a fluid purification device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising: supplying (1302) a fluid to the heat transfer bed alternately through the first chamber and the second chamber, such that the fluid heats up and reacts while flowing through the heat storage material; as well as During a period in which one of the first chamber and the second chamber supplies the fluid to the heat transfer bed, the reacted fluid is discharged from the heat transfer bed through the other of the first chamber and the second chamber (1304).

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